Portugal has been trending as a travel destination in recent years. For a long time, it flew under the radar, often bypassed in favor of Spain, France, or Italy. But slowly and steadily, travelers have started to take notice of its laid-back pace, striking landscapes, and rich, layered culture. We think it more than lives up to the hype, and from a cycling perspective, it's quietly spectacular.
We've focused our Portugal tours on a few select areas that align with what we value most: scenic landscapes, safe routes, rich local character, and great food and wine. Each one of these areas shows a different side of Portugal, and all offer simply superb cycling.
We often begin our trips in Porto, a city known for its riverside charm and port wine. It is bursting with history and culture, all intermingled with a hilly landscape that draws you into the heart of the city. From here, we like to head into the Douro Valley, one of Europe's oldest wine regions. The roads trace the curves of the river through terraced vineyards and sleepy villages.
Portugal's highest mountains, the Serra da Estrela, offer a dramatic contrast. The rides here are a little more rugged, but the rewards are rich: sweeping views, crisp mountain air, and remote towns with hearty food and quiet charm. Hearty soups and stews pair perfectly with locally produced cheeses and meats, creating meals that feel rustic and warm.
For something truly different, we explore Sao Miguel in the Azores, where you'll pedal between volcanic craters, green hills, and ocean views. Our favorite tour ingredients here include a visit to a tea plantation, the only one in Europe, and a stop at a pineapple farm. You'll become deeply enthralled by the pull of the natural world, and the miles will fly by.
Each of these regions offers a different take on Portugal, but all carry the same thread: good roads, memorable meals, and the chance to connect with a place through the rhythm of the ride.