A nasty road to Kolona Beach

A nasty road to Kolona Beach

Greece, europe

Length

2.3 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Paralia Kolona: A Hidden Gem Worth the Bumpy Ride

Tucked away on the island of Kythnos in Greece's Western Cyclades, Paralia Kolona is one of those jaw-dropping beaches that makes you wonder how it's stayed relatively under the radar. Picture this: crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine golden sand, and a narrow strip of land surrounded by sea on both sides. It's basically paradise.

Getting there from the village of Apokrousi is about 2.3 km (1.42 miles) of pure adventure. Fair warning though—this isn't your typical smooth asphalt road. You're looking at a rough, single-lane dirt track that can be pretty gnarly in spots. Honestly, a jeep or sturdy SUV is your best bet if you're driving out here. The road's no joke, and you'll want proper clearance to handle the ruts and bumps.

But here's the thing: once you round that final bend and see what's waiting for you, the bumpy ride becomes part of the story. This is the kind of beach that sticks with you, the kind that reminds you why exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations on Kythnos is so worth it. If you're planning a visit to the island, this is absolutely one you can't skip.

Where is it?

A nasty road to Kolona Beach is located in Greece (europe). Coordinates: 38.8724, 22.2613

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Greece
Continent
europe
Length
2.3 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
38.8724, 22.2613

Related Roads in europe

How long is the road from Patiopoulo to Perdikaki?extreme

How long is the road from Patiopoulo to Perdikaki?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, so you're thinking of driving from Patiopoulo to Perdikaki in northeastern Greece? Let me tell you, this 28.8 km (17.9 mi) stretch isn't your average Sunday drive. This defiant drive was bypassed by a 23.5 km long paved road between both towns. Think unpaved (mostly!), narrow, and seriously steep in places. We're talking a climb from Perdikaki at 700m up to Patiopoulo at 1,160m, with gradients hitting a wild 21.8% at times! Farmers and shepherds use it, sure, but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park. Expect hairpin turns, and edge-of-the-world drops with absolutely zero guardrails. And the views? Stunning! But you'll need to keep your eyes glued to the road. Oh, and did I mention driving at night? Forget about it. No lights, no markings, just a dark, twisty path to who-knows-where (maybe off a cliff!). Basically, keep your eyes on the road. This route is not for the faint of heart, but if you're an experienced driver looking for a serious adrenaline rush, this might just be your kind of road trip.

Where is Monte Oiz?hard

Where is Monte Oiz?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk about Monte Oiz, a peak in northern Spain that'll test your mettle. Nestled in the Basque Country, this climb to 1,026 meters (3,366 ft) is not for the faint of heart! They don't call the summit the "Biscay Balcony" for nothing—the views are killer, stretching from the nearby sea to the mountains. Just be warned: fog and rain are frequent visitors. You'll spot a big antenna and a geodesic dome which make the mountain hard to miss. It's also infamous for a plane crash in 1985, when a flight hit the radar tower in thick cloud. The Munitibar-Arbatzegi-Gerrikaitz ascent is only 8.6 km (5.34 miles), but don't let that fool you. For the first 6 km, the road's smooth sailing, but then it turns into a corrugated concrete track that gets bumpier as you go. Those last 5 km are brutal, averaging a gradient of 10.5%, with some sections hitting a whopping 24%! It’s a half-asphalt, half-concrete beast with irregular ramps. You may recognize it from the Vuelta a España race. Ready for the challenge?

Black Forest High Roadeasy

Black Forest High Road

🇩🇪 Germany

# The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse: Germany's Perfect Scenic Drive Want to experience one of Germany's best-kept scenic secrets? The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse—or Black Forest High Road—is a glorious 60-kilometer ribbon of pavement that'll make you feel like you're floating along the spine of the northern Black Forest. Running from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, this route has been charming travelers since the 1930s when it officially became the B500 federal road. As you climb between 800 and 1,164 meters, you'll be wrapped in dense coniferous forests, passing moody glacial lakes (called tarns) and stopping at viewpoints that honestly steal your breath. On clear days, your gaze stretches across the Rhine Valley all the way to the Vosges Mountains in France—it's the kind of view that makes you pull over repeatedly. The drive hits some genuine highlights too. There's the Mummelsee, a dark, mysterious glacial lake loaded with local legend, and the Hornisgrinde, the region's highest peak at 1,164 meters. What's great about this road is how accessible it is—the gradients are surprisingly gentle and the road is plenty wide, so whether you're driving a sedan or towing a caravan, you'll be fine. Beyond the drive itself, the whole area is brilliant for exploring. Hiking and cross-country skiing trails branch off through the forest, and charming traditional Black Forest guesthouses dot the route serving up regional specialties and, yes, the famous Black Forest cake that actually tastes incredible when you've earned it with a day of driving and hiking.

Punta de Estaca de Baresmoderate

Punta de Estaca de Bares

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in Galicia, Spain, heading to Punta de Estaca de Bares, the absolute northernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula! This isn't just any drive; it's a pilgrimage to where the Cantabrian Sea crashes into the Atlantic Ocean. The road? Let's just say it's intimate. Paved, yes, but seriously narrow – think one car at a time. Hope you like using your mirrors! And hold onto your hat! This cape is legendary for its winds – a real year-round blow. Plus, you're in one of Europe's rainiest spots, so pack accordingly. The payoff? Stunning views and a cool, almost otherworldly vibe. At the cape itself, you'll find a lighthouse, a spot to grab a bite, and some eerie abandoned military buildings. The 8.8 km route kicks off from the charming town of O Barqueiro. Trust me, the whole drive is pure scenic gold.