9 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations in Portugal

Portugal, a Southwestern European country located on the Iberian Peninsula, depicts a strong cultural identity and rich heritage. This country attracts tourists from across the world for the availability of affordable food, wine, impeccable architecture and activities like biking and cycling.

Furthermore, its spectacular cityscape and roadmap make it a hotspot for cycling in Portugal for travellers. So, if you want to know more about Portugal cycling tours, continue reading!

The following is a list of top cycling-friendly destinations for Portugal bicycle tours and other key specifications related to these spots.

1. Rota Vincentina

Rota Vincentian is among the most renowned destinations for cycling trips in Portugal, for offering astounding views of the Atlantic coasts. This cycling route offers a landscape view of rice paddy fields, hilly areas, small villages and farmhouses. In addition, there are plenty of cafes and eateries to experience the Mediterranean flavors.

• Distance: 65 KM
• Activities: Photography, sightseeing, exploring Mediterranean cuisines, etc.
• Routes: Starting from Arrabida Loop, via Vila Nova de Milfontes loop to Lagos
• Best Time: March to June; September to November

2. Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata, situated in Central Western Portugal, is among the renowned coastal cycling routes in this country. The coastline's picturesque view makes countless travelers worldwide visit this place, primarily for cycling in Portugal.

One can experience the nearest beach town and evergreen nature on this route. The average temperature ranging between 14°C-26°C and the rolling terrain nature of this region makes it perfect for beginners to bike around the coastline.

• Distance: 65 KM
• Route: Eurovelo 1
• Activities: Bird watching, hiking, sightseeing and photography
• Best Time: June to August

3. Douro Valley

A UNESCO heritage site in Portugal, Douro Valley is famous for its  spectacular cycling route which offers an exceptional riding experience to travelers. Experiencing joyful weather conditions in spring and summer, several travelers opt for cycling at Douro Valley to explore its astounding landscapes with terraced vineyards.

• Distance: 146 Km
• Route: Starting from Porto airport via NH222 to Peso da Regua
• Activities: Visit the nearest tourist attractions, photography, wine tasting at Quinta do Bomfim, drive along the National Highway 222
• Best Time: April to June

4. Camino Portuguese

Travelers choosing the Camino Portuguese route get to experience the pilgrimage route for Santiago de Compostela, constituting the official footpath for the way to St. James. This walking path is used for cycling in Portugal and showcases the serenity of the Romanian roads of Lusitania.

The weather mostly here is dry with moderate chances of rain during the summer season which makes it so popular among cyclists of Portugal.

• Distance: 280 km
• Route: Porto - Vigo - Redondela - Santiago
• Activities: Visiting the nearest Port Cellar, strolling through the Douro River, and exploring the nearest cathedral and museum.
• Best Time: May to June and September

5. Torre de Belém

The spectacular view of the Belem Tower or the Tower of Saint Vincent in Lisbon highlights this Portugal cycling tour. The cycling route is appropriate for beginners, offering an exceptional riding experience to travelers. Its warm weather throughout the year is one of the reasons why several cyclists gather around here.

Some of the highlights of this trip that the riders will encounter are the Champalimaud Foundation and the golden coastline alongside the cycling route.

• Distance: 83 Km
• Route: Lisboa Oriente via Belem Tower
• Activities: Visiting the National Coach Museum and Monastery, exploring the different eateries, photography, etc.
• Best Time: May to September

6. Algarve

The famous Algarve route in the southwestern region of Portugal is considered one of the top cycling trips in Portugal. Here, you can experience an exquisite cycling tour of Portugal that showcases the beauty of rustic tranquility along the narrow country roads and offers an astounding view of a field of figs and orange groves.

One of the highlights of this place is that this part of Portugal receives 300 days of sunshine, which makes it highly suitable for cycling.

• Distance: 60 km
• Route: Algarviana via Silves to Marmelete
• Activities: Cave exploration, kayaking, hiking, fishing, biking, etc.
• Best Time: June to August

7. Alentejo

The cycling route of Alentejo, located in Southern Portugal, offers a once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience. Cyclists encounter stunning fields of wildflowers, ancient Mediaeval castles and other essences showing serene landscapes. Ancient villages with white-washed walls bordered with blue also come in the way.

This route is easy to moderate and highly suitable for beginner riders. Additionally, the average temperature mostly ranges around 23°C offering an enjoyable climate for all adventures.

• Distance: 438 Km
• Route: Evora - Monsaraz - Serpa - Mertola - Castro verde - Beja
• Activities: Exploring the coastal area, visiting the Temple of Evora and chapel, photography, etc.
• Best Time: Late March to June

8. Praia da Salema

Salema, a fishing port, attracts tourists worldwide to the National Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina. More importantly, breathtaking views of the golden coastline often attract tourists to enjoy the bike riding experience.

This cycling route in Portugal is again one of the most challenging. However, riders often opt for this route to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush and thrills in its mild climate conditions with the average temperature in the range of 16°C and 25°C.

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Route: From Lagos to Ponte da Piedade via Salema Beach coastline
• Activities: Beach tours, nearby attractions, explorations, sightseeing, etc.
• Best Time: June to September

9. Doca de Alcantara

Riders with intermediate experience riding bikes in different parts of the city will be interested in this Portugal bicycle tour. Some of the highlights of this bike tour are the tranquil scenery of Trancao River, Padrao dos Descobrimentos, Belem and another bridge view.

The long stretch of cycling route offers the sightseeing experience of this part of the country and lets you enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.

• Distance: 67.91 km
• Route: From Pampilheira to Doca de Alcântara
• Activities: Snorkelling, fishing, exploring the wildlife centre, photography, experiencing local delicacies, etc.
• Best Time: May to June; September to October