Driving the paved road to Puerto de Izaña
Spain, europe
33.7 km
2,263 m
moderate
Year-round
Puerto de Izaña is a high mountain pass perched at 2,263m (7,424ft) on Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, and it's absolutely worth the drive.
The route follows TF-24, also known as Carretera de la Esperanza, stretching 33.7 km (20.94 miles) from Las Cañadas del Teide to Las Rosas. The entire road is beautifully paved, but don't let that fool you—this isn't a casual cruise. You're looking at a winding mountain road with plenty of character, featuring numerous hairpin turns and natural viewpoints that'll have you reaching for your camera constantly.
The real challenge? The gradient. This road doesn't mess around. You'll encounter plenty of steep sections where the incline pushes well into double digits, with some ramps hitting a serious 12.3% grade. The terrain is undulating throughout, meaning you're constantly climbing, descending, and turning. It's the kind of road that keeps you engaged behind the wheel—in the best way possible.
If you're into mountain driving, dramatic scenery, and a road that genuinely tests your skills (while rewarding you with stunning Canary Island views), Puerto de Izaña is calling your name.
Where is it?
Driving the paved road to Puerto de Izaña is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.2941, -3.4049
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 33.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,263 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.2941, -3.4049
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Çimenli Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Çimenli Geçidi is calling, a mountain pass soaring to 7,667 feet in Turkey's Erzurum Province. You'll find this beauty in the Eastern Anatolia region, way up in the northeast. The road? Smooth as butter – fully paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader! Just be ready for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 9% in places. Hope your engine's ready for a workout! The whole shebang stretches for 48 glorious miles, winding from Esendere up to Oltu in a south-to-north direction. Good news: it's usually open year-round. Bad news: those crazy winter storms can shut things down on a dime, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. You'll be driving through some seriously stunning scenery, though, so have your camera ready!
moderateWhere is Los Portillinos?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Los Portillinos, a crazy-cool mountain pass sitting way up at 6,420 feet in northern Spain! You'll find it chilling in the Castilla y León region, specifically the northwestern part of the country. Locals also call it Alto de los Portillinos, and the road is paved, though it can get a little rough in spots. You'll be cruising through the gorgeous Fornela valley. It winds up through the Montes de León mountain range. Word to the wise: it's usually open all year, but winter can be a bit dicey with occasional closures. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road that branches off east towards a peak called Mustallar. The whole pass is only 6.8 km long, running between Peranzanes and Candín, and honestly? You'll probably have the road mostly to yourself! Soak in those views!
hardNuevo Mundo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Nuevo Mundo: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Nuevo Mundo sits pretty at 2,115 meters (6,938 feet) in Almería province, Andalusia, Spain—and the route to its summit is definitely not for the faint of heart. The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll keep you on your toes. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise—it's a genuine off-road challenge that demands serious wheeling skills. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, honestly, skip this one. A 4x4 vehicle is pretty much essential if you want to make it up there safely. Here's the thing: winds absolutely howl through this area year-round, and they don't play around. Combined with the steep gradient and the fact that you're way up in the air with nothing but views below you, this trail requires nerve and respect. Heights-phobic? Yeah, this might not be your vibe. The payoff? Once you summit, you'll find a communication tower standing sentinel over breathtaking panoramic views. It's the kind of accomplishment that makes your arms ache but your heart sing. **Bottom line:** This is experienced mountain drivers only. Come prepared, come confident, and come ready for one wild ride.
hardWhere is Col du Lachens?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, specifically tucked away in the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park, right on the edge of the Alpes-Maritimes department. You're heading for Col du Lachens, also known as , the highest peak in the Var! Heads up, the Route Forestière du Lachens to the top is completely paved, but it's narrow and a bit rough around the edges. The road stretches for about , gaining in elevation, so you're looking at an average gradient of . Keep an eye out as you drive! There's a military installation right at the summit, a reminder of the peak's past importance. Nowadays, it's more famous for paragliding, hosting regular competitions thanks to the National Free Flight Centre. Plus, the views from the top? Absolutely worth the sometimes-sketchy road. Get ready for some serious French Alps scenery!