One of the most dangerous roads not only in Greece but also in the world
Almost every year there are international media and travel guides highlighting the world’s most dangerous roads – some of which even count hundreds of victims unfortunately. Between them figure streets in steep slopes, without none marking and guards, lights or space for two cars to pass at the same time.
A typical example is the world’s most isolated road located, literally, in… nowherethe Dalton Highway, one of the loneliest and most dangerous roads in the world, but also called as “road of death” in Boliviain which according to various estimates between 200 to 300 people lose their lives them annually on the particular street.
And if all of this seems too distant and uninteresting to you, you must learn that it also exists in Hellas a corresponding road, extreme dangerous and for good… nerveswhich is included in list of the world’s most dangerous roads. In fact, the phrase “slow and steady” has never been applied more.
One of the most dangerous roads not only in Greece but also in the world
If you are a lover of driving and adrenaline, surely at some point you will have attempted driving on rough and relatively inaccessible and quite dangerous roads. However, the experience one experiences on the road leading from the Patiopoulos in the Partridgein Aetoloacarnaniait could be labeled exclusively for the daring.
The slow approach gives time to enjoy it wonderful surrounding scenery the region -which, however, stands in stark contrast to danger of crossing the road. Beautiful greenery, stunning horizons and farmers with their goats and sheep make for a fascinating drive. And definitely a unique experience that is in no way intended for the faint of heart! Apparently, daredevils often attempt to cross the road at night, which is even crazier when you consider that conditions are completely dark.
The route from Patiopoulos to Perdikaki, therefore, is one mountain road with a total length of about 30 km. It is located in the northeastern part of Etoloakarnania and is known to drivers as one of the most dangerous roads in the world.
In fact, it is not a fun route at all, as those – brave – who have crossed speak of an extremely dangerous road with many dangerous turnswith falls which appears to be hundreds, if not thousands, of meters sideways. Which means experienced drivers should be the only ones attempting this route.
How long is the road from Patiopoulos to Perdikaki?
Tucked away in northwestern Greece, the road is mostly unpaved -8.8 kilometers are paved and 20 kilometers are unpaved. Full of twists and turns, the road is also incredibly narrow and has steep cliff at its edges without guardrails to protect vehicles from possible tipping over.
The road has a total length of 28.80 kilometers and is frequently used by farmers and shepherds all year. However, this challenging route is bypassed by a paved road between the two villages.
The danger and degree of difficulty to cross it
The road that connects Patiopoulos with Perdikaki is known for them numerous risks that it entails for intrepid drivers who will attempt to cross it – whether it is a steep climb or a descent with minimal traction. So, anyone who is not ready to experience such a challenge, then perhaps it is better to cross the route on foot, to experience at least a little bit of what it is like to… live dangerously. The road is very narrow with severe drops on either side of the sloping path and no strong barriers to stop weary travelers.
The road has a Altitude gain of about 400 metershas not no road markings, it has no guardrails along very steep drop-offs and very small adhesion because of its loose gravel. This area is also prone to intense fogwhich makes the conditions even more dangerous.
If you want to, however, really go about your life with no apparent reason to drive at night, there aren’t any no lights at all to guide you, with visibility greatly reduced and the only lights accompanying you are those of your car. In addition, according to Dangerous Roadsoften there are no strikeoutswhich means that many overnight travelers can go off the road and find themselves directly on the cliff.
In short, the driver’s attention and reflexes must be alert, as we are talking about one helical and hard to predict road, who drives with… ease on the mountainside in case the drivers are not dedicated to driving. One could say, in other words, that it is an adrenaline junkie’s dream.
How steep is the road from Patiopoulos to Perdikaki
The road starts from Perdikaki, one village in altitude 700 meters above sea level, and ascends towards Patiopoulos, rising to altitude 1,160 meters. During this distance of the specific sections to mark maximum incline up to 21.8%.
The experts agree that you should not attempt driving on this road and certainly, as you can see, they have their reasons. One wrong turn and the rest is history.