How long is Carretera de las Presas?
Spain, europe
23.3 km
325 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Carretera de las Presas (GC-605) on Gran Canaria! This mountain road in the southwest of the island is a real stunner, but definitely keeps you on your toes.
Stretching for about 23 kilometers (14.5 miles), you'll climb from the little town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m above sea level) all the way up to Ayacata (1,304m), a cute village where you can grab a bite. That's almost a kilometer of vertical gain! The journey starts with an epic series of hairpin bends winding up the Mogan Valley, past ochre cliffs and massive boulders.
Expect a challenging drive. The pavement can be a bit rough in spots, especially the last 8 kilometers, and some sections are so narrow that passing another car can be tricky. We're talking 30+ hairpin turns, with gradients hitting 10% in places.
This route takes you straight to the mysterious Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's largest. Legend has it that a nearby, ancient pine tree witnessed a woman being burned to death centuries ago.
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible. However, be aware that this route is prone to landslides, rockfalls, and fog. Keep an eye out for viewpoints with parking spots along the way, but remember it can get very cold and windy up there!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 325 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
extremePasso Stalle: Driving the narrow border road between Italy and Austria
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Stalle: The Alps' Most Nail-Biting Mountain Pass Ready for one of the Alps' most thrilling driving experiences? Passo Stalle (aka Staller Saddle) sits at 2,061m on the Austria-Italy border, connecting the Defereggen Valley in East Tyrol with the stunning Valle di Anterselva. Buckle up—this isn't your typical leisurely alpine cruise. The Austrian side via the L25 is fairly reasonable, with steady 8% grades and occasional 12% ramps. Things get interesting after the last village, Erlsbach (1,549m). Pro tip: Gas up here at St. Jakob in Defereggen, about 14km from the top—Austrian fuel is often 40% cheaper than Italian prices. You'll want to top off your tank before crossing over. Now for the Italian side's SP44 road? This is where it gets seriously intense. The pavement is *absurdly* narrow—we're talking so tight that squeezing past a cyclist becomes a genuine puzzle. Blind corners, steep 11% ramps, and zero room for error make this one legendary challenge. Caravans, buses, and anything over 3.5 tons are strictly forbidden (for good reason). Here's the catch: because two cars literally cannot pass each other, traffic is orchestrated by synchronized red and green lights. From the Austrian top, you get 15 minutes green (0:00-0:15 each hour). From the Italian side, it's the opposite window (0:30-0:45). Miss your slot? You're waiting 45 minutes. Overtaking is impossible, and ignoring those lights is seriously dangerous. Only open May through October, 5:30am to 10:15pm. Weather or landslides? The pass closes temporarily without warning. The road is paved and well-marked, but this isn't about comfort—it's about respect and precision driving. Welcome to one of the Alps' most unforgettable experiences.
extremeWhere is Colle Lazzara?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in Italy's Piedmont region, near Torino, ready to tackle Colle Lazzara, a seriously cool mountain pass. It's also known as Colle Laz Ara, Colle l’Azzara, or Colle La Zará, so you have options! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about an old military road from the early 1700s, stretching about 8.3 km (5.15 miles) from Rivoira to Ruata. The road is unpaved and super narrow, so if you meet another car, someone's backing up. It can get pretty rough, steep, and rocky, especially after it rains, so be prepared. But here's the payoff: The views! You're in the Conca Cialancia Natural Park, and the summit has a small parking area. The pass is at 1,595 m (5,232 ft) above sea level. Plus, it's a historic spot from the early 18th century, so you'll find some cool old military buildings along the way. If you're up for a bit of an adventure and some incredible scenery, Colle Lazzara is definitely worth the trip!
hardPreda Rossa
🇮🇹 Italy
# Preda Rossa: A Mountain Pass with a Comeback Story Nestled in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Preda Rossa sits pretty at 1,955 meters (6,414 feet) above sea level. But here's the thing—this pass has quite the tale to tell. Back in 1991, a massive landslide absolutely wreaked havoc on the original road. For over two decades, travelers had to make do with a rough gravel route snaking around the valley as their only option. Not exactly ideal, but that's what it took to get to the top. Fast forward to 2012, and things got a major upgrade. The road is now mostly paved, with just a short 300-meter gravel section remaining as a reminder of those rougher days. Don't let that fool you though—this pass means business. Starting from Masino, you're looking at a serious 24-kilometer climb that'll gain you 1,675 meters of elevation. The average grade sits at 7%, but buckle up for some gnarly sections that hit 14%—seriously steep in places. It's the kind of drive that'll test your car and your nerve, but the payoff is a genuine Alpine experience.
hardIs the road to EiĂ°isskarĂ° in Faroe Islands paved?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Eiðisskarð Pass on the Faroe Islands is calling your name. Perched way up at 404m (1,325ft) on the northern edge of Eysturoy, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Yep, the whole 11.3 km (7.02 miles) stretch from the village of Eiði to Funningur is paved, but don't let that fool you. This road throws some serious curves and steep climbs your way. We're talking narrow sections that will test your driving skills! Budget around 20-25 minutes to soak it all in. Trust me, though, it's *so* worth it. You'll be winding your way near Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroes, towering at 880 metres. And guess what? There's a parking area at the top, perfect for snapping those envy-inducing photos. Just past the pass on the eastern side, keep an eye out for Foldarskardh, another pass at 276m (905ft). Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!