Where is this road located?
Greece, europe
9.6 km
369 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because the drive from Charakopi to Kedros in Epirus, Greece, is a wild one! Nestled high up in the Tzoumerka National Park, this 9.6 km (almost 6 miles) stretch of asphalt is a true adventure.
The views? Unbelievably breathtaking. The road? Let's just say it keeps you on your toes! We're talking hairpin turns galore - more than you can shake a selfie stick at. Seriously, if you're prone to car sickness, pop a Dramamine before you even think about it.
The real challenge starts after you cross the Arachthos River. Get ready for a 6.6km climb, gaining almost 500 meters in elevation with some seriously steep sections. Think you can handle gradients over 12%? This is a road that demands respect and driving skills.
Oh, and a word to the wise: skip this one at night or if the weather turns nasty. Visibility can be poor, and those tight turns become even more treacherous. Landslides are also a potential hazard. This isn't a Sunday drive – it's an experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 369 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
extremeA breathtaking hike through the Cares Gorge: Ruta del Cares
🇪🇸 Spain
# Ruta del Cares: Spain's Most Epic Canyon Trek Get ready for one of Europe's most jaw-dropping hiking experiences. Nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains of northern Spain, the Ruta del Cares (also called Senda del Cares) is basically a narrow footpath carved right into the rock face of the Cares Canyon—locals call it "The Divine Gorge," and honestly, the name checks out. ## The Route This 11 km (6.8 miles) one-way trail connects the charming towns of Puente Poncebos in Asturias and Posada de Valdeón in León, straddling the border between the two provinces. Plan on 3-4 hours to hike one way, but if you're doing the full round-trip, you're looking at 22 km (13.6 miles) and a solid 6-8 hours of hiking. Fun fact: This path was originally built between 1916 and 1921 to service a hydroelectric powerplant and supply the local towns—especially during brutal winters when snow shut down every other route. Pretty clever engineering for the early 1900s. ## What to Expect This is a moderate-to-difficult hike, and it's not for the faint of heart. The path narrows to just 1 meter wide in spots, with sheer drops on one side and zero railings for most of the journey. You'll scramble over rocky terrain, squeeze through tunnels, cross bridges, and walk past limestone cliffs that feel almost alien in their drama. The Cares River rushes below, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Be prepared: rockslides happen, especially after rain, and the trail gets genuinely slippery in winter. If you're scared of heights, this hike might not be your vibe. Wear solid hiking boots and make sure you're genuinely fit before attempting it. ## When to Go Skip summer (July-August) and Easter if you can—the trail gets absolutely rammed with over 200,000 visitors annually, which gets chaotic fast. Spring and autumn are your sweet spots: better weather, fewer crowds, and that perfect hiking vibe. Winter? Beautiful but risky—snow and ice make sections genuinely treacherous. ## The Reality Check Between 2001 and 2018, at least six hikers lost their lives on this trail. It's stunning, but it demands respect. This isn't a casual stroll; come prepared, stay focused, and know your limits.
moderateThe road to Cerrajón de Murtas, a hidden gem
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, Southern Spain, itching for an adventure. Forget the crowded beaches, let's head to Cerrajón de Murtas! This beast of a peak tops out at 1,509m (4,950ft) in the Sierra de Contraviesa, practically in the shadow of Sierra Nevada. The road starts off civilized enough, mostly paved with concrete. But don't get too comfy! The last stretch is a real test: super steep and unpaved. Seriously, consider bringing a 4x4 for this one. Starting from the GR-5202 near Murtas, it's a 4.7 km climb to the top. Don't let the distance fool you, the average gradient is almost 7%, with some sections hitting a crazy 14.4%! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and grind. At the summit, you're rewarded with the Mirador del Cerrajón lookout, a geodesic marker, and a fire guardhouse. The panorama is unreal – Sierra Nevada, Sierra Gádor, and on clear days, you can even spot the African coast! Plus, you get a bird's-eye view of the Alpujarra region. It's a photographer's dream and an unforgettable experience.
moderateCan you drive up the Black Mountains?
🇬🇧 Wales
Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire, Wales? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This legendary stretch of asphalt is a wild mix of twists, dips, and climbs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Wales, snaking through the Black Mountains, the A4069 (that's its official name) is pure driving bliss. Think 23.81 km (14.8 miles) of paved perfection, running from Glanamman to Llangadog. Seriously, for a mountain road, it's surprisingly smooth, with those awesome sections of bends and straights where you can see for miles. Just keep an eye out for wandering sheep – they own the place! And a heads up, sneaky mobile speed cameras sometimes lurk disguised as horse boxes or trucks. Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are some of the best corners here. Fast sections, tight corners, and views that'll make you weep with joy when you hit the hairpins. If you're in a low rider, watch out for bumps! And you'll top out at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level. It's no wonder it's called the best driving road in Wales! Those five most memorable miles you can drive in any country! Ever since Top Gear featured it back in 2011 (aka the 'Top Gear road’), it’s become a must-do for petrolheads. Car magazine test drivers are obsessed, but that means it can get busy, especially on weekends. Expect 35-45 minutes of pure driving heaven if you don't stop, but honestly, you'll want to. The scenery? Mind-blowing. Miles and miles of gorgeous countryside. Make use of the laybys to soak it all in. If you're a driving enthusiast, this road is worth every second!
hardWanglspitz
🇦🇹 Austria
# Wanglspitz: A Wild Alpine Adventure in Tyrol Nestled in the picturesque Zillertal Valley of western Austria's Tyrol region, Wanglspitz towers at a seriously impressive 2,405m (7,890ft). But here's the thing—getting to the top is no leisurely drive. The route to the summit is a chairlift access trail that'll test your nerve. Think loose gravel, rocky terrain, and slopes that get steeper the higher you climb. The upper sections are particularly gnarly, with the mountain service road hitting brutal gradients up to 30%. You're basically driving on a ski-station maintenance road that demands respect and skill. Timing? That's critical. This route is only really doable during a narrow window in late August when conditions are favorable. Outside that sweet spot, forget about it. The weather here is seriously unpredictable—even summer can throw snowy days at you without warning. Winter temperatures plunge to brutally cold levels, and wind is pretty much a constant companion year-round, with particularly vicious gusts at elevation. If you're an experienced mountain driver looking for an adrenaline-pumping challenge in the Austrian Alps, Wanglspitz delivers the goods. Just don't underestimate the conditions or attempt it outside that brief summer window.