If you don’t like turns, better avoid Road GC-606 on the Canary Islands

If you don’t like turns, better avoid Road GC-606 on the Canary Islands

Spain, europe

Length

11.9 km

Elevation

1,377 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

# GC-606: A White-Knuckle Adventure in Gran Canaria

Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? GC-606 in Las Palmas Province is the Canary Islands' ultimate test of nerve—a mountain road that'll either thrill you or terrify you, depending on how comfortable you are hugging cliff edges.

Tucked near Ayacata on Gran Canaria's western side, this 11.9 km (7.39 miles) beast winds its way from GC-210 to GC-60, passing through Carrizal de Tejeda and El Toscón. The views? Absolutely jaw-dropping. You'll get stunning panoramas of the Tamadaba Massif and the Presa de Parralillo reservoir, making every heart-stopping turn worth it.

Here's the reality check: this fully paved road features 23 hairpin turns and climbs to 1,377m (4,517ft). The pavement is narrow—sometimes barely car-width—and what really gets your attention is the complete absence of guardrails. Factor in howling winds and dramatic drops, and you're looking at a solid hour and a half of intense concentration behind the wheel.

This isn't your casual Sunday drive. GC-606 demands respect, careful handling, and a healthy respect for heights. But if you're up for it, you'll experience some of the most spectacular scenery the Canary Islands have to offer.

Where is it?

If you don’t like turns, better avoid Road GC-606 on the Canary Islands is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 38.1932, -4.0894

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
11.9 km
Max Elevation
1,377 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
38.1932, -4.0894

Related Roads in europe

Driving the curves and tunnels of Malta High Alpine Roadeasy

Driving the curves and tunnels of Malta High Alpine Road

🇦🇹 Austria

# Malta-Hochalmstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Ready for one of Austria's most exhilarating drives? Head to Carinthia in the southern Alps, just north of the charming village of Malta in Spittal an der Drau District, and discover the Malta-Hochalmstraße—a spectacular toll road that'll have you gripping the steering wheel in the best way possible. This 14.4km (8.94 miles) beauty climbs high into the majestic Hohe Tauern range, winding its way up to Kölnbreinsperre, Austria's highest concrete dam sitting at a jaw-dropping 1,902m (6,240ft) elevation. Originally built to help construct that engineering marvel, the road was later opened to the public as a tourist attraction—and honestly, it's worth every detour. Buckle up for a driving experience that's part scenic tour, part adrenaline rush. The road hugs the Malta river as it snakes through six dramatic natural stone tunnels carved directly into the rock face, complete with tight switchbacks that'll test your skills. With gradients reaching 13% and some hairpin sections narrowing to single-lane, you'll need focus and respect for this road. Two strategically placed traffic lights manage flow at the trickiest points, keeping everyone safe. Just a heads up: this route is only open May through October, between 7 am and 6 pm, and the entire road is perfectly paved. Whether you're driving a car or riding a motorcycle, this is the kind of journey that reminds you exactly why you love the open road.

Driving one of the highest roads of Europe to Sommet de Bellecote in the Graian Alphard

Driving one of the highest roads of Europe to Sommet de Bellecote in the Graian Alp

🇫🇷 France

# Sommet de Bellecote: One of Europe's Most Extreme Alpine Drives Want to experience one of the highest roads in Europe? Sommet de Bellecote awaits in the Savoie department of southeastern France, sitting at a jaw-dropping 3,071m (10,075ft) above sea level. This peak is tucked into the northern reaches of Vanoise National Park, right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic drive. Starting from Belle Plagne, you're looking at 11.5 km (7.14 miles) of pure adrenaline. The elevation gain hits 1,148m with an average gradient around 10%, which translates to brutally steep terrain that demands respect. And we mean *demands* it: the road is completely unpaved, so a proper 4x4 is absolutely essential. The payoff? Stunning views of Glacier de la Chiaupe and vistas that'll make your heart skip a beat. But there's a catch—this road only opens from July through September, when the Alpine weather finally cooperates. Outside that window, it's impassable. This isn't for the faint of heart or the underprepared. You'll need serious vehicle capability, nerves of steel, and respect for the mountain. But if you've got what it takes, this drive through the Graian Alps within the Vanoise Massif is unforgettable.

How to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?hard

How to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?

🇪🇸 Spain

# Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera Perched at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet) in the Baix Camp region of southern Catalonia, this mountain shrine is absolutely worth the drive. Located in Tarragona province in northeastern Spain, the views from up here? Absolutely stunning. This historic chapel is a beauty with serious history. Built into a cave on a cliff face (possibly dating back to 1570), it's got that legendary vibe—locals say a shepherd found a Virgin statue in an oak tree that mysteriously kept returning to its original spot no matter how many times he moved it. Pretty cool, right? The chapel's also got connections to some serious historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who actually lived here back in the 15th century. The modest façade we see today was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, you'll find a single nave and the crowned Virgin statue replica (crowned in 1956). It's become a major pilgrimage site—especially beloved by beekeepers thanks to its historical bee connections. Pilgrims flock here on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas. The drive itself is pretty straightforward. Starting from the paved T-704 south of Prades, the road (Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera) is totally paved but steep and narrow—think winding mountain road vibes. It's only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) long with a modest 64-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.3%. The speed limit is 40km/h, so just take your time and soak in those mountain views along the way.

Where is Lac de Roterel?moderate

Where is Lac de Roterel?

🇫🇷 France

Nestled high in the French Alps, within the stunning La Vanoise National Park near the Italian border, lies the breathtaking Lac de Roterel. This alpine gem sits pretty at a cool 1,941 meters (6,368 feet) above sea level. Heads up: the route up to this lake is no joke! We're talking about a seriously old-school military road, dating back to the 1910s. You might even spot remains of an old railway line along the way! Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved, bumpy adventure that demands a 4x4. Think of it as an awesome, rugged alternative to the busy main roads. You'll be traversing an old supply route, passing forts around Mont Cenis, and tackling some seriously tight hairpin turns with cool retaining walls. The road follows a ridge just before the border passes through the small lake. Word to the wise: after you round the lake, the road gets even more challenging! But hey, the scenery is totally worth it.