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.
Cycling in Portugal Helpful Resources:
Regions
There are many great cycling regions in Portugal, ranging in difficulty and length.
Some popular routes include:
- Douro Valley: A peaceful and scenic area with some of the best cycling routes in Portugal
- Algarve: The Algarve region is known for its coastal cycling routes, which offer views of the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs, and beaches
- Rota Vicentina: A network of trails that runs along the southwestern coast of Portugal, from Lisbon or Setubal to Lagos
- Guadiana Valley Natural Park: A wildflower-filled valley that's good for cycling and kayaking
The Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and popular with tourists and visitors especially in the summer months. Many come to enjoy the beaches and golfing opportunites. However the cycling is also fantastic. If planning to ride in the Algarve be sure to include at least some of the following:
- The red rock formations and green pines of Praia da Falésia – one of the Algarve’s many gorgeous beaches.
- The coastal town of Lagos with jaw-dropping panaramas and rock formations.
- Europe’s most south-westerly lighthouse at Sagres - primarily a surfing destination, but with sheltered pristine beaches for relaxing on, and an unassuming cool vibe about the town.
The Doura Valley and Porto
With cooler August temperatures than the south, the north of the country is perfect for cycling in the summer. The coastal city of Porto is a good place to base yourself for cycling. It’s also known as Europe’s most romantic city! Three popular areas and routes to look at are:
- The Atlantic coast, the road to Vila do Conde and Viana do Castelo have wonderful sea and coastal views as you pedal.
- The hills and mountains near the city of Braganza as well as the nearby cities of Braga and Vila Real.
- Venture further north into Spain on the mountainous route to the world-famous city of Santiago de Compostela. Known for its bars and restaurants serving the delicious seafood of Galicia. It also has a UNESCO World Heritage old town centre
Long Distance Routes
One classic cycle route is the Portugal N2 - 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.
The EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route follows the entire coast of Portugal, and you will find plenty of information to organise your trip on the EuroVelo Portugal website.
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.
