Where is Llano de las Ánimas?
Spain, europe
7.6 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Llano de las Ánimas, a high mountain plateau perched way up in the western part of La Palma, part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province. Getting there is no joke – this 7.6 km (4.72 mile) climb is a relentless beast, gaining a whopping 1,252 meters in elevation! We're talking average gradients of 16.47%, but hold on tight, because some sections ramp up to a crazy 19-20%! This is one of the steepest roads in Europe, so be prepared for a wild ride on a very narrow and extremely steep path. The views from the top near Roque de los Muchachos are absolutely worth it, but keep your eyes on the road – this one demands your full attention!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.6 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardIf you love to drive, you will love the pretty D26 road
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the D26 in Corsica! This road, snaking through the Corse-du-Sud department of France, is a total thrill ride. Picture this: a perfectly paved ribbon of asphalt, twisting and turning for 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) from Olivese to Auberge du. But hold on—this isn't just any scenic drive. We're talking hairpin turns galore—sixteen of them! And it's STEEP, folks. Seriously steep. Get ready for a leg-burning climb with gradients hitting a max of 16% in spots. You'll gain 667 meters in elevation starting from Olivese, averaging around a 6% grade. Be prepared for narrow sections and keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are totally worth it. Get ready for some Corsican countryside magic!
extremeWhere is Jezerski Vrh?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: You're in Montenegro, cruising through Lovćen National Park, heading for Jezerski Vrh. This ain't your average Sunday drive! The road's a twisty, turny 12.4 km ribbon of asphalt that clings to the mountainside, climbing to 1,660 meters (that's 5,446 feet!). The journey starts off the main Cetinje to Kotor road, and trust me, it’s worth it. The road itself? Paved, but narrow – think classic European mountain pass vibes. Once you get near the top, you'll find a parking area (which can get packed!), a little souvenir shop, and a restaurant. But the real magic happens at the summit. After tackling 461 steps, you'll reach the mausoleum of Petar Petrovic Njegoš, a Montenegrin legend. Perched way up high, they say it’s the highest mausoleum in the world! The views? Unreal. You can see half of Montenegro, the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance, Skadar Lake, and mountain peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a Montenegrin must-do!
moderateCollado la Gitana, a gravel mountainous track in southern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Granada province of Andalucia, heading towards a hidden gem called Collado la Gitana. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,714 meters (that's 5,623 feet!), nestled within the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is unpaved, so ditch the sports car and grab an SUV or all-road vehicle. I'd recommend hitting this spot from late spring to early fall, because winter brings snow to these winding mountain roads. Trust me, though, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to mind-blowing scenery of Mulhacén and Veleta's snowy peaks. Seriously, it's a photographer's dream! Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and prepare to be amazed.
hardThe road to Frejus Pass in the Cottian Alps was built in the 1890’s
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col du Fréjus: Alpine Adventure on the Franco-Italian Border Ready for an epic mountain experience? Col du Fréjus sits pretty at 2,546 meters (8,353 feet) where France and Italy shake hands in the stunning Cottian Alps. Also known as Passo del Frejus, this pass connects Italy's Piedmont region with France's Savoie department—and trust us, the views are absolutely worth the drive. At the summit, you'll find a charming little lake (Petit lac du Frejus) and a cross marking the border. Plus, there's a fascinating layer of history here. The original road was carved out in the 1890s by French Général-Baron Berge, and what really sets this pass apart is the collection of military ruins scattered throughout the route. From abandoned border barracks to old forts and fortifications, you're basically driving through a living history book. There were even minor skirmishes between Italian and French troops here in June 1940, and the area changed hands several times during WWII before finally being liberated in 1945. Now, here's the catch: the French side is completely unpaved and requires serious 4x4 capability. The road quality isn't terrible, though it can get slippery. Fair warning—private vehicles are currently restricted here. The Italian side? That's hiking-only with a seriously steep trail. If you do make it up the French route starting from Le Seuil, you're looking at an intense 8.4-kilometer climb gaining 873 meters with pitches hitting 30% gradient. Average grade sits around 10.39%—brutal but doable for serious adventurers. It's worth noting that since 1980, most traffic takes the 13-kilometer Fréjus Road Tunnel instead, which means the pass stays wonderfully remote and atmospheric.