
Mirador de la Curva del Queso, a 5 stars road in the Canary Islands
Spain, europe
N/A
609 m
moderate
Year-round
# 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.
Where is it?
Mirador de la Curva del Queso, a 5 stars road in the Canary Islands is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.1065, -2.8497
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 609 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1065, -2.8497
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving Route des Cretes along the Mediterranean Sea in Provence
🇫🇷 France
# Route des Crêtes: France's Most Thrilling Clifftop Drive Perched above the sparkling Mediterranean near Marseille in Provence, the Route des Crêtes (D141) is an absolute bucket-list drive that'll make your heart race and your camera work overtime. This stunning 11.9 km ribbon of pavement stretches between the charming coastal towns of Cassis and La Ciotat, climbing to a dizzying 364 meters above sea level. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. The road features some seriously steep gradients—we're talking 23% (okay, the signs claim 30%) in places—making it one of France's most challenging drives. Those dramatic elevation changes mean you're constantly hugging tight curves while perched alarmingly close to 300-meter cliff edges. It's totally paved and reasonably wide, which is good news since you'll have plenty of company from fellow thrill-seekers, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Most drivers make the full run in 15-25 minutes, though you'll probably want to linger longer. And here's the thing: Mother Nature calls the shots here. The road shuts down when winds get too gnarly (they could literally blow you off those cliffs) or when fire danger spikes—which happens pretty regularly during hot summers. Check those road signs as you approach, and watch the forecast before you go. The payoff? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Those perfectly positioned pull-outs and parking areas offer 360-degree vistas over the dramatic calanques (hidden Mediterranean inlets) and some of Provence's most breathtaking scenery. Time your visit for early morning or dusk to beat the harsh midday heat and get that perfect golden-hour light for photos. This road was originally carved out by the French military during World War I to transport supplies—and boy, does it deliver an unforgettable ride.
moderateWhere is Mount Leinster?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're in Ireland, right on the border of Carlow and Wexford, ready to tackle Mount Leinster. This isn't just any drive – it's a climb to the highest paved road in Ireland, all the way up to 786 meters! The road, known as the 2RN access road, is a bit rough around the edges but totally paved. It's a short but intense 2.6 km (1.61 miles) from Nine Stones, packing in an elevation gain of 335 meters. We’re talking an average gradient of almost 13%, with sections hitting a whopping 17%! Heads up, this road was built to service the TV transmitter at the top (you can't miss the 122m mast!), so it’s usually gated to keep regular traffic out and keep vandals away from the tower. But if you can find a way, the views are *insane*. Seriously, you’ll be treated to the most incredible Irish countryside panoramas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too! This spot is also super popular with hang-gliders, so you might catch them launching into the sky. Just be prepared for some wild weather up there – high winds and rainstorms are pretty common. And hey, you can brag that you’ve been to the highest point in both Carlow and Wexford! Mount Leinster has even featured in the Tour of Ireland, so you know it's legit.
moderateThe Road to Coll de Jou is a Chillout in the Pyrenees
🇪🇸 Spain
Coll de Jou is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,637m (5,370ft) in the province of Girona, nestled in the heart of Catalonia's Pyrenees in northern Spain. At the summit, you'll find free parking and Refugi De Sant Jordi, a mountain shelter that's seen better days—it's unmaintained with two separate rooms, one featuring a fireplace that's more decorative than functional (it leaks!). The 14.7 km (9.13 miles) route runs west-east from Bruguera to Ogassa through the Serra Cavallera range, and it's a proper adventure. The road is fully paved with some concrete sections, but don't expect smooth sailing—this climb is steep and chunky, with a punishing 16.0% maximum gradient in places. The gradient keeps you guessing too, mixing steep ramps with gentler stretches throughout. Fair warning: it's narrow and twisty, so caravans need not apply. But here's the payoff: you're climbing through some seriously gorgeous mountain scenery in one of Europe's most stunning ranges. Just take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe skip the mountain refuge unless you're desperate for a chat with the fireplace.
moderateDriving the classic Puerto de Pajares, a must do in Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Pajares: Spain's High-Mountain Challenge Nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains at 1,381 meters (4,530 feet), Puerto de Pajares sits right on the border between LeĂłn and Asturias in northern Spain. This 32-kilometer (19.8-mile) stretch of the N630 road was once *the* way to get in and out of Asturias—before the AP-66 highway came along, anyway. These days, it's still plenty busy, with a steady stream of trucks rumbling through alongside regular traffic. The good news? The entire route is fully paved, and you can typically access it year-round. The not-so-good news? Winter doesn't play around here. Expect serious snowfall, occasional road closures when conditions get gnarly, and those famous steep gradients that hit up to 17%—making this officially Spain's steepest national road. Add summer fog rolling in at night, and you've got yourself a road that demands respect. Running north-south from Campumanes in Asturias to VillamanĂn in Castile and LeĂłn, the pass is dotted with a restaurant and parking area at the summit, plus the Valgrande-Pajares ski resort nearby. It's become so iconic that the Spanish Vuelta cycling race has featured it multiple times, which tells you something about its challenging reputation. Come prepared, take your time, and you'll experience one of Spain's most dramatic mountain drives.