Where is Pico Bandama?
Spain, europe
7 km
566 m
hard
Year-round
Craving incredible views in the Canary Islands? Head to Pico Bandama, a volcanic cone reaching 566 meters (1856 feet)! You'll find it next to the Bandama Caldera, that stunning volcanic crater nestled between Santa Brigida, Telde, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The caldera itself is a sight to behold – a massive depression formed thousands of years ago, once used for farming and now perfect for exploring.
The name? It comes from Daniel Van Damme, a Flemish merchant who bought the land back in the 16th century to grow grapes.
Getting there is part of the adventure! The GC-802 road, built in the 40s, winds for about 7 km (4.34 miles) from the GC15, north of Montebravo, right to the top. Just a heads-up: this paved road can be narrow and steep as it cuts through the vineyards of Tafira Alta. Rockslides can happen, so check if it's open before you go.
Trust me, the drive is worth it. At the summit, you'll find a parking lot and the Mirador del Pico de Bandama, a natural viewpoint that will blow your mind. From there, you can soak up the panoramic views of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Bandama caldera, and most of the northeastern part of the island. There’s even a Tourist Information Point, making it super convenient.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7 km
- Max Elevation
- 566 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Lac des Bouillouses?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Lac des Bouillouses, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 6,614 feet above sea level, nestled in the French Pyrénées! This isn't just a lake; it's a whole vibe. Created to power the country with hydroelectricity, it's the perfect spot for an early morning adventure. Trust me, you want to get there before the afternoon storms roll in—they're pretty common in summer. Now, about the road... Get ready for a winding 7.95-mile paved climb on the D60! You'll gain some serious altitude—think an average gradient of around 8.5%, with some seriously steep sections hitting 11%! They say it's the highest lake you can reach by car or cable car in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Heads up though: in the winter, this road is a no-go zone due to snow. Even in summer, there can be restrictions, especially during peak hours. The final stretch is always closed to cars, so you'll need to hop on a shuttle bus from "les Bouillouses" or take a cable car from Font-Romeu. It's worth it for those views, though!
extremeWhere is Pic Blanc?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Isère department of France, you'll find Pic Blanc, a beast of a mountain peaking at 3,305m (10,843ft)! Nestled in the Grandes Rousses massif, this is one of Europe's highest roads, offering seriously epic views... if you dare! The road? Oh, it's unpaved, rough as anything, and brutally steep in sections – we're talking gradients averaging 20%! It's an 8.1 km (5.03 miles) climb from a turnoff on the road to Alpe d’Huez. This one's not for the faint of heart; it winds and climbs relentlessly to a chairlift, but is closed to public vehicles. Word to the wise: even in summer, this road can be impassable. So, make sure you check conditions before attempting this ultimate alpine adventure.
hardWhere is the Millau Viaduct?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Southern France, the Massif Central mountains, and YOU cruising along a ribbon of road suspended way, way up in the sky. That's the Millau Viaduct! Seriously, this isn't just a bridge, it's a *statement*. Think Eiffel Tower meets modern engineering genius. This beauty is part of the A75-A71 autoroute, your ticket from Paris to Béziers and Montpellier. You'll be floating over the River Tarn for a cool 2,460 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). It's a toll road, but totally worth it for the views. Now, heads up: this isn't a leisurely drive for everyone. If you're hauling a big caravan, those long, steep climbs and descents might be a bit much. And keep an eye on the weather – sudden snowstorms in winter can shut things down fast. High winds? Proceed with caution, especially if you're in a larger vehicle. Slow and steady wins the race here, folks! But the real kicker? This thing is *tall*. We're talking taller than the Eiffel Tower, with the mast summit reaching a whopping 343 meters (1,125 ft) above the ground. You might actually find yourself looking DOWN at the clouds. Crazy, right? And the views of the Tarn River Valley? Unforgettable. Trust me, you'll be spotting that elegant white silhouette from miles away. It cost around 400 million euros to build, and it's worth every penny just to drive it once!
hardSnake Pass is one of the best drives in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Want a thrilling drive that connects Manchester and Sheffield? Buckle up for Snake Pass! Officially the A57 (but everyone calls it Snake Road), this 42km (26-mile) route cuts right through the Pennines, hitting a peak elevation of 512m (1,679ft). Built way back in 1821, this pass is no joke. Think hairpin bends, blind summits, and enough twists to make your head spin. The road climbs steeply, hitting a max gradient of 10.2% – those ramps are intense! The ascent from Glossop alone covers 7km with an average gradient of 5.2%. Snake Pass is notorious for closures, especially in winter. Icy conditions and heavy snowfall mean it's often the first road in Britain to shut down. Subsidence after heavy rain can also cause longer-term closures. On average, it's closed for around 70 days each year. But if you catch it on a good day, the views are absolutely stunning. The scenery is exceptional, particularly as you descend towards Glossop, where you can see all the way to Manchester on a clear day. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this is one drive that demands your full attention!