Where is Alto del Naranco located?
Spain, europe
N/A
634 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're just north of Oviedo, the heart of Asturias in northern Spain, ready to tackle Monte Naranco, also known as Alto del Naranco. This climb isn't just a road; it's an experience, a local landmark that tops out at 634 meters (2,080 feet).
The road snakes up the southern slope for a decent length, giving you non-stop views of Oviedo sprawling below and the distant Cantabrian Mountains. It's not super long, but it's a consistent grind. Think of it as a steady uphill push, a favorite with cyclists for its rhythmic challenge.
And yes, it's paved! The road is asphalt all the way, although it gets a bit narrow as you get higher. The pavement's usually in good shape, though – it sees its fair share of cycling races, like the Vuelta a España.
Keep an eye out for the super steep bits. There's a section that really kicks up, just to make sure your legs (or your car's engine) are working hard. The prize? Reaching the top, where you'll find the Sacred Heart of Jesus monument.
But wait, there's more! Along the way, you’ll find the 9th-century church of Santa María del Naranco. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a total masterpiece of pre-Romanesque architecture. So, you're not just getting a workout; you're soaking in some serious history.
Speaking of workouts, cyclists know Alto del Naranco well. It's been a Vuelta a España stage finish since '74, and let me tell you, it’s seen some epic battles!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 634 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere are the salt pans of Gozo?
🌍 Malta
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the northern coast of Gozo, Malta, and you stumble upon the super cool Xwejni Salt Pans. Seriously, they're an island highlight! You'll find them tucked away near the sweet little village of Xwejni, practically spitting distance from the livelier Marsalforn. It’s like stepping back in time, watching this ancient salt-collecting tradition unfold. The whole area is just a patchwork of these geometric salt pans—it's Mother Nature doing her thing! Basically, seawater fills these shallow, square pools and then the sun and wind work their magic, evaporating the water and leaving behind all this glistening salt. You can totally drive there! The road, Triq Is-Sagħtrija, starts near Xwejni Bay (in the Żebbuġ area) and takes you right to the pans. It's about 3.2 km (or almost 2 miles) of paved road, but be warned, it's got a few potholes here and there from being weathered. But honestly, the drive is worth it for the killer views of Gozo's wild coastline. What makes these salt pans so special? Well, they've been around for ages, we're talking way back to the 11th century! They stretch for around three kilometers along Xwejni Bay and offer up incredible photo ops. These rectangular pools are carved right into the limestone, looking like a giant checkerboard from above. Each one is filled with seawater, patiently waiting to become delicious salt. It's a must-see!
hardHow to get by car to Barbara Lowrie Refuge in Piedmont?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Barbara Lowrie Tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near the French border, sits Rifugio Barbara Lowrie at a breathtaking 1,753m (5,751ft) elevation. This high mountain refuge is nestled in the Val Pellice, surrounded by larch woods and rolling pastures, with the impressive peaks of Monte Manzol and Monte Granero standing guard overhead. Here's the thing about getting there: the road is paved, but don't expect a smooth cruise. It's narrow, rough around the edges, and seriously steep—we're talking a 14.7% maximum gradient in some sections that'll definitely get your heart pumping. In fact, every September, cyclists take on this exact route for the Cronoscalata, a legendary cycle race that's considered one of Italy's toughest climbs. Yeah, it's that intense. This is an old military road starting from Perlà, stretching 9.5 km (5.90 miles) uphill with a grueling 1,042m elevation gain and an average gradient of 10.96%. Sitting high in the Cottian Alps—that stunning southwestern section of the Alps—the road becomes impassable come winter, so you'll want to time your visit accordingly. If you're up for a challenging drive through dramatic alpine scenery, this road delivers in spades.
easyHow long is the road around Barra?
🇬🇧 Scotland
A888 (Barra Ring Road) is a very scenic loop road located in Barra, an island at the southern end of the Outer Hebrides, in Scotland. How long is the road around Barra? The road is totally paved and forms a circular road around the island serving the many coastal settlements. It’s 12.9 mile (20.8 km) long. It is very narrow in parts. It is the only classified road on the island and one of very few classified roads in the UK not to meet another. How long does it take to drive the Barra Ring Road? The road is single-track with passing places and it does not take much more than half an hour to travel along. It is open all year round. The island's circular main road gives relatively easy access to almost all parts of the island. It can be joined at any point. The road tops out at 100m above sea level (a kilometre north-east of Castlebay). Is the road around Barra worth it? The journey across Barra, the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides, offers an exhilarating driving experience, with superb views of the North atlantic ocean. The road encircling much of this beautiful island makes it easy to explore. The shoreline has rocky bays and stunning white sand beaches surrounding a largely uninhabited, inaccessible and mountainous interior. Driving the challenging road to Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse on Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wee Mad Road in the Scottish Highlands 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.
easyWhere is Pas de Roland?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to the Pyrenees, near Andorra, and you're looking for a thrill? Let me tell you about Pas de Roland! This mountain pass sits pretty at 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in the Ariege department, Midi-Pyrenees. The road, helpfully named D8, is paved, so no worries there, but don't think it's a walk in the park. This climb is a real leg-burner. You'll be gritting your teeth through some seriously steep stretches, with gradients kicking up to 13% in places and averaging 9.1% overall! It's about 9.3 kilometers from Massat to the summit, running north to south. Perched in the Central Pyrenees, Pas de Roland is typically open year-round, providing access to a ski resort. But, let's be real, those winter months can be brutal, so aim for late April to October for the best conditions. Get ready for some incredible views!