Where is Punta Bagna?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk Punta Bagna, a seriously high peak in the Savoie department of France, clocking in at a lung-busting elevation above sea level. You'll find this gem nestled near the famous Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France.
So, what's waiting for you at the top? Picture this: you roll up to the chairlift—yes, you can drive most of the way! The road isn’t paved for the chairlift. Some of the ramps have and the road leads you right to the Fréjus cableway top station.
This road? It's a proper climb, and it's one of the highest roads in France! Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, from November to June, this road is a no-go zone, buried under snow, so plan your trip accordingly (weather permitting, of course!).
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extremeWhere is Unterrothorn?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! High in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais, lies a beast of a road leading to the Unterrothorn summit. We're talking seriously high altitude here. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Zermatt, a paradise for skiing, climbing, and hiking enthusiasts. Now, for the road itself: picture this: a mostly paved but very challenging climb, thanks to some unbelievably steep sections. It’s around long with parts of the drive being part of a chairlift access trail. Plus, forget about driving your own car, as it's closed to private vehicles. And, as you might expect, it's completely impassable during winter. Trust me, this road is a wild ride, one of the highest in Switzerland, offering views that'll make your jaw drop.
moderateHow to drive the paved road through the Therisos Gorge
🇬🇷 Greece
# Therisiano Gorge: Crete's Hidden Canyon Drive If you're cruising around western Crete and want to experience something truly spectacular, the Therisiano Gorge (also called Venizelos Gorge) should be on your list. Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Lefka Ori mountain range near Chania, this 6-kilometer canyon is the only gorge in Crete you can actually drive through—which is pretty cool if you ask me. The gorge is carved out by the Kladissos River, and especially during spring snowmelt, this little river transforms into quite the dramatic torrent. You'll be treated to towering vertical cliffs and lush vegetation the entire way, with plane trees and oleanders creating this gorgeous natural tunnel at the narrowest sections. **Getting There** Located just 15 kilometers from Chania, the drive is accessible to anyone with a vehicle. Not feeling the drive? A quirky little tourist train runs from the seaside village of Platanias straight through to Theriso, so you've got options. **What to Expect** The 10-kilometer paved road winds from Garipa to Theriso, climbing to 580 meters where you'll find the charming historic village of Theriso perched at the mountain's base. Fair warning though: the road is narrow and twisty, and it gets seriously sketchy after rain. At the tightest spots, cars coming from opposite directions literally can't pass each other, so you'll need to stay sharp and move cautiously. Watch out for goats wandering the road and locals who might be taking those curves with a bit too much confidence. It's a must-do if you want dramatic scenery without the extreme factor.
moderateTaking on the Twists and Turns of Gorges Du Val de Fier
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges Du Val de Fier Picture this: a narrow ribbon of road hugging the side of a dramatic canyon, with towering rock walls on one side and the churning Fier River on the other. Welcome to Gorges Du Val de Fier, one of France's most breathtaking scenic drives. Straddling the border between Haute-Savoie and Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this 5km (3.1-mile) stretch of the D14 winds through a canyon that took thousands of years for the river to carve out. The result? Absolutely spectacular scenery that'll make you want to pull over every few minutes (if you can find a safe spot!). The drive takes most people between 10-15 minutes end-to-end, running west-east from the D991 to Saint-André. Fair warning though: this is definitely one to take slowly. The road squeezes through two incredibly narrow tunnels, and you'll be sandwiched between near-vertical rock faces that loom above and sometimes hang over the asphalt. It's exhilarating and slightly nerve-wracking in the best way possible. A few things to keep in mind: heavy downpours can cause the water level to spike dramatically in just hours, rockslides are a real concern, and trucks over a certain size aren't allowed (for good reason). The road itself is in solid condition, but visit in shoulder season if you can—summer brings crowds of tourists who all have the same idea. This is the real deal: nature, adrenaline, and unforgettable views all packed into one incredible drive.
hardWhere is Coll del Pal?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Girona, in northern Spain, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Coll del Pal, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling at 1,726m (5,662ft) above sea level, nestled in the Pyrenees. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! It starts off paved, lulling you into a false sense of security, then BAM! Gravel time. It's super narrow and some sections are brutally steep, so 4x4 is pretty much a must to reach the top. Starting near Sant Martí de Surroca, it's about 4km (2.48 miles) of pure, unadulterated climbing. We're talking a whopping 447m elevation gain, which translates to some seriously intense gradients. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This road is located in Pyrenees mountain range and becomes completely impassable due to snow and ice. But hey, the views! Once you conquer those steep inclines and navigate the tricky terrain, you're rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!