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23-10-2024 | Wouter Fioole

Unknown climb: Torre

Serra da Estrela is a hidden Portuguese gem. This mountain range was formed millions of years ago by shifts in the earth's layers. At the end of the Ice Age, glaciers carved deep valleys and smoothed the peaks, creating the 'mountain range of the star'. The highest peak, Torre, stands at 2000 meters. On the plateau, there are two weather towers with iconic golden domes and shops where you can buy delicious cheese sandwiches and warm socks.

View of Torre with weather towers

The mountain ranges in central and southern Portugal are relatively small, so you can avoid them if you prefer. However, you can approach the climbs from nearly every direction and village. At Torre, one mountain is enough for a full week of riding without it becoming monotonous! Our partner Climbfinder offers no fewer than 14 routes to the top.

The madness of...

At Mont Ventoux, people climb it from every side: the Cinglé de Mont-Ventoux, which loosely translates to "the madmen of". It may seem quite mad to ride all the routes to Torre in one go. If you’re tempted to try it anyway, start with Manteigas (or Rio Zêzere), then Vide, and finish with Covilhã. A true "Loucos da Serra da Estrela".

On the climb from Manteigas, or more precisely Rio Zêzere, you can clearly see how the landscape was shaped. It's a 13-kilometer eroded gully, and the road runs dead straight along the ridge. Only at the top of the plateau do you encounter some hairpin turns. After 22 kilometers of climbing and 1400 meters of elevation gain (with a 6% average gradient), you reach the traffic circle at Torre, ready to descend to Vide.

The 30-kilometer descent gives your legs a break, but you'll soon be climbing another 30 kilometers, again at an average of 6%. The stretch between kilometers 12 and 21 is especially challenging, known as the infamous Adamastor, a mythical wind god from Portuguese legend.

A winding road on Torre

After this climb, you can descend to Covilhã, on the other side of the Serra. The climb technically starts four kilometers before the town, but you can skip that part if you wish. In Covilhã, take the large traffic circle and begin again. The first seven kilometers are tough, with gradients around 10%. Then it eases into a more manageable average of 6.5% for the rest of the ride.

In the end, you'll have 130 kilometers and over 4,700 meters of elevation in your legs. The Cinglé du Mont-Ventoux is similar, with 137 kilometers and 4400 meters of elevation. Looking for a real challenge? Add the climb from Seia, another 30 kilometers at 5.5%. This way, you’ll have climbed Torre from all the main routes. But it might be more enjoyable to savor all sides of the Serra over a few days.

Cycling events

Don’t feel like planning your own routes? Then join the Granfondo Serra da Estrela! A five-star gran fondo finishing at Torre. The course changes annually, giving you a chance to explore different sides of the mountain. Want to see more of Portugal? The Ride Across Portugal is highly recommended. During this multi-day event, you’ll ride across the entire country, with the third stage finishing on Torre. Plenty of opportunities await!

Torre summit and surroundings

Don't forget the cheese and socks

Torre is Portugal’s only ski resort, complete with chairlifts, although there is less snow these days. While Mont Ventoux has a small store, Torre boasts a restaurant and shopping center offering regional products. The local sheep produce both delectable cheese and fine wool socks. I always have to bring those back for my wife when I reach the summit.

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