Where is Kronplatz-Plan de Corones?
Italy, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, so Kronplatz-Plan de Corones is this crazy-high mountain pass in the stunning Italian Alps of South Tyrol. You'll find it nestled right in the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
The road up? Well, it's paved but in two distinct acts. First, you're cruising up from Furkelpass - Passo Furcia. It starts off easy, lulling you into a false sense of security before throwing some serious steepness your way towards the end of the asphalt.
Then comes the real challenge. Picture tons of hairpin bends, each one seemingly steeper than the last. We're talking max gradients of 21-24%! This climb has even tested the legs of pros in the Giro d'Italia bicycle race. If you're tackling it from St. Vigil in Enneberg, it's about long with serious elevation gain.
Related Roads in europe
moderateLa Cuevona is one of the few caves you can drive through by car
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Cuevona: Drive Through a Cave in Spain Ever wanted to drive through an actual cave? Welcome to La Cuevona in Asturias, Spain – one of the world's most mind-blowing road experiences. This isn't some tourist attraction; it's the genuine way to reach the nearby village, making it a legitimate part of the region's infrastructure. Located in Cuevas del Agua municipality in northern Asturias, this 300-meter (984ft) natural cavern has been converted into a drivable route via the RS-3 Road. What makes it even cooler? The Sella River flows right alongside the road as you pass through – yes, you're literally driving next to a river inside a mountain. (Fun fact: the river is so iconic that the nearby town of Ribadesella is actually named after it!) **What to Expect** The paved road is narrow and winding, so timing matters – avoid rush hours if you can. Fair warning: it's a dead-end route, so you'll need to turn around and head back out. Orange road lights illuminate your path, though the lighting gives the whole experience an almost otherworldly vibe. There's a small parking area on the southern side with space for about six cars, which tells you something about how intimate this experience really is. **Pro Tips** Here's the thing – you *can* drive through in a few minutes, but you'll miss everything. The cave features incredible natural artwork: towering stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that took millennia to create. Do yourself a favor and park it, then explore on foot. No sidewalks exist along the road, so if you're walking, wear bright fluorescent jackets to stay visible to any vehicles. It's a small precaution for an unforgettable adventure.
extremeWhere is Punta d’Icún?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, Huesca province, Aragon. You’re aiming for Punta d’Icún, also known as Cerro de las Canales — a peak that hits over 2,000 meters above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive. This hidden gem starts near the sleepy village of Escarrilla. From the top, you get a full-on 360-degree view of granite peaks and deep valleys stretching toward France. It's a total escape. Now, the road... it’s unpaved, baby! Think loose gravel, chunky limestone, and natural earth tracks. High clearance is a must. But the real kicker? The wind. Seriously, it's almost always howling up there, especially near the top. And with zero safety barriers, things can get dicey fast! The entire climb is just 9 km (5.6 miles). Sounds easy, right? Wrong! You're battling an insane 868-meter elevation gain over that distance. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! It's one of the steepest climbs around and it is relentless. Oh, and heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. Even in summer, mountain storms can roll in quick, turning those dirt sections into a muddy mess. So, check the weather and make sure your rig is ready for some serious off-road action. You're gonna need it!
moderateWhat’s the history of Old Tragjas?
🇦🇱 Albania
Old Tragjas, Albania is an eerie, ruined village with a powerful story. This town was abandoned after being bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies, so tread carefully among the ruins. Old Tragjas played a key role in Albanian history as the site of a battle where Albanian resistance fighters took down Italian troops. The village was bombed in 1943 due to its anti-fascist ties and has been deserted ever since. You'll find these ruins nestled on hills overlooking the Bay of Vlora, about 25 km from the city of Vlora. It was named a cultural monument in 1980 for its architecture – a classic representation of the region's cultural roots. Historians believe that Gjergj Arianiti, Donika Kastrioti’s father, founded the settlement around the turn of the 15th century. The mountain village has a fantastic location for both beauty and strategic reasons. Beautiful buildings with complex designs once stood here, blending into the landscape. However, three fires and WWII bombing runs left the village in ruins. Even after six decades, the village still holds secrets, with a long street and former homes. It’s a fascinating spot for history and architecture buffs. Artifacts found here hint at a long history dating back to ancient times. Now, about that road! Located in the south-western part of the country, the road to Old Tragjas is completely unpaved and treacherous, with lots of narrow sections. A 4x4 is usually best, but motorhomes should stay away. But the drive is visually rewarding! Starting from the new Tragjas village, the road is roughly 5.1 km (3.16 miles) long, climbing 263 meters with a 5.15% average grade. The road climbs to Qafa e Asters, named for the tombs scattered about. The pass offers views of ancient Orikum and the coast. Be careful and have a great trip!
hardAn Unforgettable Steep Drive to Alto de Sao Macario in Portugal
🇵🇹 Portugal
Alto de São Macário is a mountain peak sitting pretty at 1,052 meters (3,451 feet) above sea level in the Viseu district, nestled in Portugal's Central Inland region. This gem is perched in the Maciço da Gralheira mountain range, and the road up? Totally paved—but don't let that fool you. It's narrow and seriously steep. The local road CM1123 is what'll get you there, and trust us, it means business. Starting from Sul, you're looking at a 9.3 km (5.77 miles) grind that'll test your brakes and your nerves. You'll gain 812 meters of elevation along the way, with an average gradient of 8.73%. But here's where it gets spicy: some sections hit a brutal 14% gradient, so you'll definitely know you're working for this one. When you finally roll into the summit, you'll be rewarded with the Santuario de São Macário (a beautiful monastery) and some communication towers. But honestly? The real payoff is the view. On a clear day, it's absolutely stunning—the kind of panorama that makes all those hairpin turns worth it.