With Portugal's largest mountain range - where you will find fantastic climbs - Central Portugal is a fantastic destination for cyclists who fancy making a lot of altimeters. In the 'Serra da Estrela', as the mountain range is called, is the highest peak in (mainland) Portugal: the summit of the Torre is 1993 metres high. You can cycle all the way to the top, from various starting points. The Torre is often included in the Tour of Portugal, and is Portugal's most famous climb
But, enough about the Serra da Estrela. In fact, northern Portugal has even more to offer! The region borders northern Portugal to the north, Spain to the east and Alentejo to the south. The major cities of Porto and Lisbon fall right outside the area. The west naturally consists of coastal areas, with special places such as Aveiro, which is known as 'the Venice of Portugal'. Although the toughest and most popular climb is in the Serra da Estrela, climbing enthusiasts can also venture to plenty of other peaks. For example, the climb right through the Serra de Lousã very nice.
Off-road enthusiasts take note: this region has plenty of beautiful gravel roads and challenging MTB tracks! Numerous beautiful, wide stretches meander through the landscape. For the best gravel trails, you should definitely head to Serra de Lousã, Serra da Estrela, and the whole area in between!
Central Portugal is a somewhat underrated cycling destination for cycling enthusiasts with popular destinations like the Alps or Pyrenees nearby. But for those looking for unique climbs, authentic villages and routes along the coast, this region is ideal. There is very little tourism. Along the coast, you will mostly encounter Portuguese, Spanish and French. Inland, you really feel the authenticity of Portugal. The roads are relatively quiet, especially if you stay away from cities. There, you will mostly share the beautiful landscape with shepherds and sheep.
This region is great to explore by gravel bike. There are plenty of beautiful, wide gravel lanes that take you through quaint villages and over barren mountains. There is plenty to discover in central Portugal!
Also, the climate is favourable, especially in late spring and early autumn, making this a fine destination.
In the north of central Portugal, you will find mostly vineyards. Here lies the - among wine lovers beloved - Dão region; one of the oldest wine regions of the country. Rural roads, wineries and vineyards define the landscape here. A little further south, you enter the Mondego Valley, where agricultural land is mainly used for other crops, such as olive trees, citrus fruits and cereal fields. The Mondego River meanders through the landscape, giving the region a green feel.
East of the Mondego valley lies the Serra da Estrela. The landscape gradually becomes more and more mountainous. The Serra da Estrela is also called the 'Roof of Portugal' thanks to the Torre; the highest peak in the country.
Serre de Lousã is more inland again. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and authentic areas of Portugal. You'll find beautiful roads here for both cyclists and gravel or mountain bike lovers. Scattered throughout the Serra de Lousã are the Aldeias do Xisto, beautiful traditional villages mostly abandoned as many residents have migrated to the cities. Some villages have now been restored and offer a unique glimpse of old Portuguese life.
The Costa de Prata, or the Silver Coast, stretches along the entire coastline of central Portugal. The coast is flat in the north, with wide sandy beaches. Towards the south, the coastal area gradually becomes more hilly.
Along the coast, a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and pleasant summers. The interior, on the other hand, has a continental climate, where summers can be hot and winters cold.
Spring (March-May)
Temperatures range between 13°C and 23°C in spring. March and April still see regular rainfall (8-14 rainy days per month), but from May onwards the days get progressively drier. In the Serra da Estrela, the last of the snow melts during this period, the roads are passable again.
Summer (June-August)
Along the coast, temperatures range between 22°C and 29°C, while inland it can reach above 35°C. Higher up in the mountains, it remains cooler. Rainfall is rare (2-6 rainy days per month).
Autumn (September - November)
September still averages around 24°C, after which it cools down. The vineyards take on beautiful autumn colours. Rainfall increases (7-12 rainy days per month), but September and October are still dry enough for good cycling conditions.
Winter (December - February)
Along the coast it remains mild, with temperatures between 6°C and 16°C. Inland and the Serra da Estrela, it can freeze and snow, making cycling difficult there. Rainfall is highest (10-18 rainy days per month), but cycling remains possible on dry days in the lower areas.
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