25 Hairpin Turns on the Road from Charakopi to Kedros
The road from Charakopi to Kedros, located in the Ioannina regional unit in Epirus, Greece, is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. This very exciting drive runs west–east from Charakopi to Kedros.
Where is this road located?
The drive is set high in the Athamanika mountains, within the National Park of Tzoumerka, Peristeri and Arachthos Gorge. It is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation.
What is the road like?
The road is 9.6 km (5.96 miles) long and features more than 25 hairpin turns along the way. The surface is asphalted, but with some narrow sections. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. The road can be closed anytime due to landslides.
What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging section begins beyond the Arachthos Potamos river, at 369m above sea level. Starting from here, the ascent is 6.6km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 487m, with an average gradient of 7.37%. The overall drive is pretty steep, with sections up to 10%.
When should this road be avoided?
The route requires driving experience and skills, and it should be avoided at night and in bad weather conditions due to the lack of visibility. In combination with the increased slope, small drops, and closed hairpins, the route can become prohibitive. Do not forget that in the past, some people have lost their lives on these bends.