The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Foces del Rio Somiedo
Spain, europe
12.7 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
# Foces del Rio Somiedo: Spain's Hidden Canyon Drive
If you're craving one of Spain's most breathtaking scenic routes, head to Asturias in the north and seek out Foces del Rio Somiedo. This stunning 12.7 km (7.89 miles) stretch winds through the heart of Somiedo Natural Park, taking you from Aguasmestas to Pola de Somiedo along what was once known as the ancient Via Escrita.
The road—officially AS-227, also called Carretera San Martín - El Puerto—hugs the walls of an absolutely dramatic gorge carved out by the Somiedo river over millennia. The karst erosion has created this imposing canyon that'll have you craning your neck in wonder at every turn. The entire route is paved and well-maintained (it got a major upgrade in 2010), so you can focus on soaking in the incredible scenery rather than wrestling with your steering wheel.
That said, keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go. Heavy rain can trigger rockslides, and winter snow can occasionally force closures. But when conditions are right, this is an unforgettable drive through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. Just take your time, enjoy the views, and let the canyon work its magic.
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Foces del Rio Somiedo is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 38.4842, -4.5187
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.7 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.4842, -4.5187
Related Roads in europe
hardCol de la Serena
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, ready for an adventure. You stumble upon Col de la Serena, a mountain pass soaring to 4,274 feet. Buckle up, because this road is NARROW. Like, seriously narrow. If you're not comfortable with tight squeezes and reversing, maybe skip this one. The road to the top is a twisty, turny maze that'll challenge even seasoned drivers. But the views? Totally worth it! And at the summit, you'll find Ouvrage La Séréna, an old military fortress that's part of the Maginot Line. History and scenery? Yes, please! Now, let's be real, this isn't a Sunday drive. It's a constant up, down, right, left kind of experience. Starting in La Roche (at 1,120m), you've got a 5.3 km climb ahead of you to gain 183 meters of elevation. That's an average gradient of 3.45%. Word to the wise: if you're new to this route, avoid it at night or in bad weather. Trust me on this one!
moderateBoğatepe Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Boğatepe Geçidi, a high-altitude stunner nestled in Turkey's Kars Province! We're talking about a climb that tops out at a cool 2,353 meters (that's 7,719 feet for my imperial system friends). The road, known as D060, is paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it winding between Boğatepe and Çamçavuş. Be warned: this climb is no joke – it's seriously steep! And heads up, winter here means serious storms, so be prepared. If you're not familiar with the road, think twice about tackling it at night or when the visibility is poor. Trust me, you'll want to keep your eyes on this road to enjoy the incredible scenery!
hardDafnon Gorge
🇬🇷 Greece
Dafnon Gorge is a seriously stunning canyon carved out by the seasonal Dafnon river in Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece—and the drive through it is absolutely unforgettable. The road itself is paved, though you'll encounter some narrow stretches that'll keep you on your toes. Fair warning: there are potholes scattered throughout, and the asphalt isn't in the best shape—we're talking crumbling sections and loose gravel that can catch you off guard. Weekends and peak holiday season bring heavier traffic, so time your visit accordingly. This epic 28.2 km route connects the town of Leonidion with Kosmas, a charming mountain village nestled deep in the Parnon range. Along the way, you'll spot the beautiful Monastery of Panagia Elona, which makes for a great photo stop. The road climbs steeply with nine hairpin bends that'll test your driving skills and reward you with incredible vistas. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. In summer, the gorge transforms into a dry riverbed lined with white stones—almost dreamlike. Come winter and spring, though, the river comes alive with water, sometimes turning into a pretty intense rapids situation. Either way, you're in for a visual treat that'll stick with you long after you've made it safely through.
hardA delightful yet challenging paved road to Monte Bondone in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Bondone: Italy's Alpine Thrill Ride Nestled in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in northern Italy, Monte Bondone is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping at 1,654 meters (5,426 feet) above sea level. This isn't your average scenic drive—it's a proper Alpine adventure. The Strada Provinciale 85 (SP85) stretches about 40 kilometers (25 miles) between Trento and Lasino, running east-west through some seriously dramatic terrain. Starting from Trento, you're looking at a 1,463-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of 6.8%—steep enough to keep you on your toes. Coming from Lasino? You'll climb 1,203 meters at a more manageable 5.1% average, though certain sections hit a gnarly 13% grade. Here's the thing: the road itself is perfectly maintained and fully paved, which is great. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. You'll navigate over 40 hairpin turns as the road snakes its way up through the Alps, testing both your driving skills and your nerve. Every curve brings new vistas of the surrounding mountains, making it a visual feast even as your hands grip the steering wheel. If you love mountain passes with character and don't mind a technical drive, Monte Bondone delivers.