Where is La Cuevona?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northern Spain, in the Asturias region, near the sweet little town of Ribadesella. You're headed toward Cuevas del Agua, and suddenly...the road disappears into the mouth of a massive cave!
This isn't just any cave; it's La Cuevona, a natural wonder about 300 meters long. Forget your average scenic route — this one takes you right through the heart of a mountain, with the Sella river tagging along!
The road itself? Well, it's paved, but definitely a bit on the wild side — narrow, twisty, and requires a turnaround at the end. Think orange glow from the tunnel lights, and some pretty awesome rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites all around.
It's more than just a drive; it's an experience. Park the car and take a stroll to really soak in the cave's atmosphere. Just watch out for traffic, it can get busy! Seeing nature's art carved into the rocks is truly a sensational experience.
Related Roads in europe
hardAlto de la Ermita del Alba
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de la Ermita del Alba Buckle up for one seriously intense climb! Located in Asturias, Spain, this mountain pass sits at 1,150m and will absolutely test your legs (or your car's engine). We're talking about a relentless 6.8-kilometre grind with an average gradient of 11%, but here's the kicker – some sections hit a jaw-dropping 21.67%. The road itself is mostly asphalted, though it switches to concrete near the top, and it's narrow enough to keep you focused. You'll face some brutal ramps early on, but the real monster appears around the 4km mark with that insane 21.67% pitch. Just when you think you've survived the worst, the remaining kilometres throw sections of 15.6% and 14.75% at you to keep things interesting. The payoff? A charming little church at the summit – the Santuario de la Virgen de Alba – makes for a rewarding photo stop. This climb has earned its stripes as a featured stage in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race, and pro cyclists have weighed in on its character. One former Spanish racer, Chechu Rubiera, compared it to Italy's famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo while noting it's less brutal than the notorious Angliru. Translation: it's genuinely tough, but there are moments to recover – unlike some of those truly savage climbs.
hardDriving the impossible turns on the Val Mara Road
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Val Mara Road: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Looking for a drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Val Mara Road is your answer. This intense 10.5 km (6.52 miles) route hugs the Switzerland-Italy border just south of Lago di Lugano, connecting the Swiss village of Arogno (in Ticino's Lugano district) with the Italian town of San Fedele Intelvi (in Lombardy's Como Province). Though it's fully paved, don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road turns genuinely savage with six sharp hairpin turns and jaw-dropping gradients that hit 32% in places. You'll be white-knuckling through some serious elevation changes, especially on those steep ramps. It's called Stráda da Valmára on the Swiss side and Strada Provinciale 13 once you cross into Italy, and you'll definitely notice when you switch countries. Fair warning: the road narrows considerably in sections, so you'll need to stay sharp and focused. Also, longer vehicles aren't permitted here, so RVs and big rigs need not apply. If you're an experienced mountain driver seeking an unforgettable challenge with stunning alpine scenery, Val Mara Road should be on your bucket list. Just make sure you're confident behind the wheel before tackling this beast.
hardBeachy Head Road
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the Beachy Head Road on England's southeast coast is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon stretches for about 6 km (almost 4 miles) between Birling Gap and the lively resort town of Eastbourne. Picture this: twisty, turny sections hugging the coast, with killer views of the English Channel unfolding around every bend. Seriously, the landscapes are phenomenal, especially on a sunny day – those sea views will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for movie magic too! This spot's a total star, having featured in Harry Potter, James Bond, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Word of warning though, it gets super popular during weekends and holidays, so expect some company. Oh, and hold onto your hats – this road can get seriously windy! Those cliffs are high, so keep your wits about you. Basically, soak in the scenery, but drive smart and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
hardLe Plan des Mains
🇫🇷 France
Le Plan is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2.129m (6,984ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of the French Alps. The road to the summit, located within the Vanoise National Park, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s impassable from October to May. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. 4x4 required. Lac de la Grande Moucherolle If you love to drive, you’ll love the road to Madone d'Utelle Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.