The road to Portillo de Lunada is not recommended for people afraid of heights
Portillo de Lunada is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,360 m (4,461 ft) above sea level, located on the boundary of Cantabria and Castile and León, in Spain. The road is not recommended for people afraid of heights, especially when driving on the cliff side.
Where is Portillo de Lunada?
The pass links the province of Burgos in Castile and León and the autonomous community of Cantabria, in the north-central part of the country, within the Soba Valley. The pass was in use during Roman times, serving as a route from the Meseta to Cantabria.
North of the pass, a minor paved road, which is closed to private vehicles, climbs up to Picón del Fraile, a mountain peak at 1,590 m (5,216 ft) above sea level.
Is the road to Portillo de Lunada paved?
The road to the summit, also known as Portillo de Hoz, is fully paved but in very poor condition, with numerous potholes. It is called CA-643 (in Cantabria) and BU-572 (in Castile and León).
How challenging is the road to Portillo de Lunada?
The road is not easy, especially if you're scared of heights or steep mountain roads. There is a high risk of rockslides, and the road is very steep, reaching a maximum gradient of 12% in some sections. Due to the challenging conditions, the speed limit is restricted to 40 km/h.
How long is Portillo de Lunada?
The pass is 31.5 km (19.57 miles) long, running south to north from Espinosa de los Monteros (in Castile and León) to San Roque de Riomiera (in Cantabria).
Is Portillo de Lunada open in winter?
Set high in the Cordillera Cantábrica, a mountain range in the northern part of Spain, within the Collados del Asón Natural Park, the road is usually open year-round, with occasional winter closures due to heavy snowfall.