Known for its wonderful sunshine, beautiful coasts and vibrant culture, you’ll also find some of the best cycling routes in Portugal. Weave between terraced vineyards, eat incredibly fresh and delicious food, and explore the wonders that a cycling holiday in Portugal offers. We love the endless possibilities that pedalling here provides; often you’ll pass by a charming café where the temptation of a pastel de nata and a coffee is too strong to resist.
Whether it’s the wonders of Porto and the Portuguese coast, or the vistas and vineyards of the Douro Valley, we believe some of the best cycling routes are in Portugal. Not to mention the fabulous wine you’ll enjoy in any and all restaurants. Our tip – always choose a local bottle as this pairs perfectly with the food you’ll have when cycling here. Read on to discover our favourite journeys on two wheels you can enjoy in this fantastic part of the world.
Experience the wonderous Douro Valley on this self-guided cycling adventure. Enjoy a leisurely pedal alongside the gentle river and marvel at the terraced vineyards which lie along the hills.
Régua Round Trip
The Douro Valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and terraced vineyards. On the route from Régua, you’ll witness some of the most beautiful views in Portugal as you pedal along the river. Thanks to your e-bike, the climb on the first part of the ride is leisurely, and the reward is a view over the river and the stunning city of Régua. There are many photo-worthy opportunities on our tour, but this is most definitely one of them.
Upon returning to Régua, as this is a round trip ride, a walk beside the scenic riverfront is a great way to end an evening. The setting sun paints the valley in golds and pinks and is best enjoyed with a glass of Douro wine in hand; whether it’s a rich Port or a light Vinho Verde. The climate of the region mean balmy evenings are the perfect temperature for dining al fresco, where you can soak in the atmosphere and vibrant culture that the region has to offer. Often, live music fills the streets and bars of Portugal, so expect an exciting ambience wherever you go.
Pinhão to Tua
On of the most unique and best cycling routes in Portugal is from Pinhão to Tua. In the morning, you’ll have the chance to pack a picnic of traditional and delicious Portuguese bread, cheese, and jams. We highly recommend you stop and enjoy a picnic by the vineyards, where you can relax in a peaceful atmosphere with sweeping views. Although the first half of the journey is beautiful, it’s the second half that will really charm you.
On the way to Tua, you’ll be travelling via a boat, experiencing the valley from a new perspective on the water. On a calm day, the water is completely still and mirrors the terraced vineyards above, creating a magical display. Although you aren’t cycling on this stretch, it’s still one of our favourite routes and adds some variety to the day. There’s never a dull moment when pedalling in Portugal.
Régua to Lamego
If you’re looking for fascinating history and glorious architecture, then you’ll agree that Régua to Lamego is one of the best cycling routes in Portugal. To reach the start of the route, you’ll experience a fabulous boat ride for an hour, where a morning coffee surrounded by amazing views is our favourite way to begin the day. After docking and hopping on your e-bikes, expect a wonderful route filled with charming sights.
Enjoy peaceful local roads and traffic-free lanes, passing over picturesque bridges to reach quaint towns. Stop off and visit a local café for a mid-ride refuel before heading to the grand and historic city of Lamego. One of the most iconic sights here is the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a breathtaking cathedral set at the top of a hill. A grand sight, both from the bottom and top of the long stairs, a climb up rewards you with stunning Portuguese tile work. Blue and white frescos showcase scenes from mythology and are undeniably beautiful. This cathedral is why this is one of the best cycling routes in Portugal.
On your return to Régua, expect more vineyard views as you pedal mostly downhill. This downhill section is wonderful, especially after exploring the exciting city of Lamego. The city has so much to offer, so it’s likely you’ll have spent most of the time checking out all of the sights. Give your legs a break as you leisurely cycle back to your charming hotel for evening drinks and a delightful dinner.
Régua to Pinhão
One of the reasons Régua is a fantastic place for cycling is thanks to its brilliant connections to other towns and cities via bicycle. One such place is Pinhão, where a wonderful route takes you past the scenic village of Folgosa as well as a local farm where a wine tasting can be arranged. Folgosa lies along the Douro River in a particularly wide section. Thanks to this, the river looks more like a lake, and adds to the fantastic scenery. The village reflects on the still water and is quite a sight at sunset.
One of the best cycling routes in Portugal, we highly recommend you visit the Casal de Loivos viewpoint. Just north of Pinhão, you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint where sweeping views of the valley will take your breath away. Many of the most famous images of the Douro Valley will have been taken here, so don’t forget to bring your camera out and snap a few pictures.
For more information on the best cycling routes in Portugal, call our cycle experts today.