Where is La Covatilla?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about La Covatilla, a beast of a climb nestled in the southern reaches of the Salamanca Province! This peak, sitting high in the Sistema Central Mountains near the border with Extremadura, is not for the faint of heart. Think windblown, almost lunar landscapes at the top – seriously exposed, folks! You'll find the Sierra de Béjar La Covatilla ski station up there, accessible via a gravel service road near the chairlift.
The good news? The main road, DSA-191, is paved and generally in good shape. This beauty stretches for roughly 12 km, packing in a serious 700 meters of elevation gain. That means an average gradient of around 6%, but be prepared for some steep sections hitting 10%! Despite being high up in the mountains, the road's usually kept open year-round to serve the ski resort, so even in winter, you can (probably) reach the top.
Related Roads in europe
moderateAvanza da Pierabech Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Avanza da Pierabech Ready for an Alpine adventure? Passo Avanza da Pierabech sits at a breezy 1,740 meters (5,708 feet) in Italy's stunning Carnic Alps, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The road up is mostly smooth asphalt via SP-22, which makes for a pretty enjoyable climb. Just heads up—the final stretch transitions to gravel, so take it easy those last few meters and watch your footing if you decide to hop out for photos. The scenery here is seriously gorgeous, with dramatic mountain views the whole way up. If you're exploring the area, the Ghiacciaio dei Forni Refuge is nearby, perfect for grabbing a bite and soaking in those epic Alpine vistas.
moderateWhere is Pločno?
🌍 Bosnia
Pločno Peak is the ultimate high point in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, scraping the sky at 2,204m (7,230ft)! You'll find it chilling right on the border between Herzegovina-Neretva and West Herzegovina cantons. This summit? It's the king of the Central Dinarides! There's a communications tower up there, and let me tell you, the views are absolutely unreal. You can actually drive up part of Čvrsnica mountain to get there! The road kicks off from Bare and stretches for about 11.7km (7.27 miles). Now, it's a totally unpaved, rocky ride, but nothing too crazy. Just be prepared for some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 34%! Budget around 45-60 minutes to reach the top without stopping. Word of warning: there are old stories from the Balkans war about military interception of photographers, but no one seems to care anymore. Some people advise against it because of possible old landmines. Locals call it the "roof" of Herzegovina because of its height and, being on the left side of the Neretva river, the best time to tackle this road is late spring, summer, or autumn. But check the snow situation before you go! This area is known for crazy winds that can create massive snowdrifts, sometimes up to 15 meters thick! The top plateau is usually snow-covered from November to April, and some hidden spots keep their snowy secrets year-round.
hardPeñón del Toro
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Andalusia, Spain, and you've got a serious itch for off-roading, Peñón del Toro is calling your name. This mountain pass, nestled in the Sierra de Castril Natural Park, tops out at a cool 1,857 meters (that's 6,092 feet for my American friends!). Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and it gets seriously rocky and bumpy in spots. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and be prepared for some steep climbs. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's practically a permanent fixture up here, so hold onto your hats! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Just imagine: you, your trusty 4x4, and miles of breathtaking scenery. Peñón del Toro is an adventure you won't soon forget.
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the paved San Marco Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo San Marco Nestled in the Bergamo Alps of Lombardy, Passo San Marco is a stunning mountain pass that sits pretty at 1,985m (6,512ft) above sea level. Straddling the boundary between Bergamo and Sondrio provinces in northern Italy, this route is pure Alpine charm. The pass is served by Strada Statale 470, which was originally designated as Strada Provinciale 8 (SP8) until 2021. The road itself was built in the post-WWII years, but here's the cool part—it follows an ancient route that's been connecting Lombardy to the Grisons area since the late 16th century. Along the way, you'll find Ca San Marco, a historic refuge built around 1830m that once provided shelter and care to weary travelers braving winter conditions. It's a humble reminder of how adventurous (and dangerous!) mountain travel used to be. The 24.2 km (15.03 miles) route runs south-north from Mezzoldo in Bergamo to Albaredo per San Marco in Sondrio, and it's completely paved with gentle grades—the steepest section tops out at just 10%, making it surprisingly accessible. Heavy trucks are banned here, keeping the road quiet and enjoyable for regular travelers. The summit even has a couple of monuments worth checking out, and it's popular enough to have earned its spot in the Giro d'Italia cycling race.