Pista Espinama-Sotres is a Tricky Scenic Drive in the Picos de Europa

Pista Espinama-Sotres is a Tricky Scenic Drive in the Picos de Europa

Spain, europe

Length

13.7 km

Elevation

1,655 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Espinama to Sotres: A Thrilling Mountain Adventure

Ready for an unforgettable drive? The route from Espinama to Sotres (aka Ruta de la Reconquista or GR202) is pure adventure tucked between Asturias and Cantabria in northern Spain. You'll be driving straight through the heart of Picos de Europa National Park—some seriously stunning terrain.

Here's the deal: this 13.7 km (8.51 miles) unpaved track winds through a glacial valley, connecting two charming mountain towns with plenty of character. You'll want a 4x4 for this one. The road climbs steeply—we're talking gradients between 8-10%—with loose rocks and rutted sections that'll keep you on your toes.

As you ascend, you'll reach a high plateau at 1,655m (5,430ft), where the landscape transforms into something straight out of a nature documentary. The natural beauty up here is absolutely untouched and breathtaking.

Fair warning: this route has serious seasonal constraints. From November through May (sometimes even mid-June), heavy snow makes it impassable. After intense rainstorms, the low bridges can get washed away, so conditions can shift quickly. The weather in this region is notoriously dramatic and unpredictable—rain can roll in fast, so come prepared.

If you're looking for a real test of your driving skills and a chance to experience pristine mountain landscapes, this is it.

Where is it?

Pista Espinama-Sotres is a Tricky Scenic Drive in the Picos de Europa is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.4346, -2.9275

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
13.7 km
Max Elevation
1,655 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
39.4346, -2.9275

Related Roads in europe

A military road to Colle Bandiahard

A military road to Colle Bandia

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle Bandia Tucked away in Italy's northwestern corner, Colle Bandia sits at 2,429m (7,969ft) in the Province of Cuneo, perched right on the border between the Stura Valley and Maira Valley. This is seriously high-altitude terrain in the Cottian Alps of Piedmont, and you're practically touching the French border from up here. The 3.8km (2.36-mile) route runs west to east, connecting Colle Margherina to Colle di Valcavera, and it's mostly unpaved—think rough mountain cart track rather than polished highway. The good news? It's totally doable in a regular passenger car when the weather cooperates. The bad news? It's narrow. Like, *really* narrow. Meeting another vehicle head-on isn't just inconvenient; it's a genuine puzzle you'll want to avoid. The slope is pretty gentle for a mountain pass, which helps, but this is definitely a road that demands respect and patience. What makes it worthwhile are the incredible views and the fascinating military history scattered along the route. You'll spot abandoned military barracks dotting the landscape, including the Caserme della Bandia near the summit—remnants of Italy's defensive past that add real character to the drive. Skip this one if you're nervous about tight spaces, but if you're up for an adventure with a side of Alpine history and panoramic mountain vistas, Colle Bandia delivers the goods.

Sa Crabarissahard

Sa Crabarissa

🇮🇹 Italy

# Sa Crabarissa: The Woman in the Rocks Tucked away in Sardinia's Provincia di Nuoro lies Sa Crabarissa, a stunning natural landmark that actually looks like a woman carved into the landscape. If you're up for an adventure, this is definitely worth the trip. The route to reach her is about 7.6km of pure rugged beauty. You'll be cruising on gravel roads—definitely bring a proper 4WD vehicle for this one. Fair warning: the road is narrow and twisty, so if you're not comfortable with reversing, this might not be the drive for you. But if you've got the skills and the nerve, you're in for a treat. As you climb through the Mandrolisai mountains toward the 713m summit, prepare yourself for some seriously jaw-dropping scenery. The elevation gain is real, and the terrain is steep, but that's what makes it so spectacular. This is photographer's paradise—bring a camera with plenty of memory space, fully charged batteries, and be ready to snap some incredible shots. The vistas alone are worth every twist and turn of the journey. The best part? Once you reach the top, there's actually a large parking area where you can safely park and take your time soaking in the view. It's the perfect reward after conquering the mountain road.

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?easy

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria, specifically the Karnten region, and you stumble upon the Nockalm Road. Seriously, this drive is a must-do! Winding through Nockberge National Park, this alpine road stretches for 34 kilometers (around 21 miles) between Innerkrems and Ebene Reichenau. Built back in 1981, it’s a toll road well worth the price of admission. Get ready for 52 hairpin bends (that's 104 if you're doing the whole loop!), weaving and winding through the mountains. The road's in great shape, so the curves are smooth, even with a maximum gradient of 12% in places. Keep in mind, because it's located way up in the Carinthia's Nock Mountains, peaking at 2,042 meters (almost 6,700 feet) above sea level at Eisentalhöhe, it's only open from early May to late October. And a heads up for bikers: it's closed to motorcycles between 6 PM and 8 AM. Trust me, it's worth planning your trip around the road being open! You'll be driving through Europe’s only national park nestled in high mountains, with views that stretch forever. The mountains themselves, the Nockbergs, are these amazing rounded summits, totally unique to the Alps. You'll pass through spruce and stone pine forests, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and just soak it all in. Plus, keep an eye out for the mountain huts serving up local Carinthian food! Just a word of warning, it gets pretty busy on weekends and holidays.

Where is Col de l’Infernet?hard

Where is Col de l’Infernet?

🇫🇷 France

Okay adventurers, listen up! Deep in the French Alps, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, awaits Col de l’Infernet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 2,380 meters (7,810 ft) above sea level, a real lung-buster! Up top, you'll find Fort de l’Infernet, a seriously cool old French fort from the 19th century. Picture this: the last fort built with cut stone, equipped with huge guns and mortars and once connected to the valley by a mule-powered tramway! Now, the road itself? It's unpaved and rough, originally built for army vehicles. Think steep, narrow sections, slippery spots, and major drop-offs – definitely not for the faint of heart. From the paved road to the summit, you're looking at roughly 5.5 kilometers of challenging terrain with an average gradient of 9.5%. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Along the way, you'll be treated to amazing views and loads of historical remnants – old forts, gun placements, and barracks dot the landscape. Fair warning: this road is usually closed in winter due to snow, and even in summer, conditions can change quickly. So, check before you go and prepare for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!