Best Things to do in Portugal
Portugal, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the N222 in Portugal, a.k.a. the "Best Road in the World"! It clocks in at around 27 kilometers (17 miles) and basically hugs the Douro River.
Elevation-wise, you'll be dancing between 79 and 458 meters (that's 259 to 1502 feet for my imperial friends). Keep an eye out – sometimes the road's a bit narrow, especially when those tour buses are hogging the lane!
But honestly, who cares about a little squeeze when you're soaking in the views? This road's famous for a reason. Think rolling vineyards cascading down to the Douro, quaint villages clinging to the hillsides, and that golden Portuguese sunlight making everything glow. Photo ops galore! Just try not to get *too* distracted by the scenery, alright? Keep your eyes on the road!
Where is it?
Best Things to do in Portugal is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 38.9684, -8.4914
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9684, -8.4914
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Rifugio Bruto Carestiato?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in the Dolomites, ready for an adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps; we're heading up to Col dei Pass, a wild, untamed mountain pass chilling at an elevation of seriously high-up in the Province of Belluno, Italy. This isn't just a road; it's a dramatic balcony clinging to the Moiazza massif, complete with the legendary Rifugio Bruto Carestiato mountain hut. So, where is this hidden gem? Smack-dab in the Agordino area of northeastern Italy. The Rifugio Bruto Carestiato is basically the VIP lounge of the Alta Via 1, offering mind-blowing views of the San Sebastiano and Civetta groups. This road? It's the lifeline, a supply route carving its way through pure, unadulterated wilderness. Now, about that road... Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking seriously rugged, completely unpaved terrain. Think loose limestone gravel, rocky steps, and a whole lotta concentration. This baby was carved out in '78 to reach the refuge, and it's stayed pretty raw ever since. A 4x4 with high clearance? Non-negotiable. You'll be winding through alpine meadows, dodging rocky outcrops, and tackling hairpin turns that'll test your nerves. It's only 3.4 km (2.11 miles) from the paved road to the top, but don't let that fool you. You're climbing 293 meters with an average gradient of 8.61%, and some sections are way steeper. Traction is key on this slow, methodical ascent. Here's the catch: This isn't a Sunday drive. Access is regulated and generally closed to private cars. Usually, it's only for refuge staff, mountain rescue, and authorized forestry folks. Most people hike or bike up from Passo Duran. If you somehow score a permit, make sure your 4x4 is in tip-top shape, because breaking down here is not an option. And winter? Forget about it. From late October to June, this road is buried under a mountain of snow. The Rifugio Carestiato either closes or becomes a snowshoe/ski touring destination. Even in early summer, sneaky snow patches in the Moiazza's shadows can be dicey for vehicles. Hazards? Oh, there are a few. Rockfalls from the Moiazza cliffs are a real threat, and the road is crazy narrow. Turnaround spots are rare, so reversing on a steep, loose slope might be in your future. And the weather? It can flip in minutes. A sunny day can turn into a thunderstorm that turns the road into a muddy slip-n-slide. Always check the forecast for Belluno before heading up.
moderateCan you drive to Oberalp Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Oberalp Pass! This epic Swiss Alp adventure straddles the line between Graubünden and Uri cantons, topping out at a cool 2,048m (6,719ft). You bet your wheels can handle it! Route 19, the fully paved pathway to the summit (also called Alpsu d'Ursera or Oberalppass if you're feeling fancy), is ready and waiting. Picture this: the road was carved back in 1862/63, making it a true vintage experience. The 32km (almost 20 miles) stretch from Disentis to Andermatt packs a punch, with gradients hitting a maximum of 10% in some spots. This isn't the busiest pass around, so you can enjoy the twists and turns with a bit more breathing room. Heads up though: Mother Nature usually closes the road from late October until late April or even mid-May, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and get this – there's a freaking lighthouse at the summit! Yep, a 14-meter beacon standing tall above 2000 meters, twinned with Rotterdam's Hoek van Holland lighthouse. It's there as a symbol of being the source of the Rhine River. While you're up there, take a moment to soak in the views. Just remember Nufenen Pass, is another one of Switzerland's highest paved roads!
hardWhere is Monte Nerone?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Italy, in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino, chasing views for days. You're headed to Monte Nerone, a seriously awesome peak that punches way up to a lofty elevation. The road? It's called Strada Provinciale 15 (SP15) Monte Nerone. Get ready for 16 hairpin turns snaking up the mountain! Think dramatic switchbacks hugging the side of this limestone giant (it kinda looks like Mount Subasio!). The road to the top stretches for a good distance, climbing almost a thousand meters with an average gradient. There's a seriously steep section right at the beginning that will definitely wake you up. The rest of the climb is a fun mix of gradients, keeping things interesting. Keep an eye on the weather, though. While the road is generally open, winter can throw some curveballs with sudden snowfall. And those final kilometers? Totally exposed, meaning the wind can be a real factor. At the summit, you're greeted with a restaurant, and you'll be surrounded by a forest of television transmission towers. Worth it for the panoramas, trust me!
hardPier Fortunato Calvi Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Pier Fortunato Calvi: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the heart of the southern Alps, this high mountain refuge sits pretty at 2,164m (7,099ft) in Italy's stunning Veneto region. We're talking serious elevation here, nestled right in the Carnic Alps where the views are absolutely breathtaking. Fair warning: this isn't a year-round destination. Winter closes the road completely, so you'll want to time your visit for the warmer months. And honestly? This one's strictly for experienced mountain drivers. If unpaved alpine roads make you nervous, this isn't your jam. The route is a narrow, steep old military road with some seriously exposed sections that'll get your heart racing. The refuge itself dates back to 1936 and was named after Pier Fortunato Calvi, a local hero from Sappada. It's the kind of place that feels steeped in history while offering that perfect remote mountain escape. One heads-up: private vehicles aren't permitted on the final stretch, so be prepared for that when planning your trip. But if you're a seasoned mountain adventurer looking for an unforgettable drive through the Italian Alps, this winding route to the refuge is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.