How Long is Road R319?
Ireland, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the R319 in Ireland, right off the coast. Seriously, this road is a total stunner, hugging the shoreline and giving you non-stop views as you wind your way towards the wild edge of the Atlantic. People say it's one of the best coastal drives *ever*.
This busy little regional road clocks in at about 25km, and honestly, you're practically breathing in the sea air the whole way. Think dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop.
Now, a heads up – it can get a little hectic with traffic, and the road narrows and twists as you go. Watch out for blind corners and the occasional wandering sheep! But trust me, it's all worth it when you reach the end, marked by a large car park at the island's western tip.
You'll start your adventure in Cahersiveen, a charming seaside village, and snake your way along to somewhere truly unforgettable. Get ready for a drive you won't soon forget!
Related Roads in europe
hardA paved road to Flexen Pass in the Austrian Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Flexen Pass: A Historic Alpine Adventure Ready for a thrilling mountain drive? Flexen Pass sits pretty at 1,781 meters (5,843 feet) high in Vorarlberg, Austria, and it's one seriously cool route with some serious history behind it. This pass has been around for centuries, but the real story starts in 1895 when Johann Bertolini and his crew began carving out the modern road. After fourteen years of hard work, it finally opened to traffic in 1909. Since 1936, the Flexenstrasse has been keeping things moving year-round—yep, even when winter throws a tantrum. The 15.6-kilometer (9.69-mile) route runs north-south from Warth down to Stuben am Arlberg, and it's completely paved as Road 198, also called the Lechtal Strasse. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road gets seriously steep, with grades hitting up to 10% on some sections that'll definitely test your nerves and your brakes. Here's where it gets really interesting—about 300 meters before the summit, the road vanishes into the Flexengalerie, an absolutely ancient 1,550-meter-long avalanche tunnel that's basically held together with old oak wood beams. Inside, it's rough and tumble, with single-lane traffic managed by a traffic light system. It's genuinely wild. The summit itself has a parking lot and the quirky Restaurant Flexenhäusl if you need a breather. Most drivers take 25 to 30 minutes to cover the whole pass. You can usually drive it year-round, though winter weather can kick in sudden closures. It's an unforgettable Alpine experience.
moderateA paved border road to Qafa e Morines in the Albanian mountains
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Qafa e Morinës, an international mountain pass straddling the border between Albania and Kosovo. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a high-altitude highway sitting pretty at 563 meters (1,847 feet) above sea level. This scenic route connects the Gjakova District in western Kosovo with Kukës County in northern Albania, offering a gateway to the Albanian mountains. The entire 18.2-kilometer (11.30 miles) stretch is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Just follow the M9-1 in Kosovo and the SH-22 once you hit Albania. The road snakes its way from Ponoshec (Kosovo) to Bajram Curri (Albania), nestled in the Gjakova Highlands. Get ready for some views!
moderateThe legendary Col de la Madeleine is one of the greatest cycling climbs
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Madeleine Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Madeleine sits pretty at 1,998m (6,555ft) and ranks among the Alps' most iconic passes. This legendary route connects the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, a feat that took until 1969 to officially complete (though the Romans knew about this route way back). The fully paved D213 stretches an impressive 37.3 km (23.17 miles) from Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines to La Léchère les Bains, making it one seriously tough cookie in the French climbing scene. The southern approach from La Chambre is absolutely relentless—we're talking a jaw-dropping 13.5% maximum gradient that'll test your legs. If you prefer a gentler burn, the longer northern route from Bonneval offers a more forgiving slope, complete with a sweet three-kilometer descent halfway up to catch your breath. Cyclists will love the kilometer markers dotting both sides, showing distance to the summit, current elevation, and average slope ahead. The Tour de France has made this pass famous over the years, and for good reason—it's pure climbing heaven. Come summer, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière massifs from the summit. Just keep in mind the pass typically shuts down from November through early June due to snow, so plan accordingly. Want an extra adrenaline kick? The unpaved road west of the pass climbing to Le Gros Villan (2,522m) is wild—22.41% average gradient with exposed turns that'll get your heart racing.
moderateWhere is Selleries Refuge?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure awaits! Let's talk about the road up to Selleries Refuge in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy. This mountain hideaway sits pretty at 6,637 feet above sea level within the Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, cradled by the Susa, Chisone, and Sangone valleys – think stunning Italian scenery! You'll find it in the northwestern part of the country, near some wild ravines. The journey begins from Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle del Lis. Now, the road to Selleries Refuge is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, so get ready for a little off-road action! Initially, there's a string of hairpin turns on a consistent climb, heading towards the crossroads for Selleries Refuge. After a couple more curves, the road evens out, but don't let that fool you. The climb is one to remember, especially the middle part. Get ready for some amazing views!