Is the Atlantic Road the Most Breathtaking Road in Western Portugal?
Portugal, europe
60 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Cruising down Portugal's Estrada Atlântica, or Atlantic Road, is a must-do. Picture this: 60 km (37 miles) of pure coastal bliss stretching from Nazaré to Praia do Osso da Baleia, near Figueira da Foz. This fully paved route is perfect for any car, and cyclists and bikers will love the dedicated lane.
Forget summer crowds and hit this road in spring or autumn. You’ll be rewarded with tranquil views and plenty of room to breathe. It's the perfect day trip, showcasing the best of western Portugal.
Think breathtaking ocean vistas, windswept dunes, and pockets of the famed Leiria pine forest. Stop often! Photo ops are endless, and picnic spots abound. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh seafood, especially in Praia da Vieira where you can taste Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) which is known to be one of the seven wonders of Portuguese gastronomy.
Keep an eye out for remnants of the Leiria pine forest, planted way back in the 14th century to stabilize the dunes and supply shipbuilding timber. While a fire damaged the area, you'll still see its beautiful footprint along the way.
Where is it?
Is the Atlantic Road the Most Breathtaking Road in Western Portugal? is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 40.5793, -7.7747
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 60 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 40.5793, -7.7747
Related Roads in europe
hardALP-822 in Almeria is not your road if you don't like heights
🇪🇸 Spain
# ALP-822: Spain's White-Knuckle Coastal Masterpiece Nestled in the dramatic eastern reaches of Almería, Andalusia, ALP-822 is the kind of road that'll either make you feel like a fearless adventurer or grip the steering wheel so hard your knuckles turn white. No in-between. This 10.8 km (6.71 miles) ribbon of asphalt stretches west to east from Níjar to San José, and honestly? It earned its 2015 recognition as one of the world's best roads for good reason. Just know what you're signing up for if you're queasy about heights. The road is mostly unpaved, winding its way along the coast while cutting through the Sierra de Alhamilla range like it's got something to prove. You'll climb to 189m (620ft) above sea level, with some sections hitting a brutal 16% gradient that'll test both your car and your nerves. Fair warning: trucks and trailers are restricted here, especially on weekends and during summer months—and the road can close without warning whenever weather decides to throw a tantrum. Carved through Europe's only warm desert climate, this isolated stretch delivers jaw-dropping geological scenery that looks almost alien. Prepare for powerful coastal winds and those heart-stopping barrier-free stretches. Budget around 90 minutes to crawl through safely—the road's barely wide enough for two cars to pass. Oh, and yeah, this is where they filmed Indiana Jones and The Never Ending Story. Pretty cool, right?
hardA dangerous cliff road to Qafe e Malit Shoshi
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to northern Albania, specifically Shkodër County, you NEED to experience Qafe e Malit Shoshit. This high mountain pass tops out at 1,213m (almost 4,000ft) and sits nestled within the beautiful Maranai Park. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking mostly unpaved roads, so a 4x4 is a MUST. The 65.8km (40+ mile) route from Shkodër to Theth throws a lot at you: think narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and, oh yeah, some pretty wild drop-offs! But the views? Totally worth it! Plus, you get to ford not one, but TWO rivers (Kiri and Lumi i Shales) via bridges that have definitely seen better days! And if you need a pit stop, there's a bar/restaurant called Mali i Shoshit near the top. Trust me, this drive is an unforgettable Albanian experience!
hardHow long is Col du Pas de Lauzun?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Drôme region of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, heading for the Col du Pas de Lauzun. This mountain pass tops out at 504m (1,653ft) and trust me, the views are worth the drive! It's a fully paved route, known as the D70, stretching for about 13.7 km (8.51 miles) from the charming towns of Aouste-sur-Sye to Saou. But hold on, it's not all smooth sailing. This road is a proper workout for your steering wheel with hairpin after hairpin! Some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 14.3%. Plus, keep an eye out for potential rock slides – nature's little reminders you're in the mountains. And the real kicker? There’s this one seriously narrow bit where two cars can barely squeeze past each other. It’s all part of the adventure on one of France's famous balcony roads!
easyWhere is Neretva Canyon?
🌍 Bosnia
is a very scenic canyon located in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton Bosnia and Herzegovina Where is Neretva Canyon? The canyon, carved by the , is located in the southern part of the country. Is the road through Neretva Canyon paved? The road through the canyon is fully . The curvy and winding road follows the through its magnificent canyon. How long is the road through Neretva Canyon? (a city known for the iconic , a reconstructed medieval arched bridge) to . Be careful: the road can get busier and more crowded on Is Neretva Canyon worth the drive? , passing through dramatic canyons and has a striking green color and is very cold, adding to the scenic beauty. Along the way, you’ll find picturesque towns and villages rest stops with benches and tables where you can take breaks and enjoy the views. The Wild Road to Vranica How to get by car to Trebevic Mountain? Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.