Driving the Scenic EM-509 Road in Serra da Estrela

Estrada Municipal 509 (EM-509) is a very scenic road located in the Castelo Branco district of Portugal. While offering breathtaking views, the road also has a few dangerous sections.

EM-509 Road

Where Is the EM-509 Road?

The road is located in the Serra da Estrela range, near the border with Guarda District, in the north-central part of the country.

How Long Is the EM-509 Road?

The road is 13.9 km (8.63 miles) long, running from Unhais da Serra to Nava de Santo António Plateau.

Is the EM-509 Road Paved?

Running through the beautiful extinct glacial valley of Alforfa, the road was mostly paved in 1998/1999. However, it includes a 1,804-meter-long section along the canal that remains unpaved, narrow, and dangerous. Local residents, led by the mayor and parish council, are advocating for improvements to promote tourism. A paving project has already received environmental approval, but funding is still lacking.

Is the EM-509 Road Worth the Drive?

Designed by engineer Alfredo Marques dos Santos, the road provides stunning views of the mountains.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez

 

 

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