A winding road with steep slopes to Puerto de las Palomas

A winding road with steep slopes to Puerto de las Palomas

Spain, europe

Length

15.7 km

Elevation

1,357 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Puerto de las Palomas

Nestled in the heart of Spain's Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Cádiz province, Puerto de las Palomas is a mountain pass sitting at 1,190m (3,904ft) that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: there's a summit sign claiming 1,357 meters, but don't believe it—that's definitely off!

The completely paved CA-9104 winds its way for 15.7 km (9.75 miles) from Zahara de la Sierra northward toward Puerto del Boyar near Grazalema, and let me tell you, this route is *not* for the faint of heart. The road is basically a masterclass in switchbacks and hairpin turns, with some sections hitting a brutal 14% gradient that'll have you gripping the wheel and questioning your life choices.

The good news? You can drive this most of the year, though winter occasionally throws a wrench in the plans with brief closures. Once you summit, there's a small parking area where you can catch your breath—and the views are absolutely worth it. The panorama stretches across parts of Cádiz and Málaga provinces, and even peeks into southern Seville. If you're feeling adventurous, there's also a killer hiking trail that takes you even deeper into this stunning landscape.

This is one seriously rewarding drive through some of Andalusia's most dramatic terrain.

Where is it?

A winding road with steep slopes to Puerto de las Palomas is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.6152, -4.9052

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
15.7 km
Max Elevation
1,357 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
39.6152, -4.9052

Related Roads in europe

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambidehard

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide

🇪🇸 Spain

# Collado de Orgambide Tucked away in the Pyrenees, Collado de Orgambide is a stunning international mountain pass that sits right on the Spanish-French border at 992m (3,254ft). This hidden gem connects the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta in Navarre with the D428 road over in France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. The 11.2 km (6.95 miles) journey winds its way up from south to north through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. Fair warning: this isn't your typical wide highway. The road is narrow—really narrow—with stretches so tight that two cars passing each other would be a squeeze. You'll want to take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic around those blind curves. The pavement is solid throughout, with just a few concrete sections breaking things up, but those steep grades are no joke. Your brakes will definitely get a workout on the way up. The payoff? Once you crest the summit and hit that border crossing, the views are absolutely worth every hairpin turn. The landscape here is raw and spectacular, with sweeping vistas that make you understand why these mountains have captivated travelers for centuries. This is the kind of road that rewards patient drivers who respect the mountain's mood. Bring your A-game, take your time, and soak in every incredible moment.

How long is the road to Lake Sušičko?extreme

How long is the road to Lake Sušičko?

🌍 Montenegro

Okay, picture this: You're in northwestern Montenegro, craving an adventure. Punch "Lake Sušičko" into your GPS. You'll find yourself near Durmitor National Park, heading towards a high mountain lake sitting pretty at 1,163m. The road starts from the village of Nedajno and it's about 6.5 km of pure driving excitement. It's mostly paved, but don't get too comfy – there are some rugged, unpaved bits thrown in to keep you on your toes. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. Expect hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs. It's narrow in places, so you might have to get creative with passing. Word to the wise: summer brings more traffic, so patience is key. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Sušica Canyon are unreal. And the lake itself? Stunning. It’s typically 350-450m long and up to 200m wide, reaching depths of 4-5m. But here's the cool part: by late summer, it transforms into a lush green meadow as the water recedes. The whole drive is a feast for the eyes, showcasing Montenegro's incredible scenery. Just take it slow, stay focused, and soak it all in!

Where is Port d’Aula?extreme

Where is Port d’Aula?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Port d’Aulà, perched way up in the Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain at a staggering 7,431 feet! This isn't just any mountain pass; it's a place steeped in history. It was a route of desperation during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. You'll find it linking the Ariège department in France with the Province of Lleida in Spain. Getting there? The French side is where the adventure's at. Forget smooth asphalt; this is all about the Route Forestiere du Port d’Aula – a totally wild, unpaved road carved into the mountainside. Seriously, this road is intense. It's super narrow (think one-car-only narrow), and packs in a ridiculous 43 hairpin turns. The final stretch? Pedestrians only! Starting from Couflens, it's an 11-mile climb that gains over 5,000 feet in elevation! Translation: it's STEEP, with gradients hitting nearly 13% in places. The Spanish side? Nada. No road to the top. But trust me, it's worth the white-knuckle drive. The views are insane, especially when you catch sight of the Etang de Prat Matau and Etang d’Areau – two ridiculously scenic alpine lakes. It's a truly unforgettable experience!

Adventure along the abandoned Old Mam Tor roadhard

Adventure along the abandoned Old Mam Tor road

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're in the stunning High Peak of Derbyshire, surrounded by classic English countryside. You stumble upon a ghost road - Old Mam Tor, a stretch of asphalt abandoned back in '79 due to some seriously persistent landslips. This wasn't just any road, though. Once upon a time, this section of the A625, nicknamed "The New Road," was the main artery between Manchester and Sheffield. Built in 1819, it dared to cut right across the Mam Tor landslide. Locals called Mam Tor the "Shivering Mountain" for a reason! Located near the village of Castleton, where Hope Valley begins, the road constantly shifted and cracked due to the unstable ground, requiring endless repairs. Eventually, after nearly 160 years of battling the elements, it was deemed a lost cause. Now, it's a 2-mile-long (3.21km) stretch of broken pavement, locally known as the "Broken Road" or "The Shattered Road." While impassable to cars (a wooden gate blocks the way), you can still walk it. Be warned: it gets pretty steep in places, with gradients hitting 10% in some spots. You're rewarded with some incredible views, a reminder of nature's power and the fleeting nature of human endeavors.