Driving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela
Portugal, europe
28.1 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a thrill ride! High up in Portugal's Serra da Estrela mountains, in the Guarda district, awaits the incredible ER338. This paved beauty winds for 28.1 kilometers (about 17.5 miles) between Col de Zezere and Manteigas, promising breathtaking scenery.
Keep an eye out, though – this stunning road can close without warning. Landslides, especially after storms or fires, are a real possibility thanks to the unstable mountain terrain. And, of course, winter snowfall can shut it down completely.
You'll spot signs reminding you to "Test Your Brakes" and "Use Low Gears," hinting at the road's steepness – some sections hit a maximum gradient of 10%!
But the views? Absolutely worth it! There are plenty of viewpoints to soak in the panorama. Plus, you'll be driving along the Zêzere glacier valley, a prime example of how glaciers shaped this landscape. This valley, the largest of the Estrela glacial valleys, stretches for around eight kilometers and boasts a classic U-shape carved by the ice age.
Word of warning: this isn't a route for big rigs. The middle part gets super narrow, turning into a single lane in spots due to those pesky rockfall risks.
Pro tip: Before you go, double-check if the road is open! With the potential for closures after storms, fires, and winter weather, knowing the conditions is crucial for a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Where is it?
Driving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.3987, -8.5906
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.1 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.3987, -8.5906
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