Where is Carretera del Cañarete?
Spain, europe
9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising the Carretera del Cañarete is a must-do if you're exploring southeastern Spain! This coastal gem snakes along the cliffs of the Sierra de Gádor in Almería, Andalucía. Construction kicked off way back in 1865, and it's been wowing travelers ever since.
Officially known as N-340a, this 9 km (5.59 miles) stretch is part of the longer N-340, tracing the ancient Via Augusta. Be warned, it's a popular route, seeing almost 10,000 vehicles daily!
While the views are incredible, with the road clinging dramatically to the cliffs offering stunning coastal vistas, it's worth noting the area's prone to rockslides. The geology's a bit fragile thanks to fractures, softer spots, and the constant battering from water, wind, and seismic activity.
Pro tip: Drive from Aguadulce to Almería! This way, you'll bypass the newer tunnels and stick to the original road, hugging those stunning cliffs. There are even a few parking spots where you can pull over and soak it all in. Sunset is pure magic here, so time your drive accordingly for unforgettable views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderate1. Decoding the Modern British Plate
🇬🇧 England
Alright, buckle up for a spin through the UK's number plate scene! Forget boring old ID tags – these plates are steeped in history and a surprisingly intricate system. **Decoding the Code:** Think of a license plate as a mini-biography of your car. It's got two letters that tell you where the vehicle was first registered. Then there's a two-digit age code that updates twice a year (March and September) so you can tell how old the ride is. Add three random letters at the end and BOOM – instant vehicle history. **The Thrill of the Hunt: Private Plates** Fancy something a little more special? The UK's got a buzzing market for personalized plates. We're talking everything from modern combos to vintage "dateless" plates from before 1963. These old-school plates are hot property 'cause they don't have an age identifier, so you can stick 'em on any car you want, no matter how old it is! Some of these unique plates, like "F 1" or ones with popular names, can fetch crazy prices at auction. **Play by the Rules (Or Pay the Price)** The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) doesn't mess around. They're super strict about keeping plates easy to read for those Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. So, ditch the fancy fonts and wild backgrounds, and stick to the official reflective materials (white in front, yellow in back) and the British Standard (BS AU 145e). Using fake or illegal plates will land you with hefty fines and might even get your registration revoked! **Bagging Your Dream Plate** So, how do you snag that perfect plate? You've got three options: * **DVLA Auctions:** Go straight to the source for plates that have never been issued before. * **Dealers:** Let certified dealers handle the tricky paperwork and transfer fees for you. * **Private Sellers:** Buy directly from an individual but make sure to get the V750 or V778 retention document for a smooth transfer. Whether you're trying to make your vintage ride look younger with a dateless plate or just want to add a personal touch to your daily driver, the UK system gives you plenty of room to play… as long as you stay within the lines. Always buy from a trusted seller to avoid scams and keep your car legal!
extremeThe curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road
🇳🇴 Norway
# Trollstigen: Norway's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive If you're looking for an adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning scenery, Trollstigen Mountain Road is calling your name. Located in Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 kilometers south of Åndalsnes on Norway's western coast, this legendary stretch of National Road 63 is basically the country's ultimate scenic drive—and yeah, it lives up to the hype. The fully paved route spans 49.9 kilometers (31 miles) from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. Block out around two hours for the drive, though honestly? You'll want to linger longer. The name says it all—Trollstigen means "Troll's Ladder"—and legend has it that trolls roam these mountains at night before turning to stone at sunrise. When you see the dramatic cliffs and misty peaks, you'll totally get it. What makes this road legendary are those 11 iconic hairpin turns snaking up a steep 9-10% gradient. Each bend has its own personality and name, often honoring the construction workers who built that particular section. You'll twist through tunnels, past frozen lakes, alongside cascading waterfalls, and over deep fjords with lush valleys sprawling below you. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level. At the summit, there's a parking area where a ten-minute walk takes you to a viewing balcony overlooking those famous hairpin bends and the stunning Stigfossen Waterfall. During peak season, about 2,500 vehicles tackle this road daily—making it Norway's most-visited tourist route. Pro tip: bring your camera. The photo ops are absolutely insane. Fair warning though: this road demands respect. Rain and fog can slash visibility, narrow lanes leave little room for error, and unpredictable mountain weather can turn things gnarly fast. Rock falls and tight turns mean it's not suitable for buses longer than 12.4 meters. The road's only open from mid-May through October (depending on snow conditions), and winter closures are real. Built between 1916 and 1936 (and officially opened by King Haakon VII), this engineering marvel replaced an ancient pack horse trail that had connected the valleys for centuries. You can still spot remnants of the original track in places. The road's been featured in James Bond's "No Time to Die" and countless car commercials—proof that Trollstigen isn't just beautiful, it's iconic.
moderateAdventure along the wild road to Col du Petit Mont Cenis
🇫🇷 France
Col du Petit Mont Cenis is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,184m (7,166ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France. Also known as Colle del Piccolo Moncenisio, it's nestled in the Rhône-Alpes region and home to the charming Refuge du Petit Mont Cenis nearby. Here's the fun part—legend has it that Hannibal himself might have marched his elephants through this very pass during his epic Alps crossing. Whether that's historically accurate or not, it definitely adds some adventure vibes to your drive! The road itself is mostly paved but pleasantly narrow, keeping things interesting without being intimidating. You'll find the asphalt in solid condition, and traffic is typically light, so you won't be fighting crowds. The climb stretches 7.9 km (4.90 miles) starting from Col du Mont Cenis, with excellent scenery the whole way up. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a short gravel road just north of the pass that pushes even higher—all the way to 2,216m (7,270ft)—for those who want to squeeze out every last meter of elevation. It's the kind of drive that blends history, gorgeous mountain landscapes, and the satisfaction of conquering Alpine terrain without needing nerves of steel.
extremeCerro Jabalcon, a very tough and popular climb
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey adventurers! Ever heard of Cerro Jabalcon? It's this epic peak chilling in Granada, Andalusia, Southern Spain, clocking in at 1,472m (4,829ft). Tucked away in the semi-arid landscapes of La Hoya de Baza, getting to the top is quite the ride. Mostly paved, but heads up, the last 900 meters turns into a gravel track that can get seriously slippery. Trust me, you'll want to take it slow. At the summit, you'll find the sweet Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza chapel, plus some comms towers. But the real prize? A jaw-dropping 360º view stretching over 4000 km2! Just a heads up, though: this place has extreme weather, think freezing winters and scorching summers. Starting in the town of Zújar, the climb is a solid 11.5 km (7.14 miles) with an elevation gain of 681 meters. We're talking an average gradient of 5.92%, but hold on tight, because some ramps hit a wild 21%! It’s a tough one, loved by the locals for a reason.