Puerto de San Rafael

Puerto de San Rafael

Spain, europe

Length

13.8 km

Elevation

1,560 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Conquering Puerto de San Rafael: A Scenic Climb Through Aragon

Ready for an epic mountain road adventure? The A-228 in Spain's Teruel province is calling your name! This charming little pass sits at a respectable 1,560 meters (5,118 feet), making it a perfect playground for road enthusiasts.

Starting from the quaint town of Mora de Rubielos, you've got a solid 13.8-kilometer climb ahead of you. Don't worry though—while the average gradient hangs around a manageable 3.8%, things do get spicy with some sections hitting up to 9.3%. That's the kind of challenge that keeps your adrenaline pumping! Over the course of your ascent, you'll gain 520 meters of elevation, so come prepared with a full tank and fresh legs.

The fully asphalted surface means smooth sailing all the way up—no sketchy gravel here. And here's the cool part: this route is legit enough to have been featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta a España cycling race, so you know you're driving a path that's been tested by the pros.

Expect stunning mountain scenery as you wind your way through Aragon, with dramatic elevation changes and those gorgeous Spanish Pyrenean vistas that make your Instagram feed sing. Whether you're tackling this as a road trip highlight or a cycling challenge, Puerto de San Rafael delivers an unforgettable experience.

Where is it?

Puerto de San Rafael is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.8535, -3.9691

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
13.8 km
Max Elevation
1,560 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
40.8535, -3.9691

Related Roads in europe

Coll del Tornextreme

Coll del Torn

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright thrill-seekers, let's talk Coll del Torn! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a lofty 1,865 meters (that's over 6,100 feet!) in the Catalan Pyrenees of northeast Spain. Now, don't expect smooth sailing. We're talking a narrow, gravel road carved into the Pre-Pyrenees. It's a real test of driving skills and, let's be honest, your bravery! If you get queasy looking down, or the thought of landslides makes you sweat, maybe sit this one out. This road isn't famous for its tranquility; it's known for being a bit wild! Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow and ice can shut it down completely, usually from November through March. And get this: in many spots, there's NOTHING between you and a seriously long drop. No guardrails, nada. Wet conditions or darkness? Forget about it. This road demands your full attention. They don't call it "Montaña de La Altura" (Mountain of Height) for nothing; it's definitely tested the mettle of many a driver. But those who brave it are rewarded with incredible views from the "Mirador de los Valles" viewpoint. So, are you up for the challenge?

Coll de Finestreshard

Coll de Finestres

🇪🇸 Spain

# Coll de Finestres: A Wild Ride at the Top of Andorra Tucked right on the border between Andorra's Sant Julià de Lòria and Spain's Lleida province, the Coll de Finestres sits pretty at 2,392 meters (7,847 feet) above sea level. Yep, this is one seriously high mountain pass—and one of the loftiest roads you'll find in the country. Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, the route to the summit is basically an unpaved adventure—gravel, rocks, ruts, and all. The road gets bumpy and tippy in spots, and winter basically shuts this place down completely. Think of it as a true mountain trail that demands respect and skill. This one's absolutely for experienced off-roaders only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, skip it. You'll genuinely need 4x4 capability, and honestly, a healthy comfort level with heights is essential. The climb is steep and unforgiving, especially when things get wet and muddy—conditions that can turn the whole experience into a serious test of your driving chops. It's the kind of road that separates the wheat from the chaff when it comes to mountain driving. Stunning Pyrenees scenery awaits those bold enough to tackle it, but only if you know what you're doing.

Where is Guzelyayla Gecidi?moderate

Where is Guzelyayla Gecidi?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Güzelyayla Geçidi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.137m (7,011ft) above sea level located in the Erzurum Province of Turkey. Where is Guzelyayla Gecidi? The pass is located in the Eastern Anatolia region, in the northeastern part of the country. Is Guzelyayla Gecidi paved? The road to the summit is totally paved, wide and in good conditions. It’s called . Access to the pass is typically open all year round. The summit hosts a big parking lot and souvenir shops. How long is Guzelyayla Gecidi? The pass is 20.2km (12.5 miles) long running north-south from Tortum to Karagöbek. The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a 9% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. How to get by car to Uzungol Lake in Trabzon? Driving the frightening road to Tahir Pass in Turkey's Tahir Mountains Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

How to get by car to the scenic Castello Belvedere in Sicily?hard

How to get by car to the scenic Castello Belvedere in Sicily?

🇮🇹 Italy

# Monte Belvedere di Fiumedinisi Perched at 750m (2,460ft) above sea level in Sicily's Metropolitan City of Messina, Monte Belvedere di Fiumedinisi is a hidden gem that combines history, adventure, and absolutely jaw-dropping views. The real star of the show? Castello Belvedere, a stunning medieval fortress that's been standing since the 12th century. Originally a Norman stronghold (and possibly built atop an ancient acropolis), this castle has seen centuries of power plays, changing hands between noble families like the Normans and the Colonna Romano. You'll notice the impressive defensive features—loopholes, walkways, and that show-stopping eastern gate—all strategically designed with coastal vistas in mind. Sure, time and weather have weathered the place, but restoration work in 2006–2007 helped bring back some of its former glory. Walking through the atmospheric ruins feels like stepping back in time. **Getting There (The Adventure Part)** Here's the thing: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road from Fiumedinisi is entirely unpaved and seriously steep—we're talking 15–20 degree slopes with rough terrain throughout the 7.3 km (4.53 miles) route. You'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle and ideally an experienced driver who isn't fazed by challenging conditions. Head up from the north side and follow the road signs; when they disappear, Google Maps and local knowledge become your best friends. **Why Make the Effort?** The payoff is totally worth it. From the summit, you get sweeping views of the Nisi Valley and the glittering Ionian Sea. It's no wonder tourists flock here to explore the castle ruins and soak in the scenery.