Linking Amarante, in the Tâmega valley, to the wooded heights of the Serra do Marão, this long crossing of northern Portugal offers one of the country’s most extended climbs.
A long climb rather than a steep one
From Amarante, it’s 37.5 km for 1,424 m of elevation gain, at a moderate average of 3.8%, with no genuinely hard section but an uneven surface in places. The summit sits at roughly 1,411 m.
Mainland Portugal’s seventh-highest peak
The Serra do Marão ranks among mainland Portugal’s highest terrain and marks a climatic divide between the wetter coastal Douro and the drier inland Douro, a natural boundary clearly felt on the way up from Amarante.
Getting the ride right
The climb’s length calls for careful pacing and fuelling from the start in Amarante, all the more so since the patchy surface in places demands extra care on the descent.
When to go
April to October: the Serra do Marão is often shrouded in fog, especially early in the morning, and winter conditions can make the road slippery at altitude.
Good to know
Amarante, the starting town, is known for its historic bridge and local pastries, while Vila Real, on the far side of the pass, opens onto the Douro valley and its vineyards.
