Where is Portillo de Lunada?
Spain, europe
31.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up! We're heading to Portillo de Lunada, nestled high in the Cordillera Cantábrica, right on the border where Cantabria kisses Castile and León in northern Spain. This ancient pass, used since Roman times, climbs from Espinosa de los Monteros up to San Roque de Riomiera through the stunning Collados del Asón Natural Park.
Clocking in at just under 20 miles, this route isn't for the faint of heart. While usually open year-round, winter can bring closures, so check ahead. Expect a maximum gradient of 12% on paved sections that wind their way to the top. Be warned though, this beauty comes with a bite! Keep an eye out for potential rockslides.
The views? Totally worth it. But keep your wits about you – this isn't a Sunday drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 31.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeAlpe Galm, One of the Hardest Roads of the Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Alpe Galm: A Breathtaking Alpine Challenge Nestled in Switzerland's Valais region, Alpe Galm rises to a stunning 2,231 meters (7,319 ft) above sea level. At the summit, you'll find a handful of charming houses and the adorable Galm Chapel, originally built way back in 1681. This tiny religious gem, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, showcases the humble faith of centuries past and has been lovingly restored over the years. Here's where things get real: the road to the top is mostly paved (except the final 1.5 km of gravel), but it's narrow and brutally steep—we're talking sections exceeding 12% gradient. The good news? During summer, most regular cars can handle it. Plus, you'll find what might be Central Europe's highest roundabout up there, which is pretty cool. This is legitimately one of the Alps' toughest climbs. Starting from Guttet-Feschel, the 10.7 km (6.6-mile) push gains a whopping 1,001 meters of elevation. The average grade sits at 9.35%, but brace yourself for some stretches hitting 14%—that's serious business. What makes it worth the effort? The entire route wraps you in stunning alpine pastures and passes through quaint mountain villages. As you climb, the valley and surrounding peaks unfold beneath you in increasingly spectacular views. It's tough, it's thrilling, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
hardMittelbergpass, an awe-inspiring lonely road
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Mittelberg Pass: Switzerland's Scenic Alpine Challenge Ready for some seriously fun mountain driving? Mittelberg Pass sits pretty at 1,633 meters (5,357 feet) in the Swiss canton of Bern, and it's absolutely worth the detour. Starting from Saanen, you've got a 10.6 km climb ahead that'll gain you 619 meters of elevation. The road is paved—thank goodness—but don't let that fool you. This route is legitimately twisty, with hairpin turns that'll keep your hands busy and a jaw-dropping 14.3% gradient on the steepest sections. The average gradient sits around 5.8%, so you're in for a solid alpine workout. The full pass stretches 19.7 km from north to south, connecting the charming village of Jaun in Fribourg canton to Saanen in Bern. It's one of those routes that combines technical driving with absolutely stunning mountain scenery—the kind of road that makes you understand why the Swiss Alps are legendary. If you're hunting for an adrenaline-pumping mountain drive with epic views, this is it. Just make sure your brakes are in top shape and you're ready for some serious curves!
hardWhere is Pico Bandama?
🇪🇸 Spain
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.
hardParafulmine Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Lombardy, Italy, ready for an adventure in the Orobic Prealps! We're heading up to Rifugio Parafulmine, a mountain hut chilling at 1,543 meters (that's over 5,000 feet!). The road starts off smooth enough – about 7 km of pavement, with a few concrete sections thrown in. But hold on, things get interesting! The last 4 km or so are unpaved, rocky, and pretty darn narrow in places. Expect some steep climbs! The whole trek from Gandino is about 11.2 km, and you'll gain a hefty 1,002 meters in elevation along the way. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! Keep in mind, winter usually makes this route impassable. But when it's open, the views are incredible!