Coll de Finestres

Coll de Finestres

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,392 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Coll de Finestres: A Wild Ride at the Top of Andorra

Tucked right on the border between Andorra's Sant Julià de Lòria and Spain's Lleida province, the Coll de Finestres sits pretty at 2,392 meters (7,847 feet) above sea level. Yep, this is one seriously high mountain pass—and one of the loftiest roads you'll find in the country.

Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, the route to the summit is basically an unpaved adventure—gravel, rocks, ruts, and all. The road gets bumpy and tippy in spots, and winter basically shuts this place down completely. Think of it as a true mountain trail that demands respect and skill.

This one's absolutely for experienced off-roaders only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, skip it. You'll genuinely need 4x4 capability, and honestly, a healthy comfort level with heights is essential. The climb is steep and unforgiving, especially when things get wet and muddy—conditions that can turn the whole experience into a serious test of your driving chops.

It's the kind of road that separates the wheat from the chaff when it comes to mountain driving. Stunning Pyrenees scenery awaits those bold enough to tackle it, but only if you know what you're doing.

Where is it?

Coll de Finestres is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.3908, -4.7815

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,392 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
39.3908, -4.7815

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