An Unforgettable Steep Drive to Alto de Sao Macario in Portugal
Portugal, europe
9.3 km
1,052 m
hard
Year-round
Alto de São Macário is a mountain peak sitting pretty at 1,052 meters (3,451 feet) above sea level in the Viseu district, nestled in Portugal's Central Inland region.
This gem is perched in the Maciço da Gralheira mountain range, and the road up? Totally paved—but don't let that fool you. It's narrow and seriously steep. The local road CM1123 is what'll get you there, and trust us, it means business.
Starting from Sul, you're looking at a 9.3 km (5.77 miles) grind that'll test your brakes and your nerves. You'll gain 812 meters of elevation along the way, with an average gradient of 8.73%. But here's where it gets spicy: some sections hit a brutal 14% gradient, so you'll definitely know you're working for this one.
When you finally roll into the summit, you'll be rewarded with the Santuario de São Macário (a beautiful monastery) and some communication towers. But honestly? The real payoff is the view. On a clear day, it's absolutely stunning—the kind of panorama that makes all those hairpin turns worth it.
Where is it?
An Unforgettable Steep Drive to Alto de Sao Macario in Portugal is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.1127, -7.5799
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,052 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.1127, -7.5799
Related Roads in europe
hardPuntal de la Canilla
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Puntal de la Canilla is calling your name. Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, this peak sits at a staggering 2,335m (7,660ft). We're talking about one of the highest roads in the whole country! Now, fair warning, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, so expect a bumpy, tippy ride. You'll definitely need a 4x4 and some serious off-road skills. Not a fan of heights? Maybe sit this one out. Plus, it's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The trail's steep and the weather can change in a heartbeat. Think strong winds, rapid temperature drops, and potential thunderstorms that can turn the road into a 4x4-only zone (or worse, impassable). Pack warm clothes, brace yourself against the wind, and get ready for some seriously epic views. The scenery alone makes it worth the adventure!
hardWhere is Cleuson Lake?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Lac de Cleuson, a shimmering alpine lake nestled high in the Swiss Valais canton. You'll find this beauty in the Conthey district, hanging out way up in the mountains near the Refuge de Saint-Laurent. Seriously, this place is remote and ridiculously gorgeous. The Cleuson dam, built in the late 40s for hydroelectric power, holds back around 20 million cubic meters of water – pretty impressive, right? Its massive wall looms over everything, a testament to its sturdy reinforced design. Now, about the road... Get ready for a thrilling ride! Starting from Nendaz, you're in for about 11km of mostly paved road that turns to gravel near the very end. This climb is *steep* – we're talking sections hitting 28%! Throw in some narrow stretches, tons of hairpin turns, and tunnels, and you've got yourself an unforgettable drive. Heads up, though – the final stretch is usually closed to public vehicles, reserved only for authorized traffic. Keep in mind that from November to May, this road is totally snowed in. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The road offers incredible views of the Nendaz Valley stretching out below, with the distant Vaud Alps gracing the horizon. And right by the lake, you'll find the charming Chapelle catholique de Cleuson (Saint-Barthélémy), the highest chapel in the area. Trust me; this is a Swiss adventure you won't soon forget.
hardWhere is Dosso dei Galli?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Dosso dei Galli! Nestled high in the Italian province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region, this mountain pass sits at a breathtaking 2,188m (7,178ft). You'll find yourself cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B (aka Delle Tre Valli) for about 17.4 km (10.81 miles). Be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive! Most of the route hovers above 2,000 meters, clinging to mountaintops with seriously exposed drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, and sometimes with no guardrails! The SP 345B connects to the SP 345 and ends at the junction with the SP 669 road, so you can tackle it from either direction. While the start and end are nicely paved, get ready for a gravelly middle section! Don't let that scare you off, though. It's totally doable, just watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on the curves. Keep it slow (20 km/h is the limit), and remember, no passing or impromptu stops unless you're in a designated spot. The scenery is unreal, so take it all in, but keep your eyes on the road!
moderateWhere is Therisos Gorge?
🇬🇷 Greece
Cruising the Therisiano Gorge is like driving through a movie set! This stunning canyon is nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) near Chania, in western Crete. Forget hiking – this is the *only* gorge on the island you can conquer by car! Or, hop on a cute little bus from Platanias if you want to chill. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The road snakes for about 6 miles alongside a stream that turns into a raging river in spring as the snow melts. Think dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. At the end of the drive, you'll reach the historic village of Theriso, perched at nearly 2,000 feet. The paved road stretches for about 6 miles, but hold on tight – it's narrow and winding! The real challenge is the other drivers, especially after rain, so keep your eyes peeled around those curves. At its tightest points, the gorge walls close in, covered in plane trees and oleanders – seriously gorgeous. Patience is key here, especially when meeting oncoming traffic. It's an unforgettable drive through a truly spectacular landscape.