A brutally steep road to Cumbre del Sol in Alicante

A brutally steep road to Cumbre del Sol in Alicante

Spain, europe

Length

4.1 km

Elevation

413 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Cumbre del Sol: A Thrilling Climb in Costa Blanca

Tucked away in the heart of Spain's Costa Blanca, Cumbre del Sol (also called Puig de la Llorença) is a 413-meter peak that'll test your driving skills and reward you with absolutely stunning views. Located in the charming municipality of Benitachell in northern Alicante province, this isn't your typical leisurely mountain drive.

The 4.1km ascent packs a serious punch with an average gradient of 8.8%, but here's the thing—it's way steeper than that suggests. You'll encounter multiple sections hitting 15% or higher, with a brutal 19% section that'll make your palms sweat halfway through. The last kilometer doesn't let up either, throwing 10% grades at you as you approach the summit. This climb's so intense it's been featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race.

The good news? The entire road is perfectly paved and well-maintained, so you can focus on the drive itself rather than dodging potholes. Traffic is surprisingly light, which means you'll have a peaceful (if challenging) ride up. At the top, you'll spot communication towers, but more importantly, you'll get phenomenal panoramic views that make every difficult hairpin turn absolutely worth it. This is the kind of climb that stays with you long after you've descended.

Where is it?

A brutally steep road to Cumbre del Sol in Alicante is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.2432, -3.5047

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
4.1 km
Max Elevation
413 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
40.2432, -3.5047

Related Roads in europe

Strada Ascea-Marina di Campagnahard

Strada Ascea-Marina di Campagna

🇮🇹 Italy

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Ascea-Marina di Campagna road in Campania, Italy! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on sensory experience with the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkling beside you. Clocking in at just 7.4 km, this stretch of the Strada Regionale 447 packs a punch, connecting Ascea with Marina di Campagna. Picture yourself carving through dozens of hairpin turns – this road is a real rollercoaster! Now, let's be real, this road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously steep sections (up to 12%!), twists, turns, and narrows that will keep you on your toes. There are points where two cars definitely can't squeeze by at the same time, so be prepared to yield. But hey, the unbelievable views of the Tyrrhenian Sea make it all worthwhile!

Is Rue de Tintange Paved?moderate

Is Rue de Tintange Paved?

🌍 Belgium

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Wallonia region of southern Belgium, right along the Luxembourg border. You're on Rue de Tintange, a super scenic little ribbon of road that hugs the Sauer (or Sûre) river. The whole thing is paved, so no worries there, but be warned: it gets *narrow* in spots. Like, "hold your breath and hope no one's coming the other way" narrow. Also, keep an eye out for potential rock slides – nature's little way of keeping you on your toes! This sweet drive is only about 4.6 km (2.85 miles) long, connecting the villages of Tintange (near Fauvillers) and Grumelange (near Martelange) in a north-south run. Trust me, the mountain views are worth it.

What are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway?moderate

What are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway?

🇳🇴 Norway

# Norway's 18 National Tourist Routes: A Road Tripper's Guide Norway's got 18 seriously stunning scenic drives that'll make your jaw drop. These aren't just any roads—they're carefully curated National Tourist Routes that showcase the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're into dramatic fjords, wild mountains, or windswept coastal vibes, there's a route calling your name. Ten of them are tucked away in Western Norway, perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Grab a car or hop on a bike and prepare for miles of unspoiled countryside, jaw-dropping views, and some seriously inspiring modern architecture along the way. **Up North: The Arctic Adventures** Head to the far north and you'll find some of Norway's most remote and magical corners. The Varanger National Tourist Route is a 160-km adventure between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg in Finnmark, where you'll catch the midnight sun, spot incredible bird life, and soak in some serious Arctic atmosphere. Just 85 km long, the Havøysund route hugs the ocean's edge through barren, wild terrain, offering that otherworldly Arctic light you've dreamed about. **Island Hopping in the North** Senja's rugged outer coast stretches 90 km (plus 12 km of optional detours) from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn, where dramatic peaks meet the Norwegian Sea. The Andøya route is a breezy 58-km coastal drive famous for its endless white beaches and open ocean views. The legendary Lofoten Islands deserve their reputation—this 230-km epic between Raftsundet and Å takes you across the Arctic Circle through some of Norway's most iconic scenery. Meanwhile, the Helgeland Coast stretches a massive 433 km, featuring everything from the stunning Svartisen Glacier to the scenic Vega Islands. **The Famous Ones Everyone Talks About** The Atlantic Road? It's so good The Guardian ranked it among the world's best road trips. Just 8 km long, but absolutely packed with sharp turns and wild coastal drama between Kristiansund and Molde. The Geiranger-Trollstigen route is a 104-km masterpiece that combines the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord with the famous Trollstigen Mountain Road—two of Norway's most visited (and worthy) attractions. **Mountain Passes & Hidden Gems** Want to skip the tourist crush? The Rondane route (75 km) offers a peaceful alternative through pristine countryside. For something more dramatic, the Old Strynefjellsveien is a historic 27-km stretch completed way back in 1894 that's still a engineering marvel. The Sognefjellet Mountain Road climbs to Northern Europe's highest mountain pass, while the Aurlandsfjellet route takes you across a barren, haunting 49-km plateau of snow and rock. The Valdresflye stretch (49 km) rewards you with endless vistas of rolling hills and dramatic peaks. **Fjord-Side Drives** The Gaularfjellet route (114 km) winds past countless waterfalls alongside the mighty Sognefjord. The Hardangervidda route (67 km) cuts through the continent's largest mountain plateau, while the Hardanger National Tourist Route hugs the stunning Hardangerfjord for 158 km east of Bergen. **Coastal Vibes** Ryfylke completely switches things up—lush green skerries suddenly give way to mountains and fjords across 260 km. And if you want pure beach vibes, Jæren delivers with 41 km of endless sandy beaches, wild dunes, and open skies between Ogna and Bore.

Bolu Mountain Pass (D655)easy

Bolu Mountain Pass (D655)

🇹🇷 Turkey

# The Bolu Mountain Pass: Turkey's Best-Kept Scenic Drive If you're heading between Ankara and Istanbul, skip the tunnel under the Bolu Mountains and take the old D655 road instead—seriously. You'll climb through some seriously lush landscape to around 1,500 meters, winding through dense forests of black pine, fir, and beech that feel more Alpine than Turkish. This region is genuinely one of Turkey's greenest spots, with a climate that'll remind you way more of Central Europe than the dusty Anatolian plains you might be picturing. The road curves right through Abant Nature Park and the Bolu Mountain forests in a way that makes every kilometer feel special. The real star, though? The Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) National Park. Seven small lakes nestle in a forested valley—they're actually landslide-formed, which is pretty cool geologically—and when autumn rolls around, the show is unreal. We're talking New England-level color displays here: reds, oranges, and golds mixed throughout the coniferous and deciduous forest. It's genuinely stunning. Oh, and fair warning for food lovers: Bolu has a serious culinary reputation throughout Turkey. The whole region is famous for its cuisine, and there's even a culinary school here. So don't expect to drive through hungry—you'll want to stop and eat.