Driving the wild Puerto del Portillo
Spain, europe
18.2 km
1,250 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in Spain, right? Specifically, Castile and León, in the province of Salamanca. You absolutely HAVE to check out Puerto del Portillo. It's a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,250 meters (that's a cool 4,101 feet!).
Tucked away inside the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park, this road, the SA-201, is completely paved. Score! Once you get to the top, there’s even a parking lot and a viewpoint waiting for you. Be warned though, it gets a little spicy – some sections clock in at a steep 11.5% incline!
The whole thing is about 18.2 km (or 11.30 miles) of pure driving bliss. And hold onto your hats, because there are 10 hairpin turns to navigate! The route runs from Las Mestas (in Cáceres) up to La Alberca (in Salamanca), heading south to north. Oh, and did I mention it's been featured in the Vuelta a España? So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,250 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is Road Fv805?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Road Fv805 in Norway, one of the most breathtaking coastal drives on the planet! This 3.41-mile stretch hugs the northern coast of an island, winding its way along the water's edge. Be warned, things get a little narrow in places! Most of the road is paved, though there might be a few unpaved bits to keep things interesting. The real star of the show here is the scenery—get ready for views that'll blow your mind. You'll kick things off right off the main highway, just north of this adorable little fishing village (which is totally up-and-coming, by the way). Then, you'll meander your way to another charming spot. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination!
moderateFittanze della Sega Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Fittanze della Sega Ready for a serious climb? Passo Fittanze della Sega sits pretty at 1,399 meters (4,589 feet) in the stunning Parco Regionale della Lessinia in Italy, and the road up is no joke. The SP211 is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—this is legitimately brutal. We're talking 22% gradients that'll have your legs (and your car) burning. Two options to summit here, depending on where you're starting from. Coming up from Sdruzzina? You're looking at 14.1 km of climbing with 1,239 meters of elevation gain. That works out to a punishing average of 8.8%—basically relentless the whole way up. If you prefer the slightly more forgiving approach via Bellori, it's a longer 20.91 km haul, but the elevation gain is "only" 1,058 meters at an average of 5.1%. Still a proper workout, just spread out over more distance. Either way, this is the kind of pass that demands respect. Those steep sections will test your fitness and your willpower. But conquer it? You'll feel absolutely legendary.
hard38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col de la Croix de Coeur Buckle up for one seriously epic ride! This high mountain pass sits at 2,178m (7,145ft) in Switzerland's Valais region, straddling the line between the Entremont and Martigny districts in the southwestern corner of the country. The Route de la Croix-de-Coeur stretches 43 km (26 miles) from Sembrancher up to Riddes, and let me tell you—it doesn't pull any punches. You're looking at a mix of paved and unpaved terrain, with that final stretch rolling along a gravel track that'll keep you on your toes. The gradient ramps up to a gnarly 12% in places, and you'll navigate five tunnels and a whopping 38 hairpin turns. Fair warning: most of them aren't protected by guardrails, so confidence and steady hands are essential. The payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramas. From the summit, you'll catch incredible views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, while the Bernese Alps dominate the northern horizon. There's even a little restaurant up top (Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur) where you can celebrate your conquest with a well-deserved meal, plus a parking area to catch your breath and snap some photos. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a thrilling mountain challenge that rewards the brave with unforgettable scenery.
moderateThe road to Akhuk-Dara Pass, scary and impressive at the same time
🇬🇪 Georgia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Pereval Akhuk-Dara, a high-altitude international mountain pass sitting right on the border of Georgia and Russia, smack-dab in the Caucasus Mountains. We're talking serious elevation here: 2,104 meters (that's 6,902 feet!). You'll find it nestled within the Ritsa National Reserve, and the road leading up is mostly paved. Trust me, this drive is a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s scary and impressive, with views that will leave you breathless! Just a heads-up, this road is usually closed from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Definitely a bucket-list-worthy experience.