
Where is Mirador de Ézaro?
Spain, europe
10.8 km
268 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in A Coruña, Spain, ready to tackle one of the craziest climbs ever featured in a Spanish bike race. I'm talking about Mirador de Ézaro, a natural viewpoint perched 268 meters (879 feet) above sea level.
You'll find this gem in the Galicia region, in the northwest of Spain. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with parking, a lookout, and breathtaking views of the sea stretching out before you.
The road itself, the DP-2308, is about 10.8 km (6.71 miles) long, running from Buxantes to O Pindo. It's mostly paved, though you'll hit some concrete sections along the way. But don't let that fool you, this climb is INTENSE.
The Vuelta a España has thrown this beast into the mix several times, and for good reason. We're talking about a maximum gradient of 28% in certain spots. It's a relentless uphill battle, and you'll be basically riding straight up a massive rock. Get ready for a leg-burning, view-tastic adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 268 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateVathi Beach, one of the Greece's top coastal drives
🇬🇷 Greece
# Vathi Beach: A Scenic (and Bumpy) Adventure in Southern Crete Looking for the ultimate secluded beach getaway? Vathi Beach might just be your answer. Nestled near Crete's southernmost tip, this hidden gem sits in a cozy cove at the mouth of a small gorge, framed by dramatic cliff faces. It's the kind of place that feels like your own private paradise. But here's the thing—getting there is half the adventure. The 9 km drive from Monastiri Odigitrias is definitely not your typical beach road. You're looking at a seriously rough trail with a handful of stretches that'll make regular cars sweat. This isn't exaggerating when we say 4x4 is highly recommended (honestly, essential). Expect to encounter gates along the way—don't forget to open and close them to keep the local livestock from wandering off. The silver lining? The drive itself is absolutely stunning. You'll be treated to breathtaking sea views and jaw-dropping karst rock formations that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Just come prepared: this route demands an experienced driver who's comfortable taking things slow, staying alert, and really respecting the terrain. But if you've got the skills and patience, the payoff is a tranquil, virtually untouched beach experience that most tourists never discover.
moderateThe breathtaking drive from Shanovo to Kolena
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! This hidden gem winds through the heart of Bulgaria's Thrace region, specifically Stara Zagora Province. We're talking about the mountain road linking Shanovo to Kolena, nestled in the Balkan range north of Stara Zagora. The pavement's there, but let's be real, it's seen better days thanks to some seriously rough weather. It's a 12.7km (or almost 8 miles) stretch running north to south. Get ready for some climbing! You'll hit a peak elevation of 518 meters (around 1700 feet). Some sections get pretty steep, with gradients reaching up to 8%. But hey, the views are worth it! Just keep your eyes peeled – this isn't a Sunday drive!
hardCol de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand Perched high in the French Alps at 2,245 meters (7,477 feet), this mountain pass in Hautes-Alpes is seriously not for the faint of heart—literally. The road to the summit is a rough gravel and rocky affair that'll test your nerves with its steep grades and bumpy sections that'll rattle your teeth. Fair warning: this isn't a summer-long destination. Weather usually keeps the road locked down from October through June, so you're looking at a pretty narrow window to tackle it. And when conditions permit, you'll need serious driving chops to handle it—experienced off-roaders only, please. No SUV? You'll need a 4x4 to make it happen. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, do yourself a favor and skip this one. The elevation, the steepness, and the sheer exposure mean that vertigo sufferers should definitely steer clear. But if you've got the skills, the vehicle, and the guts, this Alpine adventure delivers a wild ride through some truly spectacular scenery.
hardThe road to Monte Faudo in Imperia is not for the sissies
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Faudo: A Mountain Adventure in Liguria Nestled in Italy's Province of Imperia, Monte Faudo rises to 1,149 meters (3,769 feet) and offers one seriously scenic mountain experience. This isn't your typical smooth highway climb—it's a rugged adventure that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. The road itself is pretty gnarly. What used to be paved asphalt has given way to rough gravel, creating a narrow, steep service track that's definitely not for the faint of heart. You'll need serious clearance and four-wheel drive to tackle this beast, and heads up—the route is completely off-limits to regular vehicles anyway. Starting from SP45 near Pietrabruna, you're looking at an 18.8-kilometer push to the summit with a hefty 798-meter elevation gain. That works out to an average grade of 4.24%, but things get genuinely intense on some sections where you'll face gradients hitting 17 percent. In other words, it's steep. Really steep. Once you finally crest the top, you'll find telecommunications antennas scattered around the peak (so don't expect total wilderness vibes). But honestly? The payoff is worth every white-knuckle moment. From up there, you get sweeping panoramic views stretching toward San Lorenzo al Mare and Imperia—the kind of vistas that make you forget how much your arms were shaking on the way up.