Where is the GC-210 road?

Where is the GC-210 road?

Spain, europe

Length

34.4 km

Elevation

1,270 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: the GC-210 on Gran Canaria, Spain. Forget the beach for a day, because this road is an adventure. We're talking about 34.4 km (21.37 miles) of pure, unadulterated driving bliss (and a little bit of terror!).

You'll wind your way from La Aldea de San Nicolas de Tolentino up to Tejeda, making a pit stop in Artenara, the island's highest (and one of the oldest) villages at 1,270m (4,167ft).

Now, don’t think this is a Sunday drive. The GC-210 climbs to 1,378m (4,520ft) and gets seriously narrow – like, squeeze-past-another-car narrow. We're talking hairpin turns – 32 of them! – and some seriously steep sections, averaging 4% but hitting 9% in places. Brake pads beware!

Keep your eyes peeled though. Besides being known for starring in Fast & Furious 6, the views are unreal! Think lunar landscapes, crazy rock formations, and glimpses of the Presa Caidero de la Niña and Presa del Parralillo reservoir dams. Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours of drive time if you don't stop but who wouldn't?

A word of caution: cell service can be spotty, landslides are a possibility, and torrential downpours are always on the menu. The asphalt can get slippery when wet, too. But hey, a little danger just adds to the thrill, right? This is the kind of drive you won't soon forget!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
34.4 km
Max Elevation
1,270 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Miranda de Llaberiahard

Miranda de Llaberia

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Catalonia, Spain, straddling the Baix Camp and Ribera d'Ebre regions, lies the beastly Miranda de Llaberia peak. We're talking about hitting 918 meters (that's a cool 3,013 feet) above sea level in the Serra de Llaberia mountains. The "road" – and I use that term loosely – up here is called Senda de la Miranda, and it's an experience. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta shaking. If you're not comfortable on seriously rugged, unpaved mountain tracks, maybe skip this one. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this trek! The views? Totally worth it! You’ll wind 3.1 kilometers through woodlands climbing 226 meters from TV-3111 road. The climb is steep, averaging over 7%, with some pitches even steeper. At the top, besides bragging rights, you'll find a cool meteorological radar station perched dramatically on the edge. Get ready for some epic photos!

Antonio Parietti was the creator of art road masterpiecesextreme

Antonio Parietti was the creator of art road masterpieces

🇪🇸 Spain

# Antonio Parietti Coll: Mallorca's Road-Building Legend Antonio Parietti Coll was a Spanish road engineer who became something of a local legend in 20th-century Mallorca. Born in Palma in 1899 and passing away there in 1979, this Italian-Mallorcan hybrid (son of an Italian father and Mallorcan mother) studied civil engineering in Madrid before returning to reshape his island's infrastructure. Back in the 1920s and 30s, Mallorca was basically untouched paradise—perfect tourism material if only people could actually *reach* the good stuff. That's where Parietti came in. As part of a broader modernization effort, he personally oversaw two legendary road projects through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains: the 1925 route to Formentor (which enabled Adam Diehl to build his iconic hotel) and the jaw-dropping 1933 road to Sa Calobra. Here's the thing—these weren't practical connections between towns. They were pure tourism plays, designed to open up two absolutely stunning natural spots that have become famous *because* of these roads. Pretty genius, really. The **Sa Calobra road** is the real showstopper. Prepare yourself for scenery that'll make your jaw drop and driving that's genuinely hair-raising. The famous Nus de sa Corbata section features a wild 270-degree hairpin turn, and there's this insanely narrow passage squeezed between two towering rock faces that'll have your heart in your throat. The **Formentor route** is equally impressive, with a stunning viewpoint called Mirador de Sa Creueta (El Colomer) where a monument honoring Parietti was erected in 1968. These days, with our stricter environmental protections, getting permission to build roads like this would be nearly impossible. But without Parietti's vision and determination, Sa Calobra and Formentor wouldn't be the bucket-list destinations they are today. That's legacy.

Valdezcaraymoderate

Valdezcaray

🇪🇸 Spain

# Valdezcaray Ski Resort Road Nestled in southwestern La Rioja in northern Spain, Valdezcaray sits pretty at 1,553 meters (5,095 feet) above sea level. This charming ski resort is your gateway to some seriously rewarding mountain driving. The road up? That's the LR-416, a well-maintained paved route that climbs the slopes of Monte San Lorenzo in the Sierra de la Demanda range. You'll find the asphalt in great condition the entire way up, and honestly, the views are lovely throughout the drive—perfect for those scenic Instagram moments. Fair warning though: this isn't a quick jaunt. Starting from Ezcaray, you're looking at a solid 13.51 km climb with 703 meters of elevation gain. That breaks down to an average gradient of 5.2%, but don't let that fool you—there are some punchy sections hitting up to 14% that'll definitely test your nerves and your vehicle's brakes. This route has some serious pedigree too. The Spanish Vuelta cycling race has tackled this very ascent, which tells you everything you need to know about its challenging yet rewarding nature. Whether you're a cyclist, a road tripper, or just someone who loves a good mountain drive, Valdezcaray delivers a memorable experience from start to finish.

Col de Bavella is one of the most scenic roads of Corsicamoderate

Col de Bavella is one of the most scenic roads of Corsica

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Bavella: Corsica's Ultimate Mountain Drive Perched at 1,226 meters (4,022 feet) in Corsica's Alta Rocca range, Col de Bavella is hands-down one of the island's most spectacular mountain passes. The fully paved D268 winds its way up through some seriously dramatic scenery—think dramatic peaks, sweeping coastal views, and those classic Mediterranean landscapes that make you want to pull over every five minutes. Fair warning: this isn't a straightforward cruise. The road loops and twists with plenty of hairpin turns that'll keep you focused, but that's honestly part of the charm. The ascent from Zonza spans 8.9 km with 440 meters of elevation gain (averaging 4.9%, with some sections hitting 8.6%), then the full route stretches 38.4 km (23.86 miles) all the way to the coast. What makes it truly special is the scenery. Mountains tower above you as you wind down toward the Mediterranean, and there are several pull-off spots to soak it all in. Bonus: the road shadows the beautiful Solenzara river, where you'll find crystal-clear rock pools and canyons perfect for a refreshing swim—check out spots like Fiumicelle if you need a break from the driving. At the summit itself, you'll find bars, restaurants, and shops, plus a nice grassy area under pine trees if you're packing a picnic. Just know that it gets absolutely rammed with tourists during summer months and weekends—arrive early if you want to enjoy the peace. But come here, you absolutely should. It's one of those roads that reminds you why road trips exist.