Why is it called Ibar Highway?

Why is it called Ibar Highway?

Montenegro, europe

Length

297 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're hitting the Ibarska Magistrala – or as the locals ominously call it, the "Black Highway" – connecting Belgrade to western Serbia and Montenegro.

Why "Ibar"? Because it hugs the gorgeous (but potentially treacherous) Ibar River for part of the way!

This epic stretch is a 297 km (185 mile) ride, and forms part of European routes E65, E80, and E763. Think of it as a fully paved rollercoaster – sometimes smooth sailing in the cities, sometimes a bit rough around the edges in the countryside, especially after a storm.

Word to the wise: daylight driving is your friend here. Those single-lane stretches get pretty busy, and you want to see what's coming!

Now, let's talk safety. This road has a reputation, so stay sharp! Between 2017 and 2019, there were 1,736 accidents, resulting in 86 fatalities and 1,619 injuries. Keep your eyes peeled and respect the road, and you'll be golden.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Montenegro
Continent
europe
Length
297 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Is TF-24 Road paved?moderate

Is TF-24 Road paved?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, Tenerife road trip, anyone? You HAVE to check out TF-24, also known as Carretera de la Esperanza! This beauty clocks in at about 43 km (26.5 miles) and winds its way from San Cristóbal de La Laguna in northern Tenerife, all the way up to a natural viewpoint, a whopping 2,305m (7,562ft) above sea level, making it one of Spain’s highest roads! The pavement is smooth, and the climb is pretty gentle overall, but don’t get too comfy! Expect some fun turns and hairpin bends that'll keep you on your toes – think an average speed of around 60 km/h. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Imagine cruising above the clouds in an almost alien landscape. The views are insane, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, snap some pics, and just soak it all in. Seriously, the drive itself is a total knockout. It’s not quite as wild as the “Petit Alpe d’Huez” (which boasts 23 hairpin turns!), but it’s still a delightful and slightly challenging ride to the summit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Coll de Pradelleshard

Coll de Pradelles

🇫🇷 France

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've found a real gem tucked away in the French Pyrénées, right near the Spanish border: Coll de Pradelles. This bad boy climbs to a cool 1,995 meters (that's 6,545 feet!), so you know the views are going to be epic. The road, known as the D89, is paved, but hold onto your hats – it gets seriously narrow in places. We're talking "squeeze-by-another-car-with-inches-to-spare" narrow! It’s also a bit of a climb, with an average gradient of 4.6%. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast in winter, because snow can shut it down for a bit. And no matter when you go, be ready for some serious wind and potentially chilly temps up top. Trust me, the incredible scenery is worth it!

Is the road from Rhodes to Kamiros Skala paved?easy

Is the road from Rhodes to Kamiros Skala paved?

🇬🇷 Greece

Cruising the east coast of Rhodes, the biggest of the Dodecanese islands, the road to Kamiros Skala is pure Greek magic. Think endless ocean views! Yep, it's paved the whole way, but hold on tight. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously twisty sections, and in a lot of spots, it's just you and a drop straight into the turquoise sea – no guardrails to hold your hand. The wind can get pretty wild too, so keep a grip on the wheel. Stretching for 45.1 km (28 miles) along the west side of the island, it runs from Rhodes town (the main hub) down to Kamiros Skala. You'll find yourself driving north to south, with the dazzling coastline on your side. And keep your eyes peeled! Dotted along the way are loads of little beaches, perfect for a quick dip or just admiring the pebbles and crazy rock formations.

Golyam Kupenhard

Golyam Kupen

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in Bulgaria and crave a serious off-road challenge, Golyam Kupen in Vitosha Mountain is calling your name. This peak sits pretty at 1,870m (6,135ft), and getting there is no joke. The road, if you can call it that, kicks off near Zheleznitsa and stretches for about 4.82 km (3 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel and rock. We're talking a relentless climb with an average gradient of almost 17%, but brace yourself for stretches hitting a whopping 25%! Seriously steep! You'll gain a hefty 816 meters in elevation, so be prepared for breathtaking (literally) views. Oh, and did I mention it's on the edge of a biosphere reserve? Stunning scenery all around. Word to the wise: this trek isn't for the faint of heart, or those without a serious 4x4 with high clearance. And definitely skip it in winter – impassable! If you make it to the top, you'll find an academic training base. Happy trails!