
Where is Sertavul Geçidi?
Turkey, europe
70.5 km
1,664 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Sertavul Geçidi, a mountain pass sitting pretty high at 1,664m (5,459ft) up where Mersin meets Karaman in Turkey. This isn't just any road—it's a historical hotspot! Word has it, even Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa trekked through here back in 1190.
You'll find this beauty in southern Turkey, linking the sunny Mediterranean vibes to the heart of Central Anatolia. The entire 70.5 km (43.8 miles) stretch, known as D715, is paved, winding from Karaman down to Mut.
Keep an eye out! While generally open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs with heavy snow, blizzards, and fog sometimes causing closures. But if you catch it right, the scenery is absolutely worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 70.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,664 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Poutran Tucked away in the heart of the French Alps sits Col du Poutran, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,996m (6,548ft) in the Huez commune of Isère. This gem sits in the southeastern corner of France, in the Rhône-Alpes region, and offers a spacious parking area right at the summit. The Route des Lacs is your ticket to the top—a fully paved 4.0 km (2.48 miles) stretch that winds from south to north, connecting L'Alpe d'Huez to Lac Besson. You'll find the trailhead right at the top of the legendary Alpe d'Huez ski resort, right next to the Grande Rousses cable car. Fair warning though: this road's seen better days. Narrow sections and steep pitches keep you on your toes, and the pavement isn't exactly pristine. If you're into cycling, you're in for a treat. This region is absolutely magnetic for cyclists from around the globe, so expect plenty of company on two wheels. Whether you're driving or pedaling, the Central Alps scenery makes every twist and turn worth it.
hardSkafida Pass
🇬🇷 Greece
# Skafida Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure in Greece Ready for an adrenaline-pumping mountain drive? Head to the Pindus Mountains in northern Greece, where Skafida Pass awaits at a bracing 1,653 meters (5,423 feet) above sea level. Straddling the border between Trikala and Ioannina prefectures in the rugged Epirus region, this route connects the charming villages of Anilio and Chaliki—and it's an unforgettable ride. The road is fully paved, which is always a bonus, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This pass means business, with steep grades and tight hairpin turns that'll keep you gripping the wheel and pumping your brakes. The challenge is part of the thrill, though, offering incredible rewards for those brave enough to tackle it. While the pass stays open year-round, winter can throw a curveball or two—occasional closures happen when snow and nasty weather roll through. But most days, you'll have clear passage to enjoy the dramatic Pindus scenery surrounding you. Whether you're a serious road tripper or just looking for an exciting detour through the Greek mountains, Skafida Pass delivers the kind of driving story you'll be telling for years.
extremeA wild 4x4 road to Passo di San Giacomo
🇮🇹 Italy
# San Giacomo Pass Picture this: you're standing at 2,313 meters (7,589 feet) in the heart of the Lepontine Alps, straddling the Swiss-Italian border. Welcome to San Giacomo Pass—a place where two countries, two completely different driving experiences, and some seriously dramatic alpine scenery collide. Here's where it gets wild. On the Italian side, this isn't your typical mountain road. We're talking hairpin turns so tight they'll make your knuckles white, narrow passages that feel like they were carved by a toddler with a switchback obsession, and a gravel surface that's seen better days. The road gets absolutely trashed by the elements, making it more of a 4x4 track than anything you'd call "drivable" for regular vehicles. Oh, and good luck showing up between September and June—the pass is completely impassable during those months. Flip to the Swiss side, though, and you've got a complete tonal shift: just a hiking trail. Seriously. Despite the chaos on the Italian approach, this pass is an absolute gem for adventurers willing to tackle it. It connects Bedretto (nestled in the Leventina valley) to the north with Formazza down south, creating an insane link between two remote alpine communities. If you've got a high-clearance vehicle, nerves of steel, and you're timing it right during the brief open window, this is the kind of road that becomes the story you tell for years.
hardCol du Lauzet
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Lauzet: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,225 meters (7,299 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col du Lauzet is seriously not for the faint of heart—or those with a fear of heights. This gravel mountain pass delivers everything you'd expect from an alpine challenge: switchbacks that'll make your palms sweat, steep grades that demand respect, and views that'll take your breath away. The real reward? A charming alpine lake—Lac du Lauzet—sits near the summit, making for a stunning photo op if you make it to the top. But here's the thing: this pass plays by mountain rules. It's typically locked down by snow and weather from October through June, so you're really only looking at a narrow summer window to attempt it. Before you even think about pointing your vehicle up this road, be honest with yourself: do you have serious experience tackling unpaved mountain terrain? Because this isn't the place to learn. A capable 4x4 is non-negotiable, and if narrow, steep, gravel switchbacks give you anxiety, do yourself a favor and skip this one. For experienced off-road drivers who love a proper challenge and don't mind white-knuckling their way to an unforgettable summit, though? Col du Lauzet is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.