Mirador de Ezaro in Galicia: The 28% Gradient Road that Challenges Cyclists

Mirador de Ezaro in Galicia: The 28% Gradient Road that Challenges Cyclists

Spain, europe

Length

10.8 km

Elevation

268 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Mirador de Ézaro: Spain's Most Brutal Climb

Ready for one of Spain's most insane uphill challenges? Mirador de Ézaro sits at 268 meters (879 feet) above sea level in A Coruña, Galicia, in the northwestern corner of Spain. This isn't just any viewpoint — it's the kind of place that makes professional cyclists weep.

The road up is called DP-2308, stretching 10.8 km (6.71 miles) from Buxantes to O Pindo. It's fully paved (with some concrete sections thrown in), but don't let that fool you. This climb hits a jaw-dropping 28% gradient in certain stretches, making it one of the steepest ascents in the entire history of the Vuelta cycling race — even more punishing than the legendary Angliru.

What makes this route truly wild? You're literally riding straight uphill over a massive rock formation. It's the kind of road that makes you question your life choices around every hairpin turn.

Reach the summit and you'll find parking and a lookout point that makes all that suffering worth it. The views are absolutely spectacular — you get incredible vistas of the sea stretching out below you. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast wanting to test yourself or just someone who loves jaw-dropping coastal scenery, this is one unforgettable drive (or ride).

Where is it?

Mirador de Ezaro in Galicia: The 28% Gradient Road that Challenges Cyclists is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.3749, -3.2155

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
10.8 km
Max Elevation
268 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
41.3749, -3.2155

Related Roads in europe

Where is Andøya National Tourist Route?easy

Where is Andøya National Tourist Route?

🇳🇴 Norway

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the west coast of Andøya Island, way up in the Vesterålen archipelago of Norway. This isn't just any drive; it's the Andøya National Tourist Route, one of those legendary scenic routes Norway is famous for. This gem is nestled in the northern reaches of the country, a bit off the beaten path. If you time it right in the summer, you can drive under the magical glow of the midnight sun! The road itself is paved, following Norway routes 974, 976, and 82, twisting and turning through landscapes that will leave you speechless. It's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the wind – it can get pretty wild up here. Spanning 58km (36 miles), the route stretches from Bjørnskinn in the south all the way up to Andenes at the northern tip of the island. You can also connect to the National Tourist Route Senja. So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Situated in the Arctic Circle, the views are out of this world. Think rugged coastline, sculpted by the Norwegian Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, whales, and eagles – you might spot them right from your car! Expect stunning white sandy beaches, dramatic peaks, and the endless horizon of the open ocean. There are plenty of charming little towns along the way, so finding a place to stay is a breeze. And a fun fact: Andenes is also home to the Andøya Air Station, a military base. The road tops out at 65m above sea level. Just a heads up, even though it's usually open in winter, it can close temporarily due to severe weather. Be sure to check local conditions before you go.

Driving the wild Collado del Tejohard

Driving the wild Collado del Tejo

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Collado del Tejo! Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada National Park, in Granada, Andalucia, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,889 meters (that's 6,197 feet!). The road is unpaved, so you'll want an SUV or all-road vehicle for this one. Think late spring to early fall for the best time to visit, as snow can be a factor otherwise. The views are simply breathtaking! Imagine yourself surrounded by the snowy peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. Just a heads up: this road gets steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 15%. Also, daylight is your friend here. Night driving isn't recommended.

Where is Lake Bogovina?moderate

Where is Lake Bogovina?

🌍 Macedonia

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Lake Bogovina in North Macedonia. This alpine gem sits high up in the Brustovec mountains, near . Getting there? Buckle up, buttercup, because the road is only accessible by high-clearance 4x4 vehicles and is quite the wild ride. It's just over long, but you'll climb a whopping 739 meters (2,426 feet) – that's an average grade of over 11%! Expect plenty of hazards along the way. Once you conquer that beast of a road, you'll be rewarded with insane views from above sea level. Fair warning, though: this road is typically snowed in during the winter, so plan accordingly! If you're an experienced off-roader looking for a challenge and some serious scenery, Lake Bogovina is calling your name.

A wild road to Pico de las Nieves in the Canary Islandsmoderate

A wild road to Pico de las Nieves in the Canary Islands

🇪🇸 Spain

# Pico de las Nieves Nestled in the heart of Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands, Pico de las Nieves sits pretty at 1,942m (6,371ft), making it the island's second-highest peak. And honestly? The drive up is absolutely worth it. The route—marked as GC-134—is one of the best roads you'll find in the entire archipelago, and it's completely paved. Starting from GC-130, you're looking at a short but punchy 1.4 km (0.86 miles) climb with some serious steepness, hitting up to 10% gradient on the trickier sections. The whole area is part of Gran Canaria's World Reserve of the Biosphere, which adds to the special vibe. Now, here's the thing: a military base occupies most of the plateau at the top (complete with that distinctive soccer ball-shaped radar), so you can't explore everywhere. But the natural viewpoint at the summit? That's all yours. On clear days, you get sweeping views across half the island and can even spot Tenerife's iconic Pico del Teide in the distance. The sky up here has this surreal, deep denim blue that photos just can't capture. Fair warning though—trade wind clouds love hanging around the summit, and this place gets seriously windy and wet. Pick a calm, sunny day for your visit, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.