Where is Cumbre del Sol?
Spain, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Cumbre del Sol, a mountaintop that feels like you're touching the sky. Perched way up high in Alicante province, you'll find it nestled in the heart of the Marina Alta, near Benitachell. At the top, you're treated to some seriously stunning viewpoints!
The road itself? Totally paved and in decent shape. It's a climb, though – about a mile long, and it really makes you work for it. We're talking an average gradient of around 10%, but don't let that fool you. It throws some seriously steep sections your way, with parts hitting a crazy 20%! That last kilometer really kicks it up a notch too. This climb has even been part of the Vuelta a España race, so you know it's legit. Get ready for switchbacks and some serious leg burn – but those views? Totally worth it!
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Iceland's Southern Region and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the F337, also known as Hlöðuvallavegur. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Nestled in the Icelandic interior, near the stunning Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95-mile) beauty runs from Road 37 up to Road F338. Think lunar landscapes, a rough lava field at the foot of Mt Hlodufell, and some seriously epic views. Word to the wise: This is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance is a MUST. The road is entirely unpaved, and you'll be navigating some seriously rugged terrain, with big stones and sandy spots aplenty. Seriously, leave your little rental car at home. Get ready for a climb! This road is STEEP. We're talking 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, with an average grade of 15%! It tops out at a whopping 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And be prepared to be totally alone out there. This track is remote, traffic is minimal, and cell service can be spotty. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go! But trust us, the views are SO worth it!
moderateThe rough and bumpy road to Colle Bourget
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle Bourget is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,299 meters (7,542 feet) in Turin Province, Italy. The views from the peak? Absolutely breathtaking—you get panoramic vistas across both sides of the ridge that'll make your camera work overtime. This is where things get interesting: the pass is traversed by the Assietta Road (officially S.P. 173), a historic military carriageway that hugs the ridge all the way from Pian dell'Alpe to Sestriere. Fair warning though—there's a strict 30 km/h speed limit, and overtaking and stopping are completely off the table unless you're in designated parking areas. Here's the catch: this unpaved beauty is only open from June 1st through October 31st, so plan accordingly. The road itself is definitely rideable despite the rocky patches and rough surface, especially around the curves—you'll want to take it slow and steady. Think of it as part of an epic adventure along the spectacular Assietta ridge route, which stretches from Susa all the way to Sestriere in the heart of the western Italian Alps. This is the kind of drive that'll stay with you long after you've descended back to civilization.
hardWhere is LZ-67 Road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down LZ-67, also known as the "Mountains of Fire Road," on Lanzarote. This isn't just any drive; it's a trip through a volcanic wonderland in Timanfaya National Park! The road is in tip-top shape, so no worries there. This paved beauty snakes its way through the heart of the island, cutting through a rocky landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Think barren, otherworldly, and totally Instagrammable. Trust me, the views are mind-blowing and so worth the drive! Just keep an eye out for those influencers chasing the perfect shot in the middle of the road, and get ready for some serious volcanic vibes.
hardMonte Novegno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Novegno Nestled in the province of Vicenza in Italy's Veneto region, Monte Novegno sits at a respectable 1,672 meters (5,485 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—the road to the summit is almost entirely gravel, winding through a series of tight hairpin turns that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The steep gradient means you'll really feel the climb, and the narrow path doesn't leave much room for error. Here's the catch: avoid this route if rain or snow is in the forecast. The conditions make it completely impassable, so timing is everything. The road itself is a relic of military history—it's an old military route that's been around for generations. Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at the ruins of Forte Rione da Santa Caterina, a WWI-era fortress that adds a haunting historical layer to your adventure. You might also see this pass referred to as Monte Cogolo or Malga Novegno by locals. It's a challenging, character-filled road that rewards patient drivers with both stunning alpine scenery and a tangible slice of history. *Photo credit: Stefano Donazzan*