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
extremeWhere is Mortirolo Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Mortirolo Pass: Prepare for a challenge in the Italian Alps! This road, also known as Strada del Mortirolo or SP81, snakes its way between Brescia and Sondrio provinces, topping out at a lung-busting 1,878m (6,161ft). Located in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border, this 23.7 km (14.72 mile) stretch from Mazzo di Valtellina to Monno isn't for the faint of heart. The Mortirolo climb is notorious for its savage gradients, hitting a maximum of 26%! Forget about easy turnarounds; this narrow road doesn't allow them, and 3-axle vehicles are a definite no-go. This is serious cycling territory, a favorite of the Giro d'Italia. You'll average over 10% gradients, making it arguably Italy's hardest climb. Look out for the memorial to Marco Pantani, "il Pirata," near the summit. Allow about an hour to drive it non-stop. The views are amazing. For an even wilder ride, a super-narrow, extremely dangerous road branches off at the summit towards Aprica (Valico di Trivigno). This insane 28.5km (17.70 mile) route is paved (barely!) and crazy steep, with sections around 20%. Keep your speed under 20 km/h – and definitely leave the trucks at home. Closed in winter, this old military track rewards the brave with incredible vistas.
moderateHow to drive the extreme road to Vayda-Guba?
🌍 Russia
Okay, fellow adventurers, listen up! Ever heard of Vayda-Guba? This tiny Russian town is way up north in the Murmansk Oblast, practically touching the Arctic Circle on the Kola Peninsula. We're talking one of the northernmost spots in Europe, people! Starting from Murmansk, get ready for a 180 km (112 mile) off-road odyssey! This isn't your Sunday drive – the road is completely unpaved and you'll be splashing through river crossings. Trust me, you'll want a trusty 4x4 for this one. But the views? Absolutely incredible. You'll be blown away by the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape. Just be prepared for anything – the weather can turn on a dime up here, and winters are long and brutally cold. This area is seriously remote, jutting out into the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean. One thing to note: this town is off-limits to foreigners.
hardCol de Fresse
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Fresse: Alpine Adventure at 9,110 Feet Perched high in the French Alps at 2,777 meters (9,110 feet), Col de Fresse sits pretty in the Savoie department within the stunning Vanoise National Park. This is serious mountain pass territory—and one of France's highest roads, no less. Here's the real talk: the route up is gravel and rocky, with a bumpy, narrow character that'll test your driving skills. It's steep too, so if heights make you queasy, maybe give this one a miss. Wet weather transforms the road into a muddy challenge, so timing matters. The pass stays locked down from October through May, so you're looking at a summer-only adventure. This isn't a road for casual Sunday drivers—you'll want solid experience tackling unpaved mountain roads before attempting it. But if you've got the skills and the nerve, you're rewarded with some incredible high-alpine scenery. Oh, and at the summit? There's the Borsat Express ski lift waiting for the winter season. Bottom line: Col de Fresse is the kind of pass that separates the mountain-savvy drivers from the rest. Epic views come with epic requirements.
hardCol du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Chaussy: A Hairpin Love Letter in the French Alps If you're hunting for one of the most jaw-dropping drives in Europe, Col du Chaussy in the Savoie department should absolutely be on your radar. Sitting at 1,533m (5,029ft), this mountain pass isn't just another Alpine route—it's a masterclass in audacious road engineering. The real magic happens right at the start with the legendary "Lacets de Montvernier." Picture this: 17 hairpins stacked so tightly together that you'll encounter a bend roughly every 150 meters over just 3km. The road literally clings to a 400-meter cliff face, making you feel like you're driving on the side of a vertical wall. Built between 1928 and 1934, this section is genuinely one of the most spectacular stretches of asphalt in the Alps. But there's more after those initial hairpins! The climb continues winding through alpine meadows and charming villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal, eventually revealing panoramic views of the Belledonne Mountains. The upper sections get a bit rough around the edges—literally, with some patchy pavement—but the scenery makes up for it. You'll even spot ruins of an old castle if you glance away from the road. Getting there? From La Chambre, expect a 14.4km ascent gaining 1,062 meters at a steady 7.4% average grade. From Pontamafrey, it's roughly the same challenge at 14km. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for acrophobics. The southern route is narrow and carved right into the mountainside. Proper technique matters—think 3rd or 4th gear going up, engine braking on the way down. And before you go, absolutely check your brakes. This is the last place you want mechanical drama. Ready to test your nerves on one of Europe's most thrilling roads?