When it comes to Portugal bike tours, this country is a hidden gem. This often-overlooked destination boasts all the beauty of other European cycling hot spots like Spain and Italy, but its unique culture and rugged coastline set it apart and set the scene for a spectacular active vacation. While the heart of Portugal’s nightlife and festival scene is in Lisbon, cyclists wanting to experience the untamed landscapes of Portugal should head to the Arrabida Natural Park and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Read on to learn more about Portugal’s Wild Coast and how to tame it from atop your bicycle.
Mountain summits that take your breath away
“Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in mainland Portugal and the climb up to Torre is a challenge for any competitive cyclist,” boasts VisitPortugal.com. Indeed, at 6,539 feet, the ride to the top is not for the weak-kneed or faint of heart. What is unique about this mountain is that it can be accessed by paved road, a bonus for road cyclists. Mountain bikers will want to head to Alto de Trevim, the summit of the Serra da Lousã mountains. Many of the paths through here have been created by wild boars – hang on for the ride!
Tip: if you plan on spending a day tackling a mountain summit, don’t skip a single hill training session. If you’re stuck indoors or live in a region that is flat, simulate hills by trying these workouts on your trainer.
The unspoiled Algarve
The southwesternmost point of Continental Europe, Cape S. Vicente, is accessible by riding offroad through Portugal’s Algarve region. The Algarve is a hot spot – both literally in terms of the summer temperatures and figuratively because of how it is often filled with tourists during the peak travel season. Winter is a great time to bicycle through the Algarve since temperatures are much more moderate, and as Huw Thomas, the blogger behind Pedal Portugal says “There are large parts of the Algarve where you can go for miles without seeing another soul.”
Tip: the routes along the coast can be sandy. Skip the pavement when you’re training for your cycling trip and head to a sandy trail or beach to get an idea of the conditions you’ll be riding in. Here are a few tips to help you master the skill.
Related tour: Alentejo and Algarve Wild Coast
Alentejo Natural Park
One of 30 protected natural spaces in Portugal, Alentejo Natural Park is visited by scientists and surfers alike, both drawn to the Atlantic. It is here that you’ll find an amazing array of animals and birds, such as the fishing eagle and rare white stork, who only builds its nest here. Jagged cliffs mark the landscape, worn away by the sea and the wind.
Tip: The same winds that have carved the rocks along the Atlantic coast will greet you as you ride along the park. Make friends with headwinds before your trip and check out these tips for beating a headwind in your bike training.
Ericeira
This seaside fishing town has a thriving fishing industry, boosted by tourism and visiting surfers – it’s the site of the World Surfing Championships. Ericeira is best discovered by bike, the hilly coastal route to get there takes you along towering cliffs and pastoral farm fields.
Tip: While the route that Pure Adventures takes to travel to Ericeira only has 850′ of elevation gain, it is quite hilly. If you’d rather not do hill repeats, try this interval workout from Women’s Cycling.
Related tour: Portugal Obidos Heritage and Coast
Pure Adventures offers four self-guided tours in Portugal. Click here to see all of the itineraries or click here for your free destination guide.