Is the EM-508 Road paved?

Is the EM-508 Road paved?

Portugal, europe

Length

40 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Hey fellow adventurers! Ready for an epic Portuguese road trip? Then you HAVE to check out the EM-508 in the Coimbra district. This baby clocks in at around 40 km (25 miles), winding its way north to south from the N-230 (near Santa Ovaia) to the M543 (near Teixeira).

Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect some seriously narrow and curvy sections clinging to the mountainside, and yeah, there are a few unprotected drop-offs to keep your eyes peeled. Plus, keep an eye on the weather, because landslides, ice, or snow can shut this beauty down.

But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You'll be driving through some seriously stunning scenery, and you absolutely HAVE to check out Piódão, one of Portugal's most iconic slate villages, with its incredible traditional architecture. This whole area is a hiker's paradise, thanks to the famous Aldeias do Xisto (slate villages). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Portugal
Continent
europe
Length
40 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

The journey is the destination along the Ötztal Glacier Road in the Alpsmoderate

The journey is the destination along the Ötztal Glacier Road in the Alps

🇦🇹 Austria

# The Ötztal Glacier Road: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Tyrol, Austria, the Ötztal Glacier Road (Ötztaler Gletscherstraße) is seriously one of the most jaw-dropping drives you can do in the Alps. Fair warning though—there's a sign at the start that reads "Mountain Road Only for Experienced Riders," and they're not joking around. This 13km stretch connects the town of Sölden straight up to two incredible glaciers: Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. The real showstopper? The famous 1.7km-long Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel connecting them—one of Europe's highest road tunnels. When you reach the top at Rettenbach, you'll spot a sign declaring it the "Highest road in the EU." At 2,830m (9,285 ft) above sea level, you're literally driving on top of the world in the Eastern Alps. The entire route is beautifully paved with excellent conditions, featuring a series of dramatic hairpin turns that'll have your hands gripping the wheel. Every curve throws a new breathtaking view at you, so definitely bring your camera. Oh, and here's a sweet perk: skiers with valid passes and cyclists get free access, even though it's normally a toll road. The road's become pretty famous—it even got its moment in the James Bond film Spectre. Built back in 1972 with grades ranging from 11-14%, it handles everything from heavy trucks to buses without breaking a sweat. Traffic stays light in summer, especially once you leave the lower sections. Now, the reality check: weather up here is unpredictable and intense. Snow chains are essential in winter, and the road only opens when avalanche risk is manageable. Bring proper gear year-round—sudden temperature drops and unexpected snow aren't uncommon, even in warmer months. Former cyclist Jan Ulrich famously called this climb "cruelty to animals," so pace yourself and respect the mountain. If you're into high-altitude hiking, this road is basically a gateway to adventure, with countless trailheads waiting to explore.

Kallergis Shelterhard

Kallergis Shelter

🇬🇷 Greece

# Kallergis Shelter: A High-Alpine Adventure in Crete Perched at a dramatic 1,589 meters (5,213 feet) in the heart of Crete's White Mountains, the Kallergis shelter is calling your name—if you're brave enough to answer. This legendary mountain refuge, built back in 1971, sits in the Mousouroi area of Chania, offering some seriously jaw-dropping views of both the northern and southern coasts of Crete. Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The gravel road winds its way up from the village of Omalos through 14 hairpin turns over 7.7 kilometers, climbing a hefty 545 meters with an average gradient of 7.07%. Buckle up—it's steep, and it demands your full attention. The road comes with some serious challenges. Winter snowfall can shut things down completely, and even a single rainfall can make conditions sketchy with loose gravel scattered everywhere. The altitude brings relentless winds year-round and weather that can change in a heartbeat. Pack warm layers and respect this mountain. You'll absolutely need a 4WD vehicle for this adventure. The narrow gravel surface features treacherous dropoffs, so experienced mountain driving skills aren't optional—they're essential. The shelter operates daily from April through October, so plan accordingly. Yes, it's intense. Yes, it's unforgiving. But the payoff? Those panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and shimmering seas below make every careful turn worth it.

Scenic Drives in Scotland: Unveiling the Top 5 Roadshard

Scenic Drives in Scotland: Unveiling the Top 5 Roads

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because Scotland is about to blow your mind! Forget the usual tourist traps and prepare for some seriously stunning drives. First up, the legendary A82! Yeah, it can get a bit crowded during peak season, but trust me, the views from behind the wheel are worth battling the traffic. We're talking seriously dramatic landscapes that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Next, brace yourself for the Bealach na Bà – Gaelic for "Pass of the Cattle." This bad boy boasts a crazy steep 1-in-3 ascent, hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, and stretches of single-track road. But the payoff? Oh, the payoff! You'll emerge onto the breathtaking Applecross Peninsula, a hidden gem of Scotland. Some say it's the most beautiful A-road *in the world*! While you're in the area, make sure to swing by Dunvegan Castle and maybe sample a wee dram at the Talisker distillery. For a longer adventure, try a glorious two-day loop. You'll hug the coast near Lossiemouth, then wind inland, passing whisky distilleries and majestic castles. The route dives into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, and keep an eye out for the utterly charming Dulsie Bridge just off the A939 on your way back to Nairn. Seriously, Scotland's roads are where the magic happens!

Driving through Gorges de Nouailles, a French balcony roadmoderate

Driving through Gorges de Nouailles, a French balcony road

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges de Nouailles: France's Most Stunning Riverside Drive Tucked away in the Doubs department of eastern France's Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region lies the Gorges de Nouailles—a dramatic canyon carved out by the Loue River that absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of France's most iconic balcony roads. The D67 is what makes this place special. Engineers literally carved this 6.6 km ribbon of asphalt directly into the limestone cliffs, creating a road that winds from Mouthier-Haute-Pierre to Saint-Gorgon-Main in one unforgettable stretch. Best part? It's fully paved, so no white-knuckle gravel driving required—just pure scenic bliss with plenty of hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Dating back to 1845 (yes, it was built during Louis-Philippe's reign), this road has been wowing travelers for nearly two centuries. The views are genuinely spectacular, with strategically placed pullouts scattered throughout so you can actually stop and soak it all in. The canyon walls tower around you, the river below sparkles in its crystal-clear glory, and every bend reveals something new. Fair warning though: this road is *narrow*, and those curves aren't for the faint of heart. Take it slow and definitely use those parking areas provided. Bikers absolutely love this route—the combination of technical riding and jaw-dropping panoramas makes it a two-wheeled paradise. The river itself is famous among whitewater enthusiasts, complete with impressive natural jumps including the dramatic "Grand Saut" waterfall. It's one of those rare places where the road itself is just as thrilling as the scenery surrounding it.