
Driving the scenic EM513 Road to Alto de Vaires
Portugal, europe
17.4 km
1,288 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through northern Portugal, Vila Real District to be exact, and you stumble upon Alto de Vaires. This mountain pass climbs to a cool 1,288 meters (4,225 feet), offering some seriously stunning views.
The road itself? Paved and in decent shape, making for a smooth ride. It carves right along the ridge, which means incredible scenery practically the whole way. Just be aware, there are some narrow spots! One of the coolest parts is definitely crossing this super long, slender bridge – photo op alert!
The pass stretches for about 17.4 kilometers (10.81 miles), taking you on a north-south adventure from near the Spanish border (think Calvos, a charming town in Galicia, Spain) all the way to Covelães. Trust me, this is one drive you won't forget!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic EM513 Road to Alto de Vaires is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.1220, -8.5838
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,288 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1220, -8.5838
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the wild road to Capanna Adula
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Road to Capanna Adula: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in Ticino's Blenio district, Capanna Adula sits pretty at 2,044m (6,706ft), cradled at the base of the canton's highest mountain. Getting there? That's half the fun—if you're ready for it. Starting from the charming village of Ghirone (1,252m), you've got a wild 13.1km (8.13 miles) journey ahead. Fair warning: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 for this one. The road kicks off with some pavement before diving into unpaved terrain, climbing a serious 792 meters with a hefty 6.04% average gradient. Those 13 hairpin turns? Yeah, they're tight. The route is pure mountain magic. First, you'll wind up to the stunning Lago di Luzzone (1,606m), a pristine alpine lake that's home to something wild—the world's tallest artificial climbing wall, right on the dam. Then things get seriously gnarly. The road narrows dramatically as it corkscrews upward through eye-watering hairpins before plunging into the Tunnel Carassina (also called Tunnel Luzzone). Brace yourself: this might be the tightest tunnel you'll ever drive through that's actually open to vehicles. After emerging from that claustrophobic thrill, a gentle 500m gravel stretch leads you to Passo Muazz (1,700m). From there, a final easy climb past a parking area takes you to Lago di Carassino and your destination—the welcoming Capanna Adula refuge. This drive delivers serious alpine scenery with an edge.
easyWhere is Signal de Bisanne?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Massif du Beaufortain, aiming for the legendary Signal de Bisanne. This beast of a climb is one of France's toughest, a real test of your gears (and your lungs!). The road winds for about 14.4 km (almost 9 miles), and you'll be climbing a whopping 1,225 meters (over 4,000 feet!). That gives you an average gradient of around 8.5%, but don't let that fool you - the last couple of kilometers are brutally steep, some sections hitting well over 10%. The route, famous from the Tour de France, is paved, so no need for a 4x4. At the top, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping views – chairlifts, communication towers, and the Restaurant d'Altitude Panoramique 2000 Les Saisies, all with Mont Blanc dominating the horizon. Trust me, the pain is worth it for the scenery!
extremeWhere is Ruta del Cares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're trekking in northern Spain, carving your own path through the dramatic Picos de Europa National Park. This is the Ruta del Cares, a 6.8-mile (one way) stunner linking Poncebos and Cain. Originally built for hydroelectric plant access, this isn't your average Sunday stroll! We're talking serious scenery here. Think limestone cliffs, dramatic landscapes, and tunnels carved right into the rock. But hold up, adventure-seekers – this isn't a walk in the park. The trail can be narrow, sometimes only a few feet wide, with a steep drop-off on one side and no railings! You'll need a decent fitness level to tackle it. This path is strictly for hikers; no cars allowed. The whole trip usually takes around 3-4 hours one way (double that for the return), but the rocky terrain and crowds can slow you down, especially in peak season. Safety first, people! Watch out for slippery conditions, especially after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must. If heights aren't your thing, this might not be the adventure for you. When's the best time to go? Spring or Autumn. The weather's milder, and the crowds are thinner. Summer? Expect company! Winter? Snow can block the path. You'll pass through charming villages like Cain and Poncebos, experience a slice of authentic Spanish culture, and soak up breathtaking views. It's a journey through nature and history rolled into one unforgettable hike!
extremeWhere is Skúvoyarfjall?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Skúvoyarfjall! This mountain peak is a hidden gem on Sandoy Island, near the charming village of Dalur. The road up? Oh, it's an experience! We're talking an unpaved rollercoaster – think grassy patches, rocky climbs, and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. It's not a Sunday drive, but that's what makes it awesome! From Dalur, you've got about 3 km to the peak, climbing a solid 270 meters. The gradient? Averages out to around 9%, so hold on tight! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and scrape. Picture this: rolling grasslands and rugged mountains unfolding before your eyes. It's pure, unadulterated Faroe Islands beauty! Just be warned, there are some seriously narrow sections where passing another car would be…unpleasant. Plan accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable ride!