Take the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere
Portugal, europe
36.3 km
1,615 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de Zezere: Portugal's best-kept secret?
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Castelo Branco district of Portugal lies a seriously awesome mountain pass: Col de Zezere. This fully paved road (N339) winds its way up to a lofty 1,615m (5,298ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country.
Starting from Covilhã and stretching 36.3km (22.55 miles) to Sabugueiro, this route is all about the views. Seriously, prepare to stop at every lookout point because the scenery is breathtaking. Nestled in the Serra da Estrela mountains, it's steep in sections, with gradients hitting a punchy 16% in places — so keep those gears low!
Generally open year-round, winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, so check the conditions before you go. But trust us, if you're after stunning vistas and a thrilling drive, Col de Zezere needs to be on your Portugal road trip itinerary.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.3638, -8.2001
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 36.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,615 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.3638, -8.2001
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe Old Military Road through the Wicklow mountains of Ireland
🌍 Ireland
Hit the Old Military Road (R115) for a ridiculously scenic drive right through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains! This beauty straddles Dublin and Wicklow, and get this – it's one of the first purpose-built roads *ever* in Ireland. Built way back between 1800 and 1809, mainly by soldiers (cool, right?), you'll even spot four old barracks from the road's construction crew along the way. Locals also call it An Bóthar Míleata. It’s paved the whole way, stretching nearly 40 km (almost 24 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, down to the cute village of Laragh in Wicklow. Now, fair warning: this route is narrow, winding, and can get a bit bumpy. Think permanent roller coaster! The bogs sometimes make the road sag, which is part of the fun, honestly. There are a couple of cliff edges, but nothing too crazy, so just drive smart. Visibility can be tricky on those curves. Oh, and it's been used in the Circuit of Ireland car rally, so that should tell you something! Located inside Wicklow Mountains National Park, plan for at least an hour to an hour and a half if you’re driving straight through. Trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are incredible, no matter the weather. The landscape is rugged, and even in summer, be prepared for some serious crosswinds. The road climbs up to Sally Gap, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 500m (1,640ft). In winter, be aware of potential road closures due to snow and ice. You might also find flooding or fallen trees sometimes. When it rains, the area turns into bogs and marshes, and yep, sometimes the road sinks a little! Adventure awaits.
hardWhere is Col de Jou?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Col de Jou, a hidden gem nestled in the French Pyrénées! You'll find it chilling at a cool above sea level, tucked away in the department. It's seriously gorgeous up there, especially with that hanging out near the top. Now, the road itself? Mostly smooth sailing with a paved surface. BUT, hold on tight! There's a section that gets a little wild, almost unpaved, and seriously narrow – they call it . If you're not a fan of cliff-hugging mountain roads, maybe take a deep breath! The whole climb is only about long, but you'll gain along the way. The views? Absolutely stunning! Get ready for some serious postcard-worthy scenery.
moderateThe Olympics cycling Zig Zag road at Box Hill in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up for a ride on Zig Zag Road, supposedly England's twistiest road! You'll find this beauty in Surrey, snaking up the North Downs in the South East. Clocking in at just over 4 miles (6.59km), this paved ribbon of road runs from Westhumble to the M25. Don't let the "pristine and smooth" description fool you, though. It's steep, narrow, and a proper workout, especially if you're on two wheels. This road is a favorite of cyclists. Think of it as a mini Alpe d'Huez! It's a climb of about 390 feet (120 meters) over just 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometres), with an average gradient of almost 5%. You'll be heading up to Box Hill, a summit sitting pretty at 695 feet (212m). Keep an eye out for fellow cyclists; this spot's been popular since the 1880s and even hosted the 2012 Olympics! Get ready for some serious curves and gorgeous views.
hardHow long is Mur de Huy?
🌍 Belgium
Okay, cycling fans, buckle up for a ride on the legendary Mur de Huy, located in the heart of Belgium's Walloon Region! This climb, a staple of the La Flèche Wallonne race, is short but oh-so-sweet (or should I say, oh-so-brutal?). Starting in the town of Huy at a mere 121m above sea level, you'll be tackling a 1,300m (4,300 ft) stretch of paved, and narrow, road. You'll finish up at 204m, but don't let the seemingly small elevation gain fool you. The average gradient is a leg-burning 9.3%, but keep an eye out for that S-bend where the gradient soars to a gut-wrenching 26%! They don't call it "The Wall" for nothing! As you grind your way up this iconic climb, keep an eye out for the seven chapels that line the route – hence the nickname "Chemin des Chapelles." While you're catching your breath (or trying to!), soak in the scenery and know you're riding a truly legendary stretch of road.