How to get to the La Merica viewpoint?
Spain, europe
N/A
817 m
hard
Year-round
La Merica viewpoint, way up at 817m (2,680ft) on La Gomera's west coast in the Canary Islands, is seriously something else. You're hanging high above Valle Gran Rey, and the drive is pure coastal drama.
The road itself, Camino el Santo, kicks off from the GM-1 highway and rambles towards El Berodal. Sure, the first bit near Plaza de la Ermita de El Santo is paved, but then it turns into a proper, rugged dirt track hugging the mountain ridge.
Now, this drive isn't for the easily spooked. Think seriously steep drops straight into the ocean and valley – we're talking *massive*. There are basically no safety barriers, and the Atlantic winds can get pretty wild up there. You'll need your wits about you, especially when the cliff edge feels way too close for comfort.
Dating back to the 17th century, this old track was a lifeline for the locals. These days, you get insane views of the Atlantic, and on a good day, you can even spot another island. Keep an eye out for wild goats chilling on the dry, volcanic hills – it's classic La Gomera scenery.
For tackling Camino el Santo, a car with decent ground clearance is a good shout. The real challenge, though, is the height! Always check the wind forecast before you head up, because it can get unpredictable. Trust me, this is a drive you won't forget in a hurry – history meets some of the most epic landscapes in the Canary Islands.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 817 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Casielles?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Asturian council of Ponga in Spain, especially to the ghost town of Casielles nestled high in the Picos de Europa National Park, you're in for a treat… and a challenge! Casielles itself is a gem, a step back in time with its old stone houses and a charming church. The views? Epic! But first, you gotta get there. This road? It's not for the faint of heart. Think narrow paths carved straight into the rock, mostly paved, but definitely a white-knuckle ride. Locals probably curse this road every day, but for us road trip warriors, it's an experience! We're talking about a twisty, turny beast starting from the Desfiladero de los Beyos, about 6.5 km of pure driving adrenaline. Get ready for 23 hairpin turns that will test your skills. And the elevation? You'll be climbing, climbing, climbing from the gorge to the town which sits at 809 meters (2,654ft). The average incline is already noticeable, but prepare yourself for some corners where you'll be battling a 21% gradient! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
hardHow to get by car to Kirkamber Tepesi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Van Province, Turkey, and you've got a serious itch for an off-road challenge, Kırkamber Tepesi is calling your name! This gravel road winds its way up to a whopping 3,238 meters (that's 10,623 feet!), making it one of Turkey's highest drives. Now, don't even *think* about attempting this in your grandma's sedan. We're talking 4x4 territory, folks. The weather can turn on a dime, and what starts as a manageable gravel track can quickly become a muddy, rutted mess. Plus, ice and snow are common hazards, so keep your wits about you. But hey, the views? Totally worth it! Just imagine: rugged mountains, vast open skies, and bragging rights for conquering one seriously epic pass. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardAn awe-inspiring road to the top of Mt. Agios Pantes
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mt. Agios Pantes: Paros Island's Windswept Summit Ready for some serious island views? Mt. Agios Pantes sits pretty at 725m (2,378ft) above sea level, perched right in the heart of Paros, Greece. Spoiler alert: the sunset from up here is absolutely stunning. Here's the thing—this concrete road isn't messing around. It's narrow, it's steep, and those cliffsides? They drop pretty dramatically. You'll want to stay sharp the entire way up because one wrong move could get messy. The payoff is that you're summiting the island's highest point, which means you're in for some seriously relentless wind. Bring a jacket year-round. At the top, you'll find a little chapel (Chapelle Άγιοι πάντες) and some communication towers. On a clear day, the views are insane—you can basically see the entire island group spread out beneath you. The route starting from the Moni Agion Theodoron-Lefkes road is a manageable 2.6 km push uphill with 133 meters of elevation gain. That's an average gradient of about 5%, so it's doable but definitely on the steeper side. Just take your time, keep your eyes on the road, and soak in those killer vistas.
hardA steep paved road to Col Tze Core in the Aosta Valley
🇮🇹 Italy
Col Tze Core is a thrilling high-altitude pass tucked away in Italy's Aosta Valley, sitting at a respectable 1,607m (5,272ft) above sea level. Also called Col Zuccore or Tzecore, this gem is hidden in the north-western corner of the country. The 9.4 km (5.84 miles) stretch winds from Strada Regionale 7 near Sommarese all the way up to Orbeillaz, and here's what makes it interesting: while the road is fully paved, it's definitely on the narrow side. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections that'll really test your driving skills—we're talking 15.3% gradients on some of those ramps. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention and respect. The payoff? Once you reach the summit, there's a charming picnic area waiting for you. Perfect spot to catch your breath, soak in the views, and celebrate making it up this challenging Alpine pass.