The Best Portugal Tours – Guided Bike Tours in Portugal
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Welcome to our page about the best guided and self-guided Portugal tours. This page contains information on Portugal itself, the best Portugal tours, and a number of different bike tours that are available in the country of Portugal. Each tour shown here makes for an excellent bicycle touring holiday and/or relaxing and rewarding bike vacation.
Portugal is a unitary semi-presidential republic in South-Western Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal has a population of 10.5 million people, and covers an area of 92,212 square kilometers. It is also the westernmost country of mainland Europe. Portugal is recognised for having the world’s first global empire in the 15th and 16th centuries, and was one of the world’s major economic, political and military powers.
From a cycling perspective, Portugal is one of Western Europe’s most beautiful places to cycle. From coast to gorgeous coast, the Algarve region in particular is famous for it’s fantastic views of the Atlantic ocean and wonderful ocean-side villas. The Portugese capital of Lisbon is home to some brilliant architecture, as well as the general hustle and bustle of a major city. Portugal’s road riding is excellent and the terrain is mostly flat, although there are some tricky hills in the country’s northern region.
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SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park extends itself along the Portuguese coast and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This SW landscape is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes all over Europe; human intervention has been less visible throughout its history. [/one_third] [one_third]
Starting in Sesimbra, you will enter one of the lushest areas south of Lisbon – the Natural Park of Arrabida. On one side of the park, you’ll admire beautiful Mediterranean landscape and at the other side, the gorgeous coast with accessible beaches where the fine sand and clear sea waters provide a strong contrast of unusual colours.[/one_third] [one_third_last]
You will start your tour in Marvão, a small medieval town on the top of the hill, surrounded by walls and with a majestic castle that defended this small town from the Spanish people many times. There you can admire a spectacular view and then ride down along a medieval narrow road with ancient stone walls.[/one_third_last]
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Portugal Tours – Popular Bicycle Touring Destinations In Portugal
- Alejento is a region in Southern Portugal, it’s a highly popular bicycle touring destination, both for it’s scenery – there are plenty of old, antique townships in the region, and for it’s easy cycling – although there are some hills! The Alejento Circuit in particular is one of great scenery, as you ride throughout the many townships, including Evora – home to a World Heritage center. Although the region is notoriously hot, so bring some sun screen if you’re going between May and September!
- Lisbon is the Portugese capital city. It is home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. Although you can expect the usual business of a capital city, Lisbon boasts some unique architectural landmarks, such as Europe’s longest bridge – the Vasco de Gama Bridge – stretching for 10.7 miles.
- Northern Portugal is home to it’s second largest city – Porto, itself a former military outpost of the Roman Empire and UNESCO World Heritage Site. But, away from the city, lies Portugese wine country. Vineyards stretch for miles in some places, and the riding is something to behold – trails overlooking these massive vineyards, there are also some opportunities to sample locally cooked seafood, such as cod, sardines and octopus.
- The Algarve is a region in Portugal’s south, stretching from the Spanish border to the Atlantic Ocean. The Algarve is home to some the country’s best cycling terrain. Whether you’d rather avoid the challenge of hills – or whether you embrace them – the Algarve region has you in mind. Some routes run right along the coast, so you’re greeted by a cool breeze off the Atlantic Ocean as you cycle, with numerous pearly-white villas dotted throughout the region, the Algarve is undoubtedly ‘hot property’ when it comes to cycling in Portugal.
- Beiras is located in Portugal’s north, it’s home to a number of castles, which define the region. The region is also home to Monsanto – which claims to be Portugal’s oldest settlement. Beiras’s flat roads and ancient castle ruins make the place somewhat of a flock-to region, and because some parts of it are quite remote. You can literally go for hours without seeing another soul. Giving you time to think, and take in the magnificent scenery that surrounds you.
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Enjoy Portugal cycling along the beautiful Portugal from Santiago to Sagres with its exuberant landscape and many picturesque places. Meet the people and its reknown hospitality. This is a scenic 7 days trip (5 days cycling) during which you will enjoy a Mediterranean climate and quality gastronomy while you adventure yourself in this challenge that will be an excellent and unforgettable personal experience. [/one_third] [one_third]
This tour is longer than the others, however it is not a difficult tour and everyone can do it: you can see the altitude gain per day and the climbing profiles. [/one_third] [one_third_last]
This is a gorgeous region and it is one of the most well preserved regions in Portugal still maintaining many Portuguese ancient traditions and the small and traditional villages made of granitic stones. The luxuriant vegetation completes this awesome scenario.
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Interesting Travel Facts About Portugal
- The Anglo-Portugese Alliance, signed in 1373, is the oldest alliance in the world that is still in force.
- Portugal is one of only two countries in the European Union (Spain being the other), where life imprisonment has been abolished.
- In 2006, Portugal established the world’s first commercial wave farm to produce electricity.
- The first Pirate code was invented in the 17th century by Portugese buccaneer, Bartolomeu Portugues.
- In December 2010, the world’s largest Santa Claus parade took place in Porto. 14, 693 people donned Santa outfits, beating the record for the previous years of the same parade.
- As of 2012, the largest firework rocket ever produced was used at the 12th International Symposium on Fireworks in Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It weighed 13.40 kilograms, or 29.5 pounds.
- Over half of the world’s cork is produced in Portugal.
- The Portugese language is spoken 230 million people around the world, and is the official language of nine countries.
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Click here to find the world’s best Portugal tours!
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