
Collado de los Cadavales
Spain, europe
N/A
1,351 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Collado de los Cadavales, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in the Asturias region of northern Spain. We're talking a lofty 1,351 meters (4,432 feet) above sea level!
You'll find it nestled within the Sierra de la Cabra mountains. Be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road morphs into a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes grassy track as it climbs towards Pico Patana, hitting a peak of 1,526 meters (5,006 feet).
Think remote! You absolutely need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to conquer this beast. It's technically open year-round, but Mother Nature has the final say. Expect potential closures during winter's wrath. And remember, mountain weather is notoriously fickle, so be prepared for rapid changes! The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,351 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA scenic drive to Cap de Creus Lighthouse, an inspiration to Dali
🇪🇸 Spain
# Far del Cap de Creus: Spain's Easternmost Lighthouse Adventure Picture this: you're driving along Spain's northeastern coast, winding through some of the most otherworldly rock formations you've ever seen. Welcome to Far del Cap de Creus, a lighthouse perched dramatically at the easternmost point of mainland Spain. Located in Girona's Alt Empordà region, this headland is pure geological drama—rocks tilted at crazy angles that formed over 400 million years ago. The landscape here is so surreal that Salvador Dalà himself made it his muse, setting up home in a nearby bay. The lighthouse itself, standing 87 meters above sea level, dates back to 1853 and still flashes its signals twice every 10 seconds, acting as a beacon between earth and sea. The real thrill? The drive itself. Starting from Port Lligat near Cadaqués, you'll travel along the Cami Antic—an old coastal path now paved as a narrow, winding single-lane road. It's just 5.6 km of pure coastal magic, where you'll see how the fierce north wind has sculpted the natural park's landscape into something genuinely otherworldly. At the end awaits a restaurant inside the lighthouse building itself, offering views of incomparable beauty and diversity. Fair warning: parking's tight, so grab a spot early or consider the tourist train that runs multiple times daily during summer. Fun fact: Hollywood even came calling in 1971 to film "The Light at the End of the World" with Kirk Douglas. They built a fake lighthouse just for the movie—now that's commitment to authenticity.
hardA curvy paved road to Col de Perty
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Perty: A Scenic Alpine Challenge in Southeast France Ready to tackle one of the Drôme's most thrilling mountain passes? Col de Perty sits pretty at 1,302 meters (4,271 feet) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The route follows the D65, a completely paved but delightfully narrow road that snakes its way across 19.8 kilometers of stunning Alpine terrain. Heads up though—this pass doesn't mess around, with grades hitting a jaw-dropping 12% in some sections. Buckle up for the adventure! You've got two main approaches to choose from. Coming from the west via Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, you're looking at a 12.5-kilometer push from La Combe, climbing 600 meters at a manageable 4.8% average gradient. If you're coming from the east at Laborel, it's a shorter but punchier 8.5 kilometers, gaining 475 meters with a steeper 5.6% average grade. Whichever way you approach, expect those classic Alpine switchbacks, breathtaking valley views, and the kind of tight curves that make for an exhilarating drive. The narrow pavement means you'll want to take it steady and enjoy the scenery—which, trust us, is absolutely stellar. This is the real deal for mountain road enthusiasts.
extremeWhere is Puerto de Tiscar?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Jaen province of Spain, headed for a mountain pass called Puerto de TÃscar. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure that climbs to 1,189 meters (almost 3,900 feet!) in the eastern part of Andalusia. Locals revere the Virgin of TÃscar, giving the pass its name, and you'll feel like you're on a pilgrimage of your own as you tackle the A6206, also known as the Quesada-Pozo Alcón road. Don't let the fully paved surface fool you – this road is a beast! We're talking over 300 curves packed into just 30.3 km (18.82 miles) from Quesada to Pozo Alcón. Expect steep slopes hitting a maximum gradient of 16.0% in places! It's narrow, winding, and you might even encounter larger vehicles braving the route. So, why take this road when the A-315 offers an easier path? Because the views are insane! You're smack-dab in the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, surrounded by lush pine trees and endless olive groves as you climb the Quesada slope. Pro tip: skip the scorching summer afternoons and snowy winter days. Spring or autumn is prime time to experience this somewhat lonely but visually stunning drive. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget!
hardCroce Arcana Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Croce Arcana Tucked away in Italy's Pistoia province within the Apennines, Passo della Croce Arcana sits at a respectable 1,669m (5,475ft) and makes for one seriously epic mountain adventure. Starting from Cutigliano, you're looking at a 16km climb that'll gain you a whopping 1,030 meters of elevation – averaging out to a 6.4% grade, though some sections crank up to a gnarly 13.6%. Here's the reality check: this is a gravel road all the way, narrow and bumpy, so come prepared. Rain or snow? You're basically not getting through. Even in good conditions, the steep pitches and rough surface demand respect and a vehicle that can handle it. But if you've got the wheels and the nerve for it, the payoff is absolutely worth it – you'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning Apennine scenery that'll have you remembering this drive for years.