Driving the wild Vado del Río Eljas

Driving the wild Vado del Río Eljas

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

52 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Vado del Río Eljas: Spain and Portugal's Most Thrilling Border Crossing

Straddling the Spain-Portugal border, Vado del Río Eljas has to be one of the most jaw-dropping bridges you'll ever cross. This stunning 52-meter (171-foot) span stretches across the Erges/Eljas river, connecting two countries with just concrete and sheer nerve.

Here's the thing though—this bridge comes with some serious character. There are literally *no guardrails*, which means you're basically driving on a ribbon suspended over water with nothing between you and the drop. The bridge has weathered some intense floods throughout its history, and that's clearly left its mark on the structure.

Oh, and here's the kicker: only one car can cross at a time. That's right—if you meet someone coming the other direction, someone's backing up. It's intimate, intense, and absolutely unforgettable. The concrete surface is sturdy enough, but the whole experience screams "adventure" from start to finish.

If you're a road-trip enthusiast looking for that genuine, heart-pounding border-crossing experience, Vado del Río Eljas delivers in spades. Just maybe check for oncoming traffic before you gun it across!

Where is it?

Driving the wild Vado del Río Eljas is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.0558, -4.1848

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
52 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
40.0558, -4.1848

Related Roads in europe

Where is Puy de la Perdrix?moderate

Where is Puy de la Perdrix?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, itching for an adventure. Set your sights on Puy de la Perdrix, one of the highest peaks around! Forget your sedan, you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this baby. Just past the paved section, a rugged, unpaved track kicks off, leading towards the Funitel de La Perdrix – the only cable car in the Massif Central, no less! This is also a paragliding mecca! The track to the top is short but sweet. We're talking roughly 3.4 km of unadulterated off-road goodness, with a hefty 500m climb. Get ready for an average gradient of almost 15%! Be warned: winter makes this road totally impassable. But hey, once you conquer that climb, the views from the summit of Le Puy de la Perdrix will blow your mind. You'll be treated to a panoramic spectacle of the Massif Central and its surrounding peaks. Trust me, that view is worth every bump and jolt along the way.

Puerto de Navaluengahard

Puerto de Navaluenga

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Today we're tackling Puerto de Navaluenga, a beast of a mountain pass chilling at 1,804 meters (that's 5,918 feet!) in Ávila, Spain. Nestled in the Gredos range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and seriously gnarly sections that'll test your off-road skills. And Mother Nature? She's got a wicked sense of humor here, so expect the weather to flip faster than a pancake. You absolutely need a 4x4 to even think about attempting this climb, and seriously, only go when it's dry. This road throws down a serious challenge. We're talking sustained 12.5% grades, and in some spots, you're staring down a whopping 37% incline! But the views? Oh man, the views are your reward for conquering this epic climb. Just remember to be prepared, check the conditions, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!

If you love to drive, you will love the road to Puerto del Cubillomoderate

If you love to drive, you will love the road to Puerto del Cubillo

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Spain, in the province of Cuenca. You're climbing into the Serranía de Cuenca mountains, headed for Puerto del Cubillo. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,617 meters (5,305 feet). The road, CU-V-9161, is a smooth, paved dream thanks to a recent resurfacing. You can usually hit it year-round, but be mindful of winter conditions, as they can sometimes shut things down. Trust me, it's worth the trip; it's a super fun drive and you won't be fighting any crowds. The whole shebang stretches for 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles), winding from the CM-2106 road, east to a junction with the A-1704 and TE-V-9113. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a gravel road north of the pass that takes you up to the abandoned ski resort, La Mogorrita, peaking at 1,688m. Heads up: this climb is no joke! It's been featured in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some bite. Some sections hit a 10% gradient. If you're starting from the CM2106 road, the ascent is almost 9 kilometers, gaining 383 meters in elevation, for an average gradient of nearly 4%. Keep an eye out for the Cerrada de la Magdalena and Mirador de Sierra Alta for some seriously stunning views.

How Long is Kazbegi Tunnel?moderate

How Long is Kazbegi Tunnel?

🇬🇪 Georgia

Okay, buckle up for the Kazbegi Tunnel crossing! You'll find this border crossing clinging to the northern slopes of the Caucasus range, right in the heart of Kazbegi National Park. It's part of the Georgian Military Road, and let me tell you, it's an experience. The road itself is generally pretty sweet, newly paved and begging for a ride, except for that stretch near the tunnel. Brace yourself for a seriously rough, unlit surface that'll test your suspension. Sitting pretty high up, the tunnel can get a little dicey. Expect heavy traffic, especially during peak season, and winter maintenance can be a real headache, sometimes shutting down lanes or even the whole road. This tiny tunnel barely squeezes in trucks and cars at the same time, linking Verkhniy Lars (Russia) . Most of the traffic consists of trucks trying to beat the border closure at 6 p.m., so watch out! But hey, even with the chaos, you're rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Kazbek. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Just be prepared for a bit of an adventure.