I’m going to confess a secret, I don’t like paying on toll highways. I understand it’s a service offered by a private company, and it’s fair that they charge for a project that cost millions of euros. But it bothers me, it frustrates me that a private company profits from something I believe should be managed by the state. It’s a complex issue, one that involves political and economic considerations that I won’t delve into here. So why bring it up? Because it connects directly to the photo I’m sharing today.
For those unfamiliar with the area, this place is called Los Barrios de Luna, located in the province of León, very close to Asturias. While it can be reached by regular roads, it’s also accessible via the AP-66 toll highway. The area lies within the Babia y Luna Natural Park, and as you might expect, the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. With every passing kilometer, the scenery becomes more and more impressive, and crossing such dramatic landscapes from the comfort of a highway creates a strange sensation, something almost unreal. It feels a bit like driving through a theme park.
And then comes the highlight: the Ingeniero Carlos Fernández Casado bridge, which is even larger than the well-known Rande bridge in Vigo. The last thing you’d expect to find in such a remote setting is a structure so imposing and vast. If you’re not prepared for it, as I wasn’t, the feeling of awe is overwhelming. After crossing the bridge and passing the reservoir, the visual spectacle continues as you descend into Asturias: endless tunnels, towering mountains, and bridges that span the landscape with effortless grace.
I may not like paying tolls, but I have to admit, those 14 euros felt well spent. More than a toll, it felt like an entrance ticket to a visual masterpiece.
