
Where is Portella Femmina Morta?
Italy, europe
26.4 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Sicily on Strada Statale 289 (SS289), winding your way up to Portella Femmina Morta. This mountain pass sits way up high, in the heart of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Nebrodi.
The road stretches for about 26.4 km (16.40 miles) and snakes through the northern part of the island. The scenery is incredible, but watch out for some tight turns! If you’re feeling adventurous, a little paved road east of the pass will take you even higher to a mountain peak. Get ready for some breathtaking views. This drive is unforgettable!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.4 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardThe road to Palies Sinies in Corfu is not for timid drivers
🇬🇷 Greece
# Palies Sinies: Corfu's Hidden Mountain Ghost Town Perched at 475 meters (1,558 feet) above sea level in the northeastern corner of Corfu, Palies Sinies is one of those wonderfully remote villages that feels genuinely lost to time. This abandoned settlement sits nestled in the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, and getting there is half the adventure—seriously, bring a 4x4. The route starts from the Mount Pantokrator road and stretches 3.7 km (2.29 miles) of pure unpaved terrain. You'll gain 288 meters of elevation along the way, with some sections hitting a brutal 25% gradient. The narrow dirt track has zero guard rails, so this isn't the drive for nervous drivers. But if you're up for the challenge? The payoff is incredible. The views during the climb are absolutely stunning, and once you arrive at the village, the sea views are jaw-dropping. It's easy to see why Palies Sinies was built up here in the first place—locals chose this hilltop location centuries ago specifically to escape the pirates who plagued Corfu's coastal areas back in the day. Dating back to at least the 14th century, the village was eventually abandoned in the 1960s. Today, crumbling houses, an old church, and other stone structures remain, creating an eerie but fascinating snapshot of rural life frozen in time. If you're exploring Corfu and want to find one of the island's true hidden gems, this is it.
hardA Most Tricky Road to Alto de Calabazosa and Lago de la Cueva Viewpoint
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in northern Spain, in the heart of the Somiedo Natural Park (Asturias, to be exact), lies the Alto de Calabazosa. We're talking serious altitude here – 1,691 meters (that's 5,547 feet!) – and views that'll knock your socks off. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The "Ruta de los lagos de Somiedo" is unpaved and can get pretty gnarly in spots. Forget your sedan; you'll absolutely want a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this trek. And pro-tip: only tackle it when it's dry! Trust me on this one. Starting from the parking lot, it’s a 2km journey to the top, which reaches 1,786m (5,859ft). Up top, you’ll find the Mirador Lago de la Cueva, a natural viewpoint that gives you some truly stunning views of the area. Just keep an eye on the weather, as it can change on a dime. Though usually open year-round, winter can bring closures, so check conditions before you go. This area gets hammered with some intense weather, but those dramatic skies just add to the overall beauty. If you love nature, this is your happy place. Seriously, the scenery is breathtaking – prepare to be amazed!
moderateCim Fontcalda
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cim Fontcalda: A Hidden Mountain Gem in Catalonia Tucked away in the Tarragona province of southern Catalonia, Cim Fontcalda is a charming mountain pass that sits just 488 meters (1,601 feet) above sea level. Don't let the modest elevation fool you—this route packs personality and history in equal measure. The drive itself is a delightful 4.5 km climb from the C-43 road, featuring 20 hairpin turns that wind through gorgeous forested terrain. The paved road (with some concrete sections mixed in) takes you on a pretty mellow ascent, with an average gradient of just 2.46%—until those final 2 kilometers kick up to a maximum of 10%. You'll gain about 111 meters in total, making this an accessible but scenic drive. What makes Cim Fontcalda truly special is where it leads: the Fontcalda sanctuary, home to natural hot springs that maintain a refreshing 25°C year-round. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in some local culture. The area sits within the striking Serres de Pàndols-Cavalls mountain range and carries significant historical weight—this landscape witnessed some of the Spanish Civil War's most intense chapters. Expect peaceful driving conditions; traffic here is virtually nonexistent, so you'll have the winding roads largely to yourself. It's the kind of understated mountain pass that rewards those who venture off the beaten path.
moderateHospice de Rioumajou
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, Hautes-Pyrénées to be exact, heading towards this ridiculously charming spot called Hospice de Rioumajou. Perched at 1,559m (that's over 5,100ft!), this mountain refuge and restaurant is seriously worth the trek. The road in, the D19, winds through the stunning Rioumajou Valley. It's mostly smooth sailing on asphalt, but keep an eye out for a bit of gravel near the end – adds to the adventure, right? From Tramezaïgues, it's a 12.1km climb, gaining a hefty 592 meters in altitude. Expect an average gradient of around 4.89%, but be prepared for some steeper sections kicking up to 7.6%. Trust me, the views make every push worth it. Just a heads up, the hospice is usually open daily in July and August, between 11am and 5pm. Don't miss it!