
Is Puerto de Escúllar paved?
Spain, europe
57.5 km
2,036 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Puerto de Escúllar, a hidden gem nestled in Granada, Andalusia, Spain! This high mountain pass clocks in at a lofty 2,036 meters (6,679 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for some seriously breathtaking views.
The road, also called Puerto de Padilla, is entirely paved (AL-5404 on the south side, GR-8101 to the north), though you might encounter some rough patches near the top — nothing your trusty steed can't handle! One minor letdown? There's no sign to mark the summit, and the flat terrain makes pinpointing the exact highest point a bit of a guessing game. But hey, at least you'll likely have the whole road to yourself!
Stretching for 57.5 kilometers (35.72 miles) between Caniles and Abla, this north-south route sits pretty on the southern edge of the Sierra de Baza mountain, just north of the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Fair warning: this pass is no walk in the park! It's tackled the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some serious climbs, with gradients hitting a maximum of 10% in certain spots. Expect a steep drive. The road's usually open year-round, so you can add this adventure to your bucket list whenever you're ready to roll.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 57.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,036 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardColle Pian Fum
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for Colle Pian Fum, a seriously stunning (and slightly wild) mountain pass in Piedmont, Italy! We're talking about reaching 1,999 meters (that's 6,558 feet!) above sea level, so prepare for some incredible views. The adventure starts near Tornetti on smooth asphalt, but don't get too comfortable. Things get real, real quick with some seriously rough patches and potholes galore. Definitely not a winter destination, this narrow and steep road will keep you on your toes. But hey, that's what makes it an unforgettable drive!
hardIs the old road through Loibl Pass unpaved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Loibl Pass, straddling Austria and Slovenia at a lofty 1,367m (4,485ft), is one seriously old-school mountain pass—we're talking ancient Roman times! Forget smooth sailing; the original road to the top is a wild ride. It's unpaved, seriously narrow, and throws 16 hairpin turns at you. This 5 km (3.10 miles) stretch is a twisty, turny beast! Historically, it's the quickest way from Ferlach (Austria) to Tržič (Slovenia). The pass also carries a somber note, with a memorial on the Slovenian side remembering the victims of a WWII forced labor camp. But hey, there's a renovated mountain hostel up there too, with awesome views of the Ljubljana and Klagenfurt basins on a clear day. Heads up: the old summit road has been closed to cars since 1967. Cyclists and hikers, rejoice! If you're *really* keen on driving it, you might sweet-talk the local Ferlach police for a permit, but it'll only get you so far on the Austrian side. Once you reach the top, you're turning around at the Slovenian border.
moderateGuide to the top of Col de Finiels
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Finiels: A Alpine Adventure in Southern France Nestled in the Lozère département of Occitania, Col de Finiels is a stunning mountain pass that sits at a crisp 1,541 meters (5,055 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're on top of the world—and there's even a handy parking lot at the summit if you want to stop and soak in the views. The route up is via the D20, a fully paved road that winds its way north-south between Le Bleymard and Pont-de-Montvert-Sud-Mont-Lozère. Don't let the "fully paved" part fool you—this is no casual Sunday drive. The road spans 21.7 km (13.48 miles) total and features some genuinely steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 7.8%. Coming from Le Bleymard, you're looking at a 10.4 km climb with 472 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average grade of 4.5%—tough but manageable. The other side of the pass, ascending from Pont-de-Montvert, is a bit more demanding: 11.6 km with 666 meters of elevation gain averaging 5.7%. Either way, you're in for a proper alpine workout that rewards you with incredible mountain scenery and that satisfying sense of accomplishment once you reach the top.
moderateCan you drive up the Black Mountains?
🇬🇧 Wales
Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire, Wales? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This legendary stretch of asphalt is a wild mix of twists, dips, and climbs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Wales, snaking through the Black Mountains, the A4069 (that's its official name) is pure driving bliss. Think 23.81 km (14.8 miles) of paved perfection, running from Glanamman to Llangadog. Seriously, for a mountain road, it's surprisingly smooth, with those awesome sections of bends and straights where you can see for miles. Just keep an eye out for wandering sheep – they own the place! And a heads up, sneaky mobile speed cameras sometimes lurk disguised as horse boxes or trucks. Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are some of the best corners here. Fast sections, tight corners, and views that'll make you weep with joy when you hit the hairpins. If you're in a low rider, watch out for bumps! And you'll top out at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level. It's no wonder it's called the best driving road in Wales! Those five most memorable miles you can drive in any country! Ever since Top Gear featured it back in 2011 (aka the 'Top Gear road’), it’s become a must-do for petrolheads. Car magazine test drivers are obsessed, but that means it can get busy, especially on weekends. Expect 35-45 minutes of pure driving heaven if you don't stop, but honestly, you'll want to. The scenery? Mind-blowing. Miles and miles of gorgeous countryside. Make use of the laybys to soak it all in. If you're a driving enthusiast, this road is worth every second!