
How long is the GC-500 road?
Spain, europe
45 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising along the GC-500 in Gran Canaria, Spain, is an absolute must-do! This beauty hugs the southern coast of the island in the Province of Las Palmas and delivers non-stop panoramic views.
The paved road stretches for about 45 km (28 miles) from La Playa de Mogán all the way to Vecindario. It's a twisting, turning route that really keeps you on your toes as it snakes between rock walls and dramatic drops down to the sea. Expect the drive to take around 1 to 1.5 hours if you're doing it straight through – though you'll definitely want to factor in time for photo stops!
Now, a word of caution: a section between La Playa de Mogán and Taurito (known locally as Carretera Vieja or 'Old Road') has been closed off since 2017 due to serious landslide risk. Apparently, giant rocks are on the road, with even bigger ones threatening to come down. It's bypassed by the main GC-1 Road. Sadly, some people ignore the barriers – don't be tempted! Safety first!
The GC-500 packs in everything you could want: hairpin turns, tunnels, and those heart-stopping cliff edges that stick to the cliffs for 25kms or more at a height of about 200 to 900 meters.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardCan you drive across Lake Baikal?
🌍 Russia
Ever dreamt of driving across the world's deepest lake? Head to Siberia's Lake Baikal and you might just get your chance! Every winter, when the ice gods allow, a 12 km (7.5 mi) ice road magically appears, connecting the mainland to Olkhon Island, a rugged paradise with insane lake views. Prime time for this icy adventure? Early February to late March, when the ice is a meter thick (or more!). Seriously, the ice is so clear, you can spot the lake bottom beneath your tires! This surreal route starts near the village of Kurkut in the Irkutsk Oblast, and takes you east to Irkutskaya Guba on Olkhon Island. But is it open? Usually yes, during February and March, but only if the ice is at least 60 cm (24 in) thick. And keep in mind, it's a daytime affair, generally 9 am to 6 pm. You might see trucks rumbling along — this road is seriously strong, able to hold massive vehicles when the ice is thick enough!
hardThe Wild Road to Mina de Riosol in northern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, high up in the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains, exploring the wild Cabañas Valley. You're headed to an abandoned mercury mine called Mina de Riosol (or Mina Carmina, if you're feeling fancy). The road? Well, it's strictly off-road. Forget pavement; you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this baby. This mine, tucked away in the Riosol valley near Buecicardiel, operated for less than a decade, and the road is still there waiting to be discovered. You can usually get there year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in the works with snow and ice. Starting from the CL-635 paved road, it's only 2.8 km (a little over a mile and half), but it packs a punch. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 14% in spots! You'll gain 259 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of over 9%. The views though? Totally worth it.
extremeWhere is Rifugio Cornisello?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the stunning Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, heading toward Rifugio Cornisello, a mountain paradise. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! The road kicks off near Sant'Antonio di Mavignola and climbs to a whopping elevation, offering insane views of the Brenta Group as a reward. The road snakes and winds. At nearly , you'll gain , which makes for an average gradient of . Be warned, though: this road is paved but super narrow. The final stretch is unpaved and a real challenge! Keep your eyes peeled for potholes and random water on the road. And hold your breath for the unlit, one-lane tunnel midway up – it's a real heart-stopper! Guardrails are only on the gnarliest curves. Oh, and remember this road is usually closed from October to June. Is it worth the nail-biting drive? Absolutely! The scenery is breathtaking, and you'll find cozy mountain huts along the way to take a break and soak it all in. Just maybe leave the rental Ferrari at home for this one.
moderateWhere is Gorges de la Bourne?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the Gorges de la Bourne in France is an absolute must-do if you're anywhere near the Isère and Drôme departments. Seriously, this canyon road is carved right into the side of the Vercors Regional Nature Park, and it's a wild ride. They call it one of France's balcony roads, and it's easy to see why! This 22.6km (14 mile) stretch of the D531, running from Pont-en-Royans to Villard-de-Lans, took over a decade to build back in the 1800s, and you can feel the history in every twist and turn. Speaking of twists and turns, be prepared! The road is narrow in spots, with unlit tunnels adding to the adventure. Keep an eye out for rock slides – they can happen anytime. This place gets crowded during the summer months so be prepared for traffic! But trust me, the views are worth it! Driving through this limestone gorge is like entering another world. The road hugs the river, winding through ravines with jaw-dropping scenery at every corner. And don't miss the Choranche cave – those stalactites are something else!