Where is Alto de la Cobertoria?
Spain, europe
19.4 km
1,181 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic climb up Alto de la Cobertoria in Asturias, Spain! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,181 meters (that's 3,874 feet!), and let me tell you, it's a beast. You'll be tackling some serious slopes, with gradients hitting a max of 12.3% in spots – hold on tight!
This baby's located in the northern part of Spain, and the road itself is the AS-230. You'll be winding for about 19.4 km (or 12.05 miles) from Bárzana to Pola de Lena. The pavement is in good shape, but be warned: this road is seriously curvy. Hairpin turns galore! If you get carsick easily, maybe pop a Dramamine before you go.
Up at the top, besides the incredible views, you can check out a megalithic necropolis with tombs dating way back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages! It's a pretty amazing historical spot.
The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Snow can cause closures. And pro cyclists know this climb well, as it's often featured in the Vuelta a España, making those stages extra challenging. The average gradient on the east side is around 8.85%, and on the west, it's about 8.52%. So, yeah, it's a climb! But the views? Totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,181 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Hakkari Dağları
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Hakkâri in Turkey and craving a serious off-road experience, the Hakkari Dağları pass is calling your name. This beast tops out at a staggering 3,340 meters (that's 10,958 feet!), making it one of the highest drives in the whole country. Forget smooth tarmac; this 31.5 km (19.5 miles) stretch is all about rugged, unpaved terrain, linking up with the D400 on either end. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Be warned, though: Mother Nature slams the door shut with snow from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly! The climb is no joke, either. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a maximum of 7% in places. But hey, the views? Totally worth it! Just double-check local conditions before you head out, and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
hardIs Danakıran Road unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Ağrı Province in Turkey and craving a serious off-road experience, Danakıran Road is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 13.9km (8.63 mile) unpaved beast that climbs sky-high, reaching a dizzying 2,961m (9,714ft) above sea level – making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Turkey! Picture this: countless twists and turns, hairpin after hairpin, as you grind your way up. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! The views? Absolutely epic. Just be warned, winter usually shuts this bad boy down, so plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable, heart-pumping ride!
moderateThe Road to Mount Koutra Has It All!
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Koutra: A Thrilling Mountain Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Mount Koutra rises to a impressive 1,929m (6,328ft) and ranks among Greece's highest mountain roads. Tucked between Thessaloniki and Kavala in the stunning Pangaion Hills of East Macedonia and Thrace, this peak sits dramatically within the Orfeas valley—perfect for those craving an authentic mountain experience. The drive itself is no joke. Starting from the village of Panagia, you're looking at a punishing 24.7km (15.34 miles) of climbing with a brutal 1,749m elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 7.08%—basically relentless switchbacks that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Most of the road is paved with asphalt and concrete, but the final 2.7km transitions to gravel, so a 4x4 is definitely recommended if you want to tackle those last stretch comfortably. Once you reach the summit, you'll find the ghostly remains of old telecommunications equipment sitting abandoned at the top. Nearby, there's an equally eerie abandoned shelter named Hadjigeorgiou. Pretty cool backdrop for those summit photos! History buffs will appreciate the location too—this area was once one of ancient Greece's most famous mining regions, with gold and silver operations that powered the ancient economy. So while you're catching your breath at the top, you're literally standing on hallowed ground.
moderateCrossing the wooden Laghi di Cedec Bridge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Laghi di Cedèc Bridge: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,743 meters (8,999 feet) in Sondrio province in northern Italy, the Laghi di Cedèc bridge is seriously one of the most jaw-dropping bridges you'll ever lay eyes on. Nestled within the stunning Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, this charming wooden crossing spans just 2 meters over a rushing glacial river as you make your way toward the pristine lake beyond. Fair warning though: this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this route, and Mother Nature here is no joke. Wind is basically a constant companion at this elevation—we're talking serious gusts that whip through all year long. Even during the summer months, you might wake up to fresh snowfall, which should tell you something about the unpredictable weather patterns up here. Winter? Absolutely brutal. Temperatures drop dramatically, and the road becomes completely impassable for most of the year—typically closed from October through June depending on conditions. But when the brief summer window opens up? It's absolutely worth the effort. This is high-alpine exploring at its finest, combining world-class scenery with genuine adventure.