Things to Know Before Driving the Paved Road to Larouco
Larouco is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,527m (5,009ft) above sea level, located in Portugal. It is named after a Celtic god, Larauco.
Where is Larouco?
The peak is located in the northern part of the country, near the Spanish border. It hosts a big parking lot with amazing views and a paragliding take-off place.
Why is it called Larouco?
Monte Larouco, shared between the Galician municipalities such as Baltar and the Portuguese ones like Vilar de Perdizes, is a place steeped in myth and natural beauty. Renowned as an extraordinary destination for paragliding thanks to the unique thermal conditions of its valleys, this mountain also holds deep historical and cultural significance. Once believed to be the dwelling of a pre-Roman deity, Monte Larouco hosted Roman altars on both its Galician and Portuguese slopes, where the god Larouco was revered. Often honored with the title "Maximus," Larouco was equated with Jupiter, the supreme god of Roman mythology. The enduring influence of this ancient deity is evident in how his name has remained unchanged and continues to identify the mountain after two millennia.
Is the road to Larouco paved?
The road to the summit has been fully paved since 2014, when it was featured in the Vuelta Portugal race. The road is pretty straight and well maintained. It has steep parts, and cattle can often be seen on the road due to the existence of pastures in the area.
How long is the road to Larouco?
Starting from Montalegre, the road to the summit is 11.2 km (6.95 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 571m, and the average gradient is 5.09%.
Is the road to Larouco open in winter?
Set high in the Serra do Larouco mountain range, part of the Peneda-Gerês mountainous complex, snow is not uncommon in winter due to its location and isolation. You need to be really careful with the strong winds atop the mountain. The road in the final part runs along the mountainside without trees. In fact, it is very exposed to the wind, so paragliding is a popular activity there.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez
Pic: Francisco Poim