Where is Cumbre del Sol?
Spain, europe
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N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Cumbre del Sol, a mountaintop that feels like you're touching the sky. Perched way up high in Alicante province, you'll find it nestled in the heart of the Marina Alta, near Benitachell. At the top, you're treated to some seriously stunning viewpoints!
The road itself? Totally paved and in decent shape. It's a climb, though – about a mile long, and it really makes you work for it. We're talking an average gradient of around 10%, but don't let that fool you. It throws some seriously steep sections your way, with parts hitting a crazy 20%! That last kilometer really kicks it up a notch too. This climb has even been part of the Vuelta a España race, so you know it's legit. Get ready for switchbacks and some serious leg burn – but those views? Totally worth it!
Related Roads in europe
hardMaso Corto-Kurzras
🇮🇹 Italy
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hardWhere is the D29 road?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the D29, linking those charming villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, is seriously one of the most scenic drives imaginable! Picture this: a balcony road carved into the mountainside, giving you insane views at every turn. This isn't a super long haul, but don't let that fool you. Expect some sections that are both narrow and steep – keep your wits about you! You'll start high above sea level, right at the doorstep of the Mercantour National Park, and wind your way down into the stunning high Var River valley. Think classic alpine scenery, fresh air, and views for days. Plus, you’re not a million miles from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, making it a breeze to get to. Just be prepared for a bit of a thrilling (and maybe slightly scary!) ride. Get ready for an adventure!
hardIs Strada dei Cannoni paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Italy, ready for an epic off-road adventure on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni! This former military road snakes its way through the dramatic landscapes of the Province of Cuneo, climbing from a modest 680m all the way up to a breathtaking 2,287m. Also known as the Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße, this route follows the ridge between the Maira and Varaita valleys, treating you to insane views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps. You'll cruise past iconic spots like the official start near Busca, the lower forested section, the panoramic high-altitude areas, and the major junction near Marmora (famous for the Giro d'Italia!). The western terminus is the highest point, offering unparalleled vistas. Just a heads-up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The Strada dei Cannoni is a serious off-road challenge. Think coarse gravel, super tight hairpin bends, and ridiculously steep climbs. Plus, many sections have unprotected drops of hundreds of meters, so you'll need to keep your eyes on the road. Access is also regulated, with closures to motorized vehicles on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during peak season and at night. Winter? Forget about it—it's usually buried in snow. This road has some serious history, too! The Piedmontese army built it back in the 1740s, and later modernized by the Army Corps of Engineers to adapt the mule track for motorized transit. Keep an eye out for the old military barracks scattered along the way—they're a cool reminder of the road's past!
hardWhere is Kirklar Mescidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Kirklar Mescidi, a mosque perched way up high on the border between Trabzon and Bayburt in Turkey. We're talking 3,161 meters (that's over 10,000 feet!). Locals call the area Kırklar Hill, and it's becoming a real hotspot for nature lovers. You can actually drive (sort of) to this incredible spot. Starting near Şekersu (Trabzon), the dirt track winds for about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles). Don't even THINK about attempting it without a 4x4! The last stretch is seriously gnarly – super narrow, crazy steep, and rough as anything. They carved this path out in 2020, which is both a blessing and a curse! Be warned: two regular-sized cars won't pass each other. The elevation gain is significant: we are talking about 749 meters, or about 8.32% gradient! Keep in mind, up in the Pontic Mountains, winter is a no-go. Expect it to be open roughly from mid-May to mid-September. But oh man, the views...totally worth the white-knuckle drive! The mosque itself is built of stone, with a wooden renovation, and even has a kitchen and sleeping areas. Talk about a unique place to spend the night!