Exploring Portugal on a bike is a fantastic choice. The country's coastal beauty on the Iberian Peninsula, with a profile often likened to a dreamy face, turned toward the Atlantic Ocean, unfolds breathtaking landscapes that truly come alive in motion. Portugal has a strong tradition of cycling tourism, marked on its maps and sustained over time. It allows access to unique places that might otherwise be difficult to reach. To join this tradition, all you need is a dependable bike, an active mindset, and a good dose of adventurous spirit.
Iberostar’s hotels in Portugal eagerly await your arrival, extending a warm welcome and offering all the essential care and comforts following your cycling trip in Portugal. From the Algarve to Lisbon, you'll discover an ideal harmony between opulence, activity, and tranquility. This all unfolds within a sustainable philosophy, mirroring the principles that drive the two wheels enabling you to journey with heightened consciousness and a profound connection to nature, not just in Portugal but also in various corners of the globe. Ready to embark on this journey?
The Algarve: From Lagos to Portimao
Commencing in Lagos, Algarve, one of the best bike routes in Portugal unfolds in a circular fashion, winding through this region to ultimately arrive at Portimao. This approximately three-hour journey boasts a moderate difficulty level, featuring numerous cycling-friendly greenways, many of which run parallel to the captivating coastline. Along this scenic route, you’ll have the opportunity to explore picturesque beaches and coves and indulge in meals at authentic local restaurants. For those with remaining energy or the inclination to extend the adventure into the next day, an option awaits to venture further to Faro, passing through the Albufera—an environmental marvel boasting a unique population of flora and fauna.
Your hub for exploring the Algarve by bike is the Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, a family-oriented, five-star, all-inclusive resort situated on the Meia Praia beachfront. Ideal for all ages, this fantastic plan offers a host of amenities, including a dedicated cycling station for parking and bike repairs. The resort's offerings extend beyond, with four pools, a spa, and a gastronomic selection that includes a captivating show cooking experience, showcasing the traditional preparation of cod. If you seek respite for your legs, a convenient option is to take the train to Lagos, conveniently located right at the hotel's doorstep. From the ocean-view terrace, you'll catch a preview of the stunning beauty that awaits you in Portugal.
Cycling tourism in Lisbon
The cycling routes in Portugal are seemingly limitless, and the same goes for Lisbon. A fresh perspective on the Portuguese capital takes you through its neighborhoods, along its coastline, and extensively explores its squares and avenues, seamlessly blending sports with sustainable tourism. Lisbon boasts numerous bike lanes, simplifying your exploration. We suggest renting bikes and commencing your journey on the bike lane parallel to the Tagus River, covering a scenic 20-kilometer stretch between the port and the docks. From there, continue your ride into the historic heart of the city. The adventure can culminate in the business district, passing through the iconic Marquês de Pombal Square and the grand Liberdade Avenue.
Concluding the biking route, you'll find the Iberostar Selection Lisboa, a contemporary five-star hotel conveniently situated at the route's end, and it's just a short ride of less than twenty minutes from Bairro Alto. This serves as an ideal spot for unwinding and recharging after your city exploration. The hotel's cosmopolitan spa offers a water circuit, massages, and treatments to pamper your body. With a cocktail in hand, you can bask in the outdoor pool with the only decision to make of choosing the perfect sunbed to recline on. Culminating the journey are the delightful culinary experiences in the hotel's dining spaces. The Luz gourmet restaurant, in particular, presents typical dishes featuring cod and other responsibly sourced fish and seafood, contributing to the preservation of the sea and its extraordinary inhabitants.
The Portuguese Camino de Santiago
Starting from Lisbon, a world of exploration opens up, allowing you to traverse Portugal and neighboring Spanish regions, and even embark on the Portuguese Camino de Santiago route leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela. While there are various Xacobean cycling routes in Portugal, the most extensive one initiates in the capital and, reaching the height of Porto, diverges into two paths: the Coastal route (aligning with the EuroVelo 1 route) and the Central route. The choice is yours – whether to pedal along the seaside or opt for a journey through the inland regions of Portugal and Galicia. Additionally, decide whether you prefer to complete the pilgrimage entirely on a bike or mix in some walking sections. Regardless of your choice, the route promises breathtaking landscapes, with opportunities to appreciate beaches, cliffs, and enchanting forests. A word of advice: be mindful that, especially until you reach Porto, the infrastructure for pilgrim hostels may not be as developed as in Spain. However, you'll encounter inns, parish houses, and fire stations prepared for overnight stays along the way.
From Lisbon to Badajoz through the Alentejo
The historic ecovia linking Lisbon to Badajoz stands out as one of Portugal's most popular bike routes, renowned for traversing picturesque and serene landscapes. This journey offers a pure infusion of Iberian inspiration, captivating in any season but particularly enchanting in the lush hues of spring or the golden tones of autumn. Spanning approximately five days, this inland route navigates through roads and secondary paths with minimal traffic, weaving through the captivating Alto Alentejo region. Along the way, consider stopping in the charming towns of Elvas and Arcos to witness their Cultural Heritage monuments and indulge in a leisurely stroll along the scenic Seda River. Venture along pathways and forest tracks enveloped by pine forests and vast fields, discovering the surprises that this geographical gem has in store. Indeed, pedaling through this route is a worthwhile endeavor to uncover the hidden wonders of its terrain.
Portugal by bike from North to South
Embarking on the daring journey of crossing Portugal by bike from north to south presents a rewarding adventure. A suggested route involves commencing your expedition in Porto and then making your way down to Alentejo and Algarve via Coimbra and Santarem. Given the considerable duration of at least a week, along with its increased complexity compared to previous routes, a prudent approach involves blending biking with the convenience of a car or even a motorhome. This amalgamation ensures a more relaxed and comprehensive road trip experience.
Opting for this mode of travel entails a continuous immersion in nature, emphasizing the need to preserve and respect the ecosystems encountered along the way. It is paramount to minimize interference in the lives of the various species inhabiting these areas, with particular consideration of animals and plants that are in danger of extinction. This conscientious approach contributes to the sustainability and preservation of the natural environment throughout your cycling odyssey.
Opting to explore Portugal by bike is a decision you won't regret. Beyond the physical activity, this choice allows you to reconnect with yourself and the environment. As you pedal through this stunning destination in southern Europe, you're in for a sensory feast—indulging not only your sight but also your taste buds and overall experiences along the way. Portugal is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations for cycling tourism, offering a harmonious blend of scenic beauty, delectable flavors, and enriching experiences that cater to all your senses.
