What’s at Mirador Del Rio?
Spain, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Get ready for breathtaking views from Mirador Del Rio, perched high on Lanzarote's northern tip! This isn't just any viewpoint; it's an experience. At the summit, you'll find a spot to soak it all in and even explore a historic artillery battery from way back when. Keep an eye out for the wind sculpture by César Manrique, a nod to the island's wind and rock.
The road up, LZ-201, aka the "Mirador Del Rio Scenic Road", is paved but cozy – just wide enough for two cars to squeeze by. It's a little over 3 miles long, climbing around 1400 feet, so you'll definitely feel the elevation change. The average gradient is a manageable 8%, but caravans beware, the winds can be fierce!
Trust me, the panoramic views are worth the drive. On a clear day, you'll be treated to sights of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Islands National Park. Definitely bring your camera – this is one road trip you'll want to remember! Be warned though, it can get busy during peak times.
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is the DJ112G Road?
🇷🇴 Romania
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk about a road that'll test your mettle: the DJ112G in the heart of Transylvania, Romania! This beast connects the villages of Zărnești and Peștera in Brașov County, serving as the main artery to the stunning Piatra Craiului Mountains. Clocking in at around 10.5 km (6.52 miles), this isn't your average Sunday drive. Prepare for a rollercoaster of rough terrain and seriously steep inclines, with only glimpses of smooth pavement to tease you. Think potholes galore, sections that are practically riverbeds after rain, and narrow stretches without guardrails where a slip-up could be disastrous. While the views of the Southern Carpathians are absolutely mind-blowing, don't get too distracted! You'll need your wits about you. Though a 4x4 isn't mandatory, anything with low clearance will be crying for mercy. Trust me on this one. Oh, and a word to the wise: this road climbs to a lofty 1,191m (3,907ft). Given the heavy snowfall they get around here, best to double-check road conditions, because it can be impassible at times. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
moderateYou'll never forget the road to Lac de Cema
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de Céma: Alpine Adventure at the Top of France Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, near the Italian border, Lac de Céma sits at a breathtaking 2,745 meters (9,005 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is nestled in the heart of the Graian Alps within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The journey here starts from Col de l'Iseran—yes, that's the legendary "King of the Alps"—where you'll take the Chemin du Pissaillas for just 900 meters (0.55 miles) to reach the lake. It's a short but scenic drive that ranks among France's highest roads, ending at a spacious parking lot near La Cascade restaurant, the perfect spot to grab a bite after your climb. Fair warning: the road is mostly paved, but Mother Nature hasn't been kind to it. Heavy snow takes its toll, leaving the surface pretty potholed and rough in places. If you're feeling adventurous, an unpaved track climbs even higher to the west, reaching 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) for those seeking extra elevation bragging rights. The catch? This road is strictly a summer affair, typically open from May or June through October, so plan your visit accordingly. But when conditions are right, the alpine scenery and crisp mountain air make every bump worth it.
hardDriving a Wild Paved Road to Majelletta in the Abruzzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Majelletta: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Central Italy Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Majelletta is a high-altitude pass that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning views. Sitting at 1,897m (6,223ft) in Chieti province, this beauty is nestled right within Abruzzo's incredible Parco Nazionale della Majella. The 3.6km (2.23-mile) ascent from Cima Mammarosa on SP64 doesn't mess around—you're gaining 250m of elevation with some sections hitting a brutal 15% gradient. The average climb sits at about 7%, and there are six hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Good news though: the road is completely paved and in excellent condition, freshly improved in recent years. Just note that winter weather typically shuts this route down from November through April. At the summit, you'll find a solid mountain refuge (Rifugio Bruno Pomilio), parking, and communication towers. If you're feeling extra ambitious, a paved continuation heads up to nearby Blockhaus at 2,072m (6,797ft). Here's the cool part—this isn't just any mountain road. Majelletta earned its legendary status as a Giro d'Italia classic, especially during the seventies when it was known for absolutely destroying riders. Even Eddy Merckx famously collapsed here during an early stage. So if you conquer this climb, you're following in the wheel tracks of cycling history.
moderateThe road to Kaprun reservoir, a chillout in high mountains
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen: Alpine Adventure Awaits Perched at a breathtaking 2,038 meters (6,686 feet) in Austria's Salzburg region, the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen reservoir is a hidden gem tucked into the eastern Alps within the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park. The drive here is an exhilarating experience along the Mooserbodenstraße, a fully paved mountain road built back in 1938. Fair warning though—this route is only passable from late June or early July through late October, as heavy snow transforms it into an impassable ribbon of white during the colder months. Starting from Lärchenwand Schrägaufzug Bergstation, you'll climb 6 kilometers (3.72 miles) through upper Kaprun Valley, gaining 417 meters of elevation along the way. The average gradient sits at about 7%, but don't let that fool you—the road ramps up to a jaw-dropping 17% in sections, making for some seriously steep switchbacks that demand respect and attentive driving. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. The combination of extreme steepness, high altitude, and narrow hairpin turns means you'll need nerves of steel and solid driving skills. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards are spectacular Alpine views and the satisfaction of conquering one of Austria's most impressive mountain roads.