
GC-210 is the Fast&Furious road on Canary Islands
Spain, europe
34.4 km
1,270 m
extreme
Year-round
# The GC-210: Gran Canaria's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Head to the central highlands of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain, and tackle the legendary GC-210—often called the loneliest road on the island and one of the most exhilarating drives you'll ever experience.
This 34.4 km (21.37 miles) ribbon of asphalt winds from La Aldea de San Nicolas de Tolentino to Tejeda, passing through Artenara—the island's highest village at 1,270m (4,167ft) and steeped in centuries of history. The road climbs to 1,378m (4,520ft) at its peak, gaining elevation fast with an average gradient of 4%, with some sections hitting a steep 9%. You'll navigate 32 hairpin turns through a jagged, moon-like rocky landscape that feels utterly remote and untouched.
Here's the thing: this road is *not* for the faint of heart. It's desperately narrow in places—barely wide enough for two cars to pass—with virtually no traffic, crumbling asphalt that loses grip when wet, and zero cellphone signal for most of the drive. Landslides and sudden downpours are real concerns. Your brake pads will be screaming, and the intensity will push even experienced drivers to their limits.
But the payoff? Absolutely stunning vistas. You'll feast on panoramic views of two dramatic reservoir dams—Presa Caidero de la Niña and Presa del Parralillo—set against the most otherworldly terrain. Most drivers complete the route in 1 to 1.5 hours (if they can resist stopping constantly to snap photos).
Fair warning: this road is famously challenging, so respect it. But if you're after adventure and scenery that'll take your breath away, the GC-210 delivers in spades.
Where is it?
GC-210 is the Fast&Furious road on Canary Islands is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.1397, -4.5687
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,270 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.1397, -4.5687
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