Port d'Envalira (Pas de la Casa)

Port d'Envalira (Pas de la Casa)

Andorra, europe

Length

28 km

Elevation

2,408 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

June to October

# Port d'Envalira: Europe's Highest Drive

Ready for a serious elevation achievement? The Port d'Envalira is calling—at 2,408 meters, it's officially the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and the highest through-road in all of Europe that's actually open to regular travelers like us.

The journey kicks off in Andorra la Vella and winds its way through this pocket-sized principality on the CG-2 road, eventually hitting the French border at Pas de la Casa. It's a spectacular drive through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain.

From Andorra la Vella, the route climbs alongside the Valira d'Orient valley, passing by the Soldeu ski resort before you hit the treeless summit plateau. Fair warning: this isn't some sketchy mountain pass. The road is genuinely well-maintained with modern surfaces and solid safety features—mostly because it's a major commercial artery for Andorra's busy duty-free trade. Still, don't underestimate winter conditions here. Heavy snow and brutal winds can shut things down without warning, though there's an alternative tunnel running beneath the summit if you need a backup plan.

Once you crest the summit, you're treated to that classic high-altitude barrenness that suddenly explodes into panoramic views of endless Pyrenean peaks. Then comes the descent into France at Pas de la Casa, where the landscape does a complete 180. Absolutely worth the drive if conditions cooperate.

Where is it?

Port d'Envalira (Pas de la Casa) is located in Pyrenees, Andorra (europe). Coordinates: 42.6408, 1.7139

Driving Tips

# Road Travel Tips for Andorra

Hey, if you're heading through Andorra, just know the roads are open all year long—but from November through April, you'll need to have either chains or winter tires. No getting around that one, so come prepared!

Here's a pro tip: if the weather gets sketchy, the Envalira tunnel is your friend. It's a great way to bypass some of the rougher conditions when you need to.

One more thing that'll save you some cash—gas is surprisingly affordable in Andorra, so definitely fill up your tank before you head into France or Spain. You'll thank yourself later when you see what prices are like on the other side of the border!

Road Surface

Excellent paved asphalt

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Road Details

Country
Andorra
Continent
europe
Region
Pyrenees
Length
28 km
Max Elevation
2,408 m
Difficulty
moderate
Surface
Excellent paved asphalt
Best Season
June to October
Coordinates
42.6408, 1.7139

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