Driving the challenging SH71 road in the heart of Albania
Albania, europe
113 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for SH71 in Albania! This epic road trip connects Elbasan, the country's fourth-largest city, with Maliq down south, winding through the Elbasan and Korçë regions.
Clocking in at 113 kilometers (that's about 70 miles), this isn't just a Sunday drive. While most of the route is paved and relatively smooth, there's a rough patch of about 25km near the end that's still unpaved and can be pretty gnarly.
Plan on around 4 hours of driving if you're not stopping (but trust me, you'll WANT to stop for the views!). Speaking of which, the scenery is stunning, but be warned: there are some tricky sections near a river. Seriously, stay focused – this road demands respect! A wrong move could have serious consequences.
And pro tip: make sure your GPS is up-to-date. Albania's been busy upgrading its roads, so you want the latest intel to stay on track. Get ready for an unforgettable Albanian adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the challenging SH71 road in the heart of Albania is located in Albania (europe). Coordinates: 41.4968, 20.1593
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 113 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.4968, 20.1593
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get by car to Lago di Malga Bissina in Trento?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Malga Bissina Tucked away at 1,815m (5,954ft) in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, Lago di Malga Bissina is this stunning artificial lake that'll take your breath away—and we're not just talking about the altitude. Nestled in the Val di Daone valley in the northern Adamello mountains, it's surrounded by some seriously gorgeous alpine scenery perfect for hiking and snapping photos. The lake itself has quite the backstory. Built between 1955 and 1957, the Diga di Malga Bissina—a gravity dam designed by engineer Claudio Marcello—was officially tested and ready by 1962. This engineering marvel blocks the Fiume Chiese river and holds about 60 million cubic meters of water, powering the Malga Boazzo hydroelectric plant through an intricate network of tunnels and pipelines. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the walking routes here are fantastic. Well-marked paths cater to all skill levels, and the views? Absolutely breathtaking at every turn. Now, about that drive: The 13.9km (8.63 miles) road from Limes is fully paved but genuinely narrow and steep in spots. You'll navigate through a couple of unlit tunnels, and honestly, if mountain driving with tight reversing spots stresses you out, this might not be your jam. The gradients aren't insane, but the long route definitely demands some concentration. Fair warning: the road closes from late November through May, so plan accordingly. But here's the thing—once you arrive, you'll find yourself in this wild, silent, remote corner that's absolutely magical.
hardWhere is Refuge du Plan du Lac?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, Savoie to be exact, heading to Refuge du Plan du Lac. This mountain hut sits way up high at 2,370m (7,775ft) inside Vanoise National Park. The drive starts in Val-Cenis, winding for 15.1 km (9.38 miles). Most of the road's paved, but get ready for some steep climbs, hairpin turns, and a few bumps along the way. The views just keep getting better and better as you ascend! Now, heads up, after the parking lot for Refuge - L'auberge de Bellecombe, only authorized vehicles are allowed. Unless you have permission from Vanoise National Park, you'll need to park and hike the final stretch. Bikes aren't even allowed. But trust me, the views are worth it. The first bit's steep, zigzagging through a sparse forest with killer views of the valley below. Once you're at the refuge, BAM! Panoramic views of Pointe de la Réchasse, Dent Parachée, Grande Casse, and glaciers galore. Don't forget to check out Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy just beyond the refuge. It's a cute little chapel at 2,284m!
extremeWhere is Gjipe Beach?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Albanian Riviera, heading for Gjipe Beach, rumored to be the most beautiful in the country. Getting there? That's half the adventure, and maybe a bit of a thrill! This isn't just a drive; it's a 4km (2.48 miles) journey from the SH8 highway to paradise. The first 2.5km are smooth sailing on pavement, leading to a parking lot by St Theodor’s Monastery (pay to park, folks!). Now, if you’ve got a 4x4, you can drive even closer. The real fun begins for the last 1.4km (0.86 miles), winding down a narrow, unpaved path to Gjipe Canyon. We're talking hairpin turns, soft sand, and some seriously steep drop-offs - up to 9% grade! No guardrails here, so keep your eyes on the road. Two cars definitely can't pass each other, so be prepared for anything. The views? Unbelievable. Towering rock formations, lush forests, and a peek at the shimmering turquoise waters that await. You'll also pass old communist-era bunkers adding a historical quirk to the scenery. When you finally arrive at the beach squeezed between high canyon cliffs, you’ll realize it was all worth it. During the summer you'll even find a couple of cafes for food and drinks. Just be mindful of snakes! Get ready for stunning views and a secluded, spectacular escape on one of Albania's best-kept secrets.
hardWhere is Costalunga Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along in the gorgeous Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy, heading up, up, up to Costalunga Pass. This isn't just any mountain road; it's a scenic masterpiece! The summit isn't a sharp peak but more like a wide, panoramic plateau where you can soak in incredible views. We're talking a near-360-degree vista that will blow your mind! Up top, you'll find places to eat, shops selling local crafts, and even a farmer offering horseback rides—how cool is that? Now, the road itself is fully paved and generally well-maintained, known locally as Strada Statale 241 (SS241). But don't get complacent! This isn't a highway; it's a winding, turning adventure with some narrow sections and seriously steep slopes that max out at 11%. Spanning roughly , this west-to-east route connects . Cyclists love this climb, so watch out for them as you navigate the bends! Get ready for a drive you won't soon forget!