Why is it called Commerson Crater?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Réunion Island? Awesome! You absolutely HAVE to check out Cratère Commerson. This volcanic crater sits way up high – think serious altitude – on the island's volcanic slopes.
The road to get there, Route Forestière 5 du Volcan (also known as Volcano Road, fittingly!), is a real adventure. It’s unpaved, and a pretty steep climb that ends at Col des Ves, a mountain pass. The whole stretch is roughly a good few miles of winding road.
Word to the wise: the sun up there can be intense, so sunscreen is your best friend. But hey, this is a volcanic landscape! Be prepared for the weather to change on a dime. Rain is common, especially during storms, and fog can roll in fast, so keep an eye on the forecast, and pack accordingly.
Related Roads in europe
hardCol de Porte
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, heading for the Col de Porte. This mountain pass sits pretty high up at 1,060 meters (3,477 feet)! The road to the top, known as the D73, is paved, but be warned—it's seen better days and can be a bit rough. It's also quite narrow and packs a punch with some seriously steep sections. But hey, the views along the way are totally worth it, right?
moderateWhere is Lago Ponton?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Lago Ponton in the Aosta Valley region of Italy. Seriously, this place is stunning, tucked away in the Urtier Valley near Gran Paradiso National Park and Avic Park. Now, getting there is an adventure. The road starts in Lillaz and climbs for 13.2 km (8.20 miles), gaining 1021 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 7.73%! You'll be cruising at a whopping 2645m (8677ft) above sea level – some of the highest roads in Italy! Heads up: the road is a mix of paved and unpaved sections. You'll be driving on some rocky sections and then, BAM, smooth pavement again. A 4x4 is definitely a must for this trip! Also, be aware that the road is typically closed to private vehicles from late October to late June/early July due to snow. But it's SO worth it. The landscapes are absolutely enchanting, and there are tons of little waterfalls along the way where you can cool off. While you're up there, check out the old Rifugio Sogno di Berdzè hut near the lake. Just know that it's no longer open.
hardRoc del Quer
🌍 Andorra
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Andorra, near the French border, in the parish of Canillo. You're heading towards Roc del Quer (aka Cap del Quer), and let me tell you, the views are going to blow your mind. This high mountain pass climbs to 1,956m (6,417ft) and the road there, the CS-240 (Carretera de Montaup), is a wild ride. It's all twists, turns, and steep inclines as you connect the villages of Canillo and Ordino. The average gradient is around 6.56%, so get ready for some gear-shifting action! The road is generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area and a walkway opened in 2016 – get ready for some serious thrills! The walkway is 20 meters long, with 12 of those meters made of transparent glass, suspended a whopping 500 meters above the ground. If you're starting from Canillo, it's a 6.5 km climb with an elevation gain of 427 meters. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top are SO worth the adrenaline rush.
extremeCan you drive to Katara Pass?
🇬🇷 Greece
Craving an epic Greek adventure? Then buckle up for Katara Pass! Snaking along the border between Epirus and Thessaly, this high-altitude route tops out at 1,705 meters (5,594 feet), making it one of the highest drives in Greece. Once bustling as Greek National Road 6, Katara Pass offers a totally paved journey through stunning landscapes. This 22.6 km (14.04 mile) stretch connects Panagia to the Metsovo Ski Center, winding through the majestic Pindus mountains. Keep an eye on the calendar: this beauty is usually snowed in from January to March. But when it's open, prepare for a 30-40 minute drive surrounded by lush pine and spruce forests. The pass boasts incredible views of the Aoos and Pineios valleys, plus those breathtaking mountains! Heads up, though: winter can make things dicey. Drive carefully! The road gets narrow in spots, so passing can be tricky, especially in a larger vehicle. Expect some steep climbs, too, with gradients hitting 7.5% in places. Overall, Katara Pass is a rewarding experience!