Port de Fontalba

Port de Fontalba

Spain, europe

Length

11.3 km

Elevation

1.219 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Port de Fontalba: A Wild Pyrenees Adventure

Ready for some serious mountain driving? Port de Fontalba is calling—a stunning 2,071-meter (6,794 ft) peak tucked into the Ripollès region of Catalonia's Girona province, right in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Starting from the charming village of Queralbs (1,219m), you've got 11.3 km of pure alpine action ahead. This isn't a leisurely cruise—expect an average gradient of 7.53%, with some sections pushing a brutal 9% as you claw your way up 852 meters. The route throws 15 hairpin turns at you, each one tighter than the last, keeping you on your toes the whole way.

The good news? The gravel surface is actually in solid condition, so you won't be fighting washboard roads on top of everything else. Once you reach the summit, there's a proper parking lot where you can catch your breath and soak in the views.

Here's the catch: this is serious mountain territory. Come winter or during heavy snowfall, the road can shut down without warning, so timing your visit is crucial. Hit it in the right season and you've got an unforgettable drive through one of Europe's most dramatic landscapes.

Where is it?

Port de Fontalba is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.0220, -2.9559

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
11.3 km
Max Elevation
1.219 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.0220, -2.9559

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