Fundão – Gardunha Epic Climb

The climb starts at the junction of the M521 road with the mythical N18. The first 2 kilometres of the climb, until we reach the village of Alcongosta, are done along extensive orchards of cherry trees. In April, the unique landscape is covered in white blossoming cherry trees, reminiscent of winter snow. In these first kilometres of ascend, the gradients are moderate, not exceeding 6 % in the first stretch, and becoming more accentuated when approaching Alcongosta. From here, we will continue on a fearsome sett, a pavement that will stretch cross the entire population for 1 272 meters, with an average gradient of more than 7 %. The last house of the village also marks the end of the sett and the beginning of the Alcongosta Forest Road, inaugurated in 2005 and still in good condition, helping to overcome the average gradient that varies between 6 % and 7 %. Here, the cherry trees are replaced by leafy chestnut and oak trees, a priceless help during warmer days. Upon reaching the last kilometres of the climb, the shallower vegetation allows us to appreciate the entire Cova da Beira, with the Fundão and Covilhã cities in the background and the imposing Estrela Mountain on top. The tarred road and the climb finish near the entrance of Natura Glamping - Gardunha, where it is possible to enjoy a close contract with Nature through camping, with all the glamour of a Geodesic dome. It is also possible to regain your strength in this hotel’s Bar/Restaurant.