Rio Maior to Gaeiras Road in Portugal National Park Route

The road connecting Rio Maior and Gaeiras is located in Portugal, within the continental part of the country. Rio Maior is a city near the starting point of the route, while Gaeiras is a town close to the endpoint. The road skirts the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park, a protected area known for its limestone landscapes and biodiversity. The elevation along the road ranges from 38 meters (125 feet) to 168 meters (551 feet) above sea level, indicating a gently undulating terrain. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road is approximately 19.3 kilometers (12 miles) long and is surfaced with asphalt of good quality, rated 4.2 out of 5. It features mostly two lanes (about 62%) with a smaller portion of one-lane sections (around 12%). The width of the road is predominantly wide (about 82%), with some middle and narrow sections. The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.03, indicating gentle bends rather than sharp turns. Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 40, 50, 70, and 90 km/h (25, 31, 44, and 56 mph) depending on the section. Approximately 24.7% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including several streets within settlements such as Rua do Rei, Rua Morgado Valverde, and Rua Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.

The road touches or skirts the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park, a Natura 2000 protected site known for its karst formations and diverse flora and fauna. This proximity offers riders a natural environment with potential views of the park's unique geological features. The national park's official information can be accessed at Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. Riders should be mindful of the natural surroundings and any park regulations when traveling near this area.

The route begins near Rio Maior, a city approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the starting point, and ends near the town of Gaeiras, less than one kilometer from the endpoint. Along the way, the road passes through several local streets and smaller settlements, providing opportunities for stops or detours. The area is characterized by rural and semi-urban landscapes, with a mix of natural and inhabited zones.

This article describes the road section visible on the map below, which provides a detailed view of the route from Rio Maior to Gaeiras. The road's moderate curviness, good surface quality, and proximity to a national park make it a practical choice for motorcyclists interested in a varied riding experience in Portugal.