Alto Mirador de Veixia
Spain, europe
11.2 km
600 m
hard
Year-round
# Alto Mirador de Veixia
Nestled in the rugged hills of A Coruña, Galicia, this mountain pass sits at a cool 600m elevation and serves up some seriously dramatic views of northwestern Spain. The fully paved route—known locally as the A-1702—might look deceptively short on paper at 11.2km with a 4.8% average gradient, but don't let that fool you.
Here's the real deal: the road splits into two distinctly brutal sections. The first 6.7km climbs at a punishing 6%, which will definitely get your heart pumping. Just when you think you've got it beat, there's a brief breather before the final 4km kicks in at a mean 7% average. Yeah, it's narrow and steep—the kind of road that demands respect from anyone behind the wheel.
But trust us, the effort is worth every meter. At the summit sits the absolutely stunning Mirador Vixía da Herbeira, a natural lookout perched dramatically on the cliffs of Costa Artabra. The views? Spectacular. Just pack a windbreaker—the summit can get seriously blustery, and you'll want to actually enjoy that panorama without getting knocked over.
This gem has even caught the attention of the Spanish Vuelta race organizers, which should tell you something about its credentials. If you're hunting for an authentic, challenging, and visually rewarding mountain drive in Galicia, this is it.
Where is it?
Alto Mirador de Veixia is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.4845, -3.6930
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 600 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.4845, -3.6930
Related Roads in europe
moderateLlano de los Infantes
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Llano de los Infantes! Picture this: you're in Tenerife, Canary Islands, and you're itching for some serious altitude. This plateau sits way up high at 2,315m (7,595ft) – that's some of the highest driving you can do in Spain! Tucked inside the stunning Teide National Park, this isn't your typical paved road. It's an off-road adventure! Now, here's the deal: private cars are a no-go (barrier and all), but the road itself is generally in decent shape. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Word of warning: the weather here is a total wildcard and can get wild FAST. Plus, hold onto your hats – the wind is practically a permanent resident. But trust me, it's worth it! The views of El Teide and Guajara are absolutely epic. Get ready for a truly unforgettable ride!
moderateThe steep Honister Pass in Cumbria is a must for road lovers
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Honister Pass in the Lake District is calling your name! This isn't just any drive; it's a 3.7-mile rollercoaster (B5289, if you're mapping it) that climbs to a dizzying 1,194 feet. Starting near Seatoller or heading from Gatesgarth near Buttermere lake, you're in for a treat... and a challenge! We're talking seriously steep gradients – nearly 20% in places. Translation? Low gear is your best friend. And speaking of friends, leave your wide vehicles at home; there's a 6ft 6ins width restriction. The climb itself is around 1.86 miles long from either side, gaining you roughly 240 meters in elevation. Give yourself 15-20 minutes to soak it all in. Honister Pass is famed as one of the best driving roads in Britain. Expect breathtaking views of the surrounding fells, waterfalls, and photo ops galore. Up top, you'll find a historic slate works. Be warned, the summit can be wet, windy, and often snowy in winter, so dress accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable journey.
moderateWhere is Lago di Malciaussia?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy, itching for some serious Alpine vibes. Punch "Lago di Malciaussia" into your GPS. This high-mountain lake sits pretty at almost 6,000 feet! You'll wind your way up Strada Provinciale 32 (SP32), a roughly 6-kilometer (3.6-mile) stretch of road from the town of Usseglio. Be warned, some sections can be pretty steep, but it's mostly paved until the very end. Those last few meters? Unpaved – consider it your official "you've arrived" signal! The road dead-ends right at the lake, originally named after the submerged locality of Malciaussia. Think of it as base camp for adventure! It's the perfect launchpad for hitting the trails, with Rocciamelone (a hefty 3,538 meters!) looming nearby. So, pack your hiking boots, camera, and sense of adventure – Lago di Malciaussia is calling!
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Rifugio La Baita
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio La Baita-Val di Rezzalo Perched at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet) in Sondrio province in northern Italy, this mountain refuge sits within the stunning Stelvio National Park. Getting here is definitely an adventure—and honestly, you'll need a 4x4 to make it happen, as the road is closed to regular vehicles. Starting from Frontale along Strada Statale 38, you've got a solid 10.2 km (6.33 miles) of climbing ahead of you. The paved section gets you partway there, but once you roll past Fumero, things get seriously rough and unpaved. Fair warning: there are basically no guardrails, and what little protection exists is more symbolic than practical. The average gradient sits at a punishing 8.91%, with 909 meters of elevation gain—so yeah, it's steep. But here's why you'd make the journey: the views from the hut are absolutely incredible, sweeping across the entire valley below. In summer, it's the perfect basecamp for hiking adventures like Corno di Boero-Savoretta and the Sobretta Glaciers. Come winter, if you're equipped with snowshoes or off-track skis, you can tackle even more peaks like Pollore and the Savoretta Glacier. This road demands respect and proper equipment, but if you're up for the challenge, the rewards are genuinely spectacular.