How long is the M618 road?
Spain, europe
21.2 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in northwest Madrid, Spain, right in the heart of the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park. You stumble upon this little road, the M618, locals call it the "Spanish Death Road"—yikes! And yeah, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one.
This 21.2 km (13.17 miles) stretch connects Colmenar Viejo and Torrelodones, and it’s a real rollercoaster. This old road was originally built in 1886 and paved in 1925, so the pavement is rough, mixing old concrete parts. It's a two-way road with a central strip and added concrete extensions to make two lanes. Watch out, because where the new meets the old, it can get slippery and uneven.
Is it dangerous? Super curvy, with six hairpin turns and narrow spots without guardrails. Rainy days? Extra risky! Also, it's a busy route, with lots of cars and buses since it's the only way out of some towns to the A-6 highway. But hey, the views are killer, and it's been the backdrop for tons of ads and commercials. So, thrilling drive with some serious scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.2 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
extremeJahorina
🌍 Bosnia
Okay, picture this: Jahorina Peak, way up high in Bosnia and Herzegovina! We're talking almost 6,200 feet, right in the heart of the Dinaric Alps. Getting to the top? Let's just say it's an adventure. Forget your average sedan – you'll want a 4x4 for this seriously steep and rugged climb. Fair warning: Mother Nature throws a serious winter party here! The road's usually buried in snow from November to June. Even in summer, altitude and wild weather can be a factor. History buffs will love knowing this was Olympic territory back in '84. Word of caution: parts of the mountain are still potentially mined from the war, so tread carefully. The views? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardWhere is Col Saint Martin?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, wind in your hair, headed for Col Saint Martin. This baby climbs to a cool 1,500 meters (that's 4,921 feet!), and the views? Seriously epic. It's a key part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, so you know it's gonna be good. The road itself, the M2565, is all paved and stretches for about 21.8 km (13.54 miles) from Rimplas to Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Some sections are practically carved into the mountainside – talk about dramatic! Be ready for some serious twists and turns, and a few hairpin bends thrown in for good measure. It's a bit of a climb, with gradients hitting up to 9.1% in places. This road's so iconic it's even been featured in the Tour de France! Get ready for an amazing drive.
moderateWhere is Congosto de Jánovas?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Spanish Pyrenees on the N-260, aka the "Eje Pirenaico," and suddenly you're plunged into the Congosto de Jánovas. This canyon, carved by the Ara River, is seriously dramatic. The road hugs the cliffside, twisting and turning with hundreds of bends that locals affectionately call it the "Ruta del Retrovisor" (Rearview Route). Why's it so darn narrow? Blame a planned dam that never happened! Back in the day, they were gonna flood the whole area, so why bother improving the road? Now, it's a crazy-narrow 19.5 km (12.11 miles) stretch between Fiscal and Jánovas— barely wide enough for two cars to pass. Reversing skills? You'll need 'em! It's paved, thankfully, but watch out for rock slides! Despite the hazards, it’s popular, especially in summer, so expect some traffic. The scenery, though, is epic! Don't miss the viewpoint at Jánovas for killer views. Trust me, this drive is an adrenaline rush and a feast for the eyes!
hardPico del Lobo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pico del Lobo: A Wild Mountain Adventure Perched at 2,242 meters (7,355 feet), Pico del Lobo sits right on the border between Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha in north-central Spain. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a proper mountain challenge tucked within the stunning Hayedo de Tejera Negra Natural Park. The road up is rough and unforgiving: mostly loose gravel and rocky terrain that demands respect. As you climb higher, things get gnarlier with steep pitches and scattered stones underfoot. The upper sections are particularly punishing, with grades hitting 30% in places. You'll spot remnants of an old chairlift at the summit—a quirky reminder of the mountain's history. Here's the kicker: you've got a surprisingly tight window to attempt this. Late August is basically your sweet spot for summer conditions. Even then, don't be surprised by sudden snow or brutally cold snaps. Wind is relentless here year-round, but it's especially ferocious during the colder months when temperatures plunge to genuinely harsh levels. This is a former ski-station service road, so it was built for function over comfort. Come prepared for one steep, challenging ascent that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves.