Northern Portugal is a diverse region with coastal areas, hilly landscapes and mountainous areas. It borders the region of Galicia in Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. To the south, the region extends to just below the city of Porto. Northern Portugal comprises (naturally) the northernmost part of the country and is therefore a lot cooler than the more southern areas. In summer, cycling is fantastic here, while it can be very hot in the south during that period.
On the coast, the landscape is relatively flat. Inland is known for its hills and mountains, where cyclists can choose from plenty of beautiful climbs and routes. The Peneda-Gerês National Park even includes some of Portugal's toughest climbs, with little traffic and well-maintained roads.
The roads in northern Portugal are generally quiet and great for cycling. Near Porto, of course, the roads are busier.
Northern Portugal is a great cycling destination if you like authentic, peaceful landscapes. This region still feels undiscovered. Yet cycling culture is increasingly emerging here. This is partly due to several climbs featured in the Tour of Portugal. Although the Tour of Portugal is not as 'important' as the three Grand Tours, the climbs are definitely worthwhile. And although you're bound to encounter other cyclists here, the not so busy as on the well-known cols in the Alps or Pyrenees.
By the way, you don't necessarily have to be a climbing enthusiast. Sub-region Minho, located in north-western Portugal, has beautiful rolling countryside with vineyards and authentic fishing villages. Minho borders on Peneda-Gerês National Park, where rolling hills gradually turn into more rugged mountain landscapes.
Another reason to visit this region is its climate. In the summer months, it averages between 25 and 35 degrees here. This is warm, but not as hot as in the south. Also, this is the greenest region in Portugal. Of course, this is due to the fact that there is more rainfall here - that is.
In northern Portugal, you will find mostly vineyards and rolling landscapes. Popular areas are Minho, in the north-west, or the Douro region (east of the city of Porto).
Minho is greener and cooler due to its location along the Atlantic Ocean. The area is rolling, but north-eastern Minho is at the foot of Peneda-Gerês National Park; Portugal's only National Park. That's the place to find some great climbs.
The Douro Valley is somewhat drier and sunnier. The landscape here consists mainly of terraced vineyards (this is the home of Port!) and river scenery. Discover here in advance a number of routes from Porto and the Douro Valley. Let us tell you in advance; even though this is not necessarily pristine mountain scenery, you will have plenty of altimeters to climb here!
Trás-os-Montes is the subregion north-east of northern Spain. This area is far away from the larger cities. Small, remote villages and the Montesinho mountains form the backdrop here.
The coastal areas of northern Portugal have a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and not too hot summers. Inland areas, on the other hand, have a continental climate where summer days can be hot, and winters cold.
In spring, temperatures in northern Portugal average between 12°C and 22°C. Along the coast and in the Douro Valley, viticulture begins to come alive. The region experiences an average of 10 to 15 rainy days per month, but also on average 9 sunny days, especially in April and May, the number of dry days increases. Usually, it does not rain all day.
Summers in northern Portugal are cooler than in southern Portugal. Along the coast, temperatures usually stay between 22°C and 28°C, while inland, such as in Trás-os-Montes and the Douro Valley, regularly above 30°C can come out. It is slightly cooler in the mountains. Rain is rarer during this period, with average 3 to 7 rainy days per month.
It is on average 14°C to 24°C in September, and then the temperatures decrease further towards the winter period. The Douro Valley is beautiful during this period, when the vineyards turn beautiful autumn colours. Rainfall gradually increases, with 8 to 14 rainy days per month, but September usually still enjoys plenty of nice, sunny days.
Winters in northern Portugal are mild along the coast, with temperatures between 8°C and 15°C, but in the mountains and inland it can get considerably colder. In high-altitude regions such as Montesinho and Serra da Estrela, it can snow, making cycling difficult there. In the lower regions such as Minho and the Douro, cycling is still quite possible. This is the wettest period of the year though, with average 12 to 20 rainy days per month, but usually it does not rain all day long. There are 4 to 7 sunny days per month.
Through our newsletter, we share exclusive insights with our community. Subscribe and benefit.
