Travel guide to the top of Alto da Pedrice
Portugal, europe
2.6 km
1,740 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered a hidden gem in Central Portugal that's calling your name. High up in the Castelo Branco district, nestled on the southern slopes of the Serra da Estrela mountains, you'll find Alto da Pedrice, clocking in at a cool 1,740m (5,708ft). This is one of Portugal's highest roads, and trust me, the views are worth the climb.
Forget smooth asphalt – this route, also known as Alto da Pedrice y Poios Brancos, is all about that rugged, unpaved life. The 2.6km (1.61 miles) climb kicks off from the N339 and throws some serious steepness your way, with gradients hitting 9% in spots! We're talking an elevation gain of 137 meters with an average gradient of 5.26%.
At the top, you'll hit Miradouro da Varanda dos Pastores, a popular spot for paragliders. So, if you're chasing panoramic views and a bit of a thrill, add Alto da Pedrice to your list. You won't regret it!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Alto da Pedrice is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.5736, -7.7105
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,740 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.5736, -7.7105
Related Roads in europe
hardCrete de la Balme
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Crete de la Balme in the French Alps is calling your name. We're talking a serious altitude gain here, topping out at 2,570 meters! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a proper mountain pass trail in the Hautes-Alpes. Forget smooth tarmac – this is a gravel, rocky, and bumpy ride. The track climbs through the Massif des Cerces range, so be prepared for a wild ride. Think challenging single tracks with steep drops, and exposure that'll test your nerve. Definitely a no-go zone in winter – snow typically shuts it down from October through June. A 4x4 is an absolute must here, plus a healthy dose of off-road driving skills. The views? Epic, but maybe not one for the faint of heart! This old military road will take you on a breathtaking journey towards the Vallon de Savine.
hardThe road to Palies Sinies in Corfu is not for timid drivers
🇬🇷 Greece
# Palies Sinies: Corfu's Hidden Mountain Ghost Town Perched at 475 meters (1,558 feet) above sea level in the northeastern corner of Corfu, Palies Sinies is one of those wonderfully remote villages that feels genuinely lost to time. This abandoned settlement sits nestled in the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, and getting there is half the adventure—seriously, bring a 4x4. The route starts from the Mount Pantokrator road and stretches 3.7 km (2.29 miles) of pure unpaved terrain. You'll gain 288 meters of elevation along the way, with some sections hitting a brutal 25% gradient. The narrow dirt track has zero guard rails, so this isn't the drive for nervous drivers. But if you're up for the challenge? The payoff is incredible. The views during the climb are absolutely stunning, and once you arrive at the village, the sea views are jaw-dropping. It's easy to see why Palies Sinies was built up here in the first place—locals chose this hilltop location centuries ago specifically to escape the pirates who plagued Corfu's coastal areas back in the day. Dating back to at least the 14th century, the village was eventually abandoned in the 1960s. Today, crumbling houses, an old church, and other stone structures remain, creating an eerie but fascinating snapshot of rural life frozen in time. If you're exploring Corfu and want to find one of the island's true hidden gems, this is it.
moderateAn Old Military Unpaved Road to Gardetta Pass in the Cottian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Gardetta Ready for an adventure off the beaten path? Passo della Gardetta sits at a dramatic 2,442m (8,011ft) in Italy's Province of Cuneo, and it's honestly one of the most unique drives you'll encounter in the Piedmont region. Starting from Marmora, this 15.1 km (9.38 miles) journey takes you up a completely unpaved old military road that's straight out of a history book. Fair warning though—you'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle it, and private vehicles aren't allowed. Plus, the road is typically blocked from October through June thanks to heavy snow. What makes this drive truly special is the incredible scenery. You're traversing the Altopiano della Gardetta, a wild plateau that opens up to stunning views of the Oronaje mountains and the Acceglio Valley below. But here's what really gives this route its soul: everywhere you look, you'll spot remnants of history. Ruined military barracks dot the landscape, along with a moving memorial to soldiers who died clearing the area after World War I. Further down, four preserved World War II bunkers stand as silent witnesses to the past. And if you're curious about where climbers rest, there's a beautifully restored WWII barrack that's served as the Gardetta shelter since 1989, perched at 2,335m. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a raw, rugged journey through mountain history.
extremeTake An Unforgettable Drive to Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes: A Thrilling Mountain Drive Want to experience one of Spain's most exhilarating viewpoint drives? Head to the Principality of Asturias in northwest Spain and tackle the road to Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes (also called Mirador del Urriellu). Perched at 462 meters above sea level in the stunning Picos de Europa range, this isn't your average scenic overlook. The fully paved route is wickedly narrow—and we mean *narrow*. You'll navigate 11 hairpin turns that'll keep your heart pumping and your hands gripped on the wheel. But that's just the appetizer. The real challenge? A brutal 38% maximum gradient that'll have you questioning your life choices (in the best way possible). Starting from the AS-264 road, you're looking at a 1.7-kilometer climb that gains 244 meters in elevation, averaging a 14.35% gradient. It's steep, it's tight, and it's absolutely worth it. Because at the top? Incredible panoramic views of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes peak await. This is the kind of drive that makes you feel truly alive—the kind you'll be talking about for years.