Cycling Tours in Portugal
Portugal Cycling Tours
Top 5 Locations for Cycling in Portugal
Porto: This colourful coastal city is a fabulous destination for Portugal cycling tours with its imposing bridges, winding streets and medieval Ribeira. Ride along the beautiful Douro River where pastel-hued houses slope down to the water’s edge and stop off at one of the city’s famous wine cellars. If you don’t get too carried away with the port wine, it’s well worth venturing down to the Aveiro Lagoon to see the colourful array of birdlife, including the pink flamingos, kingfishers and purple herons. Aveiro has been dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’ owing to its palm-fringed canals and stylish restaurants.
Western Algarve: Far from the madding crowds on the main coast, the western Algarve is a quieter region that’s starkly different to the tourist spots. If you prefer to explore the lesser-known routes on cycling holidays in Portugal, this is a great place to visit. Learn about the country’s history, nature and culture when you set off on an adventure through traditional villages, along clifftops and coastal trails. Pretty country lanes lead you through meadows and forests while the towns of Sagres and Lagos introduce you to Portugal’s maritime history. Or you might want to stop off at one of the seafront restaurants to try the Portuguese cuisine, famous for its fresh seafood and meats.
Lisbon’s Atlantic Coast: Portugal’s Atlantic Coast is beyond compare with its brightly coloured fishing villages, medieval towns and white sand beaches. The Silver Coast is a stunning part of the coastline that runs between Lisbon and Porto and is best explored on a bike. The walled town of Óbidos is a fascinating place to visit and is drenched in a rich history. Ride through the narrow, cobbled streets that wind up to the medieval castle or hop off your bike and walk along the ancient walls.
Douro Valley: Known for its port wines, ancient villages and the snaking River Douro, the Douro Valley is one of the best regions of Portugal to explore by bike. Cycle through terraced vineyards and stop off to taste the famous wines at Quinta do Tedo and meet the local Portuguese people at the village of Pinhao. The scenery of the Douro Valley is unmatched for its beauty and the route from Castelo Rodrigo takes you on a breath-taking journey along the River Douro, which runs for almost 900km along the Iberian Peninsula.
Minho Region: The rugged and wildly beautiful region of Minho plays an important part in the history and culture of Portugal. Its diverse landscape is made up of rivers, mountains and coastline that provide gorgeous backdrops to cycling trips here. As well as riding among untamed countryside, you’ll also pass through vineyards and pretty mountain villages where you can stop to immerse yourself in the local culture and savour the Portuguese food. You can also spend some time on the golden beaches and go swimming in the warm Atlantic waters.
Expert Guides
Our expert guides know the destinations better than anyone: exactly which spot to stand to get the very best photograph; exactly what time to arrive to avoid the crowds. And they’ll take you to the very best locally-owned restaurants so you get a taste of what real life is all about. These are the people who will help you get a unique insight into what a place is all about, the people who will take you to the heart and soul of a destination.
And, at Exodus HQ every single one of us is passionate about travel and adventure. Together our staff and tour leaders have visited more than 171 countries, and come from a range of backgrounds as diverse archaeology and mountain rescue. We have the hands on experience to help when you need it, and from the moment you pick up the phone to the moment you land, we’re here to take the hassle out your holiday. We’ll meet you at the airport, get you safely from place to place, and provide you with the right kit to tackle your chosen adventure.
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