
GC-500 is a cliffside road on Gran Canaria island
Spain, europe
45 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# GC-500: Gran Canaria's Heart-Pounding Coastal Classic
Tucked away on the southern coast of Gran Canaria in Spain's Las Palmas Province, the GC-500 is an absolute gem for anyone who loves dramatic coastal drives. This 45km (28-mile) route hugs the cliffside between La Playa de Mogán and Vecindario, delivering some seriously stunning ocean vistas the whole way.
The entire road is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow, winding, and sits right between solid rock on one side and a seriously dramatic drop on the other. You're looking at hairpin bends, tunnels, and those white-knuckle cliff-edge moments that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The elevation ranges from about 200 to 900 meters, with the most thrilling 25km stretching right along those sheer drops.
Here's the thing though: the section between La Playa de Mogán and Taurito (the old "Carretera Vieja") has been closed since 2017 due to serious landslide risks. We're talking big rocks already on the road and even bigger ones threatening to tumble down. Unfortunately, people still break through the barriers regularly—please don't be one of them. The main GC-1 Road now bypasses this section safely.
If you do tackle the open portions, expect to spend between 1 to 1.5 hours behind the wheel (assuming you're not stopping constantly to snap photos of those incredible views). This is the kind of drive that stays with you—challenging, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
Where is it?
GC-500 is a cliffside road on Gran Canaria island is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.9464, -3.7998
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.9464, -3.7998
Related Roads in europe
hardHow is the drive to the source of the Bastareny River?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in Catalonia, Spain, deep in the Berguedà region, about to embark on a mini-adventure to the birthplace of the Bastareny River. We're talking about the Adou del Bastareny, a seriously powerful natural spring nestled high in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Think towering limestone cliffs, vibrant forests, and the constant soundtrack of rushing water. The road in? A proper Pre-Pyrenees experience. You'll kick things off in Bagà, veering off the main drag (the one that heads to Coll de Pal) onto a track officially named "Road Beniarres-Vilallonga". This isn't your average Sunday drive. It's a gravel and forest track that winds steadily upwards, and when I say narrow, I mean *narrow*. Passing another car? Get ready for some strategic maneuvering. We're talking about five hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Brush up on your reversing skills on a ledge – you'll likely need them! Weekends and holidays can get surprisingly busy with hikers and locals, adding a fun (or not-so-fun) challenge to the drive. The road's open year-round, but Mother Nature definitely has a say. Berguedà winters can bring snow and ice, and heavy rains can carve out some serious ruts in the gravel. A bit of ground clearance on your vehicle is your friend here. Keep in mind, this is a protected Natural Park. Stick to the designated track, park only in the marked areas, and remember the final stretch to the main waterfall is on foot. But trust me, that drive to the trailhead? Totally worth it. Especially if you can swing a weekday to avoid the potential traffic jams! Oh, and in winter, watch out for black ice lurking in the shady corners. It is at an elevation of above sea level. Get ready for one of the most scenic forest areas of the Pre-Pyrenees. You'll see water gushing directly from the rocks! The environment is full of thick forests and steep limestone walls.
hardWallberg
🇩🇪 Germany
# Wallberg: A High-Alpine Adventure in Bavaria Perched at 1,564 meters (5,426 feet) above sea level in the Miesbach district of Upper Bavaria, Wallberg is a dramatic mountain peak that rewards adventurous drivers with stunning Alpine scenery. Nestled within the scenic Mangfall Mountains, this destination is not for the faint of heart. The road up is a gravel affair that doesn't mess around—it's steep, winding, and demands respect. But that's part of the charm, right? The real kicker? Weather in these parts is utterly unpredictable. Conditions can flip from pleasant to brutal in minutes, and winters bring serious snowfall that can shut down access entirely. If you're planning a visit, definitely check conditions ahead of time and be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. Once you reach the summit, you'll find several communication facilities perched up there, a testament to the peak's prominence. The views from the top? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just make sure you're comfortable navigating gravel roads and respect the mountain's moody alpine climate.
hardIs the road to Bwlch y Cloddiau paved?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the A496 in stunning Snowdonia, Wales, and you decide to tackle the legendary Bwlch y Cloddiau. Buckle up, because this isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking about a climb to a serious altitude (463 meters!), making it one of the highest roads in the country. The pavement's decent, but be warned: this road gets *narrow*. We're talking single-lane-in-spots narrow. Prepare for some serious squeezing and potential reversing if you meet someone coming the other way. Trust me, you do not want to meet another vehicle on this road; there are few places to pass. And with gradients hitting almost 12%, those ramps will definitely get your engine working! This isn't a long haul, clocking in at a little over 3.2 kilometers, but every meter is packed with incredible views. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – those hairpin turns and exposed edges demand respect! Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's an *insanely* steep side trip to Ffynnon Llugwy.
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Laghi di Cedec
🇮🇹 Italy
# Laghi di Cedèc: A Wild Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Italy's most dramatic high-altitude drives? Laghi di Cedèc is a stunning mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,833 meters (9,294 feet) in the Sondrio province of Lombardy, nestled within the magnificent Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio in the northern Alps. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road here is completely off-limits during winter, and year-round access is restricted to authorized vehicles only. The entire route is unpaved, so if you're not comfortable tackling serious mountain tracks, this probably isn't for you. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to make it work. Starting from Santa Caterina di Valfurva, you're looking at an 11.8 km (7.33 mile) climb with a brutal 1,104-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 9.35%. Translation? Steep doesn't even begin to cover it. This ranks among Italy's highest roads for a reason. Be particularly prepared for the roughest section: the first 1.4 km beyond Rifugio Pizzini (at 2,706m/8,877ft) features some genuinely gnarly terrain that'll test your driving skills and your vehicle's suspension. If you've got a solid 4x4 and nerves of steel, the views and sense of accomplishment at the top make this epic journey absolutely unforgettable.