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
hardBraña de Murias Chongas: A technical 4WD track in Somiedo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Braña de Murias Chongas: A Serious 4x4 Adventure in Asturias Want to test your off-road skills? The Braña de Murias Chongas pass in northern Spain's stunning Somiedo Natural Park might be exactly what you're looking for. Sitting pretty at 1,650m (5,413ft), this high-altitude track is definitely not your average Sunday drive. Starting from Valle de Lago village, you'll tackle 6.2 km of pure mountain challenge with 410 meters of elevation gain. Sounds manageable until you actually hit the Camino PR AS-15.1—a gnarly mix of loose gravel, rocks, and seriously rutted terrain that demands a proper 4x4 with serious ground clearance. Those deep ruts and water-carved channels aren't just for show; they'll mess up your undercarriage if you're not careful about every single line choice. The landscape is genuinely dramatic, with steep limestone peaks and complex mountain terrain defining the Castile and León border region. But that beauty comes with real challenges. Heavy mountain runoff has carved nasty channels into the path, bedrock is constantly exposed, and traction gets sketchy on steeper sections, especially when things are damp. Add in the exposed drop-offs and zero passing space, and you've got a route that demands respect. Here's the deal: weather here is absolutely wild. Fog can roll in and kill your visibility to just a few meters, and conditions change on a dime. Winter? Forget it—snow and ice make this pass a no-go zone for standard vehicles, and officials close it during severe weather. Only attempt this between the dry months. Even into late spring, snow patches hang around at this altitude. And remember: this is a protected natural park, so stay on the official track. Off-roading outside the designated route gets you hefty fines. Always check local conditions before you go.
moderateA brutally steep (23%) road to Turracher Hohe pass in Austria
🇦🇹 Austria
# Turracher Höhe: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Want to experience one of the Alps' most intense driving challenges? Head to the Turracher Höhe, a jaw-dropping mountain pass sitting at 1,802 meters (5,912 feet) right on the border between Carinthia and Styria in southern Austria. This 34.5 km (21.43 miles) route—officially called the Turracher Road (B95)—runs north-south from Patergassen to Predlitz, and it's completely paved. Don't let that fool you though: you'll encounter sections with a punishing 23% gradient that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. In its heyday, this road was actually Europe's steepest Alpine pass, boasting gradients up to 34% around the 60-kilometer mark. It was so intense that Porsche used it as a testing ground for their high-performance vehicles. The scenery is absolutely stunning, nestled high in the Nock mountains within the western Gurktal Alps. Most drivers will complete the route in 35-45 minutes without stopping, though you'll probably want to pause and soak in the views. Good news for year-round adventurers: the pass stays open nearly 365 days a year. Winter weather might occasionally cause brief closures, but the road is generally well-maintained and cleared throughout the snowy season, so you can tackle this beast in almost any season. Just respect the mountain, respect the gradient, and you're in for an unforgettable Alpine experience.
moderatePeaks of the Balkan Trail — Riding Europe’s Last Remaining Wilderness
🇦🇱 Albania
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Peaks of the Balkans trail! This 192-km route winds through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, offering insane views of the Accursed Mountains (also known as the Prokletije or Albanian Alps). Think remote landscapes, jagged peaks, thick forests, and shimmering glacial lakes. You'll trek across the Accursed Mountains, the natural border between the three countries. The trail climbs to over 2,500 meters, rewarding you with mind-blowing panoramic views, lush alpine meadows, sparkling lakes, and charming, traditional villages. You’ll be hiking through some of the last untouched forests in Europe, and you're close to Lake Shkoder, the Balkans' largest lake. Heads up: because you're crossing borders, you'll need permits! Usually you can snag these online for Kosovo and Albania, but Montenegro might require a visit to a local police station. Most adventurers start in northern Albania, with Theth and Valbona being popular launchpads. Keep in mind that the mountain roads around here are twisty and can be slow-going. Always check road conditions and transport options, especially outside peak season. Forget hotels along the actual trail – you’ll be deep in remote villages and paths. But don’t worry, cozy guesthouses are available in Theth, Valbona, and other key spots. These are typically family-run homes offering basic comfort and delicious, traditional meals. Since accommodations are limited and fill up fast during peak season, booking ahead is a must. The best time to hike is from June to September. You can still squeeze in a trip in October or early November, but be prepared for colder temps. Outside of this window, the weather's usually not your friend, with either snow or heavy rain making things difficult. The Peaks of the Balkans is a chance to explore one of Europe’s most remote, mountainous areas, hopping between three countries and soaking in diverse landscapes, authentic villages, and incredible alpine scenery. It's perfect for experienced hikers, cyclists, or even treks with pack animals, but plan carefully given the remote location and border requirements!
easyIs the road along Veľká Domaša Reservoir paved?
🌍 Slovakia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the western edge of the Veľká Domaša reservoir, this stunning blue gem nestled in the Ondavská Highlands of eastern Slovakia. Seriously, this place is gorgeous! The road itself is smooth asphalt, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. It's a short but sweet 7.7-kilometer (4.78-mile) stretch, winding from Lomné in the north down to Valkov in the south. As you drive, you're treated to amazing views of the "green pearl of Eastern Slovakia" - that's what they call the reservoir! Think rolling hills, sparkling water, and inviting summer resorts dotted along the shoreline. It's the perfect escape, especially since it's known as one of Slovakia's warmest reservoirs. Definitely worth a detour if you're in the area!