
Pic d'Espadà
Spain, europe
7.4 km
915 m
hard
Year-round
# Pic d'Espadà: A Wild Ride Through Spain's Hidden Mountain Pass
Ready for an adventure? Pic d'Espadà (also called Pico Espadán) sits at 915 meters in Castellón, eastern Spain, nestled within the gorgeous Serra d'Espadà Natural Park. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping.
The 7.4 km route, known locally as Camino de Ibola, connects Road CV-215 to Road CV-200, and honestly? It's gloriously rough around the edges. Most of the road is gravel, though the steepest sections get some paved relief to help with traction on those hairpin turns. Don't let that fool you though—this pass is steep, narrow, and seriously challenging.
Here's the real talk: a 4x4 vehicle is basically essential if you want to tackle this beast. The road gets temperamental after heavy rain and can become completely impassable, so timing is everything. But if you catch it on a good day? You're in for an unforgettable ride through stunning natural park scenery that most casual tourists never get to see.
This is the kind of mountain pass that separates the casual road-trippers from the true adventure seekers. Pack your nerve, bring proper tires, and respect what nature throws at you.
Where is it?
Pic d'Espadà is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5561, -4.7594
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 915 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5561, -4.7594
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