Pico da Barrosa
Portugal, europe
21 km
936 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! If you're heading to São Miguel in the Azores, you HAVE to conquer Pico da Barrosa! This mountain pass climbs to a cool 936 meters (that's 3,070 feet!), and trust me, the views are worth every inch.
You'll be cruising on EN5-2A, a winding, paved road that's definitely on the steeper side. But hey, that just adds to the adventure, right? The route carves through incredible volcanic landscapes - keep your eyes peeled! Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with panoramic views of both the North and South Coasts. Seriously breathtaking stuff!
The road itself is about 21 kilometers long and features around 16 hairpin turns, connecting the towns of Ribeira Grande and Lagoa. The journey is exhilarating, so embrace those twists and turns!
Heads up: There's a rough 4x4 track branching off towards Poios Brancos for those who want to get *really* off the beaten path, and the equally scenic EM513 Road leads to Alto de Vaires. At the summit, you'll find a parking lot and some communication towers. Don't let those towers distract you from the epic scenery. Get ready for some seriously stunning vistas!
Where is it?
Pico da Barrosa is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 38.9463, -8.3779
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21 km
- Max Elevation
- 936 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9463, -8.3779
Related Roads in europe
moderatePreotesele
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic Romanian adventure, Preotesele Pass is calling your name. Perched way up in Argeș County, this bad boy tops out at almost 2,000 meters (6,555 feet!). That puts it right up there with Romania's highest roads! Now, don't go expecting a smooth ride. This "road" is mostly gravel and bumpy as all get out. Plus, being that high, it gets hammered by snow in the winter, and can close without warning. Translation? Come prepared! Seriously, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one, and maybe a hefty dose of courage. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bone-jarring jolt. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery!
hardBeachy Head Road
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the Beachy Head Road on England's southeast coast is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon stretches for about 6 km (almost 4 miles) between Birling Gap and the lively resort town of Eastbourne. Picture this: twisty, turny sections hugging the coast, with killer views of the English Channel unfolding around every bend. Seriously, the landscapes are phenomenal, especially on a sunny day – those sea views will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for movie magic too! This spot's a total star, having featured in Harry Potter, James Bond, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Word of warning though, it gets super popular during weekends and holidays, so expect some company. Oh, and hold onto your hats – this road can get seriously windy! Those cliffs are high, so keep your wits about you. Basically, soak in the scenery, but drive smart and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
moderateThe breathtaking 4x4 road to Kara Dağ
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Kara Dağ, a seriously epic mountain peak in Hakkâri, Turkey, clocking in at a whopping 3,308 meters (10,853 feet)! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking full-on unpaved adventure, so your 4x4 is an absolute must. Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, you're looking at a window from late June/early July to late October to make the trek, but snow can throw a wrench in those plans any time. The climb starts in Çepkenli and stretches for about 26.6 kilometers (16.52 miles), and hold on tight – some sections get pretty steep, maxing out around a 12% gradient! Overall, the average incline sits around 4.17%. But trust me, all the bumps and climbs are beyond worth it. The views from up there? They're the kind that stick with you forever, and it's an all round great experience.
hardJúcar cliff canyon: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇪🇸 Spain
# Júcar Cliff Canyon: Spain's Breathtaking (and Terrifying) Drive Ready for an adrenaline rush? The Júcar cliff canyon road in Spain's Valencian Community is seriously not for the faint of heart. Nestled in the Muela de Cortes Mountains, this 11 km stretch is one of the most jaw-dropping canyon drives you'll find in Spain—and it demands serious respect. Built a century ago, this paved road (with some rough patches, fair warning) winds through a stunning gorge carved by the Júcar River's relentless waters. The drive is lined with sheer drop-offs that'll definitely get your heart racing, especially on the narrow sections where meeting another car head-on becomes... well, let's just say you'd better be comfortable reversing. The route features sections carved right into the mountainside with stone tunnels that add to the dramatic atmosphere. You'll battle constant wind exposure, and rockslides can block the road without warning—nature's reminder that you're in her territory. The upside? It's mercifully quiet. You'll mostly encounter the occasional cyclist or weekend biker enjoying the solitude. **Fair warning:** The current route from El Naranjero dam to CV-580 has some sections closed due to tunnel work on the El Naranjero reservoir. Check conditions before you go. This drive absolutely separates the experienced drivers from the weekend warriors. Only attempt it if you've got serious mountain driving skills and nerves of steel. But if you do make it through? You'll have earned some serious bragging rights.