
MA-1131 is a narrow high shelf road in Mallorca
Spain, europe
5.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# Carretera MA-1131: Mallorca's Most Thrilling Coastal Drive
Ready for one of the world's most exhilarating road trips? The Carretera MA-1131 in Mallorca is an absolute beast of a drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping. This jaw-dropping route snakes down from the Tramuntana Sierra mountains all the way to the Mediterranean coast, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart.
Starting at the MA-10 near Valldemossa (home to the stunning 14th-century Royal Charterhouse where the philosopher Ramon Llull once lived), this 5.7km stretch descends to the hidden gem of Port de Valldemossa. This tiny beach is refreshingly under-the-radar and beloved by locals who want to escape the tourist crowds.
What makes this drive truly epic is how it transforms the moment you leave Valldemossa. That seemingly normal road quickly narrows to barely one car width, with only occasional pullouts for passing. You'll navigate nine wickedly sharp hairpin turns while climbing gradients up to 16%—that's seriously steep. The elevation gain of 365 meters might not sound like much, but trust me, you'll feel every meter of it.
This is a snail's-pace kind of drive (rarely exceeding 30km/h), and you'll want to honk your horn navigating those blind corners. Some sections are genuine single-track roads with heart-stopping drops to the coast. Plan about 20 minutes for the complete journey, and make sure you're paying full attention—there's only one spot to safely stop for photos.
But here's the thing: those vertiginous sea and cliff views? They're absolutely breathtaking. You might even spot mountaineers scaling the rocks overhead. Just keep your eyes on the road, grip that wheel, and savor the ride.
Where is it?
MA-1131 is a narrow high shelf road in Mallorca is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.8014, -4.5755
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.8014, -4.5755
Related Roads in europe
hardTransursoaia is one of the Romanian high-altitude roads
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Transursoaia (aka DN1R) in Romania! This beauty straddles Cluj and Alba counties and carves right through the Apuseni Natural Park in northern Romania. Picture this: mostly paved roads winding through stunning mountain scenery (though you might hit a gravel patch or two). Seriously, daytime drives are a MUST for those epic views. This isn't a Sunday cruise, though. Get ready for some steep climbs and no less than 15 hairpin turns! Plus, a few sections get a little *squeezy*, so keep your eyes peeled. The Transursoaia clocks in at around 80 km (50 miles), stretching from Albac in the south all the way up to Huedin in the north. And hold on to your hats, because you'll be climbing to a whopping 1,324 meters (4,343 feet) at the Ursoaia Pass! Just a heads-up: Mother Nature usually shuts this one down between November and April, so plan your trip accordingly!
extremeThe Golden Circle with a Twist
🇮🇸 Iceland
Alright, picture this: Iceland's Kjolur Highland Route! It's this gnarly, ancient track snaking between two massive glaciers, Hofsjokull and Langjokull. We're talking off-the-beaten-path stuff, people! Forget the tour buses, this is you and Iceland, raw and real. The landscape? Think lunar. Vast lava fields stretch out forever, broken up by steaming hot springs – like Hveravellir, this crazy oasis with a geothermal pool right in the middle of nowhere. It's not a super long drive but don't let that fool you. This route is isolated, so you'll need a solid 4x4 and some serious adventure vibes. You'll feel like you're at the edge of the world, but the views are next-level. If you're craving solitude and a deep dive into Iceland's wild heart, Kjolur is calling your name.
hardWhere is the road to Lac de Plan d’Aval?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, specifically the Savoie department, ready for a quick but intense climb up to Lac de Plan d’Aval. This isn't just any lake; it's a shimmering reservoir perched way up at 2,041m (that's 6,696ft!). You'll find it snuggled within the stunning Vanoise National Park. The road itself, the D108 (or Route des Barrages), is a blast from the past, built back in the day for a hydroelectric project. Now, it’s your gateway to hiking and pure mountain bliss! Starting from the adorable village of Aussois, it’s a 6.8 km (4.22 miles) shot straight up. Don't let the short distance fool you. You're gaining 558 meters in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient that'll make your calves burn. We're talking about some serious ramps topping out at almost 12%! The pavement is smooth, but those hairpin turns demand your full attention. Your reward? A huge parking lot between two dams overlooking the turquoise waters of Plan d’Aval, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise. It’s an adventurer’s paradise! Just a heads-up, being on the south-facing slopes, this road gets buried in snow during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Good news for all vehicles: it's paved all the way! But pro-tip: those steep downhills mean your brakes might get a little toasty. Cyclists, this is your Everest! The consistent climb makes it a legendary training spot in the Savoie region.
easyWhere’s Col du Galibier?
🇫🇷 France
Wanna tackle a real beast of a climb in the French Alps? Then Col du Galibier needs to be on your list! This legendary pass, clocking in at a whopping 2,645m (8,678 ft), is a must-do for any serious road tripper. You'll find this beauty near Grenoble, straddling the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie departments in southeastern France. Get ready for a 43.3 km (27 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little agony!). The D902 road winds its way from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to the D1091, topping out as one of the highest passes in France. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are simply breathtaking, both on the way up and on the descent. At the summit, you're treated to stunning scenery, with viewpoints offering glimpses of iconic peaks like Meije, Grand Galibier, and even Mont Blanc. Plus, you can grab a bite and a coffee at the top – because you'll definitely deserve it! Now, don't think this is going to be a leisurely Sunday drive. The road is part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, and it throws some serious challenges your way. Expect hairpin turns, steep inclines reaching a maximum gradient of 13.1%, and the added fun of altitude sickness kicking in above 2000m. This climb demands respect. Keep in mind, this high-altitude pass is usually only open from June 1st to October 31st, depending on the snow. So, plan your trip accordingly! Fun fact: The road was originally built in 1876 for military purposes, but it gained fame as a key stage in the Tour de France. It's a place steeped in cycling history!