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
hardWhere is Paso de los Lobos?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Paso de los Lobos, or Wolves' Pass! You'll find this stunner of a mountain pass nestled in the province of Salamanca, Spain. Think Castile and León, south of Salamanca city, smack-dab in the Sierra de Francia mountains. Reaching 1,500m (4,921ft), the pass offers killer views (there's even a viewpoint and tiny parking lot) and acts as the launchpad to conquer the Peña de Francia peak. The road itself (SA-203 / SA-CV-178) stretches for about 35 km (22 miles) between El Cabaco and Serradilla del Arroyo. Paved all the way, it’s a rollercoaster of hairpin turns and some seriously steep climbs (nearing 10% in places!). So, if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. While technically open year-round, keep an eye on weather reports, especially in winter. Snow can shut things down pretty quickly. But when it's clear? Prepare for some unreal scenery!
moderateChris Froome has become the first man to cycle non-stop the Eurotunnel
🇫🇷 France
# The Channel Tunnel: Where Engineering Meets Adventure Back in 1993, something pretty incredible happened – they finished the Channel Tunnel, and it's still the longest undersea tunnel in the world. This engineering marvel finally created a permanent link between Great Britain and continental Europe, making the dream of a fixed crossing between England and France a reality. The numbers are impressive: 51km (32 miles) of tunnel stretching beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover, connecting Folkestone on the English side to Coquelles near Calais in France. It's actually three tunnels bundled together – two for trains and one central tunnel for maintenance and emergency access. These days, the tunnel buzzes with life. High-speed Eurostar passenger trains zoom through regularly, whisking travelers from London to Paris in style. Can't drive your own car through? No problem – just drive onto the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle instead. You park your vehicle on the train, sit back, and let the tunnel do the work. Here's where it gets fun: the tunnel has played host to some seriously cool firsts. In 2014, cyclist Chris Froome pedaled through the service tunnel in just 55 minutes, averaging 65kmph and becoming the first person to cycle non-stop between Folkestone and Coquelles. It's pretty wild when you think about it – he was riding 100 meters below the waves! The impact has been massive too. Trade, tourism, logistics – the tunnel transformed transportation between the UK and Europe, strengthening economic ties and opening up endless possibilities for both passengers and freight. It's basically become the lifeblood of cross-Channel commerce.
moderateDriving the brutally steep (45%) Rua da Barreira
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Rua da Barreira: Madeira's Gravity-Defying Street Want to experience one of the world's most absurdly steep roads? Head to Funchal, the heart of Portugal's Madeira archipelago, where Rua da Barreira will absolutely mess with your sense of balance. We're talking a jaw-dropping 45% gradient at its worst sections, with an average steepness of 25.17% throughout. Most of the road is straightforward enough—just paved and pretty standard, albeit tilted at an angle that'll make your stomach do backflips. But then you hit *that section*. It's so brutal that regular cars literally can't make it through (thankfully there's a bypass). The asphalt even gives up and surrenders to cement partway down, as if admitting defeat. Here's where it gets quirky: the local bus service (line 90) runs customized 4x4 buses that look like something straight out of a cartoon. These aren't your average city buses—they're engineered specifically for the madness that is Rua da Barreira. The numbers? The street stretches 290 meters, climbing from 710m to 783m in elevation, with slopes reaching a bonkers 25-28° angle (or 45-50% if you prefer that metric). The gnarliest bit sits between bus stops Barreira 91 and CAM Trapiche Entronca S. It's short, it's steep, and it's absolutely wild.
moderateThe road to Rila Lakes Hut: A steep climb to Bulgaria’s sacred lakes
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, so you're heading to the Rila Lakes Hut (or Hizha Rilski Ezera as the locals call it) nestled way up at 2,107 meters in southwestern Bulgaria's Kyustendil Province. This place is the ultimate starting point for exploring the famous Seven Rila Lakes, right in the heart of Rila National Park! The adventure really kicks off just past the Panichishte resort, at a sharp bend on Road 6206. That's where the smooth pavement ends and the real fun begins: a rugged mountain track that winds its way up the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The whole road is unpaved, and mostly used by folks servicing the chairlift and the refuge. Keep in mind you're in the Seven Lakes Natural Reserve, so access is super restricted.