Is the LP-4 Road in the Canary Islands Paved?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the LP-4 on La Palma, Canary Islands. This isn't just any road, it's a stairway to heaven in the northern part of the island! Seriously, the panoramic views are insane! It climbs up, up, up to Roque de Los Muchachos, the island's peak, giving you access to the stunning Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Starting near Santa Cruz de la Palma, this paved beauty winds and twists its way up into the mountains.
Fair warning though, it's a road with some serious curves and steep climbs, so you'll need to keep it slow and steady. Remember, you're up high, so take it easy and enjoy the views. This road really showcases the island's mountainous character!
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Passo Cereda?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Passo Cereda, perched at a cool 1,361 meters (4,465 feet), straddling the line between Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto in northern Italy. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure on Strada Statale 347 (SS347). The road's typically smooth, but heads up – some curves get seriously narrow, especially winding through villages. Blind corners are the name of the game here, so keep your eyes peeled! Clocking in at 31 kilometers (19 miles), this east-to-west route starts near Fiera di Primiero (in Trentino) and ends close to Gosaldo (in the Province of Belluno). The whole time, you’re cruising along the southern slopes of the Pale di San Martino mountains. Seriously epic scenery, folks!
extremeCol de Fours
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Col de Fours! This stunner sits way up in the French Alps, practically winking at Italy from its perch at 2,318 meters (7,604 feet). You'll find it nestled in the Ubaye valley, in the northern reaches of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain—basically a chairlift access trail. As you climb, the landscape gets wilder and the slope gets seriously steep. Think loose stones giving way to an even steeper, rockier upper section. Starting from Le Super-Sauze, you've got 3.6 km to conquer, packed with a whopping 607 meters of climbing. That's an average gradient of nearly 17%! This trek is only doable during a tiny window in summer. Be warned: the wind here is no joke—it’s pretty much a permanent fixture. But keep your eyes peeled! You might just spot marmots, chamois, and ibex hanging out along the way. Oh, and did I mention there's an old chairlift from 1971? This place is epic!
moderateCan you drive the 570 Road (Jökulshálsvegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Road 570 (Jökulshálsvegur) on the western edge of Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking serious 4x4 territory. Can *you* handle it? Think steep climbs, loose gravel, potholes that could swallow a small car, and blind turns galore. It's rough, it's challenging, and it demands a high-clearance vehicle. The track itself is pretty gnarly, with big rocks and ruts everywhere. If the clouds are low, seriously consider skipping it; you'll be driving *in* them! But if you are confident, be prepared for the views to be incredible. Picture this: a lunar landscape surrounds you as you rumble along this bumpy road. And the best part? You'll probably be completely alone. Seriously, this track isn't exactly a tourist hotspot, so consider bringing a buddy. Even though it's been upgraded and isn't *technically* an F-road anymore, don't let that fool you. This is still a *mountain* road. No river crossings, thankfully! This 18.3km (11.37-mile) stretch connects Arnarstapi (or Stapi) on the southern side of Snæfellsnes to Ă“lafsvĂk in the north. And trust me, the payoff is HUGE. You're talking about insane views of Snæfellsjökull, that majestic, glacier-topped volcano. Lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see, some bare, some cloaked in moss. It's a natural wonderland of insane landscapes and geology! Just a heads up: this road is only open during the summer, typically from late June to early September. And it's high! We're talking 658m (2,158ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. If heights aren't your thing, maybe think twice, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire Snaefellsnes peninsula are unbelievable.
hardThe iconic climb to Luz Ardiden
🇫🇷 France
# Luz Ardiden: A High-Alpine Climb Worth the Drive Nestled at 1,720 meters (5,643 feet) in the stunning Hautes-Pyrénées, Luz Ardiden is one of the Pyrenees' most iconic ski destinations. And here's the cool part—this place has serious cycling credentials, having hosted multiple Tour de France and Vuelta a España summit finishes. The paved road up to the resort opened back in 1975, and it's a thrilling roller coaster of hairpin bends and steep pitches. What makes it special? It's a dead-end road, so you'll never deal with heavy traffic—just you, the mountains, and those incredible panoramic views waiting at the summit. Cyclists absolutely love this place, and once you drive it, you'll understand why. The scenery is genuinely spectacular. **Coming from Luz Saint Sauveur?** Expect a 14.7 km climb gaining 1,010 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits at a manageable 6.9%, though you'll hit steeper sections maxing out at 10%. **Starting from Viscos or Saligos?** This route stretches 14.27 km with a 1,059-meter elevation gain. The average push is 7.4%, but watch out for that brutal 16% maximum slope—it'll definitely test your nerves on those hairpin turns. Either way, you're in for an unforgettable alpine adventure.