How To Plan A Bike Trip In Portugal

Did you know that Portugal is one of the most searched for holiday destinations for 2017? With the country’s popularity as a tourist destination booming of late, it is no wonder why many people are looking into alternative holidays, like bike trips in Portugal. If this sort of experience strikes your fancy, we have compiled this helpful guide for planning your trip.

Why choose Portugal?

There are a number of reasons to choose this amazing country for your next holiday – it’s incredibly accessible and diverse, it is tourism oriented (which means plenty of hotels, good transportation and lots of people speak English), it has a good climate year round, it has a rich history and culture to explore, it has great food and wine, and it has great back roads with small car-density.

When is the best time to visit?

We have found that different regions of the country are best explored at different times of the year. You may have a better experience in the off peak season, as there will be a lot less tourists around. Enjoy mild winter temperatures from January to March, spring and early summer from April to June, or see the transition into autumn from September to November.

How should I plan my trip?

The best way to start is by flying into the airport that is closest to the starting point of your ride. You have the option to either rent your own bike or to let your guide arrange rental for you – either way, ensure that you are honest about your abilities and confidence. To fully enjoy the experience, it is recommended that you only aim to tour one or two of the regions.

What are the best regions to visit?

As we have already touched on, there are a number of regions that can be explored whilst on bike trips in Portugal – it might seem like a small country but it will take you at least a week to explore a region to the fullest. It is recommended that you pick the region that best fits your riding profile and the time of year that you’re hoping to travel.

• Douro Valley & International Park

The best time to visit is from March to June or September to October. The terrain is hilly. This region is the north of the country and is where port wine is originally from. As such, many tourists come here to explore the wine country and do lots of tastings.

• Algarve

The best time to visit is from February to May or September to November. The terrain is mixed – mountainous inland but easier by the coast. This region is in the south and is the most popular tourist destination, particularly during the summer, because of the beaches.

• Alentejo Wine Country

The best time to visit is from March to June or September to November. The terrain mostly consists of rolling hills with flat sections and occasional climbs. As it’s name suggests, many tourists come here for the wine and the roads are relatively car-free.

• Porto & Camino de Santiago

The best time to visit is from May to July or September to October. The terrain is mixed. The Camino de Santiago is an incredibly famous path, although the Portuguese route is lesser known than its Spanish and French counterparts – an experience for many.

We hope that the information provided in this guide has enabled you to plan the best possible bike trip in Portugal. If you would prefer to focus on enjoying your holiday rather than being distracted with planning and itineraries, we highly recommend contacting the team at Viktorianz – we custom plan road trips according to your desires, ensuring a stress-free experience.