Puerto de Navalmoral, an iconic Vuelta a España climb
Spain, europe
26.7 km
1,517 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Spain, in the province of Ávila, ready for an epic mountain adventure. That's where you'll find Puerto de Navalmoral, a seriously stunning pass that tops out at a cool 1,517 meters (or nearly 5,000 feet!).
This beauty is nestled in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, and the road that takes you there – the AV-900 – is a smooth, paved dream. But don't get too comfy! This isn't a boring drive. Think endless twists and turns as you climb from the Amblés valley to the Alberche valley.
The road is usually pretty quiet, so you can really soak in the scenery. You can hit this road year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – things can get dicey and lead to temporary closures. Keep in mind, this route has been featured in the Spanish Vuelta, so you know it's a serious climb, with some sections hitting a gradient of 8.3%! The whole pass stretches for 26.7 kilometers (about 16.6 miles) running from Ávila to Navalmoral. Get ready for some views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,517 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateThings to Know Before Driving to Col des Anderets in the Western Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col des Andérets: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the western Swiss Alps at 2,031m (6,663ft), Col des Andérets is a hidden gem in the Vaud canton that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively. This scenic mountain pass sits in the charming municipality of Ormont-Dessus, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route winds from Col du Pillon up to Col de Voré, mostly following smooth asphalt with just a few short gravel sections (around 400-600m) to keep things interesting. The steeper bits stick to proper asphalt, so you won't have to worry too much about your tires. Fair warning: this pass gets seriously snowed in during winter, so timing your visit for the warmer months is definitely recommended. But when conditions are good? Pure magic. The drive delivers jaw-dropping alpine scenery at every hairpin turn, and there's a quirky red pond near the summit that's become something of a local curiosity. Cap off your drive with stunning views of Lake Arnen and the surrounding peaks. It's the kind of road that reminds you why Switzerland is legendary for mountain driving.
hardGorges du Loup is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges du Loup (Wolf Gorge) Just 15 minutes north of Grasse in the French Riviera, you'll find one of France's most iconic "balcony roads" – the Gorges du Loup. This stunning river canyon sits tucked into the Audibergue mountain range in the Alpes-Maritimes, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The fully paved D6 winds through 5.7 km of pure drama. The narrow river canyon carves north-south through the hills beneath Gourdon, creating one of those landscapes that makes you understand why people fall in love with the French countryside. Expect the road to be cut right into the rocky cliffs with tunnels, hairpin turns, tight bends, and blind curves keeping you on your toes – this one's really best tackled by confident drivers. Fair warning: parking spots are pretty sparse, so patience is key. What makes it magical? The cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools dotting the gorge, plus the dramatic limestone cliffs rising up on all sides. You'll spot several impressive natural high jumps where locals (and brave tourists) take a plunge into the frigid water. If you want to extend your adventure, the Plateau de Caussols is an easy detour offering a steep, challenging climb to its famous white radar ball – you'll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views that make for the perfect counterpoint to the deep canyon below.
hardA curvy paved road to Lago di Morasco
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Morasco: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in the Alta Val Formazza region of Piedmont, Italy, Lago di Morasco sits pretty at 1,794 meters (5,885 feet) above sea level—a stunning high mountain lake that's totally worth the drive up. The route to reach it is Strada Statale 659 (SS659), and here's the good news: it's fully paved! The not-so-good news? It's narrow and genuinely steep. Starting from Formazza, you're looking at a 9.2 km climb that'll gain you 509 meters of elevation, averaging around 5.5% gradient. Translation: your car will definitely feel the burn. The scenery makes up for it though. Once you make it to the top, you'll find a convenient parking lot and a refuge waiting for you—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the alpine views. Just keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rock slide, which can happen in this mountainous terrain. It's a thrilling drive through some seriously beautiful country, and Colle della Cavallina's narrow paved summit road delivers exactly the kind of mountain driving experience that makes these trips so memorable.
hardCol de Frejus
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de Frejus in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France is calling your name! We're talking a legit high mountain pass experience, topping out at a whopping 2,474m (8,116ft). Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. This "road" to the summit, nestled in the Massif des Cerces range, is more of a rugged, rocky, gravel trail. Expect it to be super bumpy and sometimes sketchy. Mother Nature usually shuts it down from October to June, so plan accordingly. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven here. Definitely need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage. This trail is steep, and some of the narrow sections have serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, maybe grab a postcard instead. But if you're up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with insane views, Col de Frejus won't disappoint!