Where is Carretera del Cañarete?
Spain, europe
9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising the Carretera del Cañarete is a must-do if you're exploring southeastern Spain! This coastal gem snakes along the cliffs of the Sierra de Gádor in Almería, Andalucía. Construction kicked off way back in 1865, and it's been wowing travelers ever since.
Officially known as N-340a, this 9 km (5.59 miles) stretch is part of the longer N-340, tracing the ancient Via Augusta. Be warned, it's a popular route, seeing almost 10,000 vehicles daily!
While the views are incredible, with the road clinging dramatically to the cliffs offering stunning coastal vistas, it's worth noting the area's prone to rockslides. The geology's a bit fragile thanks to fractures, softer spots, and the constant battering from water, wind, and seismic activity.
Pro tip: Drive from Aguadulce to Almería! This way, you'll bypass the newer tunnels and stick to the original road, hugging those stunning cliffs. There are even a few parking spots where you can pull over and soak it all in. Sunset is pure magic here, so time your drive accordingly for unforgettable views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardIs Maniva Pass paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps on Strada Provinciale Bresciana 345 delle Tre Valli (SP BS 345), headed for Passo del Maniva. This beauty of a pass sits at 1,664m (5,459ft) in the Brescia province of Lombardy. Yep, it's paved all the way to the top, where a ski station awaits. From there, it's a launchpad for some seriously epic rides. This isn't just a Sunday drive, though. The road stretches for 19.3 km (11.99 miles) from San Colombano to Bagolino and throws some curveballs your way: think narrow stretches, a dizzying 38 hairpin turns, and gradients that crank up to a hefty 14.6%. You'll need your wits about you! But trust me, those views? Totally worth the focus.
moderateWhere is the road to Passo Castrin?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for Passo Castrin (aka Hofmahdjoch) in stunning South Tyrol, Italy! This hidden gem sits way up in the Ortler Alps at 1,781m (5,843ft). So, where does SP-86, the road across Passo Castrin, take you? It's a sweet 17km stretch linking the charming villages of Laurein and Santa Valburga. Think modern marvel, because the tunnels carved out in the 90s made this route a breeze compared to the olden days. Now, don't let the smooth pavement fool you; this road is a BEAST! We're talking hairpin turns and a gut-punching maximum gradient of 19%! Seriously, double-check those brakes before you head down. Despite the challenge, the pavement is pristine, making it a haven for cyclists and drivers chasing an adrenaline rush in the Dolomites. But here's the kicker: forget sweeping vistas at the summit. Passo Castrin's highest point is actually INSIDE a tunnel! Yep, you read that right. The peak elevation is at the south entrance of the main tunnel, making it a truly unique Alpine experience. Pro tip: control your speed and use engine braking on those crazy steep sections. The tunnel's well-lit, but be ready for the light change as you blast in from the bright Italian sun. It's a super direct and scenic shot through the mountains, giving you a fast and unforgettable drive through the Bolzano province.
hardButtertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Yorkshire Dales in northern England, and you stumble upon Buttertubs Pass. Jeremy Clarkson called it "England's only truly spectacular road," so you know it's going to be good. This baby's located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The name comes from these crazy cool, 65-foot-deep limestone potholes near the top. Legend has it that farmers used them as natural fridges for their butter on market days! The road itself is called Cliff Gate Road (B6270) and it's totally paved. It winds for about 5.5 miles (8.85km) between Hawes and Thwaite. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is a bonus. Heads up, though: this road isn't for the faint of heart! You've got a serious 400-foot drop on one side, super tight bends, and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 20%! And it can get slick when it's wet. Plus, the wind at the top can be wild, so hold onto your hats! But trust me, it's worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking. This drive has it all: steep climbs, fast descents, challenging corners, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. It's no wonder it's been featured on the Tour de France, Clarkson's Car Years, Top Gear, and Wheeler Dealers! Seriously, if you're looking for an epic drive in the UK, Buttertubs Pass needs to be on your list.
moderateThe breathtaking unpaved road to Salati Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo dei Salati: Italy's Alpine Adventure Ready to tackle one of Europe's highest roads? Passo dei Salati sits at a jaw-dropping 2,988m (9,803ft) in the northwestern Italian Alps, straddling the border between Turin's Metropolitan City and the Aosta Valley. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—we're talking serious alpine territory here. The unpaved road climbs 7.9 km (4.9 miles) from the village of Staffal, gaining a whopping 1,128m in elevation with an average gradient of 14.27%. You'll definitely need a capable 4x4 to make this one work, and fair warning: private vehicles are restricted, so this is one for adventure seekers with special access. Weather permitting, you've got roughly May through October to attempt this beast—conditions outside those months make it impassable. But when conditions are right? You're rewarded with stunning views of the Graian Alps near Gran Paradiso National Park. At the summit, there's a small cluster of civilization to greet you: a bar and restaurant to refuel, the iconic Statua dello Stambecco sculpture, and the Istituto Scientifico Angelo Mosso research institute. It's a unique blend of remote wilderness and mountain hospitality—one of Italy's most distinctive high-altitude experiences.