Take the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere

Take the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere

Portugal, europe

Length

36.3 km

Elevation

1,615 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

How long is the road to Malga Clef?extreme

How long is the road to Malga Clef?

🇮🇹 Italy

Located in the heart of the , in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, the road to is a legendary ascent for those who seek the rawest side of the Alps. Reaching an elevation of above sea level, this mountain track is a masterclass in steep, forest-lined driving. The drive is characterized by its deep immersion in the alpine woods, particularly around . As seen in recent photographs, the road is a narrow asphalt ribbon that demands precision, especially when the surface is damp or covered in autumn leaves. The altitude and the central position of this alpine dairy provide some of the broadest and most spectacular views of the mountain ranges of south-western Trentino. Road facts: Malga Clef Paved / Unpaved sections How long is the road to Malga Clef? The journey begins at the intersection with the . From this point, the route to the summit is . However, the road is divided into two distinct sections: the first part is accessible to general traffic, but the last 6 km are strictly closed to private motorized vehicles . This restriction ensures that the final approach to the malga remains a peaceful environment for the local ecosystem and hikers. How challenging is the road to Malga Clef? This road is notoriously "defiant" due to its combination of narrow passages and extreme steepness. The first six kilometers are the most punishing, with an average gradient of approximately 11% . As you navigate the hairpin turns through the forest, the road hits several ramps with a maximum gradient of 18% . These sections require low gears and constant focus, especially for cyclists or authorized service vehicles. The surface transitions from worn asphalt to gravel as the altitude increases. At the summit, the environment opens up into the typical alpine meadows of a dairy farm. Malga Clef is part of a network of local farms where traditional cheese-making is still the primary activity. Travelers can often find local producers selling fresh dairy products directly from the . There is also a small campground area nearby, making it a perfect spot for those who want to experience the silence of the Trentino mountains at night. Safety and Preparation Because much of the road is shaded by dense forest, the asphalt can hold long after the rain has stopped, significantly reducing traction. In winter, the steep 18% ramps are usually covered in deep snow, making the route completely impassable. The best window to visit Malga Clef is from June to late September, when the dairy farms are active and the mountain air is at its most refreshing. Always ensure your braking system is in perfect condition before attempting the descent. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

The road to Portillo de Lunada is not recommended for people afraid of heightshard

The road to Portillo de Lunada is not recommended for people afraid of heights

🇪🇸 Spain

# Portillo de Lunada: A Thrilling Mountain Adventure Want to experience a road that's been connecting Spain for nearly 2,000 years? The Portillo de Lunada is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,360 m (4,461 ft), straddling the border between Cantabria and Castile and León. This ancient route once guided Roman travelers from the Meseta down to Cantabria, and it's still doing the heavy lifting today. Stretching 31.5 km (19.57 miles) from Espinosa de los Monteros in the south to San Roque de Riomiera in the north, this road is definitely one for the brave-hearted. The paved route—labeled CA-643 on the Cantabria side and BU-572 in Castile and León—climbs steeply through the Cordillera Cantábrica and the beautiful Collados del Asón Natural Park. Fair warning: if heights make you queasy, this isn't your casual Sunday drive. The cliff-side sections are genuinely heart-pounding, and with gradients reaching a steep 12% in places, the local authorities have capped the speed limit at 40 km/h for good reason. The road itself is fully paved but honestly? It's seen better days. Expect plenty of potholes and rough patches that'll keep you on your toes. Rockslides are a real hazard here, so stay alert. If you're feeling extra adventurous, a closed-to-traffic minor road heads further north to Picón del Fraile at 1,590 m (5,216 ft). The pass stays open year-round, though winter snowstorms occasionally force temporary closures. It's a wild, unforgettable ride through some of Spain's most dramatic mountain scenery.

Where is Passo delle Radici?moderate

Where is Passo delle Radici?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border between two gorgeous regions in the northern part of Italy, high up in the Apennine Mountains. You're tackling Passo delle Radici, a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at over [elevation] meters above sea level! At the summit, you'll find a restaurant perfect for refueling. A teeny-tiny lake sits just south of the pass. The road itself? A mix of Strada Provinciale 72 del Passo delle Radici and Strada Provinciale 324 (on the southern side). It's paved all the way, making for a smooth, scenic drive. It's a winding stretch of road, so keep your eyes peeled! You'll be climbing some steep sections, with gradients hitting [gradient] at times. The whole route from Castiglione di Garfagnana is about [length], so it's a great little adventure! Expect epic views, but also be aware of potential hazards – mountain roads can be unpredictable. This is a drive you won't soon forget!

Driving Route des Cretes along the Mediterranean Sea in Provencemoderate

Driving Route des Cretes along the Mediterranean Sea in Provence

🇫🇷 France

# Route des Crêtes: France's Most Thrilling Clifftop Drive Perched above the sparkling Mediterranean near Marseille in Provence, the Route des Crêtes (D141) is an absolute bucket-list drive that'll make your heart race and your camera work overtime. This stunning 11.9 km ribbon of pavement stretches between the charming coastal towns of Cassis and La Ciotat, climbing to a dizzying 364 meters above sea level. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. The road features some seriously steep gradients—we're talking 23% (okay, the signs claim 30%) in places—making it one of France's most challenging drives. Those dramatic elevation changes mean you're constantly hugging tight curves while perched alarmingly close to 300-meter cliff edges. It's totally paved and reasonably wide, which is good news since you'll have plenty of company from fellow thrill-seekers, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Most drivers make the full run in 15-25 minutes, though you'll probably want to linger longer. And here's the thing: Mother Nature calls the shots here. The road shuts down when winds get too gnarly (they could literally blow you off those cliffs) or when fire danger spikes—which happens pretty regularly during hot summers. Check those road signs as you approach, and watch the forecast before you go. The payoff? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Those perfectly positioned pull-outs and parking areas offer 360-degree vistas over the dramatic calanques (hidden Mediterranean inlets) and some of Provence's most breathtaking scenery. Time your visit for early morning or dusk to beat the harsh midday heat and get that perfect golden-hour light for photos. This road was originally carved out by the French military during World War I to transport supplies—and boy, does it deliver an unforgettable ride.