Landscapes and Cycling Portugal's N2
Whether you choose the sea at your side, to go up and down mountains, or to meander through the towns and villages, the options are endless! Within a few kilometres, you can go from the hills to the beach, from the hustle and bustle of the city to the peacefulness of the countryside since, in Portugal, there’s a great diversity of landscapes within a short distance of each other. And it’s even easier to make the necessary detours by bike to get to those places where the views are absolutely breath-taking. Also, many regions have invested in the creation of bike parks and in maintaining and improving trails, making it perfect for mountain biking.
The Portugal N2 cycle route is known as Europe's Route 66. National Road N2 offers some of the best road cycling in Portugal. It’s one of the most varied and best cycling routes you'll find. The 739-kilometre route traverses the length of the country, from its mountainous north in Trás-os-Montes, to the verdant valleys of the south in the Barrocal Algarve. Wild Atlantic Cycling's Portugal End to End road bike tour offers a fully supported cycle vacation primarily following the N2 cycle route.
Portugal’s N2 road crosses four mountain ranges, 11 rivers, and 35 municipalities, with a menu of local gastronomical delights and world-famous wine to fuel your journey of rich Roman heritage.
Airports
Porto airport is perfect to discover the North of Portugal, the Douro, to cycle to Santiago de Compostela by the Minho region; Lisbon airport is a better option to discover Sintra, the silver and blue coasts or Alentejo wine country; Faro airport will provide you a gateway into the south of the country, to the southwest coast and the Algarve. These are the three main airports in continental Portugal.
Weather whilst Bike Touring in Portugal
With a pleasant climate, without great extremes of temperature, and a sun that shines throughout the year, Portugal offers lovely conditions to be explored by bike. Portugal has a great cycling climate all year long. It faces the north Atlantic Ocean and is home to a maritime climate, with average annual temperature of 16 Degrees and sunny weather all year long, making it perfect for cycling in Portugal. In July or August, it’s best to choose the region of your liking wisely, as it can be too hot for cycling in some interior areas. Autumn and Winters are moderate with sunny spring and summer seasons.
Food and Drink
The most distinctive feature of Portuguese cuisine comes from the sea. As you enjoy a simple grilled fish, always fresh like the seafood that abounds from end to end along the coast, you can be sure that you are in Portugal! Cataplanas, bouillabaisses and any other fish or seafood dish are also excellent choices. Each dish is matched to the right wine. The whole country produces wine and, while Port wine is famous, the Douro, Alentejo and many other table wines are no less superior. On your Portugal cycle tour you will discover the Douro and Alentejo have been voted best wine countries in the world. Home to some of the best wine tasting, as well as picturesque and authentic landscapes, people, wineries, farms and culture. In short, Portugal’s cuisine is as rich and varied as its landscape.
