Cycling in Portugal: From the Mountains to the Sea

Experience Overview

In the far north of Portugal, on the border with Spain, lies the Minho region: a wild, rugged area of historical and cultural significance. You cycle through small villages and extensive vineyards, following the River Minho towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling river scenes, historic towns and dramatic coastal landscape. You will stay in authentic accommodation offering friendly Portuguese hospitality and delicious regional cuisine. There is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden stretches of beach you cycle past, maybe accompanied by a glass of the local Vinho Verde (white wine) for which the region is well known. The ride finishes in Porto, named best European City Destination in 2013, 2014, and again for 2017.
Profile
— 7 nights accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses — 6 days cycling — 86% paved, 14% unpaved (including some cobbled sections) — Mainly flat or downhill roads with some gentle hills — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
At a Glance
— 7 nights accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses — 6 days cycling — 86% paved, 14% unpaved (including some cobbled sections) — Mainly flat or downhill roads with some gentle hills — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
Trip For You
Cycling conditionsThis is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and grading.Average daily ride: 42km (26 miles). No. of days cycling: 6Terrain & route: Mostly on cycle paths or roads. Whilst the majority of the cycling is on paved roads there will also be times you are cycling on cycle paths - these can be of mixed terrain and are sometimes affected by adverse weather conditions (i.e. they can get muddy). You will be warned at the introductory briefing if there are any sections of the route where you need to take extra care because of this. We would also like to point out that cobbled roads are included in our description of 'paved roads'; something you should take into consideration when booking.The route is mainly flat or downhill with the occasional small climb.Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is very common to keep pet dogs in Northern Portugal for guarding rural properties. Whilst on the cycle route, you may encounter dogs barking or running alongside your bike. In most cases, dogs are confined to properties for this trip. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 14 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. On this trip, children should be expected to ride on roads with traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain a 24hr emergency assistance telephone number. In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
A typical hotel breakfast consists of: toast/bread with jam,or honey, cheese and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt. Portuguese people are very proud of their cuisine, and the deliciously fresh seafood is a real highlight. You will find fresh fish on most menus, usually sardines, sea bream, hake, sea bass and sole, cooked in a variety of ways. Bacalhau (cured codfish) is a national dish although it can vary depending on the region - there are up to 365 recipes to cook it! Caldo Verde (green soup) is made with potatoes, olive oil and salt, sometimes with garlic and onion, and is typical in the northern region of Portugal. For meat lovers the barrosã meat (steak) is often served grilled and roasted just to it's naturally delicious flavour. There are also several stew dishes to sample, delicacies being Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe & white bean stew) and Rojões à Minhota (chunks of pork usually cooked with potatoes). 'Francesinha' is an iconic dish originating from Porto and involves layers of different meats (usually beef, ham, grilled pork, linguiça (smoke cured pork sausage) and sausage), between two slices of bread, covered by melted cheese and immersed in a spicy beer & tomato sauce, often topped with a fried egg and surrounded by chips. It is not for the faint hearted! To drink you will find plenty of the local Sagres and Superbock beer. Vinho Verde is available from the supermarket and directly from the producers. It is a young, medium alcohol white wine with an almost carbonated quality. Port needs no introduction and a glass (or two) of the fortified wine will generally follow a hearty Portuguese meal!
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. Airport transfer will either be in a minibus or taxi.
Joining Instructions
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Moncao and ending in Porto Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Moncao on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Transfer Details
A shared airport transfer (arrival and departure) is included in the trip cost. Please book a flight that arrives in Porto airport before 2.20pm in order to take advantage of this transfer. (Please meet at the 'meeting point' area in the airport). If you arrive at the airport earlier than the shared transfer time, Porto airport has luggage storage facilities if you need to use these. If you arrive after 2.20pm (or if you would prefer not to wait) we can offer a private transfer to take you to the start accommodation at a supplement. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance. Unless specified otherwise, the return transfer will be from the end hotel at 3pm (transfers from other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge). Air prices include our standard flights/transfersOut: TAP Air Portugal Gatwick to Porto 12:00/14:20 then transfer to hotel 1 hour 45 mins. Return: Transfer to airport 20 mins then TAP Air Portugal Porto to Gatwick 17:50/20:05. Alternative Air TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Weather Information
Porto has a temperate maritime climate with a strong Mediterranean influence. The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures occasionally. Summers are warmer and drier in the interior and moderated by the sea, as winters are cooler inland and mild by the sea. At Porto, the average maximum temperatures in August –the hottest month - is 25 degrees Celsius, and the average maximum temperatures in January –the coolest month - is 14 degrees Celsius. May and October have an average midday temperatures of 20 Celsius, and even April and November have an average midday temperatures around 17 and 18 Celsius.
Spending Money
— Allow €10-15 for each lunch or dinner (taken in a restaurants), excluding alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash for drinks or ice creams in cafés or bars during the day. Typically a beer or coffee will cost around €1.5 and a reasonable bottle of wine at dinner about €8.

Highlights