Cycling in Portugal

Authentic, pure and indescribably beautiful

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Portugal as a cycling destination

Portugal. It is the country of the azure coast, rugged cliffs and idyllic coves. But it is also the country where the hills are covered with vineyards. It is the country of the Port and Vinho Verde, of the sweet Pastéis de Nata and grilled sardines. It is the country where the melancholic sounds of the fado echo in the narrow streets, and where azulejos give color to the facades.

Portugal is not yet a very popular cycling destination, although the country has beautiful roads. Just now, when the country still has so many peaceful places – far from the mass tourism – you should not delay visiting it for too long. Experience the real authentic Portugal now, where old traditions live on and warm hospitality prevails. The country has a number of well-known tourist attractions, but the interior still feels unexplored and authentic; the perfect destination for cyclists who want to discover a new culture and a beautiful landscape.

Which Portuguese destination suits you?

Do you mainly want to drive long distances over hilly terrain? Or do you mainly want to climb and can it never be long and hard enough for you? Portugal has a varied landscape. There are almost flat areas (such as a large part of Alentejo, the region above the Algarve), but also rugged areas with extensive mountain ranges. Climbers can best enjoy themselves in Northern and Central Portugal, or in the southern Algarve area.

The best climbing destinations in Portugal

The Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. The area is located in Central Portugal, and extends over the districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco. The most famous peak is the Torre. This is the highest paved climb in Portugal (at 1993 meters) and a classic in the Volta a Portugal. You can take different routes to the top, for example from Covilhã or Seia. That makes it fun to stay around this peak for a while. Besides the Torre, there are many more beautiful climbs in this region, such as those to Monte do Colcurinho or Penhas Douradas.

The west side of the Algarve is a top destination for cyclists. In the Serra de Monchique you’ll find numerous beautiful climbs, with the Alto da Foía (902m) being the highlight. You can climb it via the wider motorway or – if you’re adventurous – via the narrower paths that are best suited to a gravel bike.

For the real climbers, there is Madeira. This Portuguese island is breathtakingly beautiful and offers fantastic routes. It is the ultimate destination for climbing enthusiasts, as there is virtually no flat road to be found. From the coast alone, the roads plunge into the rugged nature. It is 15 to 25 degrees all year round, so when it comes to the weather, you are always well-equipped here.

The best mountain bike and gravel destinations in Portugal

Peneda-Gerês National Park – Northern Portugal

The Peneda-Gerês National Park, located in the northwest of Portugal, is the country’s only official national park. The park covers a rugged and mountainous area with deep valleys, clear rivers, and a mix of dense forests and open rocky landscapes. Thanks to the many forest paths, this destination is very popular among mountain bikers. Various trails have been created for different levels. You can also enjoy beautiful gravel paths here, but be prepared that the paths can be technically challenging.

The Douro Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is known for its many vineyards. The area offers a mix of rolling gravel roads, steep climbs, and winding paths along the famous Douro River. Although you can also enjoy fantastic cycling here, on a gravel bike you can truly explore the most beautiful spots. And of course, this is the best destination to enjoy a glass of port or wine from the region afterwards!

The Alentejo region, located above the Algarve and below Central Portugal and the Lisbon region, is extremely vast. Dry, dusty gravel roads over relatively flat terrain invite you to really rip it up on the gravel. If you want to see a lot of the area, do a lot of kilometers, and discover an authentic part of Portugal where there is still little tourism, then go on a gravel adventure in Alentejo.

What you need to pay attention to

Best travel season: Portugal has different climate zones, so the best time to travel depends on the region you want to visit. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are ideal for a cycling holiday because the temperatures are pleasant and the crowds are smaller than in summer. However, if you prefer to travel in the summer, avoid the Alentejo region, where it can get very hot. Coastal areas, mountain regions, or the north of Portugal are more pleasant destinations. Madeira is also a great summer destination because of its mild climate.

Accessibility: Of course, you can explore most of the country by car (or really go on an adventure and go on a bikepacking trip!). You can of course also rent a car at the airport. Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Madeira have major airports with direct flights to and from the Netherlands.

Regions

Choose your region

AlentejoEindeloos golvende wegen, kurkeiken en witte dorpjes: gravel en rust in het grootste en stilste deel van Portugal.View →AlgarveWinterzon, de klimmen van de Serra de Monchique en de ruige westkust: het zuiden van Portugal op de racefiets.View →Central PortugalView →Lisbon and its surroundingsView →MadeiraView →Northern PortugalView →

Stories

Driven in Portugal

16 October 2025Cycling adventure in Central Portugal along the Atlantic soul15 December 2024Cycling in Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve part 217 November 2024Cycling in Portugal: from Lisbon to the Algarve4 March 202415 Tips to start cycling in Portugal12 September 2023Cycling in Portugal: looking for the sun!8 September 2022On a discovery tour of Portugal: Culture and nature in all their beauty

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