Is TF-21 road worth it?
Spain, europe
79.3 km
2,361 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising across Tenerife, one of Spain's Canary Islands, on the legendary TF-21. This isn't just any road; it's a rollercoaster of curves and stunning views that will leave you breathless. Think smooth pavement winding its way through the incredible Teide National Park, with more twists and turns than you can count!
This beauty stretches for about 79 km (almost 50 miles), connecting Granadilla de Abona in the south to La Orotava in the north. But fair warning, this isn't a quick jaunt. You could technically blast through it in 2 to 2.5 hours, but who would want to? You'll be stopping every few minutes to soak in the scenery!
Keep in mind you're climbing high, reaching a whopping 2,361 meters (over 7,700 feet) above sea level! That makes it one of the highest roads in Spain. In winter, be prepared for possible closures due to hail or icy conditions. But trust me, when it's open, the TF-21 is an absolute must-drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 79.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,361 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateA brutally steep classic climb to Planche des Belles Filles
🇫🇷 France
# Planche des Belles Filles Tucked away in the Vosges Mountains within France's Haute-Saône department, Planche des Belles Filles sits pretty at 1,148 meters (3,766 feet) above sea level. The name literally means "Beautiful Girls," though it actually comes from the local vegetation—so don't let the romantic-sounding title fool you! The climb up via D16-D16E is a beast. Starting from Plancher-les-Mines, you're looking at a 5.9 km (3.7 mi) assault on your legs with 503 meters (1,650 feet) of elevation gain. The average gradient hangs around 8.5%, but things get spicy near the top—we're talking a brutal 28% stretch that'll make your quads scream. This climb absolutely destroyed egos when Chris Froome first conquered it during the 2012 Tour de France, claiming his first stage victory in La Grande Boucle. What makes this road infamous isn't just the punishing gradient; it's the relentless, constantly changing steepness from bottom to finish. Unlike most French roads with their carefully engineered, predictable slopes, Planche des Belles Filles keeps you guessing with unforgiving elevation changes at every turn. The road itself is wide enough for two cars to pass comfortably, but that paved surface leads to a genuinely feared ski slope finale that's humbled countless cyclists. Fair warning: this climb isn't for the faint of heart. It's one of the most notorious and feared ascents in the entire Vosges range, and it shows absolutely zero mercy from start to finish.
hardA steep paved road to Lochan na Lairige
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Perthshire Highlands of Scotland, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle the road up to Lochan na Lairige, a mountain reservoir and one of the highest roads in the country. The whole route is paved, which is nice, but don't get too comfortable. This isn't a Sunday drive for beginners! There are sections so narrow that two regular-sized cars can't pass each other. Seriously, you need to know how to reverse. Plus, it's steep in places, with some ramps hitting a gradient of 13%. This epic road stretches for about 14.64km (9.1 miles), heading north-south from Bridge of Balgie to Milton Morenish. You'll climb to a whopping 558m (1,830ft) above sea level, and the views? Absolutely stunning! Plus, you can take another road down to Loch Ericht. Just watch out for some private access roads!
hardShelsley Walsh is the oldest motor sport venue in continuous use in the world
🇬🇧 England
Get ready for a wild ride at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, the granddaddy of motorsport venues! Tucked away in Worcestershire, England, on the western edge of Worcester, this place has been roaring since 1905! Forget your fancy modern tracks, this is proper old-school racing. We're talking a 1,000-yard (914 meters) sprint up a seriously steep hill. It climbs 328 feet (100 m), boasting an average gradient of 1 in 9.14 (10.9%) and a stomach-churning steepest bit at 1 in 6.24 (16%). Seriously, power is EVERYTHING here! The course is famed as one of the steepest hillclimbs worldwide, where the racing line is just 12 feet wide in places. Picture this: vintage beasts and modern rockets battling it out for the coveted "fastest time of the day." It’s a driver's dream and a spectator's paradise! Beyond the racing, Shelsley Walsh is like a living museum, showcasing automotive history with its collection of classic cars. So, whether you're a petrolhead or just fancy a day out with a twist, Shelsley Walsh is an absolute must-see! Check out the map on the Shelsley Walsh website to get your bearings.
hardWhere is Cap de Creus Lighthouse?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Catalonia, Spain, ready for an adventure! You're heading to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse, perched way out at the far northeast tip of the country. The road there? Epic. It's an old coastal path, a single lane of winding bitumen clinging to the edge of the Mediterranean. We're talking seriously narrow in spots! It's about 7 km (4.3 miles) from the little coastal village of Cadaqués. The landscape is straight out of a dream, carved by the Tramuntana winds—a powerful, cold force that whips through the area. Keep an eye out for crazy rock formations – these mountains were formed 400 million years ago! You'll be climbing, too. The lighthouse sits 87 meters (285 feet) above sea level. Parking can be tricky at the top, but spots open up pretty quickly. If it's packed, just park along the road before you reach the lighthouse. No car? No worries! There's a bus that runs regularly during the summer. Oh, and fun fact: this area was so inspiring to Salvador DalÃ, he made his home nearby! Plus, it served as the filming location for "The Light at the End of the World." No wonder – the views from this lighthouse, and the restaurant inside, are absolutely unmatched! Just watch out for those hairpin turns.