An Iconic Paved Road to El Retamar in the Canary Islands
Spain, europe
21 km
2,100 m
moderate
Year-round
# El Retamar: A Mountain Adventure in Tenerife
Ready for some seriously scenic elevation? El Retamar is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,100m (6,889ft) on Spain's Canary Islands, specifically on the island of Tenerife. You'll find it tucked away in the south-central part of the island, just south of the iconic Teide volcano.
The 21-kilometer (13-mile) drive along TF-21 runs north-south between Paradores Cañadas del Teide and Vilaflor, and trust us—it's not your average Sunday drive. The entire route is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a smooth cruise. You're looking at plenty of hairpin turns, some seriously narrow stretches, and steep sections that max out at 11.9% gradient. Your hands might be white-knuckling the steering wheel, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it for the incredible mountain scenery surrounding you the whole way up.
Where is it?
An Iconic Paved Road to El Retamar in the Canary Islands is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.5228, -3.1049
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,100 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.5228, -3.1049
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wee Mad Road in the Scottish Highlands
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because the Wee Mad Road in the Scottish Highlands is calling your name! Picture this: You're cruising along the Coigach coast in northwestern Scotland, part of the legendary North Coast 500. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 14.8-mile (23.81km) loop of pure Highland magic, snaking from Achiltibuie to Inverkirkaig. Think stunning coastal views, wild landscapes, and a road that keeps you on your toes. We're talking lochs, rivers, mountains, and more hairpin turns than you can shake a stick at! It's a single-lane road, so get ready to test your reversing skills and maybe offer a friendly wave to your fellow adventurers. This road is narrow, twisty, and occasionally a bit steep, but trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. It's a truly unforgettable slice of Scotland.
hardWhere is Défilé du Lancone?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! You absolutely HAVE to experience Défilé du Lancone in Corsica, France. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on sensory overload carved right into the Haute-Corse mountains near Bastia. Picture this: You're snaking along the D62, a historic road dating back to 1873, that was the first route to link the villages of Nebbiu to the Bastia coast. This 8.5 km (5.28 mile) stretch winds its way from Col de Santo Stefano to Casatorra, following the Bevinco river as it separates Massif de la Stella and Monte Pinzali. Prepare for some serious "balcony road" vibes with steep drops and tight turns – this route is famous for its dramatic history and difficult construction. Keep your eyes peeled because there are some suspended rocks that add to the thrill, making it a perfect rally stage location. The scenery is simply unreal, but you’ll need to keep your focus with the narrow, winding road that hugs the cliffside. Seriously, this is one drive you won't forget!
hardCollado de la Quesera
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado de la Quesera Perched at 1,745 meters (5,725 feet) above sea level, Collado de la Quesera is a stunning mountain pass tucked away in Guadalajara province, in the heart of Spain's Castile-La Mancha region. The road up here is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—this is no leisurely cruise. The climb packs some serious punch, with grades hitting up to 12.3% in places. The pass has even earned its stripes as a stage in Spain's legendary Vuelta a España cycling race. Coming up from Riaza? Buckle up for a 14-km push that'll gain you 542 meters of elevation, averaging out to a steady 3.9% grade. If you're approaching from Majaelrayo instead, you're looking at a shorter but steeper 10-km haul with 509 meters of elevation gain—that's a more intense 5.1% average. Either way, you're in for a spectacular drive through the breathtaking Hoces de Bejo landscape. It's the kind of mountain pass that keeps you engaged behind the wheel and gives you seriously rewarding views once you reach the top.
moderateWhere is Lac de Châteaupré?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up to Lac de Châteaupré, a stunning alpine lake sitting pretty at 7,732 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away in the southern part of the country, not too far from Italy, inside the [Municipality], deep within the [Region] and the breathtaking [Mountains]. Trust me, they say it's one of the world's most beautiful lakes, and they're not wrong! The road? Well, it's an unpaved adventure, finally finished in [Year]. Locals know it as a wild ride, and spoiler alert: guardrails are a no-show! So, yeah, it’s a bit exposed, clinging to the side of the mountain. But oh, the views! We're talking glaciers and snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see. The road clocks in at [Length] and ends at a parking lot just north of the lake. From there, it's an easy walk to those incredible lake views you've been dreaming about. Keep in mind, this road is generally open from [Month] to [Month], thanks to those pesky winter conditions.