Where is Collado de Carihuela?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on a seriously stunning (and challenging) route in southern Spain. We're talking about the Collado de Carihuela, a high mountain pass nestled in the Sierra Nevada range. This baby clocks in at seriously high elevation, making it one of Europe's highest roads!
The road, known as the Camino de los Franceses, stretches quite a few miles, leading to a cute little town. Now, here's the catch: you can't just hop in your car and cruise. To protect the precious landscape, it's closed to motor vehicles. But don't fret! You can still hike or bike your way up.
At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views, a cozy mountain hut called the Refugio Vivac de la Carihuela, and a charming little chapel, the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves. Get ready to be wowed!
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad D76
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France? You HAVE to check out the D76! This little gem sits right at the entrance to the Mercantour National Park. Okay, so the asphalt is smooth, but be warned: it’s NARROW. This 8km stretch connects the villages of Guillaumes and Sauze and packs a punch with 23 hairpin turns! Get ready for a climb too, because this road is STEEP. Starting in Guillaumes, you'll gain 512 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 6.40%. Hold on tight and enjoy the incredible scenery!
hardGC-200 is an exhilarating road with 365 curves and spectacular views in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# GC-200: Spain's Ultimate Coastal Thrill Ride Ready for one of the wildest drives in Europe? The GC-200 in Gran Canaria isn't just a road—it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure that'll make your heart race and your palms sweat. Stretching 65.2 km from Agaete to La Playa de Mogán along the island's western edge, this legendary route is basically the stuff road trip dreams are made of. Here's what you're getting into: this isn't your average scenic drive. The most intense stretch runs between Agaete and La Aldea de San Nicolás de Tolentino, clinging dramatically to cliffsides for 25+ kilometers at elevations between 200 and 900 meters. We're talking hairpin turns that spiral endlessly—the road supposedly has around 365 curves—with sheer drops that'll genuinely make you white-knuckle the steering wheel. The pavement's barely wide enough for two vehicles to squeeze past each other, and trucks blare their horns around blind corners. Those protective barriers? They're pretty modest, so yeah, the views are breathtaking partly because you're literally staring into the abyss. The scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping. You'll wind through the Parque Natural de Tamadaba and Gran Canaria's most remote, untamed coastline, where mountains dramatically plunge into the sea. The Mirador de Balcón offers stunning vistas across the water toward Tenerife. It's genuinely one of the world's best coastal drives. Fair warning though: this road has a serious reputation. Before safety barriers went up in the 1970s, more than 40 people died here. The road can shut down without notice due to wind, rain, or the 150+ annual landslides that plague the area, especially during wet seasons. There's even a permanently closed section around km 20-22 due to rockfall hazards. Bicycles aren't allowed, and only experienced drivers should attempt this. Plan on 2-2.5 hours of pure driving time if you don't stop. Just make sure to check road conditions before heading out—this beast demands respect and attention.
hardMontcaubó
🇪🇸 Spain
# Montcaubó: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Nestled in the rugged Pallars Sobirà region of Catalonia, Spain, Montcaubó stands tall at 2,293 meters (7,522 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a genuine mountain expedition. The route to the summit is decidedly raw and unpolished: think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy stretches that'll keep you gripping the wheel. You'll need a sturdy 4x4 vehicle for this one, as the trail climbs steeply upward without mercy. Fair warning: this road is typically only accessible during the summer months (roughly July to September), with snow and harsh conditions blocking access the rest of the year. Once you reach the top, you'll spot communication towers punctuating the windswept summit—a reminder that humans have made their mark on this wild peak. But really, the reward is the journey itself and the raw, untamed landscape that surrounds you at nearly 7,500 feet above the world below.
hardWhy is it called Healy Pass?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the R574 on the Beara Peninsula, straddling the Cork and Kerry border in southwest Ireland. This is Healy Pass, or Bealach Scairte in Gaelic, a twisty ribbon of asphalt named after politician Timothy Michael Healy. Originally built during the famine years (think 1847), this 12.7km (almost 8 miles) route climbs to 298m (977ft). Give yourself at least 20-25 minutes for the drive from Adrigole (Cork) to Lauragh (Kerry), but honestly, you’ll want longer – trust me! The scenery is unreal. We're talking breathtaking views over Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River. It's a desolate, almost lunar landscape sandwiched between some seriously impressive peaks of the Caha Mountains. Seriously, you'll be snapping panoramic pics at every turn. Word of caution: this is Ireland, so expect unpredictable weather. Fog and mist can roll in quickly, especially morning and evening. Also, this road is WILD! Super steep in sections (up to 18%!), with hairpin turns and seriously narrow spots. The good news is, there's usually not much traffic. So, take it slow, enjoy the views, and get ready for one of Ireland's most epic drives.