A classic road trip to Sierra Nevada in Granada
Spain, europe
12 km
2,385 m
moderate
Year-round
Sierra Nevada is a ski resort sitting pretty at 2,385m (7,824ft) above sea level in Granada, Spain — and it's seriously high up there. It's one of the country's loftiest roads, nestled in the Andalusia region in the southeastern corner of Spain. Want to go even higher? This place is your launchpad to Pico del Veleta, Europe's highest paved road.
Tucked away in the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, the route up to the resort is the fully paved A-395. Fair warning though: winters here are no joke. The mountain dishes out some seriously harsh weather, and weekends plus holiday seasons bring crowds that make the drive even trickier. Fun fact — this climb's so legendary it's been featured in the Spanish Vuelta cycling race.
Starting from Alto de Hazallanas on the GR-3200, you're looking at a 12km ascent that'll gain you 724 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits around 6.03%, but heads a few notches steeper with some sections pushing 14%, 15%, even 17%. So buckle up — it's an exhilarating ride through one of Spain's most spectacular mountain roads.
Where is it?
A classic road trip to Sierra Nevada in Granada is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.3471, -3.6930
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,385 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3471, -3.6930
Related Roads in europe
moderateMontaña de Sesa
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Montaña de Sesa in the Huesca province of Aragon, Spain! This baby tops out at a cool 1,761 meters (that's 5,777 feet for my American friends). The road itself is an interesting mix; mostly concrete, but keep your eyes peeled for some gravel patches as you near the summit. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area to soak in the views. Heads up though, a barrier blocks the gravel road just beyond the pass, leading to the Refugio de Plana Canal. And pro tip: this road is generally a no-go in the winter months, so plan your trip accordingly!
moderateWhere is Punta Bagna?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk Punta Bagna, a seriously high peak in the Savoie department of France, clocking in at a lung-busting elevation above sea level. You'll find this gem nestled near the famous Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France. So, what's waiting for you at the top? Picture this: you roll up to the chairlift—yes, you can drive most of the way! The road isn’t paved for the chairlift. Some of the ramps have and the road leads you right to the Fréjus cableway top station. This road? It's a proper climb, and it's one of the highest roads in France! Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, from November to June, this road is a no-go zone, buried under snow, so plan your trip accordingly (weather permitting, of course!).
hardWhere is Seitan Limania Beach?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're on Crete, the Greek island paradise, hunting for a hidden gem. Forget the crowded tourist traps, because you're headed to Seitan Limania – aka "Ports of Satan"! Don't let the name scare you; this place is pure heaven. This beach is tucked away on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 20 km northeast of Chania. The road to it? Epic. It's only 2.7 km (a little over a mile) starting near Akropoli, but you'll climb almost 200 meters, so buckle up for some steep sections. The road's paved now, thankfully, but it's still a wild ride. Think hairpin turns clinging to cliffs, with seriously limited room for error. But hey, the views of Crete's rugged beauty are worth every white-knuckle moment. Once you reach the parking area (engage that handbrake!), it’s a 15-minute walk down a narrow, steep path to the beach. Trust me, trade those flip-flops for sneakers – you'll need them. Seitan Limania itself is a tiny, sandy cove squeezed between towering rock formations. It’s stunning. Word to the wise: avoid weekends and peak season, because this little slice of paradise gets crowded *fast*. There's a snack bar on the way down that even delivers to the beach - score! This drive is an adventure, but the reward is one of the most breathtaking beaches you'll ever see. Get ready to be amazed!
hardA very bumpy, grueling road to Tahir Gediği
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever heard of Tahir Gediği? This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in eastern Turkey's Erzurum Province, clocking in at a whopping 3,022 meters (that's 9,914 feet!). It's one of Turkey's highest roads, so you know it's gonna be epic. But here's the deal: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel road packed with hairpin turns and bumps that'll test your skills. Snow is a major player here, so closures are common in winter. Seriously, come prepared! A 4x4 is a must, and a fear of heights? Leave it at home. The road gets seriously steep, and even a little rain can turn it into a slippery, loose-gravel nightmare. But hey, with the right prep, you're in for some seriously stunning scenery! Just keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you!