A memorable road trip to Lazena Pass
Greece, europe
27 km
1,144 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lazena Pass: A Hidden Gem for Road Lovers
Tucked away in the Tzoumerka mountains of Epirus, Greece, Lazena Pass sits at a cool 1,144m (3,753ft) and is honestly one of the best-kept secrets in the motorcycling world.
This 27km (16.77 miles) route stretches west to east from Lazena to Ktistades, and while it's completely paved, don't mistake that for easy. You'll navigate a seriously fun 45 hairpin turns that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. The road gets steep too—we're talking 17.5% grades in some sections—so this beauty demands your full attention and daylight driving.
What makes Lazena Pass special? The scenery is absolutely stunning. You'll start at 800 meters, climb to 1,000 meters through tight hairpins, then dip back down to 300 meters as you pass through shaded tree-covered sections and cross the Arachthos river via the Politsa bridge. The road winds through a dramatic gorge before climbing back to 800 meters. It's the kind of diverse terrain that keeps every twist interesting.
Sitting inside the National Park of Tzoumerka, this pass rewards you with incredible natural views and driving that feels genuinely engaging. Just plan your trip for daylight hours—night driving here is a no-go.
If you're after a lesser-known mountain pass where the pavement flows beautifully through untamed Greek nature, Lazena Pass deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Lazena Pass is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.0229, 20.8358
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,144 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.0229, 20.8358
Related Roads in europe
moderateCol de Rousset is an epic road in the Vercors massif
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Rousset Nestled in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de Rousset sits at 1,254 meters (4,114 ft) and offers one of those scenic drives that actually lives up to the hype. This mountain pass winds between Die and the charming village of Chamaloc through landscapes that scream Provence—think lavender-scented air and that golden Mediterranean light. You'll be driving through the Vercors Regional Natural Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where an Alpine ski resort crowns the summit. The viewpoints? Absolutely stellar, stretching across the southern Vercors and into the Pays Diois area. There's some serious history here too—a tunnel carved between 1861 and 1866 opened up trade routes that still define the region today. The road itself (D518) is a dream to navigate: fully paved, impeccably maintained, with clear markings throughout. The 28.5 km (17.7 miles) journey includes eight sweeping hairpin turns that keep things interesting without being too intense. Gradients max out around 8.5%, so it's challenging but not brutal. Fair warning though—you'll share the road with plenty of motorcyclists who love this route as much as road cyclists do (the Tour de France has rolled through here more than once). Coming from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, you're looking at a 14 km climb with 464 meters of elevation gain. The Die approach is longer at 20.6 km but steadier at 4.2% average gradient. From Chamaloc, those hairpins really start to shine, treating you to constantly shifting views and colors as you twist upward. The payoff at the top? A panoramic masterpiece overlooking the Diois valley with the Drôme foothills stretching out below. Traffic stays light to moderate, making this one of those perfect roads where you can actually enjoy the ride.
moderateWhere Is Palade Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, because we're headed to the Palade Pass in the gorgeous Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy! This road, also known as Strada Statale 238 (SS238), sits at a cool 1,518m (4,980ft) above sea level, offering some seriously stunning views of the valley below. History buffs will dig it because it was once a site of great military interest. You can still see the remnants of an extensive bunker system, complete with over 2,000 meters of corridors – pretty wild! The Palade Pass is a popular spot for motorcyclists and cyclists, but remember, the road to Monte Paularo is not for the faint of heart!
moderateMontaña de Sesa
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Montaña de Sesa in the Huesca province of Aragon, Spain! This baby tops out at a cool 1,761 meters (that's 5,777 feet for my American friends). The road itself is an interesting mix; mostly concrete, but keep your eyes peeled for some gravel patches as you near the summit. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area to soak in the views. Heads up though, a barrier blocks the gravel road just beyond the pass, leading to the Refugio de Plana Canal. And pro tip: this road is generally a no-go in the winter months, so plan your trip accordingly!
hardA curvy paved road to Lago della Sella
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lago della Sella: A Scenic Alpine Drive Nestled in Switzerland's Ticino canton, Lago della Sella sits pretty at a breathtaking 2,297 meters (7,536 feet) above sea level. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself. The asphalt road—affectionately known locally as Lago della Selia—winds its way up from Passo del San Gottardo with character and charm. Built back in 1947, this narrow ribbon of pavement hugs the shoreline and offers some seriously stunning views. Fair warning though: it's tight in places (sometimes barely wide enough for two cars to pass), and more than a few stretches lack guardrails, with water lapping right alongside the road. Snow can close it down anytime during winter, so timing is everything. The real vibe here? It's walker-friendly and refreshingly quiet—you'll hardly spot another vehicle, which somehow makes it feel even more special when you do. Once you reach the lake, there's a gravel road extension (marked as E) that climbs even higher via a series of hairpin turns, reaching 2,525 meters if you're feeling extra adventurous. This is the kind of drive that sticks with you—intimate, dramatic, and utterly Swiss Alpine.