
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes
Spain, europe
1.7 km
462 m
extreme
Year-round
# Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes: A Thrilling Mountain Drive
Want to experience one of Spain's most exhilarating viewpoint drives? Head to the Principality of Asturias in northwest Spain and tackle the road to Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes (also called Mirador del Urriellu). Perched at 462 meters above sea level in the stunning Picos de Europa range, this isn't your average scenic overlook.
The fully paved route is wickedly narrow—and we mean *narrow*. You'll navigate 11 hairpin turns that'll keep your heart pumping and your hands gripped on the wheel. But that's just the appetizer. The real challenge? A brutal 38% maximum gradient that'll have you questioning your life choices (in the best way possible).
Starting from the AS-264 road, you're looking at a 1.7-kilometer climb that gains 244 meters in elevation, averaging a 14.35% gradient. It's steep, it's tight, and it's absolutely worth it. Because at the top? Incredible panoramic views of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes peak await. This is the kind of drive that makes you feel truly alive—the kind you'll be talking about for years.
Where is it?
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.7435, -4.0543
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 462 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.7435, -4.0543
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Mount Profitis Ilias?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're on Santorini, that postcard-perfect Greek island, and you're itching for an adventure. Forget the beaches for a bit and head towards Mount Profitis Ilias, the island's highest point. This peak sits pretty between Pyrgos and Kamari on the southeast coast. At the top you will find an old monastery founded in 1711 and some military installations. Now, the road to get there? It's an experience. Think paved, but seriously twisty and narrow – barely wide enough for a single car! If you get carsick easily, maybe pop a Dramamine. In the summer, it’s bustling, with big tour buses adding a fun level of "will we make it?" to the drive. Throw in a windy day, and, well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Starting from Pyrgos Kallistis, the climb is around 5.5 km (3.4 miles) long, and you'll gain about 565m (1,853ft) in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10.3%, so hold on tight! So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views from the top are insane! You get a full-on, panoramic vista of Santorini unfolding beneath you. Trust me, the scenery is spectacular – a real "wow" moment. Pro tip: go early, before the tour buses show up, to really soak it all in. You won't regret it!
hardHow to drive the challenging coastal Road 745 (Skagavegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the Skagavegur (Road 745) in Northwestern Iceland, right on the Skagi Peninsula. This coastal gem stretches for about 82 kilometers (51 miles) from Road 73 all the way to the sweet fishing village of Skagaströnd on Road 74. Heads up, it's all unpaved! Think gravel, a bit stony, with some rocks and potholes thrown in for good measure. But honestly, it's usually decent enough that you don't *need* a 4WD. The real star here? The views! You'll be treated to incredible rock formations hugging the coastline – some seriously epic basalt columns formed like, two million years ago. Just be mindful of fog; it can get super thick out here. And FYI, this road is usually a no-go from early September to late June. Oh, and be sure to check out Kálfshamarsvík, an abandoned fishing village with a lonely lighthouse standing guard. Trust me, the landscapes along this route are totally breathtaking!
hardWhere is Cirque de Navacelles?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in southern France, smack-dab in the Occitanie region, ready for an unforgettable drive! You're about to tackle the D713 and D130, a twisty ribbon of asphalt that plunges into the Cirque de Navacelles, a mind-blowing canyon carved by the River Vis (now mostly dried up). This isn't just any canyon; it's a massive amphitheater of limestone cliffs that'll leave you speechless. The road itself stretches for about 15 km (9.44 miles), connecting Blandas (a cool town known for its prehistoric standing stones) to Saint-Maurice-Navacelles. Now, fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart. It's paved, but not exactly in pristine condition, and in sections, it's barely wide enough for a single car. You'll be snaking down into the valley, then hugging the cliff face on the way back up. Rock slides are a real hazard, so keep your eyes peeled. Camper vans are generally advised to avoid this route. On the plus side, the views are spectacular! Just be aware that parking at the village entrance can get crazy crowded in the summer months.
moderateDriving the 136 curves of Klausen Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Klausen Pass (Klausenstrasse): A Swiss Alpine Adventure If you're craving a proper alpine road trip, the Klausen Pass is your answer. Sitting at 1,956 meters (6,417 feet) above sea level in central Switzerland, this legendary 46.6 km stretch of asphalt connects the Uri and Glarus cantons and delivers everything you could want from a mountain drive. Picture this: 136 hairpin curves winding up 1,237 meters of elevation gain. The fully paved Road 17 opened back in 1948 and has been a favorite playground for motorcyclists and cyclists ever since. The first section even features charming historic cobblestone pavement that'll take you back in time. A few small tunnels pepper the route to keep things interesting, and you'll tackle some seriously steep sections—up to 9% gradient in places. Here's the best part: you can reach the foot of this pass in just over an hour from Zurich, making it the first major alpine gateway if you're driving south into the heart of the Alps. Most drivers tackle the whole pass in 1 to 1.5 hours (without stops), though you won't feel rushed. Traffic stays refreshingly light throughout the year. At the summit, you'll find a snug gift shop, snack bar, and bathrooms. There's also a charming historic chapel, the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle, dating back to 1938. The entire route is dotted with tiny alpine villages that are perfect for exploring. Fair warning: this narrow, curvy mountain road demands respect and attention. The pass closes from November through June or July due to heavy snow, and longer vehicles are permanently restricted. But if you can handle the technical driving, this is an absolute must-do Swiss experience.