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Cycling tours in Portugal

Our selection of cycling holidays in Portugal uncovers some of the most breath-taking landscapes in this magical country. Dreaming of exploring the unspoilt coastline of the Algarve? Set off on an unforgettable trip to southern Portugal, where you can explore hidden fishing villages, peaceful cliff tops, and mesmerising views of the crystal-clear waters.

If you're keen to explore northern Portugal, then a trip to beautiful Porto may be just what you're looking for. This picturesque city is full of brightly coloured buildings that tumble down to the waterside of the Douro River.

Explore coastal paths, beaches, sand dunes, lighthouses, colourful marinas, and charming towns and cities. During these cycling holidays in Portugal, you will enjoy world-famous wine cellars, sample delicious cuisine, and spot wildlife including pink flamingos and kingfishers.

Portugal offers rich history and some of the most diverse natural landscapes in Europe. We have cycling tours in Portugal that journey from the mountains to the sea, so you can take in the wonderful scenery en route.

Let us help you plan the perfect cycling trip in Portugal

We offer a variety of cycling trips suitable for all abilities, so there is something for everyone at Headwater. Whether you're a first-timer, a family with children, or a seasoned bike rider, find the perfect cycling holiday in Portugal today!

There are guided and self-guided cycling trips in Portugal to enjoy - the choice is yours! Our guided tours all have a local cycling leader who rides with the group the whole way, showing you all the famous hot spots and hidden gems. Rather travel at your own pace? Our self-guided cycling holidays in Portugal give you the flexibility to set off and stop when and where you like.

Where can I go on cycling tours in Portugal?

With so many exciting cycling holidays to choose from, you might not know where to start. Here are some of the best bike tours in Portugal, handpicked by our expert team.

THE ALGARVE

Located on the southernmost coastline of Portugal, discover a land that time forgot as you explore the unspoilt wild beaches, pretty white villages, and near-deserted cycling routes of the Algarve. The area is a birdwatcher's paradise, with endemic and migratory species passing through from Africa and Northern Europe.

PORTO

Visit mainland Portugal to experience varied beach-front cycling tours along some of the most spectacular stretches of coast you will ever see! Home to centuries-old architecture and famous for its port wine, Porto is a must-visit for adventurers looking to enjoy some of the best, and freshest, food and drink in Europe. Your journey will start in Porto, before heading south via scenic beaches and bays to Aveiro, Portugal's Venice, before finishing beside the beach at Praia de Mira.

THE AZORES

The Azores are a hidden gem of Europe, supplying some of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. On Terceira Island, explore the stunning coastline, the luxurious green pastures, and the dramatic lava coastline on this Portugal cycling trip. There is plenty to see on the islands, from natural pools and volcano pits to the town of Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

THE ALGARVE'S ROTA VICENTINA

Follow the Rota Vicentina cycling path from Setubal to Cape Sao Vicente, along a rugged coastline with amazing views over cliffs and large sandy beaches. Spread across the provinces of Alentejo and Algarve, you'll take in breath-taking coastal scenery every day and explore the unspoiled nature and wildlife of southern Portugal. Follow the historical cycling routes to experience the best of these preserved coastal areas and fisherman villages.

THE RIVER MINHO

Soak up the impressive views of the River Minho as you cycle through small villages and extensive vineyards, towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling rivers, historic towns, and dramatic coastal landscapes. Experience the highlights of central Portugal with this cycling holiday.

THE DOURO VALLEY

Explore the Douro Valley and its historical villages on our six-night, self-guided Portugal cycling tour. This is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, offering countless restaurants and wineries alongside unmissable views of the Douro River carved into the valley. This World Heritage site offers an unparalleled experience of mainland Portugal. Starting from the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, close to the Spanish border, you'll cycle through uniquely terraced vineyards on your way to the port wine town of Pinhao.

COIMBRA

The riverside city of Coimbra is home to some of the country's richest history and culture.  Venture off the beaten path in Portugal's old capital and enjoy the centuries-old architecture that dates to pre-Roman times. With this Portugal cycling trip, you can stroll the scenic banks of the Mondego River at this UNESCO site and sample the traditional cuisine and local Coimbra fado music the city is known for.

LISBON ATLANTIC

Follow scenic routes along the Atlantic coast of Portugal with our mountain-to-sea cycling tours. Your journey begins in Porto, with highlights including a scenic ride through the dunes of the Sao Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight stay in the picture-perfect fortified village of Obidos.

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Cycling in The Real Algarve
Portugal: The Algarve

Cycling in The Real Algarve

Discover a land that time forgot as you explore the unspoilt wild coastlines, pretty white villages and deserted cycling routes of the Algarve. The area is a birdwatchers paradise, with endemic and migratory species passing through from Africa and Northern Europe.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC06AV
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2300per person, tour only

  • 55 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts and 5 evening meals
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Porto Coastal Cycling
Portugal: Mainland Portugal

Porto Coastal Cycling

Varied beach-front cycling along some of the most spectacular stretches of coast we've ever seen! Starting in wine capital, Porto, your route heads south beach and bay-hopping to Aveiro, Portugal's Venice before finishing beside the beach at Praia de Mira.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC07OP
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$3050per person, tour only

  • 57 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Azores Cycling
Portugal: The Azores

Azores Cycling

In Terceira Island, explore the stunning coastline and the luxurious green pastures. Enjoy landscapes of dramatic lava coastline and natural pools, visit a volcano pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Town, and ride along lush green sceneries.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC06AZ
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2150per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina
Portugal: The Algarve

Cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina

Follow the Rota Vicentina cycling path from Setubal to the Cape Sao Vicente, along rugged coastline with amazing views over cliffs and large sandy beaches.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC07RV
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2420per person, tour only

  • 6 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All Breakfasts included
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Cycling in Portugal: From the Mountains to the Sea
Portugal: Mainland Portugal

Cycling in Portugal: From the Mountains to the Sea

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.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC07MI
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2425per person, tour only

  • 11 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Cycling in the Douro Valley
Portugal: Mainland Portugal

Cycling in the Douro Valley

Explore the Douro Valley and its historical villages on our 6-night self-guided tour. Starting from the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, close to the Spanish border you'll cycle through uniquely terraced vineyards on your way to port wine town of Peso da Regua.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC06DV
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration6 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2750per person, tour only

  • 5 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts and one evening meal.
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Porto to Coimbra Cycling
Portugal: Mainland Portugal

Porto to Coimbra Cycling

Enjoy cycling from wine capital, Porto, south along the coast and bay-hopping to Aveiro, Portugal's Venice before heading inland and finishing in Coimbra, Portugal's old capital with UNESCO recognised heritage.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC09OP
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided cycling
  • Duration9 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$3185per person, tour only

  • 50 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Bike hire included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride
Portugal: Mainland Portugal

Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Follow scenic coastal routes along the Atlantic Coast of Portugal. This tour starts in Porto, with highlights including a scenic ride through the dunes of the Sao Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight in the picture-perfect fortified village of Obidos.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeC07PO
  • Holiday typeGuided cycling
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2555per person, tour only
  • All breakfasts, one wine tasting All accommodation Tour leader throughout Local bike hire Group arrival and departure transfers available

    Cycling Holidays in Portugal

    Overall customer rating, based on 187 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place for cycling in Portugal?

Portugal offers some of the most underrated cycle-friendly spots in southern Europe where holiday-goers can enjoy both immaculate views and exciting trails. The best bike tour spots in Portugal include destinations like the city of Porto or the sunny beaches of the Algarve. But the perfect place for you depends on what you need from your cycling holiday. We have several guided and self-guided Portugal bike tours you can choose from that are suitable for every type of cyclist level.

Is Portugal good for cycling?

Portugal may not automatically spring to mind when you think about cycling holidays, but its popularity is on the rise, and for good reason. Take your pick from scenic coastal routes to winding green hills and peaceful mountains. You'll find well-signposted trails, so whether you're a beginner or an expert, Portugal has a bike route that fits your capabilities.

How long to cycle around Portugal?

We offer cycling holiday packages that range from six to nine days, so you have enough time to take in the beauty and culture that Portugal has to offer.

How do I book a Portugal cycling holiday?

If you're ready to book one of our cycling tours in Portugal, you just need to follow these simple steps:

  1. Click the 'Book now' tab of the holiday page to check the availability of your travel dates and confirm the details.
  2. Your booking will be held for five days so you can arrange your travel details. To confirm it, we just need a deposit. with your debit/credit card details or use our secure online card payment page.
  3. You'll receive your confirmation invoice in the post within seven days of confirming your booking. Approximately 10 weeks before your departure date, you'll need to provide your final payment to receive your holiday documentation.

If you have any questions about making a booking or you would like to make amendments before your departure, contact our sales team. Call us, email us, or use our live chat feature.

What to expect on a cycling holiday in Portugal?

If you're looking to soak up local culture and admire breath-taking natural beauty, then our cycling tours in Portugal are the perfect getaway. You'll be cycling for most of the day, so if you're up for active exploring, then our bike tours will be right up your street.

You don't need to worry about bringing your luggage along with you between cycle journeys as your belongings will be transported ahead of your journey. You can choose between guided and cycling holiday packages, as well as difficulty levels that suit your abilities and preferences. You can use our audio navigation system to help you find your way or utilise the expertise of our tour guides to experience the best that Portugal has to offer.

Riders seeking an active and relaxed trip will be well suited to our level two holidays. And for the more experienced cyclists, level three cycling tours in Portugal offer more challenging routes.

What to pack for a cycling holiday in Portugal?

Our cycling tours in Portugal are available across the year so what you pack will depend on the months you'll be travelling in. If you're selecting a bike tour between March and October, you can expect mostly sunny skies and dry climates. In this case, some of the most important things to bring include:

  • Sunglasses and hats
  • Water bottle
  • SPF and other sun protection products
  • First-aid kit
  • Comfortable shoes and cycling clothes
  • Cycling helmet
  • Waterproof jacket/windbreaker (if required)

We'll supply you with Headwater bikes to use throughout your Portugal cycling holiday. You can bring pedals, cycling computers, saddles, water bottle cages, and child seats to be fitted as long as they're compatible with our bicycles.

Why choose a cycling holiday in Portugal by Headwater?

Choose one of our cycling holidays in Portugal to immerse yourself in one of the most picturesque countries in southern Europe. Our team will make all the arrangements for your bike tour, so you just need to pick a destination and let us do the rest. We offer a secure booking process for peace of mind so book your cycling holiday in Portugal today.

  • Outstanding destinations across the globe - Each holiday destination has been handpicked using our five-step approval process to guarantee that you'll experience the best our bike tours have to offer. We also provide hotels with hosts to keep you comfortable during your stay.

  • Stress-free travel - We keep your travel nice and easy from take off to coming home. We'll arrange your entire cycling holiday to Portugal and that includes booking your flights too.

  • Well-reviewed - We've got a 4.6 rating from our customers on Feefo.

  • Sustainable holidays - Sustainability is at the heart of our adventure holidays and we're working hard to become Nature Net Positive. This is part of our People, Places & Planet plan to reduce the impact our tours have on the environment.

  • Benefitting communities - We're always looking to give back to communities, so The Exodus Travels Foundation aims to make a difference in disaster relief, along with social and conservation causes.

  • ABTA- and ATOL-protected - Book your cycling tour to Portugal confidently with our ABTA- and ATOL-protection. Find out what your key rights are when booking a holiday with us.

  • Award-winning holidays - We've received acclaim from The British Travel Awards for our one-of-a-kind adventure holidays all around the world.

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