The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Ruta de los Volcanes
Spain, europe
10 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Ruta de los Volcanes: Lanzarote's Mind-Bending Volcanic Drive
Ready for a road trip that feels like you're driving on an alien planet? The Ruta de los Volcanes in Lanzarote is absolutely wild. Located smack in the middle of Timanfaya National Park, this 10 km loop takes you through the volcanic heart of the Canary Islands—and trust us, it's as spectacular as it sounds.
Originally dreamed up back in 1968 by César Manrique and Jesús Soto, this fully paved road is your ticket to some seriously jaw-dropping views. You'll cruise past dramatic volcanic cones, peer down into actual craters, and spot those mind-bending black sand dunes made of lapilli and picón. If you're lucky, you might even spot lava tubes cutting through the landscape.
The vibe? Completely otherworldly. The entire drive winds through a barren, rocky desert that looks like it belongs on the moon rather than Earth. The colors are surprisingly vibrant despite the desolate terrain, creating this surreal contrast that photos just can't quite capture.
Fair warning though: it's a narrow one-way loop, so don't expect a leisurely drive during peak season. Summer brings heavy traffic, so if you can swing a visit in the shoulder months, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience. But even with crowds, this drive is genuinely one of the most scenic routes you'll find anywhere in the world.
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Ruta de los Volcanes is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.9925, -3.3945
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.9925, -3.3945
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving a Romanian classic road to Tihuta Pass
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Transylvania, Romania, heading towards a seriously epic mountain pass called Pasul Tihuţa – or as Dracula fans might know it, the Borgo Pass! We're talking 1,201 meters (almost 4,000 feet) up, right in the heart of the Bârgău Mountains. The road? Paved, thankfully! It’s the DN17, part of the E58 highway, snaking for about 17.5 km (almost 11 miles) between Piatra Fântânele and Poiana Stampei. Hold on tight, though, because this baby gets STEEP. We're talking up to a 12% gradient in places! The views? Absolutely insane. This used to be the border between Moldavia and Transylvania, steeped in history and legend. Speaking of legends, you might have heard that a hotel called "Castel Dracula" was built near here, claiming to be the exact spot from Bram Stoker's novel. It's now closed for good, sadly. But don't despair, the Hotel Cota 1201 at the summit is still there. Get ready for some serious curves, stunning scenery, and a healthy dose of vampire vibes. This is one Transylvanian road trip you won't forget!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquer the drive from Lefkes to Kamari on Paros island
🇬🇷 Greece
# Lefkes to Kamari: A Hidden Gem in the Cyclades Ready for a stunning drive through Greece? Head to Paros island and tackle the scenic 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route connecting the charming villages of Lefkes and Kamari. This north-south stretch is pure magic, especially if you're craving those postcard-perfect Aegean Sea views. The real star of this drive? The winding ascent to Mt. Agios Pantes, the island's highest peak. You'll climb to 593 meters (1,945 feet) on a mostly unpaved road with just a few concrete sections thrown in where things get steep. Fair warning: the path narrows in spots and feels genuinely rustic, but that's part of its charm. Most regular passenger cars and RVs can handle it without too much trouble. The whole experience feels like you've discovered something the masses haven't quite found yet. Narrow roads, elevation gains, and those killer views of the sparkling Aegean make this one of those drives you'll be talking about long after you're back home.
hardWhere is Avoriaz located?
🇫🇷 France
Avoriaz is a world-renowned ski resort located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, within the commune of Morzine, in France. Perched on a cliff at an elevation of above sea level, the station is famous for its avant-garde architecture and its legendary status in professional cycling. Where is Avoriaz located? The resort is situated in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the south-eastern part of the country, near the Swiss border. It was built in the 1960s on a former mountain pasture. Unlike most Alpine stations, Avoriaz was designed to be fully integrated into the landscape, with wood-clad buildings that mimic the surrounding rock formations. Morzine (Haute-Savoie) D338 (Route d'Avoriaz) Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April. How challenging is the climb to Avoriaz? The road leading to the resort is fully paved. It’s called Starting from Morzine, the ascent—known as the —is 11.7km (7.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 795 meters, with an average gradient of 6.85% . However, don't let the average fool you; several sections reach , especially through the series of hairpin bends that overlook the valley. The Tour de France Heritage Avoriaz holds a special place in cycling history. It was the very first ski resort to host a Tour de France stage finish in 1975 (won by Vicente López Carril). Since then, it has appeared in the race numerous times, serving as a battleground for legends. The climb is often used as a final test for the "GC contenders" due to its steady but demanding rhythm. Morzine (Haute-Savoie) D338 (Route d'Avoriaz) Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April. Driving to a Car-Free Resort If you are planning to drive to Avoriaz, keep in mind that the resort itself is entirely . Visitors must leave their vehicles in the large indoor or outdoor parking lots at the entrance (known as ). From there, horse-drawn sleighs or electric shuttles transport guests to their accommodation, making it a unique destination in the Alps. Can I drive to Avoriaz year-round? The road is well-maintained as it serves a major ski hub, but during winter, snow chains or winter tires are mandatory. The D338 is a wide, safe road, but the descent can be fast and technical, requiring good braking skills and caution due to the frequent mountain traffic and cyclists. A gravel road to Lac de Plan d'Amont Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardJenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, because Jenkin Road in South Yorkshire is a beast of a climb! This little half-mile stretch north of Sheffield packs a serious punch. You might remember it from the 2014 Tour de France when it was briefly "Côte de Wincobank Hill." Locals know Jenkin Road for its insane steepness. A sign boasts a crazy 33% max gradient, but the *real* peak is closer to 17%, which is still nuts. It's paved, thankfully, but the slightly curved steepest part makes it feel even tougher. As you grind your way up, you'll pass through a normal residential area, with houses lining the road. The average gradient is around 11%. Trust me, your legs will feel every single percent! It’s short, it's brutal, and it's definitely a memorable ride.