Where is Cerro de Maria Antonia?
Spain, europe
1.6 km
1,924 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Cerro de Maria Antonia! This beast of a peak sits high up in Spain's Almeria Province, Andalusia, clocking in at a cool 1,924m (6,312ft) above sea level.
You'll find this beauty in the southeastern, seriously arid part of Spain. Getting to the top is a short but intense 1.6 km (about a mile) off-road adventure, so 4x4 is a MUST. Starting from , you'll be climbing 137 meters with an average gradient of 8.56%. Prepare for a workout!
Keep in mind, this is the Sierra de Los Filabres, so winter means snow and crazy winds. Summer? Scorching heat. Plan your trip accordingly!
Now, is it worth it? The summit is crowned with antennas and a communication tower, which may not be the most picturesque, BUT the panoramic views of the desert-like landscape are absolutely stunning. Trust me, the bragging rights alone make it worthwhile!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,924 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderatePico Papeles
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pico Papeles: Spain's High-Altitude Adventure Want to experience some serious altitude? Head to Pico Papeles in Granada, Andalusia, where you'll climb to a whopping 2,353 meters (7,719 feet) above sea level. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's one of Spain's highest drivable roads, and it's absolutely worth the adventure. Nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, this route is pure off-road thrills. You'll need a sturdy 4x4 to tackle the unpaved mountain track, but trust me, the journey is worth every bump. As you wind your way up, you're treated to absolutely breathtaking views of the snowy peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta dominating the horizon. It's the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people fall in love with mountain driving. Fair warning though: this elevation comes with serious attitude. Expect fierce winds that'll test your driving skills and weather that can change faster than you can say "Sierra Nevada." One minute you might have crystal-clear alpine views, the next you could be navigating through clouds. The peak is also known locally as Loma de Papeles, so don't be confused if you see both names on maps. This is peak-bagging at its finest—literally.
hardWhere is Little Saint-Bernard Pass?
🇫🇷 France
The Little St Bernard Pass straddles the Italian-French border at a lofty 2,188m (7,178ft), connecting the Aosta Valley in Italy with the Savoie region of France. Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip! This epic mountain drive runs between Bourg-Saint-Maurice in France and Morgex in Italy. From the French side, it’s about 26.5 km (16.46 miles) long with a climb of 1348 meters (4,423 feet), averaging a 5.1% gradient, but hitting steeper sections of up to 8.1%. The Italian side from Pré-Saint-Didier is a touch shorter at 23.5 km (14.6 mi), climbing 1184 meters (3,885 feet) at a similar 5.1% average. Budget around two hours for the drive, give or take – and keep an eye out, you might recognize bits from the Tour de France! The best time to hit the Little St Bernard Pass is between June and September. Think blooming wildflowers and crystal-clear skies stretching as far as you can see. Winter? Forget about it! This area gets buried in snow, usually closing by October and not reopening until June. But hey, late May or early June can be pretty magical too, with massive snow walls lining the road. Historically, this route's a big deal. Some even say Hannibal and his elephants crossed here! Nowadays, it's a well-maintained road with insane views down into the Aosta Valley from the French side. Expect some hairpin turns and a tunnel or two along the way. Besides the scenery, you'll spot some seriously remote homes clinging to the mountains – some of the most isolated living in Western Europe. The Italian side is where you’ll find the tightest hairpin turns, so pick your poison: a thrilling descent or a leisurely climb. Animal lovers should check out L'Hospice du Gd-St-Bernard (a bit further up the Grand St. Bernard Pass). It's a museum, monastery, restaurant, and hostel all in one, plus it’s the birthplace of those iconic St. Bernard dogs! And around halfway, you'll find La Thuile, a ski resort town with great food, skiing, and comfy hotels. If you're up for an unforgettable mountain road trip, the Little St. Bernard Pass delivers with killer views, exciting curves, and a healthy dose of Alpine charm.
easyThe Only Road on Asinara Island: Scenic Drive from Fornelli to Cala d’Oliva
🇮🇹 Italy
# The Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road: Sardinia's Hidden Gem If you're hunting for one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, look no further than the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road on Asinara Island. This 21.1 km stretch is literally the *only* paved road on this remote Italian island in the Mediterranean, making it pretty special. Tucked into the northwestern corner of Sardinia near the Province of Sassari, Asinara was kept under wraps until 1999 when it finally opened to tourism. The concrete road itself blends beautifully into the landscape, connecting the southern town of Fornelli (where a former maximum-security prison stands as a historical landmark) with the charming northern settlement of Cala d'Oliva, complete with whitewashed houses and buildings that once housed prison staff families. What makes this drive absolutely magical is the incredible biodiversity and scenery you'll encounter. As you wind along the road, you'll pass through the island's most important habitats, catch glimpses of unique wildlife, and witness dramatic coastal panoramas. The route connects several picturesque towns—Fornelli, Tumbarino, La Reale, and Cala d'Oliva—each with their own charm. Spring and autumn are the perfect times to visit, when you can soak in those dreamy turquoise and azure waters, pristine white sand beaches, and some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking seascapes. Here's the catch though: don't plan on renting a car. Private vehicles are strictly off-limits for visitors. You'll need to hop on a guided tour, rent a bicycle or e-bike, or take an electric cart provided by the park. Parking is limited to designated areas near key spots, and rules are enforced seriously—so respect them!
moderateFaux Col de Restefond is one of the highest paved roads in France
🇫🇷 France
# Faux Col de Restefond Want to experience one of France's highest mountain roads? Head to the Faux Col de Restefond, sitting pretty at 2,656m (8,713ft) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This stunning pass is tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, right in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by other epic peaks like Col de la Bonette and Cime de la Bonette. Getting up there is pretty straightforward—the C4 (Route de Nice) is mostly paved all the way. Here's the thing though: technically, Faux Col de Restefond isn't directly on the main route to Col de la Bonette, but most people who visit swear they've been here. In reality, you might not venture the extra 50 meters down the gravel road below, but that doesn't stop anyone from claiming the victory! A heads-up if you're planning a visit: this pass is only accessible from June through September. Winter snows close it down from October to May, so plan accordingly if you're dreaming of tackling this alpine gem.