Driving through Bardenas Reales, one of only a few deserts in Europe
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Bardenas Reales: Spain's Hidden Desert Wonderland
Ever dreamed of exploring a European desert? Welcome to Bardenas Reales, tucked away in southeast Navarre, Spain—basically Europe's most jaw-dropping badlands. This place is wild.
The landscape here is genuinely surreal. Think scorching summers, freezing winters, and stretches of bone-dry conditions interrupted by sudden downpours. There's also this relentless wind called "cierzo" that really shapes the whole vibe. The result? A landscape that looks absolutely nothing like the lush green hills just a few hours north.
Fair warning: right in the heart of the park sits Western Europe's largest military zone, all fenced off and clearly marked. But don't let that stop you—there's 100,000 acres of pure exploration potential. Seriously, you could spend an entire day bouncing between countless tracks that branch off the main route. Just make sure you've got GPS or at least an old-school map and compass, because getting lost here is genuinely easy.
What makes Bardenas so special is the contrast. It's incredibly sparse—minimal vegetation, mostly dry riverbeds, zero cities—yet it's surprisingly biodiverse. The scenery is raw and rugged, nothing like typical Spanish countryside.
Head here and you'll find several 4x4 tracks cutting through clay, chalk, and sandstone terrain. The dramatic landscapes have made it a Hollywood favorite too—you've seen these badlands in James Bond films and Game of Thrones.
It's a place that stays with you.
Where is it?
Driving through Bardenas Reales, one of only a few deserts in Europe is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.1415, -3.4301
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1415, -3.4301
Related Roads in europe
moderateCol de la Pierre Carree is the highest pass in the north French Alps open all year
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Pierre Carrée: France's Year-Round Alpine Gem Perched at 1,849 meters (6,066 feet) in the Haute-Savoie department, Col de la Pierre Carrée holds the impressive title of being the highest mountain pass in the northern French Alps that stays open all year long. Named after an alpine hunter and soldier, this route connects the charming village of Les Carroz to the Flaine ski station, making it a year-round essential for accessing this popular winter destination. The D106 is a fully paved road that'll keep you on your toes—literally. Spanning 15.3 kilometers (9.5 miles), this winding climb features 20 hairpin turns with absolutely stunning Alpine views at every bend. Don't expect it to be easy though. The first few kilometers are particularly brutal, with grades hitting 8.4% that'll test your patience right from the start. You'll encounter maximum gradients of 11.8% on some sections, putting this climb in the same league as legendary rides like Mont Ventoux and Col du Glandon. Here's the good news: the middle section offers a brief respite, with gentler slopes averaging around 5%. Then comes the second half—10 more kilometers at 6.5% average gradient with peaks hitting 9%—though mercifully, things ease up as you approach the summit. Weather can occasionally force winter closures, but most of the year you'll find this road accessible. It's the kind of Alpine pass that delivers the full experience: challenging climbing, spectacular scenery, and those satisfying hairpin turns that make every meter worth it.
moderateAn old military road to Tremalzo Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Tremalzo: A WWI Adventure Road Want to drive through history? Head to Passo del Tremalzo, sitting pretty at 1,845m (6,053ft) in the Italian Alps, right where Trentino and Lombardy meet near the stunning Garda Lake. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's a piece of WWI heritage that'll blow your mind. Back in the Great War, Italian soldiers realized they needed a faster way to move artillery up the mountain to face the Austrians dug in on the northern side. So they transformed old footpaths into the "Strada della Grande Guerra" (Road of the Great War)—a rough, unpaved route that's still standing today. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for your regular sedan. You'll need serious off-road cred—think early Panda 4x4, Jimny, Defender, or similar beasts. The 10.6 km (6.58 miles) stretch from Rifugio Garda to Rifugio Alpini Passo Nota is pure dirt, beautifully rough, and demands respect. Expect hairpin turns with gradients up to 22%, a handful of rock tunnels, and jaw-dropping views of Garda Lake that'll make you forget how slowly you're crawling (seriously, 5-10 kph is the norm here). Here's the catch: only tackle this between late spring and early fall—snow dominates from November through April. Plus, the southern flank has been off-limits to vehicles since 2015. And proceed cautiously—rockslides are frequent, and maintenance is minimal. Worth it? Absolutely.
hardErmita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip fans, let's head to northern Spain! Deep in La Rioja, you'll find the Ermita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios, a sweet little chapel perched way up high at 1,433 meters. The road to get there? Picture this: twisty asphalt ribbon winding through the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park. It's a bit narrow in places, so keep it chill at 30km/h. Good news: there's a big parking area at the top! The climb kicks off in Villoslada de Cameros and stretches for 8.5 km, gaining 393 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 4.62%, so nothing too crazy. FYI, this climb is so scenic it has even been featured in the Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja! One thing to keep in mind: being so high up, expect some serious snow in the winter. The road can get closed if it's not cleared, so plan accordingly.
extremeStocksbridge Bypass is a Top Haunted Road in England
🇬🇧 England
Buckle up for a trip along the Stocksbridge Bypass in South Yorkshire, England! This stretch of the A616, just north of Sheffield, clocks in at a little over 6 miles (9.97 km) from Hazlehead to Deepcar. Opened back in '88, it's a crucial link to the M1, featuring a single carriageway with crawler lanes. Now, this isn't your average scenic drive. This road has earned a reputation, and not just for its importance as a transport route. Be warned: this particular section has been called a "blackspot" and even a "Killer Road," so drive carefully! But that's not all – the Stocksbridge Bypass is rumored to be seriously haunted. Construction workers reported spooky encounters from the get-go, like a ghostly monk. Others have seen ghostly children playing near the electric pylons, only to vanish into thin air. And then there's the infamous "Stocksbridge Bypass Ghost," a young woman in white who disappears from cars. Keep an eye out for strange lights, shadowy figures, and sudden chills, all adding to the eerie atmosphere!