
Is Zekari Pass unpaved?
Georgia, europe
39.2 km
2,157 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Georgia, straddling the Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, lies Zekari Pass. Forget pavement – this is a 39.2 km (24.35 miles) unadulterated off-road experience connecting Sairme and Abastumani, a former Soviet resort area nestled in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
This isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking 2-3 hours of slow going on a seriously rough track, best tackled in a capable 4x4. Heavy rains? Forget about it. You'll be stuck.
But if you're brave enough, the views are insane. Think sprawling mountain vistas from a max elevation of 2,275m (7,463ft) and a pass at 2.157m (7,076ft). Plus, you'll find cool shepherd camps dotting the landscape. And near the pass is the Georgian Academy of Sciences observatory (the first high-mountain one in the USSR, BTW) which you can access via cable car.
Keep in mind, though, Zekari Pass is generally snowed in from October to June. So plan your trip accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable Georgian adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,157 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA wild gravel road to Lagada Beach in Greece
🇬🇷 Greece
# Kakia Lagada: Greece's Hidden Gem Beach Nestled on the eastern shore of Kythera—a charming Greek island with Ionian roots—lies Kakia Lagada, a secluded paradise that'll make your Instagram feed jealous. Picture-perfect sandy shores, crystalline waters, and views that'll take your breath away. But here's the thing: if white-knuckle cliff driving and narrow winding roads make you nervous, this one might not be for you. Getting there is definitely an adventure. From Ag. Pelagia, you're looking at just 2.8 km of rough, unpaved road that demands respect and careful navigation. The route winds through the dramatic Paleochora canyon before depositing you at this hidden slice of heaven. Lucky for you, there's a parking area right at the beach entrance. Once you arrive, though? Pure bliss. The beach comes fully equipped with a well-stocked canteen, loungers, umbrellas, and—if you're feeling sporty—regular volleyball tournaments. Come winter, the canyon's runoff creates a stunning lagoon right behind the beach, transforming the whole landscape into something even more magical. It's narrow, it's rugged, and it definitely isn't your typical tourist beach. But for those willing to brave the drive, Kakia Lagada rewards you with exactly what most travelers are searching for: authenticity, natural beauty, and a place that feels genuinely undiscovered.
moderateHoya de la Mora: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hoya de la Mora: Spain's Alpine Adventure Ready to tackle one of Europe's most thrilling drives? Hoya de la Mora sits pretty at 2,550m (8,366ft) above sea level in Granada's stunning Sierra Nevada Park, making it one of Spain's highest roads and a serious bucket-list destination for road trippers. This isn't just any mountain drive—it's the gateway to Pico del Veleta, Europe's highest paved road. Starting from Collado de las Sabinas on the A-4025, the A395 winds its way up for just 5.1 km (3.16 miles) of pure adrenaline. Don't let the short distance fool you though: you're looking at a relentless climb with 340 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.66%. It's steep, it's intense, and it's absolutely worth it. Once you reach the summit, you'll find the Refugio Militar Capitan Cobo offering shelter and sustenance, plus bars and restaurants to celebrate your conquest. There's even a spacious parking lot where you can catch your breath and soak in the incredible views of the northwestern Sierra Nevada. If you're craving mountain roads with serious altitude and stunning Andalusian scenery, this northwestern stretch of the Sierra Nevada delivers on all fronts. Just make sure your vehicle (and your nerves) are ready for the climb!
moderateHow long is Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Sardinia's eastern coast, sun shining, and you're cruising along the Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda. Trust me, this is a road trip you won't forget! Stretching for 354 kilometers (that's 220 miles) from Quartucciu, near Cagliari, all the way up to Palau, this fully paved road is a pure Sardinian adventure. "Beautiful" doesn't even begin to cover it. But fair warning, it's also known as one of the island's more challenging drives. Think hairpin turns galore, tunnels popping up out of nowhere, and maybe even some potholes thrown in for good measure. The views? Absolutely stunning. Just keep your eyes on the road! Summer brings the crowds, so be prepared for a little traffic around the tourist hotspots. Oh, and those winds? They can be brutal from September to April, with gusts reaching over 100 km/h (60 mph). Hold on tight! For the ultimate experience, make sure you tackle the 63-kilometer (39-mile) section within the Parco nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu. This stretch connects Santa Maria Navarrese, a charming coastal town, to Dorgali. This is where the scenery goes into overdrive. Trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
extremeWhere is Estany de Coma Estremera?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, picture this: You're in Andorra, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Forget the tourist traps, and set your GPS for Estany de Coma Estremera, a hidden alpine lake nestled high in the Pyrenees. Seriously, this place is tucked away in the southeastern part of the country, south of the oh-so-famous Estany Primer de Pessons. So how do you get there? Well, buckle up, because this isn't your grandma's scenic drive. It's an unpaved maintenance road, a real climb, starting from the Grau Roig parking lot (2,129m). We're talking a steep climb! The road follows the course of the river, with incredible views of water and jagged granite peaks. It's rocky and uneven, so you'll definitely want a vehicle with high clearance and good tires. Be warned: some sections hit a brutal 18% gradient. The payoff? Incredible views and bragging rights for conquering one of Andorra's highest and wildest drives. Just a heads up, you can only access this beauty from late June to early October due to snow. And even then, keep an eye on the weather, those mountain storms can turn things pretty sketchy real fast. But if you're up for it, Estany de Coma Estremera is an adventure you won't soon forget!