How long is the road from Paos to Kontovazaina?
Greece, europe
13.1 km
1,157 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride from Paos to Kontovazaina, deep in the heart of Greece's Peloponnese peninsula! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think of it as a rollercoaster on pavement, winding 13.1 km (8.13 miles) north to south through the mountains.
The road's paved, but let's just say it's seen better days – watch out for puddles and the occasional pothole! This route is a serious challenge, packed with 23 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections (up to 12%, yikes!). And hold on tight – you'll be hugging cliffs with no safety barriers as you climb to 1,157 m (3,795 ft) in the Afrodisia Mountain.
Definitely not one for the faint of heart (or those prone to car sickness!). Parts of the road are super narrow, making it feel like you're flying even when you're crawling. Be prepared to play chicken with oncoming traffic, as one of you will probably have to pull over to let the other squeeze by. But hey, the views are incredible, making the white-knuckle drive totally worth it – if you dare!
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,157 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardA beautiful road through Congosto de Olvena
🇪🇸 Spain
# Congosto de Olvena: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem Ready for one of Spain's most jaw-dropping canyon drives? The N-123 cuts right through the Congosto de Olvena, a breathtaking limestone gorge carved out by the Ésera River in Aragon's Huesca province. This 7.6 km stretch is pure scenic magic—and it's completely paved in excellent condition, so you can focus on soaking in the views. Nestled in the Prepirineo range within the Somontano de Barbastro region, this road does something pretty cool: it carves through a gorge that plunges 300 meters deep into the Sierra de la Carrodilla. You'll experience the full theatrical experience as you navigate 10 tunnels (totaling 1,127 meters) that range from quick 19-meter bursts to longer 246-meter passages. Each one is a straightforward single-lane tunnel in each direction, keeping traffic flowing smoothly. The N-123 is the main road connecting Benabarre to Barbastro, but honestly, it's so much more than just a practical route—it's a destination in itself. The limestone walls towering around you, the river below, and the pure geological drama of driving through this ancient canyon make every curve worth savoring. If you're chasing scenic Spanish roads that deliver both stunning landscape and engineering intrigue, this one absolutely delivers.
moderateWhere is Col de la Bonette?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Col de la Bonette in France is calling your name! This high-altitude pass, topping out at 2,715 meters (8,907 feet), straddles the border between the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, snuggled in Mercantour National Park near Italy. Think stunning views between the Ubaye and Tinée Valleys. The D64, a.k.a. part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, will take you there on smooth, paved roads. Be warned, the climb is steep and twisty, with gradients hitting up to 15% in places! The ascent from Jausiers stretches 24 km with an average gradient of 6.6%, while the route from Saint Etienne de Tinée clocks in at 25.8 km with a 6.4% average. Keep an eye out for cycling markers every kilometer, giving you the lowdown on elevation and distance to the top. The road, originally a mule track, was completed in 1960. Just remember, being so high up in the Alps means the Bonette is typically snowed in from late October until late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly!
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.
hardTravel guide to the top of Col des Ves
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Ves Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Ves sits pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) above sea level. You'll find this alpine gem tucked within the stunning Vanoise National Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and primarily serves as a maintenance route for the ski lifts and lodges dotting the peaks. It's legitimately one of France's highest accessible roads—pretty cool bragging rights, right? Don't expect an easy cruise. Starting from Val Claret, you're looking at a 6.4-kilometer (3.97-mile) climb that's seriously steep. You'll gain 671 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of 10.48%. Your legs (and your car) will definitely feel it. Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise within the French Alps, this road is absolutely off-limits come winter—conditions make it completely impassable. Plus, expect relentless winds that'll keep things interesting. This is pure alpine adventure territory, but definitely best tackled during the summer months when conditions are actually manageable.