Is the road to Alto de San Miguel de Aralar paved?
Spain, europe
11.5 km
1,233 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Navarre, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head toward the Aralar mountain chain (practically the foothills of the Pyrenees!), and get ready for Alto de San Miguel de Aralar. This climb kicks off near Uharte-Arakil, and it's a solid 11.5 km push to the 1,233m summit.
The road? Fully paved, but hold up – it's mostly concrete, which can be a bit slippery. Get ready for a consistent workout! You're looking at an average gradient of 6.72% with sections hitting a max of 14.2% right at the top! We're talking 773 meters of climbing, so pace yourself. While there aren’t any crazy-steep sections, it's relentlessly tough, with many kilometers hovering above 9%.
The payoff? Epic. At the top sits the historic San Miguel de Áralar sanctuary (aka San Miguel in Excelsis), with views that stretch across the Arakil corridor, San Donato, and the Urbasa and Andia ranges. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the effort!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,233 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Strassberger Fürggli?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: Strassberger Fürggli, a Swiss mountain peak chilling at 2,109 meters (6,919 feet) in the eastern part of the country. It’s a bit off the beaten path, nestled near the Strassberg mountain hut. Now, heads up, the road to the top? Totally unpaved! You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this adventure. Forget about it in winter – usually impassable then. From the Strassberg hut, it’s just under 2 km (about 1.2 miles) to the peak, but get ready to climb – you'll gain 189 meters in elevation, so expect some steep sections. But trust me, it’s worth it! You’re way out there, soaking in an untouched mountain setting. The views of the Schanfigg are incredible, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot some cool wildlife. Just be prepared for a narrow road with sections hitting 15% and some unlit tunnels on your way to the Vieux Emosson lake. It's a driver's dream.
hardDriving the international Pavlic Pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Pavlič Pass Nestled in the stunning Julian Alps, Pavlič Pass sits at 1,349m (4,425ft) and marks the scenic border between Slovenia and Austria. Named after a local farmer, this charming mountain crossing connects Lower Styria in northern Slovenia with Austria's Carinthia region. The fully paved route stretches 19.3km (11.99 miles) from Solčava in Slovenia to Bad Vellach in Austria, running east-west across some seriously gorgeous Alpine terrain. Known as the Seeberg Highway (B 82) on the Austrian side and Route 428 in Slovenia, this pass has quite the history—the first road opened way back in 1894, though it didn't get fully paved until 2000. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road climbs steeply with some sections hitting a gnarly 15.7% gradient, so grip your steering wheel tight. But that's half the fun, right? You'll weave through dense forests, pop out into charming villages, and cruise past Alpine meadows—the scenery shifts constantly and keeps you engaged the whole way. Cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts absolutely swoon over this route when the weather's cooperating. The narrow sections add a bit of technical challenge, making it perfect if you're looking for something with real character. Just pick a clear day, take your time, and soak in those mountain views.
moderateMirador de la Curva del Queso, a 5 stars road in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mirador de la Curva del Queso: A Scenic Drive Through La Gomera If you're looking for a road trip that'll make your jaw drop, head to La Gomera in the Canary Islands and tackle the GM-1. This stunning route winds through the western side of the island, connecting the capital to the charming northern town of Hermiga, and it's an absolute game-changer. What makes the GM-1 so special? Those incredible hairpin turns. Seriously, every single curve reveals a fresh perspective of the sprawling valley below. You'll drive past dramatic cliff faces, pass through quaint little settlements, and feel genuinely immersed in nature. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The road itself sits beautifully on the west side of Valle Gran Rey (the Valley of the Great King)—a region that was once treasured for its remote, untouched character. Nowadays, you can experience that same sense of adventure on expertly maintained pavement as the road gracefully curves down into the valley, hugging the island's rugged coastline while climbing deep into the mountains. The Mirador de la Curva del Queso observation deck marks the perfect spot to pause and soak it all in. It's the kind of drive where every kilometer gives you something new to marvel at, making it an unforgettable adventure through one of Spain's most captivating islands.
extremeWhere does the The Broomway start and end?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Ever heard of The Broomway in Essex, UK? This isn't your average coastal stroll. We're talking about a seriously historic – and seriously risky – 6-mile path across the Maplin Sands. We're talking ancient, like Roman-times ancient, connecting the mainland near Southend to Foulness Island. Here's the deal: you can ONLY walk it when the tide's WAY out. Otherwise? It's underwater. Seriously, this path is notorious, claiming over 100 lives over the centuries. Why? Because that tide RUSHES in. Plus, the terrain is tricky: think sticky mud, hidden quicksand, and even old, potentially EXPLOSIVE mines! Back in the day, it was marked with broom sticks (hence the name), but imagine trying to navigate that in fog or rain – it's easy to get disoriented with sand stretching in every direction. The scenery is stark and beautiful, but don't let it fool you. This isn't a casual walk; it's a challenging, potentially deadly adventure. Respect the power of the sea, folks!