How long is the GC-500 road?
Spain, europe
45 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising along the GC-500 in Gran Canaria, Spain, is an absolute must-do! This beauty hugs the southern coast of the island in the Province of Las Palmas and delivers non-stop panoramic views.
The paved road stretches for about 45 km (28 miles) from La Playa de Mogán all the way to Vecindario. It's a twisting, turning route that really keeps you on your toes as it snakes between rock walls and dramatic drops down to the sea. Expect the drive to take around 1 to 1.5 hours if you're doing it straight through – though you'll definitely want to factor in time for photo stops!
Now, a word of caution: a section between La Playa de Mogán and Taurito (known locally as Carretera Vieja or 'Old Road') has been closed off since 2017 due to serious landslide risk. Apparently, giant rocks are on the road, with even bigger ones threatening to come down. It's bypassed by the main GC-1 Road. Sadly, some people ignore the barriers – don't be tempted! Safety first!
The GC-500 packs in everything you could want: hairpin turns, tunnels, and those heart-stopping cliff edges that stick to the cliffs for 25kms or more at a height of about 200 to 900 meters.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe road to Fontana Amoroza beach: Do not enter - dangerous for cars
🌍 Cyprus
# Fontana Amoroza: Cyprus's Most Thrilling Coastal Adventure Want to experience one of the world's most exhilarating coastal drives? Head to Fontana Amoroza, a secluded beach tucked into the Akamas Peninsula on Cyprus's northwestern tip. Fair warning: the entrance sign says "Do not enter - dangerous for cars," and it's not kidding. This 5.9 km (3.66 miles) route stretches from the Baths of Aphrodite southward to Fontana Amoroza, and it's absolutely wild. You'll need a sturdy 4x4 vehicle—seriously, don't even think about attempting this in a regular car unless you're in the market for a new one anyway. The unpaved track starts off innocently enough, hugging the coastline with stunning sea views, but it quickly transforms into a rocky, narrow nightmare that climbs steeply toward the dramatic limestone cliffs of Moutti tis Sotiras. Expect sharp drop-offs, hairpin turns, and a vertiginous ascent to the ridge at the halfway point before descending back down to the bay. Most drivers need 30-45 minutes to complete the drive without stopping, white-knuckling the whole way. The payoff? A pristine 400-meter-long beach with crystal-clear, shallow waters and magnificent views across Chrysochous Bay and the Bay of Polis. Fair warning though: July and August bring crowds, so plan your visit accordingly if you prefer solitude with your adrenaline rush.
extremeDriving the Unpaved Road F909
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland's Eastern Region hides a beast of a road: the F909, also known as Snæfellsleið. This isn’t your Sunday drive. Think serious 4x4 only – we're talking the kind with *serious* ground clearance. You'll need it for the multiple river crossings that are part of the adventure. Stretching almost 20 miles from Road 910 to Snæfellsskáli lodge (practically at Vatnajökull glacier's doorstep), this unpaved path is an experience. Forget smooth tarmac, you’re in for a bumpy ride filled with rocks, potholes that could swallow a small car, and ruts galore. Seriously, leave the compact car at home. This track climbs high, reaching over 2,700 feet near Mt. Snaefell, and is typically only open in the summer months. The views? Epic! Think barren, lunar landscapes and the chance to spot Iceland's wild reindeer. This is truly remote, so embrace the solitude. But heads up: going solo isn't the smartest idea. Help could be a long way off if things go wrong, and cell service can be spotty. Plus, you're in Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður national park. Those river crossings? They demand respect. Don’t even think about it in a regular vehicle, or after heavy rain. Always check the depth before you commit, because those Icelandic rivers can change in a heartbeat. Get stuck, and it's 112 you'll be calling. Oh, and a friendly reminder: rental car insurance rarely covers water damage. This road is stunning during the day, but a whole different level of challenging (and potentially dangerous) at night.
hardSalvatore Citelli Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Salvatore Citelli Perched at 1,742 meters (5,715 feet) in the Province of Catania, Sicily, this mountain refuge is your gateway to one of Europe's most dramatic landscapes. The drive up is mostly paved, though don't be fooled by that—you'll tackle some seriously steep grades reaching up to 13% that'll have your engine working overtime. Here's the thing: this road has a mind of its own. Volcanic activity in the area is unpredictable, so the route can close without warning. It's all part of the Mount Etna experience, honestly. Despite the occasional closure, this refuge is the perfect launching point for adventures across Etna's east flank. Whether you're planning a hiking expedition or just want to experience one of Sicily's most striking drives, this winding road delivers the kind of scenery and authentic mountain experience that makes the challenging climb absolutely worth it.
extremeHow to Get to Tsoy-Pede in Chechnya by Car?
🌍 Russia
# Tsoy-Pede: Journey to Chechnya's Haunting "City of the Dead" If you're hunting for one of Russia's most remote and mysterious destinations, Tsoy-Pede in the Chechen Republic is calling your name. Nestled in the Itum-Kale District near the Argun River, this medieval necropolis earned its spine-tingling nickname—the "City of the Dead"—for good reason. With 42 burial grounds dating back to the 13th-15th centuries, each packed with multiple tombs, it's one of the largest medieval cemeteries in the entire Caucasus region. The exact origins remain delightfully mysterious. Legend has it these grounds were sacred to fallen warriors, though another haunting theory suggests the necropolis grew during an epidemic so devastating that the dying came here to spend their final days. Today, a watchtower, ancient walls, and countless crypts stand as eerie reminders of centuries past. **What to Expect on the Road** The adventure kicks off from the E50 highway and stretches 93.7 kilometers (about 58 miles) of pure Caucasian drama. The dirt road is surprisingly well-maintained—you can cruise at 40-50 km/h without too much trouble, especially near Shatoy and Itum-Kale where the surface improves. But here's where it gets real: the Argun Gorge is absolutely breathtaking and absolutely terrifying. Picture towering cliffs, razor-thin roads with zero guardrails, and drop-offs that'll make your heart skip. A haunting memorial marks where two Russian soldiers plunged off the edge decades ago while transporting military payroll—a grim reminder that this route demands respect and caution. **Before You Go** You'll need a special permit to visit, and Russian tourists must enter during daylight hours with a valid passport at the checkpoint. The region sits under strict military control near the Russia-Georgia border, so come prepared and informed.