Where is Puig Major?
Spain, europe
6.9 km
1,417 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mallorca, heading toward the island's highest point, Puig Major. This isn't just any drive; it's a 6.9 km (4.28-mile) ascent into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains that'll have your heart pumping!
Keep in mind, reaching the very top is off-limits – it’s a military zone (thanks, Cold War!), so no sneaking past the radar tower. But trust me, the journey is the reward.
Built back in '58, this paved road throws some serious steepness your way, boasting an average gradient of 8.5% and maxing out at a lung-busting 11% in spots. You’ll be tackling 8 hairpin turns as you climb 587 meters, so be ready to shift gears!
The climb is pretty consistent, but all that effort pays off big time. Imagine panoramic views of the whole island and the rugged Serra de Tramuntana stretching out before you. Just be prepared for some gusty north/northwesterly winds up there! It's a truly epic drive with views that'll stick with you long after you've descended.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,417 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateValanza Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Valanza: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 1,748 meters (5,734 feet) in Italy's Piedmont region, Rifugio Valanza sits as a true alpine gem in the Province of Cuneo. Getting there? That's half the adventure. The road leading up to this mountain refuge is definitely not your average Sunday drive. Dominated by gravel (about 67% of it), this route demands serious respect—and serious wheels. We're talking 4x4 vehicles only, folks. Winter conditions and heavy rain transform this already challenging path into an impassable obstacle course, so timing your visit is absolutely crucial. If you're the type who craves off-the-beaten-path mountain experiences and your vehicle can handle the terrain, this is the kind of road that makes for unforgettable stories. Just come prepared, come with the right vehicle, and come during the right season. The alpine landscape waiting at the end? Totally worth it.
easyWhere is Col du Pourtalet?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col du Pourtalet, straddling the border between Spain and France at a cool 5,898 feet. You'll find it chilling on the edge of Parc National des Pyrénées, linking the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in France with the province of Huesca in Spain. This used to be a full-on border crossing, and you can still spot the old border post! Ready to drive it? The road, also known as El Portalet or Portalet d'Aneu, is paved from end to end. It's about 34 miles long, running north-south from Laruns (France) to Biescas (Spain). Weekends and summer can get a bit busy, so plan accordingly. If you're coming from Biescas, the climb is around 18 miles with a 3% average grade. It's a pretty fast, wide-open road with killer scenery. The road's built for ski resort traffic, so you know it's coach-friendly! Now, tackling the French side (from Laruns), you're in for about 18 miles of climbing. Expect three main "ramps" at around 7% grade, mixed with longer, gentler slopes. You'll cruise through gorges, alpine meadows, and authentic Pyrenean villages. It's generally an easy climb, sticking around 5%, with one steeper section near a dam. Plus, traffic's usually not too bad. The payoff at the top? Incredible views of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau mountain and the Cirque d’Anéou, where sheep and cows graze peacefully. You can also grab some grub at the supermarkets, bars, and restaurants before heading back down. The pass connects the Ossau (France) and Tena (Spain) valleys, too. Heads up, the climb can get pretty steep in sections, hitting almost 9% on some ramps. And while it's usually open in winter, heavy snow can close it for a couple of days.
moderateHow to drive the Havoysund National Tourist Route in northern Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Havøysund National Tourist Route If you're looking for one of Norway's most stunning drives, head to Finnmark County and tackle County Road 889 between Smørfjord and Havøysund. This 85.7 km stretch is a fully paved adventure that'll have you gripping the wheel—in the best way possible. The road hugs the coastline like it was made for it, weaving between naked rock formations and the Arctic Ocean. You'll pass through some seriously dramatic, barren landscapes where it feels like you're at the edge of the world. There's nothing but raw, untamed nature surrounding you—rocky outcrops on one side, endless water on the other, and barely a sign of civilization for miles. The drive includes a few steep climbs across the fell (topping out at 233 meters), but most of the action stays right along the coast. Expect sweeping fjord views, mountain vistas, and beaches that'll make you want to pull over constantly to snap photos. The scenery is absolutely epic and constantly shifting. Fair warning: this is the Arctic, so weather can turn on a dime. You might experience sudden storms, and high winds combined with heavy rain or snow can make conditions treacherous. The road stays open year-round, but winter closures do happen during particularly nasty weather spells. Plan your trip accordingly, and you're in for an unforgettable ride.
hardHow to get by car to Devedagi Tepesi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Devedağı Tepesi is calling your name! This epic mountain pass straddles the border between Artvin and Erzurum in Turkey, and tops out at a dizzying 2,821 meters (that's over 9,255 feet!). Get ready for a wild ride! The gravel road to the summit is seriously hairpinned and bumpy—think rollercoaster, but with more rocks. Snow is a major player up here, so this road can close down without warning during the winter months. You NEED a 4x4 for this one; anything less, and you'll be kicking yourself. If heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one. The trail gets steep, and even a little rain can turn the road into a slippery, loose-gravel nightmare. Bottom line: come prepared, respect the mountain, and get ready for some incredible scenery!