
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
Related Roads in europe
moderateScarfiotti Refuge: A High-Alpine Journey in the Susa Valley
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Scarfiotti: A Alpine Adventure in the Italian Alps Perched at a breathtaking 2,163m (7,096ft) in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont's Rifugio Scarfiotti is your gateway to the stunning Cottian Alps near the French border. This historic stone refuge, built way back in 1923, sits tucked into the Comba di Rochemolles—a gorgeous glacial valley at the western end of the Susa Valley—with massive limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls creating one of the most jaw-dropping backdrops you'll find in the Italian Alps. Getting here is half the fun. Starting from the charming town of Bardonecchia, you'll tackle a solid 13.5 km (8.38 miles) climb that demands some serious driving skills. The route kicks off on paved roads but quickly morphs into a proper high-mountain track, so you'll need to keep a close eye on your engine as you wind your way upward through increasingly dramatic scenery. But here's the thing—the refuge isn't actually the end of the road. Push on past Rifugio Scarfiotti and you can continue to the legendary Colle del Sommeiller, sitting at a wild 2,993m and ranking among Europe's highest driveable mountain passes. You'll find the ticketing station for Col de Sommeiller access just beyond the refuge, so you can decide how far your adventure takes you.
hardThe road to Valdecebollas is not for the faint of heart
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hidden away in the Palencia province of Spain, inside the Fuentes Carrionas Natural Park, you'll find Valdecebollas peak. Getting to the top is a real off-road challenge – think super rocky, unpaved terrain that demands a high-clearance 4x4. The climb starts near Brañosera (Spain's oldest town!) and stretches for about 10.6 kilometers. Don’t let the distance fool you – you'll gain nearly a kilometer in elevation! Expect an average gradient of 9%, with some sections hitting almost 18%. Ouch! And if you're thinking of a winter trip, be prepared for snow and ice. At the summit, you're rewarded with insane panoramic views. There's also a cool stone tower marking the spot. On a clear day, you can spot Espigüete, Curavacas, the Aguilar de Campoo reservoir, and even the distant Picos de Europa mountains. Trust me, this one's for the bucket list!
hardWhere is Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, perched way up high on the French-Spanish border at a lung-busting altitude. You’ll straddle two worlds as you cruise between southwestern France and northern Spain. And get this – it's one of only five roads in Spain with a totally wild "pigtail" section, where the road loops around and passes UNDER itself! The whole road is paved, so no worries there. On the French side, they call it D132, but once you cross that invisible line into Spain, it magically transforms into NA-137. Be warned: this route isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow stretches, hairpin after hairpin, and more twists than a pretzel factory. That pigtail turn is the star of the show, a total mind-bender that’s up there with the most famous curves on the planet! Clocking in at around 26 miles from Arette (France) to Isaba (Spain), this isn’t a quick jaunt. But trust me, the dramatic change in scenery alone is worth the trip, making every climb a unique adventure. Expect some serious legwork for your engine, as this pass isn’t playing around. Some sections hit gradients that’ll have you shifting down, making it a real test of skill. It may not be as notorious as some other climbs, but it’ll definitely keep you on your toes and reward you with some truly killer views.
hardScoiattoli Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Italy, smack-dab in the Dolomites, headed for Rifugio Scoiattoli – a mountain hut perched way up at 7,404 feet! The drive up is a real adventure, a mere 1 kilometer but totally worth it. Forget paved roads, you're on a narrow, unpaved ski-station service road, so a 4x4 is a must! The views over the 5 Torri area? Absolutely breathtaking! You're not just driving; you're cruising through history. This whole area was a WWI battleground, and you can practically feel it. Plus, you're right next to the Great War Open Museum! Trust me, the incredible views from up there? You won't regret the trek!