Where is Xorret de Cati?
Spain, europe
20.3 km
1,097 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Alto de Xorret de Catí, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Alicante province of Spain's Valencia region.
You'll find this beauty hiding in the Sierras del Maigmó y del Fraile mountain range, specifically in the L'Alcoià area in the southeast. The road, known as CV-817, stretches for about 20.3 km (12.61 miles) between Castalla and Petrer. It's paved and generally in decent shape, though be prepared for a few bumpy patches along the way. You probably won't find much traffic, especially if you avoid the weekend.
Now, don't let the pretty scenery fool you, this climb is no joke! We're talking seriously steep sections, hitting inclines of 20-22%. This climb is a tough one! In the past, the summit even had a monument dedicated to cyclists, but, believe it or not, someone stole it in May 2023 despite the monument being massive! You can tackle this pass year-round and remember, it's even been featured in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's legit. Get ready for some breathtaking views, and maybe keep an eye out for the stolen monument!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,097 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs the road to Artzamendi paved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrénées, practically spitting distance from Spain. You're heading for Mont Artzamendi – or Sommet de l'Artzamendi, if you're feeling fancy – a peak that tops out at just over 3,000 feet. The road up is paved, thankfully, but hold on tight! It's a twisty, turny climb, barely wide enough for one car in places, and seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 17%! If your reversing skills are a little rusty, maybe skip this one. Definitely check your brakes before you head down; you'll need 'em! The climb is short but intense: just 2.5 miles to the top, gaining over 1300 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10%, so get ready for a workout for your car (and maybe you!). Try to avoid peak times; you really don't want to meet a bus coming the other way. So, is it worth the white knuckles? Absolutely! The summit's crowned with a radar dome and some communication towers, but who cares about that when you've got views for days? You can see the whole Basque Country spread out before you, all the way to the Atlantic. Trust me, the panorama is breathtaking!
moderateWhere Is Pico Los Reales?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna find yourself on top of the world? Head to Pico Los Reales in sunny southern Spain, nestled in the Costa del Sol comarca, inside the Natural Park Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja. What awaits you at the summit? Oh, just jaw-dropping views stretching as far as the eye can see! Plus, you'll find a cool lookout point, a convenient parking area, and even a little bar to celebrate your ascent. The road? Well, let's just say it's an experience. Thanks to some recent upgrades, the pavement is smooth sailing nowadays, but be warned, there are still some seriously tight switchbacks to keep you on your toes! Starting from the Puerto de Peñas Blancas road, you're in for a climb of roughly . It’s a pretty steep challenge, gaining around in elevation, so expect an average gradient of , with some intense ramps hitting . But guess what? The final stretch is car-free, so you can soak in the peace and quiet as you conquer the peak. Trust me, this wild ride is totally worth it for those views!
hardA memorable road trip to Gap of Dunloe in Kerry
🌍 Ireland
The Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland, is a mountain pass that’s not for the faint of heart! Perched at 246m (807ft) above sea level, this scenic route might churn the stomach of those prone to car sickness, or those uncomfortable with narrow mountain roads. Stretching 9.6 km (5.96 miles) from Dunloe to Hollywood in the southwest, the paved road is...let's just say it's showing its age. Be prepared for a white-knuckle drive along single-track roads with hairpin bends and bridges that feel barely wide enough. Nestled between two majestic mountain ranges, the road isn’t forgiving, with steep sections hitting a 19% gradient! Passing other vehicles can be a real challenge, and you'll likely find yourself sharing the road with horse-drawn traps. Traffic jams involving cars and horses are surprisingly common. Larger vehicles should think twice before attempting this route. If you're a nervous driver or unaccustomed to extremely narrow roads, you might find it hard to appreciate the scenery. Cyclists, be warned, there have been accidents. The Gap of Dunloe is a major tourist hotspot, especially in summer, thanks to its location among Ireland's highest peaks. Consider leaving the driving to the locals – you'll enjoy the views far more without the stress! Five stunning lakes dot the landscape within The Gap. Daytime drives are possible but not recommended, as the area teems with walkers, cyclists, and those iconic jaunting cars. The Gap of Dunloe is a highlight of the Ring of Kerry, a world-renowned scenic drive loved by locals and tourists alike.
hardDare to drive the dangerous road to Monte Chaberton
🇫🇷 France
# Monte Chaberton: Europe's Most Dramatic High-Altitude Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 3,131 meters (10,272 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Monte Chaberton sits right on the Italian border and claims the title of one of Europe's highest roads. What makes it truly special? The stunning Fort du Chaberton—nicknamed the "Fort of the Clouds"—crowning the summit with its haunting remnants from two world wars. ## A Military Marvel Built Against the Odds Built between 1900 and 1914, this fortress is an engineering masterpiece that required 300 workers and engineers to construct. Here's the wild part: they actually had to mine the summit to level it and reduce its height by 6 meters. The fort's eight distinctive turrets housed 149mm guns, strategically positioned to disappear into the cloud cover that frequently blankets the peak. ## The Road Less Traveled The Strada Militare dello Chaberton stretches 12.3 kilometers (7.64 miles) from the charming village of Fénils in Italy's Susa Valley. Built between 1896 and 1898 by Italian troops, it was once the Alps' highest unpaved road—a title it wore proudly. Today, this route is a true bucket-list experience for adventurous souls. The paved section near Fenils gives way to unpaved terrain that's initially decent, but deteriorates significantly. Beyond Grange Pra Claud, the road is off-limits to motor vehicles, with debris and crumbling walls dominating the landscape. Around 2,300 meters elevation, things get seriously challenging. That final stretch? A brutal 17% gradient where you're basically hiking your bike toward that legendary fortress in the clouds.