Cycling in Portugal: The 10 best climbs

Portugal is an underrated cycling destination. At the time of writing the Volta ao Algarve is in full swing. Later in the year the men’s professional cycling race, the Tour of Portugal, will be scheduled and then you can see what beautiful Portugal has to offer. When you go cycling in Portugal you have to take into account the undulating terrain, as it is aptly called. We give you 10 of the best climbs in the country of Fado, Port and Pastel de nata.

Montejunto

This climb can be found in the Serra de Montejunto, just north of the capital Lisbon. It is not very high, but is open enough. In the summer, it is a bit more of a challenge. You can also enjoy some beautiful hiking here. There is some challenge in this hill, as you have to cover about 5% kilometers in 11 in an average time, and those aren’t in a straight line up. With some steep slopes of up to 18% on some short stretches, this is no easy task! It is a wonderful option in the Lisbon region.

Col de Bigorne

This climb is especially very long, more than 30 kilometers from the beginning. The climb isn't particularly steep, let alone having big ascents. A wonderful long climb, ala the Brennerpass in the Innsbruck region. This climb can be found in the N2 Challenge and is a beautiful climb in the Douro valley, perhaps the most beautiful part of Portugal.

Col de Torres – Covilha

This climb is the most famous climb in Portugal. Often featured in the round of Portugal This is a real distinctive climb. It lies roughly next to its little brother, the Manteigas, and you can make a beautiful ‘Ronda Estrella’, a la Sella Ronda in the Dolomites. Make sure you put the right legs underneath it, because this isn’t an easy round. However, the views are breathtaking. Be sure to avoid going too early or too late in the year, because it can snow!

Manteigas

In the province of Guarda lies this iconic Portuguese climb. It is (in the best version) 15 kilometers long, with an average of 4%. You go up here towards a real ski resort. You might not have expected that in this region. There are beautiful hairpin bends and at some points you have a stunning view. The climb isn’t extremely steep, so you also drive through the beautiful forests for a large part of it. That’s great in the summer. There are several variants, the longest of which is 26 kilometers. Beautiful, in our opinion

Zezere – the climb to the glacier

The climb to this glacier is famous, notorious, and therefore a beautiful challenge. With 13 kilometers ahead and over 800 meters of elevation to overcome, this is one of the tougher challenges when cycling in Portugal. In the end, you end up averaging 6.5% kilometers, and that’s just a hefty climb. Why should you definitely tackle this magnificent climb? It’s also located in the Serra de Estrella, so it fits nicely into the lineup with Manteigas and Torres. Be sure to go in the first few months of spring, because then the waterfalls are at their best. The melting snow is mainly responsible for this.

Arnaso to Calcedonia

All the way in the north of the country, near the border with the Spanish province of Galicia, you’ll find the climb to Calcedonia. Be careful when you Google it, because you’ll quickly get all sorts of offers for new underwear. A beautiful hidden gem. The climb is 6 kilometers long and you’ll cover almost 350 meters of elevation gain. So you have an average climb of 6% kilometers ahead of you.

Col de Santo Antonio

The fact that this list focuses on the Serra da Estrella shouldn’t come as a surprise. There are a lot of hidden climbs. If you go to Unhais da Serra, you really have to climb up the 14 kilometers via 860 meters of elevation gain and 14 kilometers of painful uphill kilometers.

Col de Seia

This climb is a monster in length. At an average of 28%.5 kilometers, you won’t just be heading home. The highest percentage of elevation gain is 10%, so you’ll need good legs too. This is another variation of the ‘Torre’ climb. But definitely not a bad one. The climbs to the top are all long and painful. This is no exception. Many riders of the Volta A Portugal will curse this one.

Col de Gois

This is a nice challenge that you should start slowly. It is located just south of the Serra de Estrella and you can therefore easily combine it if you wish. There are several events, but the most famous is the N2 Challenge, which this one is also part of. It is a long race, with an 4% average distance of over 15 kilometers. That is 525 meters of elevation gain

Col de Cabeca

If you thought you were done cycling, think about climbing this col in the Serra de Estrella National Park. With 31 kilometers and over 1,600 meters of elevation gain at 5.5%, this might be the most challenging climb in all of Portugal. From the village of Vide, on the edge of the park, you’ll have to overcome several intermediate climbs to finally reach the top, exhausted but satisfied.