
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
hardWhere is Garganta del Cares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Picos de Europa National Park, León, Spain, ready to tackle the legendary Garganta del Cares – they don't call it the "Divine Throat" for nothing! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, hugging the Cares river gorge, is paved, but hold on – it's *seriously* narrow. We're talking white-knuckle, one-wheel-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff narrow. Reversing skills? Essential. Passengers prone to motion sickness? Maybe pack some ginger ale. The most intense stretch clocks in at just under 4 miles, snaking from Cordiñanes de Valdeón to Caín de Valdeón. Carved right into the mountainside, the views are absolutely unreal. When's the sweet spot to go? Spring or autumn. The weather's perfect, and you'll dodge the summer crowds (July and August are *packed*). Winter? Beautiful, but be super careful of snow and ice. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
A narrow road to the wild Picon Blanco in the Cantabrian Mountains
🇪🇸 Spain
# Picón Blanco: Spain's Steep Alpine Challenge Want to tackle one of Spain's most brutal climbs? Picón Blanco rises to 1,512m (4,960ft) in the Burgos province of Castile and León, nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains near the Cantabria border. The name says it all—"White Peak"—thanks to the snow that blankets it every winter. The main paved road ascending from Espinosa de los Monteros stretches 8 km with a brutal 740-meter elevation gain. Sounds manageable? Think again. You're looking at an average gradient of 9.25%, but buckle up for some sections that hit a punishing 20.6%. The road's in rough shape too, battered by harsh mountain weather, so expect a genuinely challenging ride. At the top, you'll find the skeleton of an old military communications base from the 1970s, abandoned since 1999. It's a quirky piece of Spanish military history waiting at the summit. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a narrow, unpaved 4.8 km track heading west toward Puerto de la Sía pass—but seriously, only take this one in a robust 4x4, and definitely not in winter when it becomes impassable. This climb's earned serious respect in the cycling world, regularly featuring as a brutal final stage in the Vuelta a Burgos and Spain's famous Vuelta races. Whether you're driving or cycling, Picón Blanco demands respect.
moderateWhere is Harthope Moss?
🇬🇧 England
Craving a high-altitude adventure in England? Then point your wheels toward Harthope Moss, a wild mountain pass that climbs to a whopping 2,060 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled in County Durham, dividing the dales of Weardale and Teesdale. Get ready for a steep, paved climb – this 4.8-mile stretch of road isn't for the faint of heart. Heading up from St. John's Chapel? Brace yourself for an average gradient of 8.3%, with some sections hitting a thigh-burning 16%! Coming from Langdon Beck? It's a slightly gentler climb, averaging 5.3% but still throwing some 11% punches your way. But trust me, the effort is worth it! The views across the Pennines are absolutely breathtaking. Just be warned: the landscape is rugged, the winds can howl, and you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Harthope Moss delivers a raw, unforgettable driving experience.
hardWhere is Monte Paularo?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so you're up for an adventure in the Italian Alps? Let's talk about Monte Paularo, a peak in the Udine province near the border. This one's got it all: stunning scenery, glacial lakes chilling near the summit, and a road that'll test your driving skills! The climb starts north of Tolmezzo in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and clocks in at around 12 km. But hold on, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, winding its way up with an average gradient of 8.7%. The road, also known as Strada Provinciale 24 (SP24), gets pretty narrow in places. You'll definitely need your wits about you if you meet another car, especially since some turns require three-point maneuvers. And let's just say you do NOT want to lose your concentration on some of those narrow stretches. Basically, if you're new to off-roading or mountain driving, maybe skip this one until you've got some experience under your belt. But if you're looking for a challenge with unbelievable views, Monte Paularo is calling your name!