
Where is Los Portillinos?
Spain, europe
N/A
1,957 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Los Portillinos, a crazy-cool mountain pass sitting way up at 6,420 feet in northern Spain! You'll find it chilling in the Castilla y León region, specifically the northwestern part of the country.
Locals also call it Alto de los Portillinos, and the road is paved, though it can get a little rough in spots. You'll be cruising through the gorgeous Fornela valley. It winds up through the Montes de León mountain range.
Word to the wise: it's usually open all year, but winter can be a bit dicey with occasional closures. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road that branches off east towards a peak called Mustallar.
The whole pass is only 6.8 km long, running between Peranzanes and Candín, and honestly? You'll probably have the road mostly to yourself! Soak in those views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,957 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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