Road trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio
Spain, europe
18.6 km
1,315 m
hard
Year-round
# Puerto del Connio: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Asturias
Tucked away in the heart of Fuentes del Narcea in northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto del Connio is a gorgeous high-altitude pass that sits at 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of place that makes your drive worthwhile.
The route up is straightforward enough—you're looking at the AS-348, a fully asphalted road that's definitely on the narrower side. Here's the good news: it's generally accessible year-round, though Mother Nature does have the final say. When winter dumps heavy snow, the pass can close temporarily, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out.
Starting from Ventanueva, you're in for an 18.6 km climb that'll gain you a solid 769 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of around 5.65%, which is pleasantly rideable without being overly brutal. The winding ascent rewards you with stunning mountain scenery as you gain altitude, making every switchback feel earned.
Whether you're chasing that perfect driving road or just want to experience the raw beauty of the Asturian mountains, Puerto del Connio delivers on both fronts. Pack layers, take your time on the curves, and soak in the views—this pass is a gem worth experiencing.
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.4883, -4.0513
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,315 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.4883, -4.0513
Related Roads in europe
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col du Chasseral in the Jura Mountains
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col du Chasseral Ever heard of Col du Chasseral? This 1,606-meter (5,269 ft) alpine gem sits pretty in Switzerland's Jura Mountains, nestled in the Bern canton near Neuchâtel. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with mountain driving. Here's what makes it special: the summit is home to a charming hotel-restaurant and a communication tower, and the views? Absolutely stunning. You get panoramic vistas over three beautiful lakes, with the massive Biel Lake dominating the landscape right below you. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to pull over and just breathe. The route from Nods is a solid 10.4 km (6.46 miles) of pure alpine driving, climbing 710 meters with an average gradient of 6.82%. The road itself is completely paved, but fair warning—it's narrow and seriously steep. You'll navigate some tight switchbacks that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The asphalt is in decent shape overall, and the drainage systems are helpfully marked with white lines. The real challenge? Those speed bumps between the pass and the hotel are legitimately tall and demand your full attention and a slow approach. The road ends at a parking area at 1,548 meters, where cars have to call it quits. From there, adventurers can hike or bike the final stretch to the actual summit. **Pro tip:** Don't forget to check conditions before you go—this pass is notorious for winter closures, so timing is everything if you're planning a visit in the colder months.
moderateWhere is Mount Leinster?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're in Ireland, right on the border of Carlow and Wexford, ready to tackle Mount Leinster. This isn't just any drive – it's a climb to the highest paved road in Ireland, all the way up to 786 meters! The road, known as the 2RN access road, is a bit rough around the edges but totally paved. It's a short but intense 2.6 km (1.61 miles) from Nine Stones, packing in an elevation gain of 335 meters. We’re talking an average gradient of almost 13%, with sections hitting a whopping 17%! Heads up, this road was built to service the TV transmitter at the top (you can't miss the 122m mast!), so it’s usually gated to keep regular traffic out and keep vandals away from the tower. But if you can find a way, the views are *insane*. Seriously, you’ll be treated to the most incredible Irish countryside panoramas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too! This spot is also super popular with hang-gliders, so you might catch them launching into the sky. Just be prepared for some wild weather up there – high winds and rainstorms are pretty common. And hey, you can brag that you’ve been to the highest point in both Carlow and Wexford! Mount Leinster has even featured in the Tour of Ireland, so you know it's legit.
moderateGorges de la Bourne is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Bourne Picture this: a stunning canyon carved into the landscape right where the Isère and Drôme departments meet in southeastern France. Welcome to one of the country's most iconic balcony roads, nestled within the Vercors Regional Nature Park. The history of this route is genuinely wild. From 1861 to 1872, Jean Serratrice and his crew literally hung themselves over the abyss for over a decade, carving this passage through the massive Vercors gorges. Today, maintaining this ribbon of asphalt—D531—is still no joke, battling constant erosion and harsh weather conditions. The fully paved 22.6km (14.04 miles) stretch runs west-east from Pont-en-Royans to Villard-de-Lans, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Expect narrow passages, unlit tunnels, and hairpin turns around nearly every corner. Rock slides happen, and they can temporarily shut down sections without warning. Summer crowds can add to the challenge, but that's the price of fame for such a spectacular drive. What makes it worth the adrenaline rush? The Vercors Massif delivers jaw-dropping limestone scenery at every turn. The road hugs the River Bourne through a series of ravines, treating you to some of the most dramatic gorge-side views you'll ever see. Pro tip: make time to visit the Choranche cave nearby—those stalactites are absolutely worth the detour.
moderateDriving the Scenic Route Varanger in Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# National Tourist Route Varanger Tucked away in Norway's farthest northeastern corner, the National Tourist Route Varanger is a stunning coastal drive that hugs the edge of the Arctic. This 160km (99-mile) route takes you from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg along the ice-cold Barents Sea, showcasing some of Scandinavia's most dramatic scenery. The entire route is paved, though don't let that fool you—sections are genuinely narrow and demand your full attention behind the wheel. You'll navigate roads E75 and 341, climbing to a modest 123m (403ft) above sea level as you go. Plan on spending 2.5 to 3.5 hours if you drive straight through, though you'll definitely want to stop along the way. The landscape transforms as you drive, starting among sheltered birch forests and bogs before opening up to jagged coastal cliffs that feel like the edge of the world. It's the kind of scenery that makes you believe you've reached the Arctic's absolute end point. Fair warning: this route is only accessible from June through October. Winter snows close Hamningbergveien between Smelror and Hamningberg from November to May, making this strictly a summer adventure. Birdwatchers, rejoice—Varanger is one of Northern Europe's premier birding destinations and ranks among the world's top 100 birding sites. Beyond the wildlife, the region pulses with centuries of cultural crossroads, shaped by fisheries, migration routes, and historic trade. It's a genuinely unique corner of the world worth experiencing firsthand.