Where is the Kemaliye Stone Road?
Turkey, europe
8.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in eastern Turkey, smack-dab in the Erzincan Province, ready for an adventure. Forget your smooth highways, because you're about to tackle the Kemaliye Stone Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a hand-built path clinging to the side of the Kemaliye Karanlık Canyon, a gorge so deep the sun barely peeks in (it's the second biggest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon).
Spanning just 8.7 kilometers from the D877 to Gümüşçeşme, it sounds short, right? Don't be fooled. This narrow track, often less than 2 meters wide, snakes its way through a staggering *38 tunnels*. Yes, you read that right, 38! These aren't fancy, well-lit tunnels, either. They're carved right into the rock, a testament to the sheer willpower of the locals who started building this thing way back in 1870 and didn't finish until 2002. That's over 130 years!
Why so long? Because the terrain is brutal. You're hugging cliffs hundreds of meters above the raging Euphrates, with no guardrails to save you from a tumble. This isn't a road for the faint of heart, or for larger vehicles (think less than 170cm wide and 220cm tall). And definitely avoid it in winter, or even wet conditions, when the dirt turns to treacherous mud. But if you're an experienced driver craving a thrill and some truly surreal scenery, the Kemaliye Stone Road is calling your name. Just remember to take it slow, and maybe say a little prayer at the memorial for those who lost their lives building this insane, incredible road.
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Road to Coll de l’Arca is a Hidden Gem in Catalonia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de l'Arca: A Steep Alpine Challenge in Catalonia Tucked away in the Baix Penedès region of Tarragona, Spain, Coll de l'Arca sits at 605m (1,984ft) and serves up some seriously punchy climbing through the Sierra de Montmell mountains. This 6.1 km (3.79 miles) pass connects Aiguaviva and La Juncosa del Montmell, running south to north, and it's not for the faint of heart. The road itself is fully paved, though you'll encounter concrete sections mixed in, with narrow stretches and sections pushing 15% gradient that'll really test your legs. Coming from the Aiguaviva side (via TV-2443), you're looking at a 2.6 km climb starting at 514m elevation. It's relatively gentler here, with an average grade of 3.5% and 91m of elevation gain. But approach from La Juncosa del Montmell (via TV-2401), and things get serious—3.5 km of climbing from 409m elevation with 196m of gain and a punchy 5.6% average gradient. This is proper mountain pass territory in northeastern Catalonia where the scenery is stunning but the road demands respect. Whether you're grinding it on a bike or navigating it in a car, Coll de l'Arca rewards you with that satisfying alpine experience.
extremeKastania Road
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Wild Road to Kastania Nestled high in the mountains of Evrytania in Central Greece, the tiny town of Kastania sits at a breathtaking 1,030 meters (3,379 feet) above sea level. But getting there? That's where things get absolutely mental. This 6.6 km gravel road is legitimately bonkers—and we're not exaggerating when we say it's one of Greece's most notorious drives. The surface is loose and crumbly throughout, especially near the edges, so forget about attempting this in bad weather. Your tires will thank you for waiting for clear skies. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 for this one. The real nightmare begins after that first kilometer, where the road becomes a relentless 5.6 km climb with a brutal average gradient of 10.53% (hitting 15% in some spots). That translates to 590 meters of elevation gain crammed into a short distance, and the road tackles it with 23 insane hairpin turns. Here's the kicker: much of this narrow ribbon of gravel is perched right on the edge of drops that plunge hundreds of meters straight down—with absolutely zero guardrails to catch you if things go sideways. The views are genuinely stunning, all sweeping mountain vistas and pristine wilderness. Problem is, those views come with a seriously exposed feeling that'll mess with anyone who's even slightly prone to vertigo. Oh, and bring some ginger. The constant switchbacks at altitude have a way of making even iron stomachs a bit queasy.
moderateMount Etna: a remote road to Europe's largest and most active volcano
🇮🇹 Italy
# Mount Etna's Epic Black Ash Road Ready for one of Europe's most thrilling drives? Head to Sicily's east coast near Catania and Messina to tackle Mount Etna—or "Mongibello" as locals call it—Europe's biggest and most relentlessly active volcano. This isn't your typical scenic route. The 12.4 km (7.7 miles) black sandy track climbs from Rifugio Sapienza all the way up to 3,120 meters (10,236 feet), making it one of the continent's highest roads. Built back in 1977 to service the Osservatorio Etneo volcanic research station, this unpaved trail demands serious respect—you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to handle it. What makes this drive unforgettable? You're basically driving through a volcanic wonderland. The landscape is otherworldly: ancient lava flows, extinct craters, weathered churches and homes partially swallowed by past eruptions, gnarled century-old trees, and pine forests that seem to defy the harsh terrain. The panoramas stretch across the entire region, and if you listen closely, you'll hear Etna's constant rumbling—a humbling reminder that you're driving on one of the planet's most active volcanoes. Here's the catch: private vehicles aren't allowed. You'll need to go with an authorized guide or join a tour. Bikes are usually welcome, but closures happen regularly thanks to volcanic activity, brutal winds, or heavy snow. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, skip this one—the altitude and volcanic conditions aren't forgiving. Check conditions before you go. Etna's always cooking something up.
hardButtertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Yorkshire Dales in northern England, and you stumble upon Buttertubs Pass. Jeremy Clarkson called it "England's only truly spectacular road," so you know it's going to be good. This baby's located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The name comes from these crazy cool, 65-foot-deep limestone potholes near the top. Legend has it that farmers used them as natural fridges for their butter on market days! The road itself is called Cliff Gate Road (B6270) and it's totally paved. It winds for about 5.5 miles (8.85km) between Hawes and Thwaite. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is a bonus. Heads up, though: this road isn't for the faint of heart! You've got a serious 400-foot drop on one side, super tight bends, and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 20%! And it can get slick when it's wet. Plus, the wind at the top can be wild, so hold onto your hats! But trust me, it's worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking. This drive has it all: steep climbs, fast descents, challenging corners, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. It's no wonder it's been featured on the Tour de France, Clarkson's Car Years, Top Gear, and Wheeler Dealers! Seriously, if you're looking for an epic drive in the UK, Buttertubs Pass needs to be on your list.