This road has some truly stunning views – but if you’re behind the wheel, it’s safer not to look at them.
This terrifying road is one of the most dangerous in Europe(Image: Getty)
Road trips can be a fabulous way to see the world – but hidden in a back corner of Europe is a road trip unlike any other. This mountain pass is infamous as one of the most dangerous in the world, travelling over the ranges with 70 foot drops, no guard rails and waterfalls crashing over your path.
Known as Europe’s ‘death road ’ the Abano Pass in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia is widely known as the most dangerous road in Europe. It is the only vehicle route connecting the lowlands of the Kakheti region to the isolated mountain region of Tusheti.
It is approximately 70 kilometres long, but due to the extreme conditions it can take an experienced driver anything between four to six hours.
According to dangerousroads.org , between 10 and 12 people die in crashes every year on this isolated stretch of road.
It is a steep, winding road that is only open to 4×4 vehicles due to its rough and unpredictable surface, tight turns and precipitous climbs.
It is only open during the summer months from around May to October (depending on weather conditions).
Frequent rainfall and melting snow can trigger rockfalls or landslides which can wipe the road out entirely, and several waterfalls mean the road is often wet and slippery.
There are several waterfalls which crash across the road, and these can hide deep potholes beneath the water. If the water is heavier than usual, it also runs the risk of sweeping vehicles sideways off the road and down the sheer cliff face with little warning.
The road is also incredibly slim, making it terrifying if you meet another car coming the other way.
While some people may think there is room to pass by squeezing the two cars in close, this would be a mistake.
According to IsleofNomads, the road can quickly give way and send the car on the outside hurtling into the deep ravine below.
Instead, it is safer to very carefully reverse until you find a spot where you can tuck the car in off the road and allow the other vehicle to pass.
For those brave enough to traverse it, the Abano Pass does boast some truly jaw-dropping views – just make sure your driver is focused on the road, not the scenery.