Driving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela
Portugal, europe
28.1 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a thrill ride! High up in Portugal's Serra da Estrela mountains, in the Guarda district, awaits the incredible ER338. This paved beauty winds for 28.1 kilometers (about 17.5 miles) between Col de Zezere and Manteigas, promising breathtaking scenery.
Keep an eye out, though – this stunning road can close without warning. Landslides, especially after storms or fires, are a real possibility thanks to the unstable mountain terrain. And, of course, winter snowfall can shut it down completely.
You'll spot signs reminding you to "Test Your Brakes" and "Use Low Gears," hinting at the road's steepness – some sections hit a maximum gradient of 10%!
But the views? Absolutely worth it! There are plenty of viewpoints to soak in the panorama. Plus, you'll be driving along the Zêzere glacier valley, a prime example of how glaciers shaped this landscape. This valley, the largest of the Estrela glacial valleys, stretches for around eight kilometers and boasts a classic U-shape carved by the ice age.
Word of warning: this isn't a route for big rigs. The middle part gets super narrow, turning into a single lane in spots due to those pesky rockfall risks.
Pro tip: Before you go, double-check if the road is open! With the potential for closures after storms, fires, and winter weather, knowing the conditions is crucial for a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Where is it?
Driving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.3987, -8.5906
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.1 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.3987, -8.5906
Related Roads in europe
moderateForca d'Acero is an Italian iconic climb
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forca d'Acero: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Picture this: you're winding through the heart of Italy, crossing from Lazio into Abruzzo at Forca d'Acero, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,538m (5,045ft). The scenery? Absolutely stunning. The 37km (23 miles) route—SR509—runs north-south from the charming town of Opi in Abruzzo down to Atina in Lazio. And let's be real: this isn't your grandmother's leisurely drive. The road is fully paved, sure, but it packs some seriously steep sections with grades hitting up to 10.6%. Buckle up for a proper challenge! Here's the cool part: this pass is legit enough to have hosted stages of the Giro d'Italia, so you know you're tackling something special. Once you reach the summit, you'll find yourself in a little hub with shops and a bar-restaurant—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the mountain vibes before heading back down. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast chasing legendary climbs or a road tripper seeking dramatic Alpine scenery, Forca d'Acero delivers. Just respect the road, take your time through those steep sections, and prepare for an unforgettable drive through central Italy's most dramatic landscape.
extremeWhere is Collada de Montaner?
🇪🇸 Spain
Collada de Montaner is a total hidden gem in the Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and Andorra. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks; it's an off-roader's dream (or maybe nightmare, depending on your skill level). You're basically connecting the teeny-tiny Spanish enclave of Os de Civís with La Massana in Andorra. So, picture this: you're crawling along 5.9 kilometers (3.6 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss… or terror. We're talking natural earth and loose shale under your tires, the kind that turns into a mud pit with the slightest hint of rain. And trust me, mountain weather is *unpredictable.* You'll need a high-clearance 4x4, no question. Forget your fancy sports car. The numbers don't lie: you're gaining 571 meters of elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 10%, with sections that are *way* steeper. Get ready for ten seriously tight hairpin turns that'll test your steering and throttle control. And did I mention the views? Absolutely stunning. Just try not to focus on the fact that there are very few barriers between you and a seriously steep drop-off. Oh, and one more thing: good luck trying this anytime from October to June. This place is usually buried under snow. Even in summer, be prepared for sudden storms. It's an intense drive, so be honest with yourself about your skills. If you're not comfortable with tough mountain tracks, maybe skip this one and stick to the pavement. But if you're up for the challenge, Collada de Montaner is an experience you won't soon forget.
extremeCollade de la Roquette
🇫🇷 France
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collade de la Roquette, a wild ride in the French Pyrénées-Orientales, practically spitting distance from Spain and Catalonia. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,076m (6,811ft), so be prepared for some thin air! Now, getting there is half the adventure. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, folks. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and definitely a no-go in winter. Seasoned off-roaders will be in heaven, but if you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. At the summit, you'll find the Refuge du Pla Guillem, a cozy mountain shelter with views that'll make your jaw drop. Just a heads up, though: if heights aren't your thing, maybe don't look down! Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. And if it's been raining, that muddy road can get pretty slick. But hey, that's all part of the fun, right?
extremeIs the road to Coll dels Isards unpaved?
🌍 Andorra
Straddling the border between France and Andorra, way up in the Pyrenees, you'll find Coll dels Isards. This isn't your average scenic route, it's a high-altitude adventure right in the heart of the Grandvalira ski domain. This track isn't paved; it's a rugged, unsealed service road used for ski station maintenance. Think loose shale and crushed granite under your tires, making traction a real challenge. A proper 4x4 is essential. Word of warning: this road is usually off-limits to personal vehicles. But imagine tackling it and you'll find yourself in a wild, high-mountain landscape where the wind howls and the views of the surrounding peaks are mind-blowing. Starting near , the road to the top is short, but packs a punch. Over just you climb a seriously steep , resulting in an average gradient of over 15%! That's relentless. Get ready for a constant uphill battle with no breaks. This kind of incline, combined with the loose surface, demands serious driving skills and a vehicle that can handle the torque and keep its cool. Keep in mind, this track is buried under snow for much of the year and is generally inaccessible during winter. It's usually only passable between . But even in summer, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so always check the forecast before heading up.