Serra da Estrela · Portugal
Serra da Estrela Summit Road
N339Seia to Covilha
The only road over Torre, mainland Portugal’s highest point at 1,993 m, sweeping across a bare granite plateau of glacial valleys and tarns with views that can reach the Atlantic.
From Seia the N339 climbs steeply out of the foothills onto the roof of mainland Portugal, the trees thinning to bare granite, glacial cirques and high tarns. It crests beside Torre at 1,993 m, the only summit on the mainland high enough to hold reliable winter snow and a small ski lift, before descending the eastern flank past Penhas da Saúde toward Covilha. Exposed, elemental and little known beyond Portugal, it is a true high-mountain drive.
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Serra da Estrela Summit Road on the map28.1 mi · point to point
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Character
Corners
busiest around mile 25Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%529.1 – 1,942.7 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Covão do CurralViewpoint9.6 mi in
- Miradouro do CovãoViewpoint18 mi in
- Miradouro do Vale de LorigaViewpoint16 mi in
Hazards
- Snow and ice can close the summit in winter
- Sudden cloud and high wind on the exposed plateau
- Loose grit on bends after weathering
- Slow-moving sightseeing traffic near Torre
See the typical season and live conditions for the high passes ›
Sources
“The road is very steep, hitting a 10.4% maximum gradient through some of the ramps.”
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