Col de Riondet
France, europe
N/A
2,409 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col de Riondet, perched way up in the French Alps at nearly 8,000 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Vanoise National Park, part of the stunning Massif de la Vanoise range.
Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's gravel, rocky, and can get pretty bumpy. We're talking a proper 4x4 job here. It's usually closed from October to May due to snow, and even when it's open, you'll want some experience with unpaved mountain roads. It can be steep, and rain turns the road muddy! Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!).
But, oh, the views! From the top, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas, including glimpses of the Col de la Madeleine's hairpin turns way down below. Trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the scenery is absolutely worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,409 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateConey Island's 2.8km Test: Driving the Tidal Causeway Before the Atlantic Swallows It.
🌍 Ireland
Ready for an adventure in County Sligo, Ireland? Forget ordinary roads – the drive to Coney Island is something else entirely! Picture this: you're cruising between Rosses Point and the Coolera Peninsula, headed towards an island guarding Sligo Bay. But there's a catch... you're driving *across* the seabed! When the tide pulls back from Cummeen Strand, a 2.8km (1.73 mile) stretch appears, your temporary road. This isn’t just any road; it’s a wild, sandy track with puddles aplenty, and the ever-present threat of the incoming Atlantic tide. Think of it as a race against the ocean – you need to be mindful of the tide's pace and the state of your vehicle! This isn't a modern highway, mind you. It's an ancient path across the sand flats, sometimes called Dorrin’s Strand. The trick? Stay within 20 meters of the stone pillars marking the "sunken road" – a firmer, historic base beneath the sand. These 14 stone pillars, dating back to 1845, are your guides, aligning with the lighthouse to keep you on track. This is crucial; people have been known to get into trouble when they stray off course. Never drive at night or in fog, and *always* check tide times beforehand. The island itself, named for the rabbits still hopping about, has a fascinating history. Legend says it even inspired the name of Coney Island in New York! Explore ancient fairy forts, St. Patrick’s Well, and his wishing chair. Successfully crossing the strand isn't just a drive, it's a trip back in time. Just remember, nature is in charge here, so use common sense and prepare to be amazed.
extremeHow to get to Navagio Beach by car?
🇬🇷 Greece
# Navagio Beach: Greece's Iconic Shipwreck Road Tucked into the northwest corner of Zakynthos Island, Navagio Beach is basically the stuff travel bucket lists are made of. Located about 250 kilometers from Athens in the Ionian Sea, this spot draws visitors from everywhere who want to snap the perfect photo of the famous Panagiotis shipwreck lying in the shallow turquoise waters below. The beach itself is pure magic—milky blue water, smooth white pebbles, and dramatic cliff faces that'll make your jaw drop. It wasn't always called Navagio Beach, though. Back in 1980, a smuggler ship called Panagiotis ran aground here while being chased by Greek naval police. The authorities found 2,000 boxes of cigarettes and about 30 million Drachmas on board. Instead of salvaging it, they just left the ship where it landed. Now it's one of Greece's most iconic landmarks, and the beach earned its nickname "Shipwreck Beach" (sometimes "Smugglers Cove") because of it. Getting there is half the adventure. The 1.5-kilometer road from the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon is absolutely stunning—winding, narrow, and packed with jaw-dropping coastal views. It's actually so picturesque that it was featured in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only." Just remember: this road demands respect and careful driving. You'll find a small parking lot at the road's end (arrive early, it fills up fast) with a spectacular cliff-top viewpoint. Here's the thing though—you can see the beach below, but you can't actually walk down to it due to the nearly vertical cliffs. Only accessible by boat, the beach stays hidden below while you're up top. Fair warning: landslide risks have led authorities to close parts of the cliff area to the public. The combination of earthquakes and unstable terrain means some areas are cordoned off for good reason. Tempted to squeeze past the barriers for a better view? Don't. It's not worth the legal trouble or the very real danger of a cliff collapse.
hardBergstation Grubenkopfbahn
🇦🇹 Austria
# Bergstation Grubenkopfbahn: An Alpine Adventure in Austria Tucked away in Tyrol's stunning Ötztal Valley, the Bergstation Grubenkopfbahn chairlift sits at a breathtaking 2,806 meters (9,206 feet) above sea level. Getting to this mountain summit is not for the faint of heart—it's a proper adventure that demands respect and preparation. The trail itself is pure alpine challenge: rocky, gravelly, and unapologetically steep. As you ascend, the terrain only gets more dramatic, with sections of the ski-station service road hitting grades up to 30%. Loose stones make every step count, especially in the upper reaches where the mountainside gets almost vertical. The wind here is relentless and strong year-round, so brace yourself for some serious gusts. Here's the kicker: you've got a tiny window to attempt this route. We're talking late August—that's pretty much it for summer conditions. Even then, don't be surprised if snow catches you off guard or temperatures drop unexpectedly. Come winter, this place transforms into a frozen fortress with brutally cold conditions that'll test your limits. It's genuinely one of those routes where timing and weather mean everything. If you're after a genuine alpine challenge with stunning mountain scenery and some serious vertical action, this is the real deal. Just make sure you pick your moment wisely.
extremeGC-200: The Ultimate Challenge
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you, the sun on your face, and the open road winding through the Canary Islands. Ready for the drive of your life? First up, the GC-200 on Gran Canaria. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking 65 km of pure adrenaline from Agaete to La Playa de Mogán, packed with 365 twists and turns hugging the dramatic Parque Natural de Tamadaba coastline. Cliffside views that'll take your breath away – if the road doesn't first! Keep an eye out for closures, though; this beauty can be a beast. Next, Tenerife calls with the TF-21. This 79 km stretch cruises through Teide National Park, offering up some seriously gorgeous scenery. Think winding roads, minimal traffic, and views for days. Perfect for soaking in Tenerife's natural beauty. Feeling like a movie star? Head to the TF-445, the Punta de Teno Lighthouse Road on Tenerife, famous from "Fast and Furious 6". This 9.6 km zig-zag is not for the faint of heart: narrow, steep, and occasionally closed due to weather. Proceed at your own risk, but the history and views are worth it. Want to touch the sky? Take the GC-134. This short 1.4 km climb goes up to Pico de las Nieves, Gran Canaria’s second-highest peak, with a 10% gradient. The panoramic views from the top are your reward for the challenging drive. Fancy a bit of off-roading history? The Carretera de la Playa de Cofete on Fuerteventura is a 10.5 km unpaved road to the secluded Cofete Beach. This road has a history dating back to World War II and Franco. You’ll need a sturdy ride, but you’ll be rewarded with access to a truly unique beach. For solitude and intensity, try the GC-210 on Gran Canaria. This 34 km stretch is known for its, let's say, "intimate" driving experience. Think narrow roads, hairpin turns, lunar landscapes, and very little traffic. Definitely a journey for experienced drivers! Finally, back in Tenerife, there’s the TF-436. This 22 km zigzag road packs a punch. It's paved, but don't let that fool you: it's narrow, twisty, and steep (up to 16%!). Take it slow, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Tenerife's diverse scenery.