
Chanajiga
Spain, europe
6.9 km
1,186 m
hard
Year-round
# Chanajiga Pass: Tenerife's Brutal Mountain Challenge
Ready for one of Spain's most punishing climbs? Chanajiga Pass sits high in the northern mountains of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, perched at a whopping 1,186m (3,891ft) above sea level. Fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart.
Starting from Los Realejos, you're looking at a 6.9km grind straight uphill with 963m of elevation gain. The average gradient hangs around 14%, but here's where it gets gnarly—some sections spike up to a brutal 30%. Yeah, you read that right. Your engine will be screaming, your brakes will be working overtime, and your knuckles will probably be white by the top.
The good news? The road is fully paved, so at least you're not wrestling with gravel. The bad news? Those narrow, steep sections demand serious focus and respect. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a full-on test of driving skill and nerve.
If you're into conquering challenging mountain passes and want to experience some genuinely spectacular Canary Islands scenery, Chanajiga delivers both the thrill and the breathtaking views. Just make sure your vehicle is in top shape and you're ready for the fight ahead.
Where is it?
Chanajiga is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.3322, -2.5136
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,186 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.3322, -2.5136
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