From Covilhã, at 1,522 ft (464 m), to Torre at 6,539 ft (1,993 m), it’s 15.2 miles (24.5 km) at an average 6.5%: 5,194 ft (1,583 m) of climbing. It’s the highest climb in mainland Portugal and one of the traditional finishes of the Volta a Portugal.
The climb, section by section
- Km 0 to 4, miles 0 to 2.5 (4-6%). Out through the streets of Covilhã on the N339.
- Km 4 to 11, miles 2.5 to 6.8 (8-10%). The hard part: you pass Sete Fontes and the Varanda dos Carqueijais, with kilometers at 9-10%. Climbfinder measures 14.4% over the steepest 100 m.
- Km 11 to 16, miles 6.8 to 10 (4-8%). A bit gentler, up to Penhas da Saúde, the range’s mountain resort, at about 4,900 ft (1,500 m).
- Km 16 to 18, miles 10 to 11.2 (flat and a short descent). A breather to the Manteigas junction, at about 5,220 ft (1,590 m).
- The last 3.7 miles, 6 km (6-8%). You climb across the high plateau, past the Sabugueiro junction, to Torre. Climbfinder counts 14 hairpins on the whole climb.
CyclingCols gives 24.5 km and 1,583 m, with a 6.2% average if calculated from the difference in elevation (because it discounts the descent at km 16). Climbfinder gives 24.3 km, 1,585 m and 6.5%. The official elevation of Torre is 1,993 m, according to the Portuguese Army Geographic Institute.
History
Torre isn’t a defined peak but the highest point of a plateau in the central massif of the Serra da Estrela; it’s Portugal’s second-highest summit after Pico, in the Azores. You reach it on the R339 regional road linking Covilhã and Seia. The Volta a Portugal has used it many times as a stage finish; in 2024 the finish was moved up to stage 3, much earlier than usual for the race.
When to go, water and traffic
Torre gets about 94 inches (2,400 mm) of precipitation a year, and it can snow from October to April. The best time is May to October; even so, it’s a lot colder at the top than in Covilhã, so bring a jacket for the descent. Covilhã and Penhas da Saúde have cafés and shops; at the top there’s a restaurant and shops selling local products such as Serra da Estrela cheese.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 works well. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%: on a 34x28 you’ll pedal around 60 rpm. If your power is lower, a 34x30 or 34x32 will help on the Carqueijais section. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Bring food: nearly two hours of climbing at a moderate pace calls for fueling.
- Don’t get complacent on the flat at km 16 (mile 10): there are still 3.7 miles (6 km) of climbing to go at nearly 6,500 ft (2,000 m).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Torre from Covilhã?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 52 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 h 13 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 27 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the hardest side of Torre?
Covilhã: 15.2 miles (24.5 km) at 6.5%, with its 8-10% middle section. The Seia side is longer, 19.4 miles (31.2 km), and a bit gentler (5.6%).
When can you bike up Torre?
Spring to fall. It can snow from October to April, especially December to February, and then the upper road is closed or covered in snow.