Is the road to Alto de San Miguel de Aralar paved?
Spain, europe
11.5 km
1,233 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Navarre, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head toward the Aralar mountain chain (practically the foothills of the Pyrenees!), and get ready for Alto de San Miguel de Aralar. This climb kicks off near Uharte-Arakil, and it's a solid 11.5 km push to the 1,233m summit.
The road? Fully paved, but hold up – it's mostly concrete, which can be a bit slippery. Get ready for a consistent workout! You're looking at an average gradient of 6.72% with sections hitting a max of 14.2% right at the top! We're talking 773 meters of climbing, so pace yourself. While there aren’t any crazy-steep sections, it's relentlessly tough, with many kilometers hovering above 9%.
The payoff? Epic. At the top sits the historic San Miguel de Áralar sanctuary (aka San Miguel in Excelsis), with views that stretch across the Arakil corridor, San Donato, and the Urbasa and Andia ranges. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the effort!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,233 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere are the highest pubs in the UK? A guide to the ultimate road trip stops
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the D915, better known as the Col du Parpaillon, deep in the French Alps. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 90 km (56 mile) stretch of mostly unpaved road that'll test your nerves and your suspension. The payoff? Epic alpine scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes. The road peaks at a dizzying 2,780 meters (9,121 feet), so be prepared for some thin air. The real kicker? A narrow, unlit tunnel near the top. Seriously, bring a flashlight! Expect gravel, potholes, and maybe even some snow, depending on the time of year. Not for the faint of heart, but an unforgettable adventure for those who dare!
hardCan you drive through Clue du Pérouré?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern France, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to be exact, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You stumble upon Clue du Pérouré, a dramatic canyon road that's basically a super scenic balcony carved into the mountainside. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure! The D900A, as it's known, follows the canyon carved by the Le Bes river and is paved, but don't let that fool you. This route is seriously narrow in spots, like, hold-your-breath narrow. Keep an eye out for the height restrictions (ranging from 2.8m to 3.2m) and the potential for rock slides – Mother Nature keeps things interesting here. This epic drive stretches for about 31.7 km (almost 20 miles) through the Bès valley, heading south-north from Digne-les-Bains to Verdaches. Budget around 40-50 minutes to soak it all in without stopping. Trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
moderateIs the road to Col du Plateau Rosa unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: the Col du Plateau Rosa, perched way up high in the Italian Alps. We're talking serious altitude here! Now, fair warning, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth tarmac—this road is all rugged, unpaved adventure. And trust me, you'll want a 4x4 to tackle the steep inclines. This road isn’t just for kicks, it’s actually a service route for a chairlift, but that doesn't mean the views are any less spectacular. Once you conquer the climb, reward yourself at the summit restaurant. The whole thing is a relatively short but intense jaunt. Over just a few kilometers you gain a huge amount of elevation, so get ready for some seriously steep sections. Keep in mind that this road is a no-go in winter due to snow. As you grind your way up, you'll pass by .
moderateTaking on the Twists and Turns of TF-21 Road on the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tenerife's TF-21: A Twisty Mountain Masterpiece If you're hunting for one of Europe's most breathtaking drives, look no further than the TF-21 in Tenerife, Canary Islands. This stunning 79.3 km (49.27 miles) ribbon of asphalt cuts right across the island from Granadilla de Abona in the south to La Orotava in the north, and honestly? It's an absolute gem. What makes this road so special is the sheer number of curves—we're talking hundreds of twists and turns snaking through the gorgeous Teide National Park. The scenery shifts constantly, and the best part? You'll barely see any other traffic up here. The road is completely paved, making it a smooth (if wonderfully winding) experience. This is legit high-altitude driving. The TF-21 climbs to 2,361m (7,746 feet) above sea level, ranking it among Spain's loftiest roads. The landscape changes as you climb, and it's absolutely mesmerizing. Now, technically you could blast through this route in 2 to 2.5 hours if you're in a hurry, but why would you? Plan for a full day to soak in the views, snap some photos, and actually enjoy the drive. One heads-up: winter weather can be sketchy here. Hail and icy conditions occasionally force closures, so check conditions before heading up if you're visiting in the colder months.