Cerro Jabalcon, a very tough and popular climb
Spain, europe
4,000 km
1,472 m
extreme
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Ever heard of Cerro Jabalcon? It's this epic peak chilling in Granada, Andalusia, Southern Spain, clocking in at 1,472m (4,829ft).
Tucked away in the semi-arid landscapes of La Hoya de Baza, getting to the top is quite the ride. Mostly paved, but heads up, the last 900 meters turns into a gravel track that can get seriously slippery. Trust me, you'll want to take it slow.
At the summit, you'll find the sweet Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza chapel, plus some comms towers. But the real prize? A jaw-dropping 360º view stretching over 4000 km2! Just a heads up, though: this place has extreme weather, think freezing winters and scorching summers.
Starting in the town of Zújar, the climb is a solid 11.5 km (7.14 miles) with an elevation gain of 681 meters. We're talking an average gradient of 5.92%, but hold on tight, because some ramps hit a wild 21%! It’s a tough one, loved by the locals for a reason.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4,000 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,472 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Cerro de Maria Antonia?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Cerro de Maria Antonia! This beast of a peak sits high up in Spain's Almeria Province, Andalusia, clocking in at a cool 1,924m (6,312ft) above sea level. You'll find this beauty in the southeastern, seriously arid part of Spain. Getting to the top is a short but intense 1.6 km (about a mile) off-road adventure, so 4x4 is a MUST. Starting from , you'll be climbing 137 meters with an average gradient of 8.56%. Prepare for a workout! Keep in mind, this is the Sierra de Los Filabres, so winter means snow and crazy winds. Summer? Scorching heat. Plan your trip accordingly! Now, is it worth it? The summit is crowned with antennas and a communication tower, which may not be the most picturesque, BUT the panoramic views of the desert-like landscape are absolutely stunning. Trust me, the bragging rights alone make it worthwhile!
extremeWhere is Porlock Hill?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is about to test your mettle! This legendary stretch of tarmac, just west of the charming village of Porlock, isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking the steepest A road in England, folks! Clocking in at around 2 miles, it throws you straight into the Exmoor hills, climbing a hefty 1,300 feet. Expect narrow sections and two seriously tight 180-degree hairpin bends that'll make your palms sweat. Porlock Hill's claim to fame? A gut-busting 25% gradient! The final stretch is a killer, averaging 8% but with bursts over 25%. You might even catch a whiff of burning brakes from folks who've just conquered the descent. Speaking of which, there are two escape lanes for runaway vehicles—yikes! Opened way back in 1843, this road is not for the faint of heart (or those towing caravans!). Seriously, caravans and HGVs should find another way. Cyclists? You might want to walk this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some breathtaking views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience. Just remember, there's a toll road alternative if you need a breather.
hardA military road to Colle Bandia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Bandia Tucked away in Italy's northwestern corner, Colle Bandia sits at 2,429m (7,969ft) in the Province of Cuneo, perched right on the border between the Stura Valley and Maira Valley. This is seriously high-altitude terrain in the Cottian Alps of Piedmont, and you're practically touching the French border from up here. The 3.8km (2.36-mile) route runs west to east, connecting Colle Margherina to Colle di Valcavera, and it's mostly unpaved—think rough mountain cart track rather than polished highway. The good news? It's totally doable in a regular passenger car when the weather cooperates. The bad news? It's narrow. Like, *really* narrow. Meeting another vehicle head-on isn't just inconvenient; it's a genuine puzzle you'll want to avoid. The slope is pretty gentle for a mountain pass, which helps, but this is definitely a road that demands respect and patience. What makes it worthwhile are the incredible views and the fascinating military history scattered along the route. You'll spot abandoned military barracks dotting the landscape, including the Caserme della Bandia near the summit—remnants of Italy's defensive past that add real character to the drive. Skip this one if you're nervous about tight spaces, but if you're up for an adventure with a side of Alpine history and panoramic mountain vistas, Colle Bandia delivers the goods.
extremeDriving the challenging D211A through Combe de la Fayolle
🇫🇷 France
# Combe de la Fayolle: France's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Ready to test your nerves? The D211A, better known as the Auris Balcony Road or Route de la Roche, is one of France's most heart-pounding drives. Located in the Isère department of southeastern France (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region), this isn't a road for the faint of heart or anyone prone to vertigo. This 7.6km (4.72 miles) ribbon of asphalt is literally carved into the mountainside, hugging the cliff edge above the stunning Romanche valley. You'll be treated to absolutely breathtaking views of Bourg d'Oisans far below—just try not to look down too much while driving. The narrow paved road connects Auris and Le Bourg-d'Oisans, and every curve offers another jaw-dropping perspective. Here's where it gets real: the road features three narrow, unlit tunnels where only one vehicle can squeeze through at a time. Always honk before entering—you never know who's coming from the other direction. Speaking of which, expect to meet traffic constantly. Locals use this route daily, and you'll share the road with cars, trucks, and even cyclists (sometimes kids on bikes, believe it or not). A pro tip: if you start from Le Bourg-d'Oisans, at least the oncoming traffic has to deal with the drop-off—not you. Also, leave those oversized panniers behind; the tight sections won't forgive any extra width. Watch out for rockslides and pack your courage. This balcony road isn't for everyone, but for those brave enough? It's unforgettable.