Bicycle Holidays in Portugal
Biking through Portugal
Cycling in Portugal
Visitors to Portugal who wish to explore a number of different regions will find that bicycle holidays can be an excellent way of doing so. Whilst the creation of new highways across Portugal allows for rapid travel by car between cities, so much of the real beauty of this country is found in the small towns and countryside villages that can only be accessed through winding country roads and paths more suited to bikes.
A selection of organised bicycle holidays are listed below, ranging from one day tours of the capital and historical centres such as Sintra and Evora, to longer holidays lasting two weeks which take in large parts of the country such as the Alentejo and the Algarve.
Short Bicycle Tours
Spend a day or two cycling in Portugal
A one day bicycle tour can easily be incorporated into your trip to Portugal and listed below are a variety of such holidays.
Cycling in Portugal
Lisboa 1 Day Tour
A day long cycle ride through the capital of Portugal. There's a two-mile on-road warm-up climb through Restelo, Lisboa's "diplomatic quarter," and then an off-road 10-12 mile ride through the wooded hills of Monsanto Park. There are views of Lisbon in all directions. We'll follow the stone arches of the early 18th century aqueduct, past old quarry sites offering some (optional) technical challenges. There are frequent but short climbs and descents. We'll circumnavigate the park, then descend back on the road past Ajuda Palace, Ajuda Gardens, Jerónimos Monastery, the Presidential Palace, and down to the Tejo River. There is flat cycling waterside to the rest stop at Docas,a trendy waterfront area, then back along the waterfront past the Discoveries monument and the Tower de Belém....(More)
Sintra and Cascais Nature Reserve 1 Day Tour
Points of interest include Cascais, the Nature Reserve of Serra de Sintra, a 12th century Moorish castle, the 19th century Pena Palace and its gardens, Guincho beach, and Peninha chapel with stunning views to Cabo da Roca, the western-most tip of the European mainland. Sintra has its own special climate and almost bucolic way of life. Sintra was much loved by 19th century English poets like Byron. With its lush forests studded with 19th century villas (and despite encroaching development) it still exerts magic. Our route follows a mix of fire roads, which can be slick and eroded and sometimes rocky, and single-track through beautiful Mediterranean forests and granite outcroppings.....(More)
Évora - Megalithic Ride I
This is a technically easy ride through an undulating landscape of cork and olive, though the length of the ride and a few climbs here and there will present a moderate physical challenge. We will be riding through the area of oldest human habitation on the Iberian Peninsula, and signs are everywhere. On the way to the Dolmen we will pass by the Menhir before the Cromlech, all Megalithic Monuments, 3000 to 5000 year old! The landscape is composed of the typical Montado Alentejano and allows you to see Évora from afar. Reaching Evora's cobblestoned, walled, history center, we will pause at the main square of Praça do Giraldo, where every street converges. Once in Évora, we can ride or sightsee or both.....(More)
Medium Bicycle Tours
Spend a few days cycling in Portugal
Listed below are a variety of bicycle tours ranging in length from 2 days to 6 days. Such holidays offer the opportunity to explore regions of Portugal in a very pleasant and enjoyable way.
Cycling in Portugal
Évora to Monsaraz
These 2 day rides take us from Évora right across the heart of the Alentejo, ending on the shores of the River Guadiana, which forms the border with Spain. Away from the tarmac we will ride trails in a way that no one does anymore.....(More)
Sagres: Southwest Portugal - Coastal Route
A 4 day coastal bike tour from Lisbon along the towering cliffs plummeting into the crashing surf of the Atlantic Ocean, riding inland the rosemary-scented Algarve hills, visiting the fortress of Sagres and Cape of São Vicente through to Lagos with a drive to the beautiful capital of Andalucia, Sevilla, Spain for our Farewell Dinner....(More)
Salamanca - On the cherries path
Enjoy 5 days of travel by bike from the Portuguese capital city of Lisboa to Salamanca, the “small Rome”, as it is known in Spain for its high concentration of monuments. Discover the unspoilt landscapes of Alentejo, hidden megalithic monuments, Roman Ruins and the well-conserved Iberian landscape, culture and gastronomy! You can’t miss a ride through the cherry orchards to taste the local cherries! The beautiful village of Marvao and its castle - the museum historical village, megalithic monuments, Roman ruins, rural areas with exceptional environmental conditions, whitewashed villages, beautiful contrast of the Mediterranean and Continental landscapes.....(More)
Pedaling through the Alentejan Plain
A 6 day cycling tour taking in Evora, Monsaraz and Estremoz in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Wine tasting at Herdade do Esporao and La Quinta do Carmo is included in this tour, as are meals at some of the finest traditional restaurants in this region.....(More)
Longer Bicycle Tours
Spend a week or two cycling in Portugal
The following tours are ideally suited for cycling enthusiasts looking for longer bicycle holidays in Portugal. These tour typically take in a wide range of trails through some of the most interesting regions of Portugal.
Cycling in Portugal
Cycling Portugal: The Alentejo & Algrave
A 7 day bicycle tour through the Alentejo and the Algarve, through the Arrábida Nature Reserve, along the sea, past vineyards and beautiful lagoons with overnight stays in some of the most attractive quintas and pousadas of this region.....(More)
The Sea and Mystical Sintra
7 - 8 days touring the world heritage site of Sintra by bike, with highlights including cycling through the magnificent forest, along the cliffs and beaches of the coastline and visits to the palaces and the Moorish castle that sits at the top of the hills....(More)
Mountain Biking Through Portugal
Enjoy 8 days mountain biking through the best trails in Portugal. A couple of days riding through the lush hills of Sintra, a couple days riding among the cork and olive trees of the Alentejo and a couple of days on the Alte trails of the Algarve´s mountain range....(More)
The Beautiful Alentejo Beaches
8 days cycling along the Alentejo coastline into the Algarve, passing through the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, watching the sunset at Cape S. Vicente and exploring the historical cities of Sagres and Lagos....(More)
Cycling in Portugal
The Megalithic Heritage of Alentejo
An 8 day cycling tour exploring the historical remnants of Roman, Arab and mediaeval Christian cultures that exist in the Alentejo. This tour will include the 10,000 year old menhirs and dolmens located in one of the biggest existing megalithic monuments of the Iberian Peninsula....(More)
The Wild Islet and the Medieval Village
Beginning at the top of the Montejunto Hills this 8 day cycling holiday continues through the Berlenga Natural Reserve on the Peniche penninsular, through the medieval fortified village of Óbidos, onto the fishing village of Nazaré and finally to visit the Natural Park of Candeeiros Hills where you will have the opportunity to explore the most dramatic caves in Portugal....(More)
Towards Algarve
This 8 day cycling holiday begins in Lisbon, continuing along the coast of Setubal through the natural park of the south-west Alentejo and along the St.Vincent coast ultimately leading to the city of Lagos in the Algarve....(More)
Serra da Estrela ...Sheer Down!
The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela is the largest protected area in Portugal and it occupies a surface of about 1000 km2, it is home to many rare birds and some breathtaking scenery. This 8 day Portugal Bike Tour is different from all the others because we will be based on one of the tops of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela and everyday we will leave to discover a different slope of the hill. You will have the opportunity of admiring amazing views from the top of the hill and having the thrill of your life riding down trails of dense and exuberant vegetation - don’t worry because you won’t have to climb back uphill; at the end of the tour the mini-van will be waiting for us to take us back to the hotel in the top of the hill....(More)
The Alentejo Heritage and Wine Tour
Discover the enchantments of the central Alentejo during this 8 day cycling holiday visiting many interesting heritage sites while discovering the quality wines of Alentejo, all en route!....(More)
Cycling in Portugal
The Castles Route in Portugal
Castles leave no doubt as to their role in the emergence of a nation and, each in its own way, in the long saga of love and war which has always characterized the life of the people, specially of those near the border with Spain who has to fight the Spaniards after the Moors. During this 8 day tour, castles will also provide us great reference points for keeping our bearings! 6 Mountain Biking rides and 6 different Castles: Castle of S. Jorge, Moorish Castle, Monsanto da Beira, Marvao, Castelo de Vide and Sesimbra! Highlights: Monsanto Park and Lisbon waterfront, Sintra Nature Reserve, Pena Palace, beautiful villages such as Marvao with an irresistible call, megalithic monuments, dinosaur footprints, rural areas with exceptional environmental conditions, whitewashed villages, and beautiful landscapes.....(More)
Cycling in Portugal
Cycling in Portugal
This 8 day biking vacation in Portugal is ideal for beginners as well as cyclists with some experience. This cycle tour in Portugal will follow coastal regions before heading inland through undulating scenery. Outside of the summer months this region is little explored making this a wonderful location for your cycling tour. This cycling holiday is available as a seven night self guided level 1-2 cycle tour and is an ideal first tour.....(More)
Alentejo Coast and Hills of Algarve
A 9 day cycling holiday during which we will ride through the cork and olive tree groves of the Alentejo, along the cliffs and beaches of the coast, taking in magnificent ocean views, all the way to Spain. The rides will be challenging and immensely rewarding, as you will be able to see so much of the natural beauty of both coastal and inland Portugal....(More)
Historical Villages of Portugal
A 9 day tour cycling through the historical villages of Tomar, Marvão, Monsanto, Belmonte and the Tejo Natural Park, a protected area of extreme beauty. Learn about the little known history of the country with overnight stays in traditional lodges and pousadas.....(More)
Cycling in Portugal
The Seven Castles Route
Explore seven of Portugals most important castles during this 9 day cycling tour. Beginning at the castle of St. George taking in the sweeping views of the city of Lisbon, we continue onto Sesimbra Castle, which presents us a beautiful view over the beach of Sesimbra and the sea and then onto the Moorish Castle that sits at the top of Sintra.....(More)
Mountain Biking the Best of Portugal
This 12 day bicycle tour takes you through many of Portugals most valued attractions. The Monsanto Park and Lisbon water front, Sintra Nature Reserve, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Neolithic cave paintings, the beautiful village of Marvao and its castle, Evora - the museum historical town, megalithic monuments, a guided visit to a wine cellar, wine tasting, vineyards, the medieval fortified village of Monsaraz, rural areas with exceptional environmental conditions, whitewashed villages, beautiful landscapes, and finally, Sagres: the southwestern most point of Iberia....(More)
Portuguese Explorer
A 13 day cycling holiday, beginning in Vigo in Spain and coming down into central Portugal through the Minho valley, Porto, Coimbra, the famous Buçaco forest, Coimbra, Óbidos, Berlenga Island and ending in Lisbon. An ideal way to see many of Portugals finest sights.....(More)
Cycling in Portugal
Coastal SW Iberian Route
A 15 day bicycle tour beginning in Lisbon, riding along the coast of Portugal, all the way to Seville in Spain. You will ride through the Arrábida Nature Reserve, along the rice paddies of Comporta, riding south along the sea past vineyards and beautiful lagoons for beach lovers before arriving at Santiago do Cacém, riding back roads that are popular only among fishermen onto Porto Covo and Zambujeira which are said to have some of the best beaches in Portugal....(More)