What are the most spectacular roads in Portugal?

Tucked away on the Iberian Peninsula, in the southwestern part of Europe, the roads of Portugal offer the best way to discover the country’s diverse topography. The country hosts stunning mountain roads, such as the wild climb to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal, climbing up to 1.996m (6,548ft) above sea level on the boundary between the Guarda and Castelo Branco districts. It's one of the highest roads in the country.

The geography of the country, with extensive beaches and cliffs, offers stunning coastal routes. One of the most scenic drives is ER101 Antiga, a free car wash road in Madeira. Due to Madeira's dramatic coastline, the road boasts many curves, narrow passages, and steep climbs and descents. It's rugged, slow, and old, making it one of the most scenic drives in the world.

If you prefer scenic drives, you can’t skip the National Road 222. The road, running between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, was awarded the title of the world's best road in 2015.

ER101 Antiga is a free car wash road in Madeira

In the northern part of Madeira Island, in Portugal, lies a rather peculiar and dangerous road called Antiga Estrada Regional 101 (ER101). Due to Madeira's dramatic coastline, the road has many curves, narrow passages, and steep climbs and descents. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world.

National Road 222 is a sensational road of Portugal

Located in the North Region of Portugal, Estrada Nacional 222, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, was awarded as the world's best road in 2015.

Driving the brutally steep (45%) Rua da Barreira

Located in Funchal, the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago, Rua da Barreira is one of the steepest roads in the world, with some brutal sections of 45% and an average gradient of 25.17%.

Estrada Nacional 2 is the Route 66 of Portugal

National Road 2 is nicknamed the Route 66 of Portugal. It’s a very exciting and scenic journey in the heart of the country, taking you from Chaves in the north to Faro in the south.

Take the Scenic Route and Discover Pico do Areeiro in Madeira

Pico do Areeiro is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.804m (5,918ft) above sea level, located in Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. At this elevation, it is one of the highest roads in the country.

The road to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal

Alto de Torre is a high mountain peak at 1.996m (6,548ft) above sea level located on the boundary between the Guarda and Castelo Branco districts of Portugal. At this elevation, it’s the highest point of Mainland Portugal. It's one of the highest roads in the country.

Guide to the top of Monte Farinha

Monte Farinha is a mountain peak at an elevation of 940m (3,083ft) above sea level, located in the district of Vila Real, Portugal.

An Unforgettable Steep Drive to Alto de Sao Macario in Portugal

Alto de São Macário is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.052m (3,451ft) above sea level, located in the district of Viseu, in the Central Inland of Portugal.

Portal do Inferno e Garra: Stay Away if You're Scared of Heights

Portal do Inferno e Garra (Hell Portal and Claw) is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 984m (3,228ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between the Viseu and Aveiro districts of Portugal.

N232 Road is not suitable for those who get dizzy

Located in central Portugal, N232 Road is a tortuously winding mountain road. The road has so many twists and switchbacks that it is best avoided.

A narrow unpaved road to Covas do Monte in Portugal

Covas do Monte is a small town at an elevation of 536m (1,758ft) above sea level, located in the municipality of São Pedro do Sul, in Portugal.

If You Love to Drive, You'll Love the N308-1 Road

N308-1 is a scenic, winding, and narrow zig-zag road located in the northern part of Portugal, in the district of Braga, near the border with the Province of Ourense in Spain.

Crossing Vado del Río Eljas

Located on the border of Spain and Portugal, Vado del Río Eljas is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Poço do Inferno Waterfall, a sensational drive

Cascata Poço do Inferno (Hell's Well) is a spectacular ravine/waterfall about 10 feet high located in Centro Region and Beira Interior Norte Subregion, in Portugal. The road has some narrow parts, impassable for 2 medium cars.

Driving the scenic EM513 Road to Alto de Vaires

Alto de Vaires is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,288 m (4,225 ft) above sea level, located in Vila Real District, in Portugal.

Pico da Barrosa

Pico da Barrosa is a mountain pass at an elevation of 936m (3,070ft) above the sea level located in the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. At the summit it’s possible to see both the North and South Coasts.

A rough 4x4 road to Poios Brancos

Poios Brancos is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.685m (5,528ft) above the sea level, located in the district of Guarda, in the Centro Region of Portugal. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

What are the highest roads in Portugal?

With a rich history of seafaring and discovery, the Portuguese Republic is situated at the western end of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, the country enjoys a generally mild climate, but its geography is far from homogeneous. While much of the territory consists of rolling hills and coastal plains, the rugged interior is dominated by key mountain ranges, most notably the towering Serra da Estrela.

Take the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere

Col de Zezere is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.615m (5,298ft) above the sea level, located in the district of Castelo Branco, in Portugal. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Travel guide to the top of Achada do Teixeira

Achada do Teixeira is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 1.593m (5,226ft) above the sea level, located in the Portuguese island of Madeira.

Best Things to do in Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city is beautiful and enchanting. A fusion of history, a vibrant nightlife and a bohemian art scene, Portugal is a city that is truly alive.

Montejunto

Montejunto is a mountain peak at an elevation of 655m (2,148ft) above the sea level, located in centre west of Portugal. At the summit there are some churches and chapels, and several communication facilities.

Travel guide to the top of Alto da Pedrice

Alto da Pedrice is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.740m (5,708ft) above the sea level, located in Castelo Branco district, in Central Portugal. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Driving the Scenic N379-1 Road with Stunning Views of the Atlantic Ocean

N379-1 Road is perhaps the most scenic drive in Portugal. Located south of the capital, this road offers a mix of smooth and challenging curves, with breathtaking landscapes. It’s often called the Portuguese version of California's Pacific Coast Highway.

Driving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela

Nestled in the Guarda district of Portugal, high within the Serra da Estrela mountain range in the central part of the country, lies the stunning ER338 Road. This fully paved route, stretching for 28.1 km (17.46 miles) from Col de Zezere to Manteigas, offers a very exciting drive with truly great views. However, it's important to note that this scenic passage can be closed at any time due to security concerns.

Road trip guide: Conquering Pico da Santinha

Pico da Santinha is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.597m (5,239ft) above the sea level, located in the district of Guarda, in the Centro Region of Portugal.

How to drive the roads to Portugal’s top golf destinations?

Portugal is globally recognized for its high-endurance sports infrastructure, particularly its world-class golf circuits. However, reaching these exclusive locations requires a technical understanding of the country’s diverse motorway network. From the high-velocity toll roads of the Algarve to the narrow, winding ascents near Sintra, the logistics of transporting equipment and personnel demand precision. Navigating Portugal’s terrain involves managing significant elevation shifts, Atlantic wind gusts, and complex urban-to-rural transitions. This guide audits the primary transit routes and infrastructure conditions for the five most critical golfing hubs in the country, focusing on road safety and accessibility.

N304 Road is one of the best drives in Europe

Located in the Vila Real District of Portugal, N304 is recognized as one of the best driving routes in Europe, according to Ford Magazine.

Is the Atlantic Road the Most Breathtaking Road in Western Portugal?

The Atlantic Road, or Estrada Atlântica, is a coastal route in the western part of Portugal. It runs for about 60 km (37 miles) between Nazaré and Praia do Osso da Baleia, near Figueira da Foz, in the Leiria district. The road follows the coastline, offering access to beaches, small villages, and pine forests.

Things to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Larouco

Larouco is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,527m (5,009ft) above sea level, located in Portugal. It is named after a Celtic god, Larauco.

How to drive the steep curves of the EN15 to Alto de Espinho?

Alto de Espinho is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,025m (3,362ft) above sea level, located in the North region of Portugal. Situated within the Serra do Marão mountain range, the pass serves as the boundary between the Porto and Vila Real districts. Technically, the route is traversed by the Estrada Nacional 15 (EN15), a road defined by its high-frequency curves and historical significance as the primary corridor between Porto and Bragança before the implementation of modern expressways.