How long is the road to Pico Fuente Nueva?
Spain, europe
1.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're on La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, ready to conquer Pico Fuente Nueva. This peak is seriously high, nestled inside the epic Caldera de Taburiente National Park, and driving here feels like you're floating above the clouds.
The road, Carretera a Fuente Nueva, is paved but keep your eyes peeled! It's just over a mile (1.7 km) from where it branches off Carretera al Roque de los Muchachos, but packs a punch with a 113-meter climb. Don't let the numbers fool you, perched on the edge of the massive Caldera de Taburiente crater, those four hairpin turns will keep you on your toes.
But here's the thing: the altitude! The weather can flip in an instant. One minute, you're basking in sunshine, the next, you're swallowed by thick fog. Winter? Snow can make things super dicey. And if you're scared of heights, those sheer drops into the Caldera might make you a little queasy!
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are unreal. This spot is famous for its incredibly clear skies, which is why you'll see all those cool astronomical observatories up here. On a good day, you can spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera in the distance. And keep an eye out for the rock formation that looks like a face staring out to sea. Seriously, if you're road-tripping the Canary Islands, Pico Fuente Nueva is a must-do.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col Tze Core?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Col Tze Core is a high-altitude stunner nestled way up in the country's northwest! We're talking serious elevation here. And when you finally conquer it, you'll find a at the summit – perfect for bragging rights and panoramic pics. The road? Paved, thankfully! But don't get complacent. It's pretty darn narrow in places, and those inclines? Let's just say your car's gonna feel it, with some sections clocking in at . This epic stretch runs for , connecting near Sommarese to Orbeillaz. Translation? Get ready for hairpin turns, breathtaking vistas, and maybe a slight case of vertigo. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right?
moderateDriving the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# The Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße: Alpine Magic at Its Finest Ready for one of Europe's most breathtaking drives? The Großglockner High Alpine Road is a 48-kilometer masterpiece that'll have you hitting the brakes every few minutes just to soak in the views. This stunning route connects Salzburg and Carinthia, taking you deep into the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park and right to the doorstep of Austria's most iconic peak. ## The Route Starting in Fusch-Ferleiten and ending in Heiligenblut, this fully paved road winds through 36 hairpin bends like a ribbon threading through the mountains. You'll summit at the Hochtor Pass (2,504m), where the air gets thin and the panoramas get absolutely wild. But here's the kicker—take the side road up to Edelweißspitze at 2,571m, and you've hit the highest passable point on the entire route. ## What to Expect Count on about 90 minutes of driving if you actually manage not to stop (spoiler alert: you will). The landscape shifts from lush alpine pastures to dramatic rocky terrain, with views of countless mountain summits that'll leave you speechless. The road's open from early May through late October, though weather can sometimes force closures during those shoulder months, so check ahead before you go. ## Worth the Trip Nearly 900,000 visitors tackle this road annually—and for good reason. Along the way, you'll find restaurants, snack bars, and exhibitions to break up the drive. The road even has its own legendary status, having featured in the famous Giro d'Italia bike race. Fun fact: This route follows paths that people have walked for almost 2,000 years. The road itself took five years and 4,000 workers to build (1930-1935), and it opened to the public on August 3rd, 1935. Now that's heritage you can drive.
moderateWhere is Col dés Pres?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so Col dés Pres isn't just any mountain pass—it's a high one, way up there! Nestled west of the Pointe de la Sana (a seriously tall peak itself), you'll find it chilling in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, practically in the backyard of the famous Val d'Isère ski resort. Now, about the road… it's a bit of a unique situation. It's essentially a chairlift access trail during the warmer months, so you won't find any regular car traffic here. The path stretches roughly 1.4 km to the summit. Oh, and heads up: because it's within the Vanoise National Park, the road is usually closed completely during the winter season. Get ready for some stunning views.
extremeLago di Alpe Gera
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Alpe Gera: A High-Alpine Adventure If you're up for some serious altitude, Lago di Alpe Gera sits pretty at 2,024 meters (6,640 feet) in the heart of Lombardy's Province of Sondrio. This stunning alpine lake is the ultimate destination for adventurous drivers willing to take on a proper mountain challenge. Here's what you're getting yourself into: The road is mostly paved, which sounds promising until you hit that final kilometer of gravel that'll really get your adrenaline pumping. The route itself is narrow, steep, and features some genuinely creepy unlit tunnels that add a whole extra layer of drama to your ascent. Built between 1960 and 1965, this isn't some newly engineered highway—it's got character, grit, and a serious no-nonsense attitude. Fair warning though: when you arrive, you'll be greeted by a rather ominous warning sign declaring the road officially "not approved for vehicles" due to risks from landslides and avalanches, plus crumbling walls and cliffs without guardrails. Translation? You're driving at your own risk, and the Italian authorities want to make sure you know it. But if you've got the nerves and the right vehicle, the payoff is totally worth it. You're trading smooth pavement for an unforgettable high-alpine experience with views that most casual tourists will never see.