
Where is the 'Tunnel of Time'?
Spain, europe
8.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising the LP-3 on La Palma, one of Spain's Canary Islands? Get ready for a trip! You'll find yourself driving through the La Cumbre tunnel, nicknamed the "Tunnel of Time" by locals. And trust me, you'll understand why when you pop out the other side.
What makes this tunnel so special? It's all about the wild weather shifts. Thanks to the Foehn effect, you might enter the tunnel in fog and rain, only to emerge into sunshine and clear skies. This happens because warm, moist air is forced up the mountain, dropping its moisture as rain on one side, leaving the other side warm and dry. It's a crazy contrast and a total surprise for drivers!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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