The Brutal Climb to Peña Escrita in Granada with 27% Gradients
Spain, europe
12.7 km
1,175 m
hard
Year-round
# Peña Escrita: Spain's Brutal Mountain Challenge
Ready for one of the most punishing climbs in Spain? Peña Escrita, nestled in Granada's stunning Tejeda Mountains, is basically the southern Spain answer to the legendary Angliru—and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
This beast of a road climbs 1,175m (3,854ft) and pushes cyclists and drivers to their limits with gradients hitting a jaw-dropping 27%. The 12.7km (7.89 miles) route starts from the A-7 highway and gains a staggering 1,301m of elevation, averaging a brutal 10.24% gradient throughout.
What you're dealing with is a fully paved road (though fair warning: some sections are pretty rough), incredibly narrow lanes, and hairpin turns that'll test your nerves. The route winds relentlessly through the mountains as it climbs, with the final couple of kilometers offering slightly easier terrain after the punishing ramps below.
Here's the catch: the road is closed for most of the year, so timing is crucial for a visit. But if you make it to the summit? You'll discover the remains of a quirky former zoo, and the views are absolutely incredible. Plus, if you're into paragliding, the peak is a known launching spot for some serious aerial adventures.
This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a legitimate test of endurance and skill. Bring your A-game.
Where is it?
The Brutal Climb to Peña Escrita in Granada with 27% Gradients is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.1035, -4.0940
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,175 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.1035, -4.0940
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Strada Provinziale 345B?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B, or as the locals call it, Delle Tre Valli, nestled high in the Italian Alps. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though! We're talking about a 17.2km stretch of road in the province of Brescia, almost entirely perched above 1,900 meters. You'll find this gem in Lombardy, the northern part of Italy. The road is mostly paved but with a few gravel sections, so pretty much any car can handle it. Just take it slow, because the speed limit is a chill 20 km/h. Trust me, you'll want to, because the road is narrow and has plenty of rocks and rough patches, especially on those curves! Overtaking isn't allowed, and you'll want to stick to parking areas if you stop. Give yourself about 45-60 minutes to soak it all in, driving from Passo di Croce Domini. Keep an eye out for Passo di Vaia/Alpe di Vaia and Valico Poffa di Rondenino. This road is an adventure – leading to Colle Basset, or a ride to Rifugio Cornisello in the Alps that is certainly not for the faint of heart! Just a heads up: because of the high altitude, this road is usually snowed in during the winter. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather each year, so check ahead!
hardHow to drive the brutally steep road to Cerro del Moro
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cerro del Moro: A Thrilling Mountain Climb Ready for an adventure? Cerro del Moro, perched at 914m (2,998ft) in Málaga's stunning Andalusian countryside, is calling your name. Locals know it as Repetidor de Mijas, and honestly, the views from the top are absolutely worth the drive. Starting from the charming town of Mijas at 427m elevation, you've got a seriously challenging 5.3 km climb ahead. We're talking an average gradient of 9.18% with some sections hitting a steep 18%—this isn't your everyday Sunday drive. But here's the good news: the winding road is fully paved, recently renovated, and in excellent condition. No trucks allowed, which keeps things manageable. The route climbs high into the Sierra de D. Pedro mountain range, and most of it stays wonderfully quiet. You'll gain 487 meters of elevation, so pace yourself and enjoy the ride. The road stays open year-round, so you can tackle this peak whenever the mood strikes. Reach the summit and you'll find communication towers standing among genuinely breathtaking views stretching down to the Mediterranean. If you're lucky, you might spot some wild mountain goats roaming the peaks—seriously cool. It's demanding, sure, but the payoff? Absolutely spectacular.
hardDriving the 38 Hairpin Turns of the Steep Road D80 in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# The D80: France's Ultimate Hairpin Challenge If you get queasy on winding roads, the D80 in France's Savoie department might just be your nightmare—or your ultimate adrenaline fix, depending on your perspective. Located south of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this legendary route (also called the Route de Villargondran) ranks among the world's most relentless hairpin gauntlets. The fully paved but razor-thin road stretches just 10.7 km, yet it somehow packs in 38 hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your steering. Starting at the sleepy village of Villargondran at 654 meters elevation, it climbs steadily toward Albiez-le-Jeune at 1,368 meters—a brutal 714-meter elevation gain that keeps the pressure on throughout. Expect average gradients of about 6.67%, with some stretches hitting a steep 10%. This is the kind of drive that separates the thrill-seekers from the cautious cruisers. The narrow ribbon of asphalt winds through gorgeous Alpine scenery, but you'll need serious focus to enjoy the views. It's technical, it's intense, and it's absolutely unforgettable. If you're confident in your driving skills and don't mind a white-knuckle adventure, the D80 delivers an experience you won't find on just any European road trip.
hardHow long is the road from Lakki to Omalos?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're in Crete, ready for an adventure. Skip the crowded beaches for a bit and head inland to the Chania region. Trust me, the drive from Lakki to Omalos is where it's at! This 13.4 km (8.32 mile) stretch is nestled near the epic Samaria Gorge – think "Grand Canyon of Europe" vibes. The road itself? Totally paved, but don't let that fool you. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking hairpin turns, like, twelve of 'em, snaking your way up to 1,131m (3,710ft) above sea level. The views of the Omalos plateau alone are worth the white knuckles, but be warned: winter can bring frost, snow, and seriously thick fog. The edges aren't always well-marked, so keep your eyes peeled! Give yourself around 25 minutes to conquer this baby, and remember to pull over safely if you want to soak in the scenery (which, duh, you will). Seriously, this is one Cretan experience you won't forget!