Driving One of the Steepest Roads in Europe to Llano de las Animas
Spain, europe
3 km
2,036 m
extreme
Year-round
# Llano de las Ánimas: La Palma's Brutal Mountain Beast
Want to test your driving skills? Head to the Canary Islands and tackle Llano de las Ánimas, a seriously gnarly high mountain plateau sitting at 2,036m (6,679ft) that'll make your palms sweat and your legs burn.
This road is absolutely relentless. Starting from Puntagorda, you're looking at a 7.6 km (4.72 miles) slog that climbs a jaw-dropping 1,252m with an average gradient of 16.47%. But here's the kicker—the final 3 km? That's where things get absolutely mental, with gradients hitting 19-20%. Yeah, some say it's one of Europe's steepest roads, and honestly, the numbers don't lie.
Located in the western part of La Palma in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the plateau sits just west of the iconic Roque de los Muchachos. The good news? The entire road is paved. The catch? The last 3 km narrow to a concrete ribbon that cuts through a firewall, and "narrow" doesn't even begin to describe it. You'll be white-knuckling through some of the tightest, steepest switchbacks imaginable.
At the summit, there's a water raft waiting to greet you—a nice reward for conquering one of the most brutal climbs you'll encounter anywhere. If you're into extreme driving experiences, this one's a must-do. Just bring your A-game and nerves of steel.
Where is it?
Driving One of the Steepest Roads in Europe to Llano de las Animas is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.9014, -3.1426
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,036 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.9014, -3.1426
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto de San Lorenzo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de San Lorenzo: A High-Alpine Adventure in Asturias Nestled in the rugged mountains of northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto de San Lorenzo sits at a lung-busting 1,348 meters (4,422 feet) above sea level. If you're looking for a proper climbing challenge, this is it—steep doesn't even begin to describe it, with some sections hitting a brutal 18% gradient that'll have your legs burning and your heart racing. The good news? The whole route is perfectly paved on the AS-265, and it stays open year-round (though winter weather might occasionally force brief closures). Once you've conquered the summit, you'll find a parking lot and viewpoint waiting to reward your effort with absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views. Connecting the small villages of San Martín and La Riera, this pass has serious cycling credentials—it's been featured in the Spanish Vuelta. Coming from La Riera de Somiedo, you're looking at a 10.4 km climb with 871 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.4%. From the San Martín side, it's slightly longer at 10.6 km (867 meters elevation gain, 8.2% average), but either way, you'll encounter plenty of sections where the gradient consistently exceeds 10%. It might not be the longest pass out there, but don't let that fool you—this is a proper mountain challenge with scenery that makes every brutal pedal stroke totally worth it.
hardThe steep private road to Monte Ray: An engineering feat in the Gesso Valley
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Ray: Italy's Epic Alpine Challenge Nestled in the Cuneo Province of Piedmont near the French border, Monte Ray towers at 1,846m (6,056ft) and boasts one seriously impressive mountain road. The journey winds through the breathtaking Valle Gesso, showcasing some of the most dramatic Alpine scenery you'll find in northern Italy. Starting from Strada Provinciale San Giacomo near the village of Entracque at 934m elevation, the officially named Strada Comunale Monte Rai climbs 10.7 km to reach the summit. Originally built by an electric company to service mountain infrastructure, this engineering marvel is a testament to Italian mountain road construction. Fair warning though: you won't be driving this one in a personal vehicle. The road is currently gated at the entrance, with access restricted to authorized personnel only. It's a shame for drivers, but it remains legendary among overlanders and mountain enthusiasts who appreciate the raw engineering that went into its creation. If you could drive it, you'd be tackling serious terrain. The average gradient sits at a punishing 8.52%, with several sections hitting 12%—making this one of Piedmont's most demanding climbs. Over those 10.7 km, you'd gain 912 meters while navigating 18 hairpin turns that hug the mountainside. The road itself is mostly paved—typical for Alpine utility roads—but don't expect pristine asphalt. Loose gravel scattered across the surface, especially in the tight corners, would keep your concentration razor-sharp. It's a stunning route through stark, dramatic landscape, even if you're only eyeing it from below.
hardIs Croce Domini Pass open?
🇮🇹 Italy
Ciao, fellow road trippers! Let's talk about Passo di Croce Domini, a seriously stunning mountain pass tucked away in Lombardy, Italy. We're talking about Brescia province, way up high at 1,892m (6,207ft). Keep in mind, this beauty is usually snowed in from November to May, so plan your trip accordingly! At the top, you'll find the Rifugio di Passo Crocedomini, a total biker haven. Seriously, this place is buzzing with motorcycles, and they even host rallies here. Plus, it's been part of the legendary Giro d’Italia! And of course, you can't miss the iconic cross that gives the pass its name. Ready to tackle the drive? You've got a few options to reach the summit: From Breno, hop on the SP345. It's 20.5 km (12.73 miles) of narrow, beat-up pavement, climbing 1,546 meters. Expect an average gradient of 7.5%. Ouch! Starting at Ponte Caffaro, you'll find the SP669. This one is 23 km (14.29 miles) with a 1,327 meter climb, averaging 5.8%. Like the other, its asphalt is not in great condition and very narrow. For the adventurous souls, there's the Strada Provinziale 345B (SP345B). It's 17 km (10.56 miles) of mostly unpaved, wild mountain road! Whichever route you choose, get ready for some seriously epic Alpine scenery!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Monte Campomolon
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Campomolon: A Hidden Alpine Gem in Veneto Tucked away in the Venetian Alps of northeastern Italy, Monte Campomolon rises to an impressive 1,848 meters (6,062 feet) and offers some seriously breathtaking views across the Basso Trentino region. The real star of the show? Forte Campomolon, a WWI-era fort sitting right at the summit, built back in 1914 when the mountain was strategically important. Here's the thing about reaching this peak: the road is totally unpaved and narrow as they come. Fair warning—it's off-limits to regular cars, so you'll need to plan accordingly. The route spans just 1.7 kilometers (1.05 miles) from the starting point, climbing 68 meters with an average gradient of 4%. Sounds gentle enough, right? Well, don't be fooled by those statistics. Some sections kick up to a gnarly 17.1% grade that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. If you're looking for an authentic alpine experience away from the crowded tourist trails, this is it. The narrow, rugged terrain combined with those dramatic elevation changes makes for an unforgettable drive through one of Italy's most spectacular mountain regions. Just come prepared for rough conditions and take your time navigating those steep pitches.