How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila?
Spain, europe
20.2 km
1,642 m
hard
Year-round
# Puerto del Tremedal: Spain's Hidden Cycling Gem
Puerto del Tremedal sits pretty at 1,642m (5,387ft) in Ávila province, right in the heart of Castile and León's Sierra de Gredos mountains. If you're into cycling or just love a good mountain drive, this pass is basically legendary status.
Tucked away in the western Sierra de Gredos, this road feels like you're standing on top of the world—seriously, the views over the Tormes valley are absolutely stunning. The landscape here is all dramatic granite and wind-swept broom, quintessential Central Spain vibes. Fair warning though: winter hits hard up here. Heavy snow and freezing temps can occasionally shut things down, so check conditions before you head up.
The good news? The entire 20.2 km (12.55 miles) route between Becedas and La Carrera is paved. The bad news? It's narrow and technical in places, so you'll want your wits about you—especially when autumn and winter bring black ice to those shaded curves. It's a peaceful escape from the main highways, beloved by both locals and touring cyclists from around the world.
Here's where it gets serious: this climb has earned its stripes on the Vuelta a España circuit, and for good reason. The 9.5 km ascent from Becedas pumps 543 meters of elevation gain at you, with an average gradient of 5.7%—but don't let that fool you. There are some brutal "wall" sections hitting 13.6% that'll test your mettle, plus relentless headwinds at the summit. The descent toward La Carrera is just as thrilling, packed with tight hairpins and killer views across the Ávila plateau. A proper challenge for anyone looking to prove something.
Where is it?
How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila? is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.2328, -3.1646
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,642 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.2328, -3.1646
Related Roads in europe
moderateHospice de Rioumajou
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, Hautes-Pyrénées to be exact, heading towards this ridiculously charming spot called Hospice de Rioumajou. Perched at 1,559m (that's over 5,100ft!), this mountain refuge and restaurant is seriously worth the trek. The road in, the D19, winds through the stunning Rioumajou Valley. It's mostly smooth sailing on asphalt, but keep an eye out for a bit of gravel near the end – adds to the adventure, right? From Tramezaïgues, it's a 12.1km climb, gaining a hefty 592 meters in altitude. Expect an average gradient of around 4.89%, but be prepared for some steeper sections kicking up to 7.6%. Trust me, the views make every push worth it. Just a heads up, the hospice is usually open daily in July and August, between 11am and 5pm. Don't miss it!
moderateIs Kazmadagi Pass paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kazmadagi Pass! Snaking its way through Eastern Anatolia in Turkey, this baby climbs to a serious elevation. Yep, it's paved, so you can leave the monster truck at home. But don't think that means it's a walk in the park! This road throws some serious curves your way (you might be braking through some of the ramps). The most intense section hugs the mountainside, high above the river, offering views that’ll make your jaw drop – if you dare take your eyes off the road! Spanning from near the Southeastern Anatolia Region to the heart of the Eastern Anatolia Region, you're in for a good stint on the road. It's a total must-do for anyone who loves a thrilling drive and landscapes that'll etch themselves into your memory forever.
moderateA paved road to Coe Pass in the Venetian Prealps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Coe Tucked away in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region, Passo Coe sits pretty at 1,610 meters (5,282 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a serious climb that'll test your driving skills—and your patience. The route up is via Strada Provinciale 143 (SP143), starting from Calliano. You're looking at 19 km (11.8 miles) of steady ascending with a brutal 1,428 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—totally doable, but definitely demanding. The good news? The entire road is paved and generally well-maintained, so at least you won't be wrestling with a rough surface while you're grinding your way up. This climb has serious pedigree too—it's a former Giro d'Italia mountain stage, so you'll be following in the tire tracks of professional cyclists who've conquered it. Once you reach the top, you'll find a decent-sized parking lot (paid), plus a handful of bars and restaurants where you can catch your breath and grab some fuel. There's also a mountain refuge if you're planning to stay overnight. One thing to keep in mind: the upper sections can get sketchy during winter. Snow and ice might force temporary closures from late autumn through early spring, so always check local conditions before heading up if you're visiting outside the warmer months.
moderateWhere is Mount Mussa-Achitara?
🌍 Russia
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Mount Mussa-Achitara in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Russia! Seriously, this peak is something else, and it's one of the highest roads in Europe! Nestled in the southern part of the country, like right next to the Teberda Nature Reserve, the views are totally worth the trek. Imagine a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks, glaciers shimmering in the sun, and rivers and waterfalls raging below. Seriously, photo ops galore! Now, the road to the top is... an adventure. It’s basically a rocky, chairlift access trail. Think rough and rugged! Just so you know, forget about it in winter, it's completely impassable then. But when you finally reach the summit, you can feel the thin air and soak it all in! It's a trail about long, with a serious elevation gain that'll leave you breathless (literally!). Prepare to be amazed!