The road to Cerrajón de Murtas, a hidden gem
Spain, europe
47 km
1,509 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, Southern Spain, itching for an adventure. Forget the crowded beaches, let's head to Cerrajón de Murtas! This beast of a peak tops out at 1,509m (4,950ft) in the Sierra de Contraviesa, practically in the shadow of Sierra Nevada.
The road starts off civilized enough, mostly paved with concrete. But don't get too comfy! The last stretch is a real test: super steep and unpaved. Seriously, consider bringing a 4x4 for this one.
Starting from the GR-5202 near Murtas, it's a 4.7 km climb to the top. Don't let the distance fool you, the average gradient is almost 7%, with some sections hitting a crazy 14.4%! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and grind.
At the summit, you're rewarded with the Mirador del Cerrajón lookout, a geodesic marker, and a fire guardhouse. The panorama is unreal – Sierra Nevada, Sierra Gádor, and on clear days, you can even spot the African coast! Plus, you get a bird's-eye view of the Alpujarra region. It's a photographer's dream and an unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,509 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to reach the summit of Monte Gran Costa?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Monte Gran Costa, a seriously epic peak in the Italian Alps. This isn't just any mountain; it's a historical hotspot right along the famous Assietta Ridge in Piedmont. To get here, you'll be cruising the Strada dell'Assietta (SP173), then peel off onto a short, unpaved military track that climbs to the top. At 2,615 meters (that's over 8,500 feet!), the views are absolutely insane. Seriously, you can see the Susa Valley on one side and the Chisone Valley on the other! Plus, you're surrounded by the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Park – nature's eye candy. The summit itself is a flat plateau, perfect for chilling and soaking it all in after your drive. But, heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and narrow in spots. You'll definitely want a vehicle with some decent ground clearance. And remember, it's a high-altitude adventure, so expect thin air and the chance of sudden weather changes. This place is only open during the summer, so plan accordingly. Oh, and history buffs, listen up! Monte Gran Costa was super strategic back in the late 1800s. You can explore the ruins of the Batteria del Gran Costa, a military fort, including what's left of a huge barracks that once housed tons of soldiers. It's pretty incredible to see these old stone structures still standing.
moderateHow To Travel The Road 862 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Iceland, Northeastern Region, and you're cruising on Road 862, aka Dettifossvegur, headed for the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Trust me, this is one scenic route you don't want to miss. This beauty runs along the western side of the Jökulsá river and the views? Unreal. Think wide-open landscapes that'll leave you breathless. The best part? It's all paved, baby! Built in 2011, so you can leave the 4x4 at home, passenger vehicles are just fine. Nestled inside Vatnajökull National Park, in the northern part of Iceland, this 50.7 km (31.5 miles) stretch of road snakes its way from Road 85, south of Thvera, up to the iconic Ring Road. Factor in about 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive, depending on how often you pull over to soak in the views (and you will pull over!). It runs parallel to the unpaved Road 864, which brings you to the eastern side of the waterfall. Usually, you can tackle this road from April to December, but keep in mind it might not be fully serviced, even in the summer.
extremeSafety Tips for Slea Head Drive in Ireland
🌍 Ireland
Slea Head Drive! It's hands-down one of the most incredible routes in Ireland. Imagine: stunning vistas, ancient sites, and charming villages all packed into one scenic loop on the Dingle Peninsula, part of the legendary Wild Atlantic Way. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience! This circular route begins and ends on the Dingle Peninsula, but be warned, it throws a few curveballs your way. The road can get pretty narrow, sometimes shrinking to a single lane, so it's not for the faint of heart, especially if it's your first time. Give yourself at least half a day to soak it all in – but honestly, a full day (or even longer!) is better to really explore. Insider tip: drive it clockwise. It helps keep those jaw-dropping coastal cliffs on your left and makes navigating those tight corners with bigger vehicles a whole lot easier. Summer's when it's buzzing, with tour buses and cyclists galore, which can make the narrow bits a bit hairy. For a calmer vibe (and a potentially safer trip), aim for spring or early autumn. Winter's a whole different beast. Lots of places shut down, and the weather can turn nasty quick. This epic 47 km (30-mile) loop packs a serious punch: First stop, Dingle town! A vibrant port town brimming with life. Grab a bite, browse the shops, and soak up the Irish culture. Then, venture into the past at the ancient Celtic settlement of Dún Beag. Step back in time as you wander through the five stone huts. Don't miss Coumeenoole Beach, a postcard-perfect spot for snapping some serious photos. Those dramatic ocean views and the fresh Atlantic air are worth the detour. Plus, there are viewpoints overlooking the Blasket Islands and, if you're lucky on a clear day, even the Skellig Islands! The weather on the Dingle Peninsula is notorious for changing in a heartbeat. Rain, fog, and crazy winds can roll in out of nowhere. Keep an eye on the forecast! Whatever you do, don't let the scenery completely distract you from the road! Find a safe spot to pull over if you want to admire the view or take a photo. Slea Head Drive is a total must-do for anyone exploring Ireland. But it's not something you should rush. Take it slow, plan ahead, and drive carefully. If you give yourself enough time and pay attention to the road, you'll have an amazing time on one of Ireland's most unforgettable drives!
hardTsouka Petsik
🇬🇷 Greece
# Tsouka Petsik: Greece's Wild Mountain Adventure Ready for some serious peak-bagging? Tsouka Petsik is calling—a stunning 1,990m (6,528ft) mountain perched right on the Greece-Albania border in the Gramos range, deep in Epirus's Ioannina region. This is legitimately one of the highest drivable roads you'll find in Greece, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. Here's the real talk: the road up is all gravel and rocky terrain that gets genuinely sketchy in spots. Bumpy, tippy, and relentlessly steep—you'll want serious mountain driving skills and honestly, a 4x4 is basically essential here. Winter? Fuggedaboutit. The road becomes completely impassable once the snow rolls in, so timing your visit is crucial. But if you're up for the challenge, the payoff is massive. You're trading smooth asphalt for raw, untamed nature and views that'll blow your mind. Just make sure unpaved mountain roads are actually your thing before you commit to this one. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a full-on mountain adventure that rewards the brave and capable.