
A gravel road to the virgin Verodal beach in Canary Islands
Spain, europe
1.2 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Ever dreamt of escaping to the edge of the world? Then picture this: El Hierro, the tiniest, most remote Canary Island, chilling in the Atlantic off the African coast. Here, you'll find Playa del Verodal, a beach with sand the color of fire.
Getting there is half the fun! The road to this almost-untouched paradise is a 1.2 km (0.74 mile) unpaved beauty that begins after the popular road to Pico Faeda. Be warned, though – it's a bit of a squeeze, especially during peak season when everyone's chasing that volcanic sunset.
But trust me, the drive is SO worth it. Imagine winding through a landscape sculpted by volcanoes, with views that'll blow your mind. Just keep an eye out for potential closures due to volcanic activity. And while you're there, admire the powerful sea from afar – swimming isn't really recommended due to the wild waves and strong currents.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.2 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeFort de la Grande Maye
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Fort de la Grande Maye in the Hautes-Alpes region of France is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of place. We're talking about a seriously steep and narrow gravel road that climbs to a whopping 2,401 meters (7,877 feet)! Picture this: you're winding your way up an old military trail—originally built for army vehicles, mind you—with some pretty gnarly, slippery sections and sheer drops that'll make your palms sweat. It's exposed up there, so you'll want to keep your eyes on the road (and maybe say a little prayer). But hey, the payoff is HUGE! This route is steeped in history. The fort itself was built in the late 1800s. And the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep in mind this baby can be shut down anytime if the snow starts falling. Along the way, you'll be passing endless old forts, gun placements, and barracks.
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering the Italian Via dei Saraceni
🇮🇹 Italy
# Via dei Saraceni: Italy's Epic Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the northern Italian Alps, Via dei Saraceni is an absolute beast of a road that'll make your heart race. This 20-km (12-mile) dirt track climbs to over 2,000 meters and ranks among Europe's highest roads—but fair warning: you'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle it. Built back in 1886, this unpaved military route (also called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau) is pure adventure. Expect relentless hairpin turns, mysterious tunnels, and jaw-dropping panoramic views at every switchback. The narrow sections are genuinely tight—we're talking single-vehicle width with zero guardrails in places—and some rocky bits can humble even experienced drivers, especially when weather turns sketchy. The real showstopper? **Galleria del Seguret** (aka Galleria dei Saraceni), an eerie 825-meter U-shaped tunnel that's pitch-black, waterlogged, and filled with deep puddles. Seriously bring powerful flashlights if you're on a bike or horseback. Then there's the stunning **Galleria Chanteloube**, a beautifully engineered concrete and stone tunnel that transforms into a waterfall when snow melts—photographer's dream right there. The road winds through the southwestern Alps, crossing three major passes: Colletto Pramand (2,087m), Monte Jafferau (2,805m), and Monte Seguret (2,204m). It's seasonal too—only open May through October—and that rocky section up to Forte Foens demands serious off-roading chops. **Coming prepared is non-negotiable.** Pack plenty of water (especially in summer), bring gear for sudden thunderstorms, and respect the rockfall risk. Wet conditions can turn this into a genuine challenge, but if you're ready for it, Via dei Saraceni delivers one unforgettable Alpine experience.
hardDiscovering the secrets of Galleria dei Saraceni, a high-altitude tunnel in Piedmont
🇮🇹 Italy
# Galleria dei Saraceni: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Italy's Piedmont region at a whopping 2,224 meters (7,296 feet) above sea level, the Galleria dei Saraceni is the kind of tunnel that'll make your heart race. Originally built as a military road during WWI, this historic route—also called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau or Strada militare 79—got its finishing touches between 1925 and 1929. Fair warning: this isn't your typical tunnel drive. The Galleria Monte Seguret (yes, it has multiple names!) features a gravelled surface, serious inclines, and a nail-bitingly narrow width of just 3 meters. You'll need nerves of steel, nerves, and serious driving chops to tackle it safely. The golden rule here? Take it slow and steady—no heroics. Stretching 876 meters through the southwestern Alps, this unlit passage is genuinely eerie. Zero electric lights means you're navigating by flashlight (absolutely essential!), and the unlined stone walls weep constantly. Expect potholes brimming with water, dripping echoes overhead, and occasionally water streams inches deep flooding sections of the road. It's atmospheric, moody, and definitely unnerving. Is it exhilarating? Absolutely. Is it for everyone? Honestly, no. But if you're up for an unforgettable adventure through one of the Alps' most character-filled passages, Galleria dei Saraceni won't disappoint.
hardHealy Pass is one of Ireland's best drives
🌍 Ireland
Nestled on the Beara Peninsula, straddling Cork and Kerry in Ireland's southwest, lies the Healy Pass. This incredible road, originally built during the famine, snakes its way up to 298m (977ft) above sea level. The R574, as it's officially known, stretches for 12.7km (7.89 miles) between Adrigole and Lauragh. You could technically zip through in 20-25 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to take your time. This is one of Ireland's most scenic drives, offering insane views over Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River. Picture this: you're winding through a desolate, almost alien landscape, flanked by the highest peaks of the Caha Mountains. It's breathtaking! Just be warned, this high up, the weather is a wild card. Fog and mist can roll in quickly, especially in the mornings and evenings. The road itself is a beast – seriously bendy, with hairpin turns and narrow sections clinging to the mountainside. Expect some steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 18% in places. The traffic is light, thankfully, but you'll still need to concentrate. Tight spots abound, but so do photo opportunities. Trust me, you'll be reaching for your camera at every turn!