
Where is Port de la Bonaigua?
Spain, europe
43.3 km
2,080 m
hard
Year-round
Hey thrill-seekers! Let me tell you about Port de la Bonaigua, a crazy-beautiful mountain pass sitting way up high at 2,080m (6,824ft) in the Spanish Pyrenees. You'll find it in Catalonia's Lleida province, connecting Esterri d'Àneu and Vielha e Mijaran. Oh, and bonus points: the Baqueira-Beret ski resort is right at the top!
Built way back in the early 20th century, this 43.3 km (26.90 miles) stretch of perfectly paved road (that’s the C-28, by the way) winds its way from Vielha to La Guingueta d'Àneu. Get ready for a wild ride, because this baby is steep – we're talking gradients up to 7.7%!
Prepare for hairpin turns galore and views that will knock your socks off. The road surface is generally fantastic, but keep an eye on the weather. Winter can throw a curveball with closures, so plan accordingly. You'll find convenient parking and a cool cafe-restaurant up top!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 43.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,080 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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