Driving the scenic EM-508 Road through Serra do Açor

Driving the scenic EM-508 Road through Serra do Açor

Portugal, europe

Length

40 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through the heart of Portugal on the EM-508 is an absolute must-do! Picture this: you're winding through the Coimbra district, with breathtaking views of the Serra do Açor mountains unfolding before you.

This fully paved road, nestled in central Portugal, isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow, curvy stretches hugging the mountainside, with a few spots where the drop-offs are, shall we say, *exhilaratingly* unprotected. The good news? You'll likely have the road mostly to yourself! Just keep an eye out, as landslides or winter weather can sometimes lead to closures.

Spanning 40 km (25 miles) from the N-230 near Santa Ovaia to the M543 near Teixeira, this north-south route is packed with incredible scenery. And make sure you stop to explore Piódão, an ancient village along the way – it's seriously one of Portugal's prettiest, with its traditional slate houses. The whole area is famous for its Aldeias do Xisto (slate villages), making it a total tourist hotspot. Get ready for some serious wanderlust!

Where is it?

Driving the scenic EM-508 Road through Serra do Açor is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.4318, -8.3891

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Portugal
Continent
europe
Length
40 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
39.4318, -8.3891

Related Roads in europe

Colle San Zenohard

Colle San Zeno

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle San Zeno: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Lombardy Nestled in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, Colle San Zeno (also called Colma di San Zeno) sits at a respectable 1,434 meters (4,704 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to tackle some seriously fun alpine driving. The road up—officially known as Via Case Sparse Mondaro—is a narrow, steep asphalt ribbon that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Most of it's a single lane, and while you'll spot the occasional pothole here and there, the overall condition is genuinely excellent. It's the kind of road that rewards careful driving with stunning mountain scenery. You've got two solid options for reaching the top. Coming from Pisogne? Prepare for a 16.65 km climb that'll pump 1,244 meters of elevation gain into your legs (or your engine). That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—nothing outrageous, but definitely respectable. Prefer a slightly gentler approach? Start from Lavone instead. This route stretches 13.8 km with 936 meters of elevation gain, averaging a more forgiving 6.8% gradient. Either way, you're in for a memorable drive through some spectacular alpine landscape.

Bassa di Colombarthard

Bassa di Colombart

🇮🇹 Italy

Alright adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Bassa di Colombart, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in the Italian Piedmont region, specifically Cuneo province. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 2,466 meters (that's a lofty 8,090 feet!). Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Think gravel, think bumpy, and be prepared to park your ride for the final push to the summit. The road is steep, narrow, and hairpin-heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Oh, and did I mention parts of it are, shall we say, "rustic"? Expect washouts and a seasonal closure from September to June, thanks to that pesky white stuff. But hey, the scenery is unbelievable!

How To Travel The Road 619 In Icelandhard

How To Travel The Road 619 In Iceland

🇮🇸 Iceland

Road 619, or Ketildalsvegur, is a must-do if you're exploring the Westfjords of Iceland! Picture this: you're cruising along the coast of Arnarfjörður, with views that just won't quit. This 25km (15.5 mile) stretch runs between Bíldudalur and Selárdalur. Word to the wise, though: this road is *entirely* unpaved. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with 4-wheel drive. And keep an eye on the tide! Hugging the southern edge of Arnarfjordur fjord, this road is scenic with a capital S. Imagine sweeping vistas of the coastline, all backdropped by the mighty Kaldbakur Mountain (the Westfjords' tallest peak at 1000 meters!). Plus, it's your ticket to Samúel Jónsson's Art Farm, a quirky local treasure. Fair warning: it's a bumpy ride, with some narrow sections, steep climbs (up to 12% grade!), and a generally rough surface. Get ready for an adventure!

D108: Driving the steep ramps to Lac de Plan d’Aval in the Vanoise Massifmoderate

D108: Driving the steep ramps to Lac de Plan d’Aval in the Vanoise Massif

🇫🇷 France

# Lac de Plan d'Aval: A Short but Seriously Steep Alpine Climb Tucked away in the Savoie department of France, Lac de Plan d'Aval sits pretty at 2,041m (6,696ft) elevation within the stunning Vanoise National Park. The drive up here? It's short, sweet, and absolutely brutal in the best way possible. This scenic alpine route starts in the charming village of Aussois and climbs 6.8 km (4.22 miles) with a whopping 558 meters of elevation gain. Don't let the distance fool you—the average gradient hangs tough at 8.20%, with sections pushing up to 11.8%. It's the kind of road that'll make your calves (and your brakes) work for every meter of altitude. Built between 1945 and 1956 as part of the region's hydroelectric boom, the D108 (Route des Barrages) has evolved into a favorite playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who loves a challenge. The road itself is fully paved and well-maintained, winding through some seriously gorgeous mountain scenery as you climb toward the twin dams. When you finally reach the parking area between the two reservoirs, the payoff is worth every switchback. Picture turquoise waters surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise—it's absolutely breathtaking. One heads-up: this southern-facing route gets hammered by winter snow, so expect closures during the colder months. And if you're coming down on a bike or in a vehicle with manual transmission, go easy on those brakes—they'll be smoking by the time you hit Aussois again.