What are the best canyon roads in Spain?

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Europe, Spain's diverse terrain is etched with more than 1,800 rivers. Though many lie dormant for significant parts of the year, they've played their part in sculpting some of the country's most awe-inspiring canyons and gorges. These natural wonders are complemented by the roads that snake through them, offering travelers a ride like no other.

The Best Canyon Roads in Spain

Spain's canyon roads, dramatically hewn into mountain flanks, promise more than just a driving challenge. They deliver an immersive experience into the heart of the country's geology and beauty. While photographs might showcase their visual splendor, they can hardly convey the adrenaline rush of navigating the tight twists and turns, the breathtaking vistas that suddenly unfold, or the sheer depth of the canyons that can make one's heart skip a beat. For those with a love for the open road and a taste for adventure, Spain's canyons beckon with a promise of a drive that's truly unforgettable.

Obarra Canyon Road

Location: Huesca, Aragon
River: Isábena
Road: A-1605
Length: 12.5 km
Surface: Paved

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Puerta del Infierno

Location: Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha
River: Escabas
Road: CUV-9031
Length: 6 km
Surface: Paved

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Puente de Montañana-Alsamora Road

Location: Border of Aragón and Catalonia
River: Noguera Ribagorçana
Road:
Length: 11.2 km
Surface: Paved

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Hoces de Vegacervera

Location: León, Castile and León
River: Torío
Road: LE-311
Length: 7.3km
Surface: Paved

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Old N-320 Road

Location: Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha
River: Tajo
Road: CM-9222
Length: 2.8 km
Surface: Paved

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Garganta del Cares

Location: León, Castile and León
River: Cares
Road:
Length: 6.2km
Surface: Paved

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Desfiladero de los Beyos

Location: Border of Castile and León and Asturias
River: Sella
Road: N625
Length: 16.6km
Surface: Paved

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Desfiladero de La Hermida

Location: Cantabria
River: Sella
Road: N-621
Length: 20km
Surface: Paved

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Cañon del Añisclo

Location: Huesca, Aragon
River: Añisclo
Road: HU-631
Length: 34.3km
Surface: Paved

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Hoces del río Mesa

Location: Zaragoza, Aragón
River: Mesa
Road: A-1501
Length: 7.0 km
Surface: Paved

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Foces Rio Aller

Location: Asturias
River: Aller
Road: AE-6
Length: 3.0 km
Surface: Paved

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Sobrón Canyon road

Location: Burgos, Castile and León
River: Ebro
Road: A-2122 and BU-530
Length: 17.7 km
Surface: Paved

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Congosto de Ventamillo

Location: Aragon
River: Ésera
Road: N-260 (A-139)
Length: 6.7 km
Surface: Paved

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Pitarque canyon road

Location: Aragon
River: Pitarque
Road: TE-V-8042
Length: 3.6 km
Surface: Paved

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Hoces de Valdeteja

Location: León province, in Castile and León
River: Curueño
Road: LE-321
Length: 9.8 km
Surface: Paved

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Foz de Biniés

Location: province of Huesca, Aragon.
River: Veral
Road: A-1602
Length: 21.1 km
Surface: Paved

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Boca del Infierno

Location: province of Huesca, Aragon.
River: Aragon
Road: Carretera Selva de Oza
Length: 15km
Surface: Paved

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Tartalés Canyon

Location: province of Burgos, autonomous community of Castile and León
River: Tartalés creek
Road: Unnamed
Length: 1.7km (1.05 miles)
Surface: Paved

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Zumeta Canyon

Location: Andalusia and Castilla–La Mancha
River: Zumeta
Road: A-63
Length: 8.5km
Surface: Paved

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Taibilla Canyon

Location: Castilla–La Mancha
River: Taibilla
Road: L-3
Length: 12.3 km
Surface: Paved

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Guatizalema Canyon

Location: Aragon
River: Guatizalema
Road: HU-330
Length: 16km
Surface: Paved

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Hoz del Júcar

Location: Castile–La Mancha
River: Júcar
Road: B5
Length: 31.2 km
Surface: Paved

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Hoces de Bejo

Location: Cantabria
River: Nansa
Road: CA-281
Length: 7.9 km
Surface: Paved

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Foces del Rio Somiedo

Location: Asturias
River: Somiedo
Road: AS-227
Length: 12.7 km
Surface: Paved

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Congost de l'Escala del Pas Nou

Location: Catalonia
River: Boix
Road: L-913
Length: 7.4 km
Surface: Paved

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Congosto de Olvena

Location: Aragon
River: Esera
Road: N-123
Length: 7.6 km
Surface: Paved

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Júcar cliff canyon

Location: Valencia
River: Jucar
Road: Unnamed
Length: 11 km
Surface: Partly paved

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Foz de Viboli

Location: Asturias
River: Viboli
Road: Unnamed
Length: 3.9 km
Surface: Paved (with potholes)

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Desfiladero de la Inclusa

Location: Huesca
River: Cinqueta
Road: A-2609
Length: 12.1 km
Surface: Paved (with potholes)

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Old Terradets Canyon Road

Location: Catalonia
River: Terradets Reservoir
Road: Unnamed
Length: 2.5km
Surface: Paved (with potholes)

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Margalef Dam Canyon Road

Location: Catalonia
River: Montsant
Road: Unnamed
Length: 2.9km
Surface: Paved

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Estrecho de Priego

Location: Castile-La Mancha
River: Escabas
Road: CM-2023
Length: 7,6 km
Surface: Paved

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Cares Canyon

Location: Asturias
River: Cares
Road: AS-264
Length: 6.1 km
Surface: Paved

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Congosto de Baldellou

Location: Aragon
River: Pedriza
Road:  A-2218
Length: 6 km
Surface: Paved

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Congosto De Las Devotas

Location: Aragon
River: Cinca
Road:  A-138
Length: 35 km
Surface: Paved

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Hoz de Beteta

Location: Castile-La Mancha
River: Guadiela
Road:  CM-210
Length: 10 km
Surface: Paved

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Hoz de Valeria

Location: Castile-La Mancha
River: Gritos
Road:  CM-2100
Length: 6.8 km
Surface: Paved

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Hoz de Llanaves

Location: Castile-Leon
River: Arroyo del Naranco
Road:  N-621
Length: 4.8 km
Surface: Paved

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Desfiladero de la Estrechura

Location: Asturias
River: Páramo
Road:  AS-228
Length: 5.8km
Surface: Paved

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Garganta del Rio Tajo

Location: Castile-La Mancha
River: Tajo
Road:  Pista Forestal Laguna de Taravilla
Length: 15.3km
Surface: Unpaved

 

Bujaruelo Valley Road

Location: Aragon
River: Ara
Road:  Unnamed
Length: 11.1km
Surface: Concrete-Unpaved