Mountain Bike Tour in the Portuguese Historical Villages
Visit remote 12th Century Historical Villages. Ride, inn to inn, on Roman paths and enjoy awesome single tracks. The most challenging mountain bike rides in Portugal!
Included: 6 accommodations with breakfast; Mobile phone with 24H helpline; Luggage transfers 1 bag per person - up to 20kg/bag; Maps and documentation; GPS tracks (using the app "Ride with GPS" on your phone); Insurance; A2Z offer
> Useful information
Day 01- Castelo Novo | Idanha-a-Velha | Monsanto (64 km / 40 mi)
On your first day of serious riding, you will connect two historical villages: Castelo Novo and Monsanto. Idanha-a-Velha is a very picturesque village that hosts an interesting collection of archaeological remains from a Roman city established in the 1st Century B.C. This is an easy stage with no big climbs... except the Roman path just before Monsanto.
Short version: distance: 44 km / 27 mi | climbing: 382 m / 1253 ft.
Overnight in Monsanto.
Day 02 - Monsanto | Sortelha (75 km / 47 mi)
Sortelha is a Historical Village which dates back to the 12th Century. It´s castle is a national monument. Monsanto was once considered the most Portuguese village of Portugal. From the top of its promontory, you can glimpse all the country surrounding Idanha and the large properties of the area. Don't expect big hills on this stage.
Short version: distance: 52 km / 32 mi | climbing: 782 m / 2566 ft.
Overnight in Sortelha.
Day 03 - Sortelha | Castelo Mendo | Almeida (99 km / 62 mi)
Today's ride is very interesting; the surface varies a lot, with loose rock, roman cobblestone paths, and several river crossings. You will also have to do some serious climbs. The hardest one is just outside Almeida, after crossing a Roman bridge. Almeida is one of the crown jewels of Portuguese military architecture – the hexagonal shaped walls of Almeida's fortress were built in the XVII Century.
Short version: distance: 43 km / 27 mi | climbing: 424 m / 1391 ft.
Overnight in Almeida.
Day 04 - Almeida | Castelo Rodrigo | Marialva (72 km / 45 mi)
Today's ride takes you to the Douro River International Natural Park. The landscape is beautiful and you will be riding part of an ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Castelo Rodrigo was once a very important settlement due to its proximity to the Spanish border. On the way to Marialva, you will have to cross the Côa river - expect some serious climbing.
Short version: distance: 38 km / 24 mi | climbing: 326 m / 1070 ft.
Overnight in Marialva.
Day 05 - Marialva | Linhares da Beira (73 km / 45 mi)
Marialva is a medieval walled village that will take you back in time, to when the brave inhabitants of Marialva fought against the Spanish invaders. The final destination is Linhares da Beira, the capital of para-gliding in Portugal. Linhares has a very interesting castle that is worth visiting. Rocky sections and ancient cobblestone paths are on today's menu.
Short version: distance: 39 km / 24 mi | climbing: 676 m / 2218 ft.
Overnight in Linhares da Beira.
Day 06 - Linhares da Beira | Piódão (80 km / 50 mi)
Big climbs and long descents on a very hard day of mountain biking. You are riding near three mountains - Açor, Lousã, and Estrela. The terrain is rocky and tough. Fun! The final destination is Piódão, a beautiful village was the houses blend perfectly with the natural environment.
Short version: distance: 33 km / 20 mi | climbing: 1285 m / 4216 ft.
Overnight in Piódão.
Day 07 - Piódão | Castelo Novo (88 km / 55 mi)
Back to Castelo Novo expect a pretty intense day of riding. Almost 90 km/ 55 mi with a lot of climbing and plenty of loose rocks. Great mountain biking!
Short version: distance: 22 km / 14 mi | climbing: 510 m / 1673 ft.
Overnight in Castelo Novo.
D