Where is Llano de las Ánimas?
Spain, europe
7.6 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Llano de las Ánimas, a high mountain plateau perched way up in the western part of La Palma, part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province. Getting there is no joke – this 7.6 km (4.72 mile) climb is a relentless beast, gaining a whopping 1,252 meters in elevation! We're talking average gradients of 16.47%, but hold on tight, because some sections ramp up to a crazy 19-20%! This is one of the steepest roads in Europe, so be prepared for a wild ride on a very narrow and extremely steep path. The views from the top near Roque de los Muchachos are absolutely worth it, but keep your eyes on the road – this one demands your full attention!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.6 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardGorge du Cians is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorge du Cians: A French Alpine Adventure Ready for one of France's most breathtaking drives? The Gorge du Cians is calling your name. Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, this stunning canyon is famous for its dramatic red rock walls that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes. The fully paved D28 road stretches 21.7 km (13.48 miles) from Beuil to Touët-sur-Var, taking you on a north-south journey through some seriously impressive scenery. The Cians River has carved this masterpiece over thousands of years, plunging a whopping 1,600 m (5,250 ft) in just 25 km—and the deepest, most jaw-dropping section? That's Pra d'Astier, right in the middle of everything. Plan on about 30 minutes for the drive if you're just cruising through (though we're betting you'll want to stop constantly). This is genuine balcony road territory—the kind of hair-raising alpine route that makes your adrenaline pump as you navigate the cliffsides carved into these striking red formations. The road's been upgraded over the years to handle modern traffic and to serve the popular ski villages of Beuil and Valberg in winter. Modern tunnels now bypass the tightest passages of yesteryear (the legendary Petite Clue and Grande Clue), which have been sealed off. Trust us—they're inaccessible for good reason these days. Want an even better day trip? Link this drive with the nearby Gorge de Daluis to create an unforgettable loop through tunnels, waterfalls, and some of France's most dramatic natural scenery.
moderateWhere is Caykavak Pass?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up for Çaykavak Geçidi in Turkey's Niğde Province! This mountain pass sits pretty high at 1,630m (5,347ft) in south-central Anatolia. The good news? The whole route is paved, known as D805. It’s a popular road, connecting Niğde to the Mediterranean coast, so expect some company along the way. The pass stretches for about 10.6 km (6.58 miles) from the O-21A road down to Bayağıl. It's mostly a gentle climb, though you'll hit a few steeper sections with a max gradient of around 5.6%. Sitting on the northern side of the Toros Mountains, Çaykavak Geçidi is usually open year-round. Get ready for some nice scenery, but keep your eyes on the road — it's a working route, not just a scenic drive!
moderateDriving the paved road through Buzau Pass in the Eastern Carpathians
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Today we're hitting Pasul Buzău, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Eastern Carpathians of Romania. This beauty sits way up high at 642 meters (that's 2,106 feet!), connecting Buzău County with Covasna County. Fun fact: back in the day, this pass was basically a highway for invaders trying to sneak into Transylvania – talk about history! The road itself? It's all paved, so no need for a monster truck. But hold on tight, because you'll be snaking through some seriously curvy sections. Officially called DN10, this stretch of road is about 21.8 km (or 13.54 miles) of pure Romanian goodness, running from Cașoca up to Crasna. And the views? Forget about it. Towering Buzău Mountains surround you, making it a drive you won’t soon forget!
extremeRat Penat is a brutal road with ramps up to 23% in Barcelona
🇪🇸 Spain
# Rat Penat: Barcelona's Legendary Climbing Challenge Tucked into the Garraf Massif just southwest of Barcelona, Rat Penat (also known as Turó de l'Alzina Freda) is a 593m peak that's become a cult favorite among serious cyclists. Starting from the coastal C-31 road near Les Botigues de Sitges, this 6.2km beast climbs 569 meters with a brutal 9.17% average gradient—and some sections that'll max out at a jaw-dropping 23%. The entire route is paved, which is nice, but don't let that fool you. This isn't a leisurely spin. You'll tackle relentless, irregular inclines with barely any respite, earning your comparisons to the infamous Mortirolo. The final 2km? That's a hike-only zone—cars are banned, so park it and use your legs. What makes this climb truly gnarly is the descent. Those tight hairpins that felt manageable on the way up become a white-knuckle affair coming down, especially in low light or wet conditions. Add summer heat and intense sun exposure into the mix, and you've got a serious undertaking on your hands. But the reward? Absolutely worth it. The climb sits in the Parc Natural del Garraf with stunning coastal views stretching toward Castelldefels and Sitges. Near the summit, you'll spot Palau Novella, Catalonia's first Buddhist monastery, plus weather stations and a radar dome watching over the landscape. It's no wonder the Vuelta a España has featured this route. If you're serious about Spring Classics prep, Rat Penat delivers the goods.