Portugal, Algarve hinterland, Portugal
Eucalyptus scented hairpins rise from the spa town of Monchique over the Foia ridge.
Length
35 km
In miles
21.7 mi
Driving time
53 min
Atlas rating
8.5 / 10
The run
Monchique to Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, following the N266. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Open year round in normal conditions, with the usual care after rain or frost.
Nearby
66 km away
N124 Serra do Caldeirao
A quiet cork oak and schist road climbing into the wild interior hills behind the coast.
297 km away
Sierra de Grazalema Road
Whitewashed villages and vulture cliffs frame this twisting run over the Palomas pass.
330 km away
Ronda to Coin Road
Endless third gear curves cut through cork oak hills between two fine Andalusian towns.
346 km away
N339 Serra da Estrela
Mainland Portugal's highest road crosses granite boulder fields to the Torre summit.
435 km away
N222 Douro Valley Road
Voted among the world's best roads, it snakes above terraced vineyards along the Douro.
446 km away
N226 to the Tua Valley
Quiet switchbacks descend through schist vineyard terraces to the meeting of two rivers.