Lagos de Covadonga: An Iconic Vuelta a España Climb
Spain, europe
12.6 km
1,134 m
hard
Year-round
# Lagos de Covadonga: A Mountain Drive You Can't Miss
Tucked away in Asturias, Spain, the road to Lagos de Covadonga—a pair of stunning glacial lakes called Lake Enol and Lake Ercina—is pure magic. Sitting pretty within Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain, this route has earned its reputation as one of the country's most breathtaking drives.
Here's what you're getting into: The CO-4 road starts from Covadonga and climbs 12.6 km (7.82 miles) with a brutal elevation gain of 1,056 meters, averaging a 7.4% gradient. You'll finish at 1,134m (3,720ft) above sea level on a fully paved road that's surprisingly straightforward—minimal hairpin turns, which is honestly a relief. But don't let that fool you: it's steep and narrow, with some sections that'll make your palms sweat.
The real beast is La Huesera, a section about 7 kilometers from the top that ramps up to a punishing 15% gradient over 800 meters. Pro cyclists flock here because of it—the Vuelta a España has featured this climb multiple times, and it's often compared to the legendary Alpe d'Huez.
Once you reach the top, the payoff is absolutely worth every turn. The views are jaw-dropping, and there's an intriguing old metal mine at the upper lake that adds a touch of history to your visit. This isn't just a drive—it's an experience steeped in natural beauty, athletic legend, and mountain majesty.
Where is it?
Lagos de Covadonga: An Iconic Vuelta a España Climb is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.1993, -5.8689
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,134 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.1993, -5.8689
Related Roads in europe
easyHow long is E272 Road?
🌍 Lithuania
Hey road trippers! Wanna cruise from Lithuania's capital all the way to the Baltic Sea? Then buckle up for the E272! This beauty stretches for about 361 km (224 miles) from Vilnius, heading through Panevezys and Siauliai before landing you right on the coast in Palanga. And the best part? It's paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck! This isn't just about getting from A to B; it's a visual feast. Think charming historic cities and breathtaking natural parks. You HAVE to check out Samogitian National Park – it's got this totally unique Soviet vibe. And don't even get me started on the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site that's seriously moving. You'll roll through major cities like Siauliai and Panevezys, plus those gorgeous manor towns like Kretinga and Plunge. And Ukmerge, a super cute stop-off. The grand finale? The seaside resort of Palanga, ready for your beach selfies!
hardDriving the scenic road to Port-Aine in the Pyrenees
🇪🇸 Spain
# Port-Ainé: A Peaceful Pyrenean Climb Nestled high in Spain's Pyrenees, Port-Ainé ski resort sits at 1,967 meters (6,453 feet) and makes for an incredibly rewarding mountain drive. You'll find it in Catalonia's Lleida province, way up in the northern reaches of the country. The 18.4-kilometer (11.4-mile) route kicks off from the C13 Road near Rialp and climbs a solid 1,224 meters with an average gradient of 6.65%. What makes this ascent special is how mellow it feels—traffic is minimal, so you can really take in the scenery. Fair warning though: the road gets properly steep in sections (hitting up to 10.7% gradient), and it narrows in places, so take it steady. The entire route is fully paved, which is great news. It's typically open year-round, though winter closures are possible between December and April when the snow shows up. That's just the Pyrenees keeping things real. This is the kind of drive where you can actually hear yourself think, surrounded by some genuinely stunning mountain scenery. Perfect for anyone looking to escape the chaos and tackle a proper Alpine climb.
hardDriving the 38 Hairpin Turns of the Steep Road D80 in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# The D80: France's Ultimate Hairpin Challenge If you get queasy on winding roads, the D80 in France's Savoie department might just be your nightmare—or your ultimate adrenaline fix, depending on your perspective. Located south of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this legendary route (also called the Route de Villargondran) ranks among the world's most relentless hairpin gauntlets. The fully paved but razor-thin road stretches just 10.7 km, yet it somehow packs in 38 hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your steering. Starting at the sleepy village of Villargondran at 654 meters elevation, it climbs steadily toward Albiez-le-Jeune at 1,368 meters—a brutal 714-meter elevation gain that keeps the pressure on throughout. Expect average gradients of about 6.67%, with some stretches hitting a steep 10%. This is the kind of drive that separates the thrill-seekers from the cautious cruisers. The narrow ribbon of asphalt winds through gorgeous Alpine scenery, but you'll need serious focus to enjoy the views. It's technical, it's intense, and it's absolutely unforgettable. If you're confident in your driving skills and don't mind a white-knuckle adventure, the D80 delivers an experience you won't find on just any European road trip.
moderateCrossing the beautiful Pont de Normandie
🇫🇷 France
# Pont de Normandie: A Sky-High French Icon If you're craving some serious bridge-crossing drama, the Pont de Normandie in northern France is absolutely the place to experience it. This stunning cable-stayed bridge is genuinely one of the most spectacular spans you'll ever drive across. The bridge carries the A29 autoroute and connects Le Havre (an industrial hub) with picturesque Honfleur, a charming tourist destination in Normandy. Stretching for 2,143 kilometers with an impressive 856-meter span, this architectural marvel soars over the River Seine at a height of over 50 meters—and trust us, you'll feel every bit of that elevation. Opened back in January 1995, the Pont de Normandie has a seriously dramatic presence. As you approach it, the bridge seems to shoot straight up into the sky, creating this almost surreal climbing sensation. It's genuinely awe-inspiring. The structure faces some serious environmental challenges though—this area gets absolutely battered by winds that can reach up to 180 kph, so the engineering here is seriously impressive. Fair warning: if you're not comfortable with heights, this might not be your jam. But if you can handle it, crossing the top feels like you're actually flying. It's an unforgettable experience that'll stay with you long after you've reached the other side.