How long is Carretera de las Presas?
Spain, europe
23.3 km
325 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Carretera de las Presas (GC-605) on Gran Canaria! This mountain road in the southwest of the island is a real stunner, but definitely keeps you on your toes.
Stretching for about 23 kilometers (14.5 miles), you'll climb from the little town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m above sea level) all the way up to Ayacata (1,304m), a cute village where you can grab a bite. That's almost a kilometer of vertical gain! The journey starts with an epic series of hairpin bends winding up the Mogan Valley, past ochre cliffs and massive boulders.
Expect a challenging drive. The pavement can be a bit rough in spots, especially the last 8 kilometers, and some sections are so narrow that passing another car can be tricky. We're talking 30+ hairpin turns, with gradients hitting 10% in places.
This route takes you straight to the mysterious Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's largest. Legend has it that a nearby, ancient pine tree witnessed a woman being burned to death centuries ago.
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible. However, be aware that this route is prone to landslides, rockfalls, and fog. Keep an eye out for viewpoints with parking spots along the way, but remember it can get very cold and windy up there!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 325 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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