Ridge through Central Portugal's diverse landscapes, from the Karst Country to the stunning Costa de Prata
Explore the diversity of central Portugal on this incredible mountain biking tour. Enjoy an incredible ride between the mountains of Central Portugal and the beautiful Costa de Prata. Cycle through incredible paths and single tracks between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and discover some of the most iconic and historical places of Portugal.
Start your mountain biking holiday in the charming Templar city of Tomar, then ride through the historical Knights Templar Region. An incredible mountain bike experience through some of the greatest limestone landscapes where, besides the adventure, you can also taste the Portuguese delicacies, pastries, sweets, and wine, making it the perfect meeting between nature, culture, and cycling.
Highlights of the Mountain Bike Central Portugal
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Mountain Bike Central Portugal Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Portugal!
After your welcome, a local representative will transfer you from the airport to the hotel at Tomar, the last Knight Templar city. Historically outstanding, Tomar lies on the banks of the Nabão River, which gives it a special charm between its historical monuments and cobblestone streets. It is home to one of the most important architectural and religious monuments in the country, the beautiful Convento de Cristo, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Admire this ancient city, exploring its castle and visiting its Convent, looking for its precious details, such as the depictions of the Renaissance portal, the unique symbolism of the Manueline Window.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tomar
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Bike from Tomar to Alvados
Today you will ride through the typical Mediterranean landscape of the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. Situated between the Costa de Prata and the interior Mountains of Central Portugal, it is a limestone chain, extraordinarily dry and rocky, which constitutes the most extensive limestone peak in Portugal. After your first Portuguese breakfast, you will leave Tomar and ride towards the west. Reach the stone kingdom, where you will find Portugal's most beautiful tracks! Surrounded by millennial olive trees and shrubs between the fields of stone. It is a magical area that kept breathtaking landscapes for itself waiting for you to uncover. Be ready for an unforgettable first day of mountain biking!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alvados
Distance: 58km, 900m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Explore the realm of stone on a long or short riding loop
Cycle along the vigorous landscape of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountain Range, an immersive day in the natural karstic scenery of the mountains. However, its true richness lies in its interior, in the caves sculpted by the times and the water's course. Discover some of the most beautiful villages in the region. The day starts near Santo Antonio, where one of the underground cave and tunnel systems in the Natural Park lie. Then, discover the river beach of Olhos de Água, a small paradise situated in the springs of the river Alviela. Enjoy the great scenarios and listen to the wind and the natural silence of the mountain. A wonderful experience!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alvados
Distance: 33-53km, 700-1000m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Cycling through the history of Portugal
After a traditional breakfast, it's time to leave Alvados and continue cycling through the magnificent limestone mountain until the 12th-century town of Alcobaça. Home to the country's largest monastery and cathedral complex, the Mosteiro de Alcobaça, listed as a UNESCO site. Do not be fooled by the farewell to the beautiful mountains, as you'll now pass incredible places such as Porto de Mós, where you will find a Medieval Castle known as one of the most beautiful in Portugal. The dirt roads flanked by stone walls and magnificent trees will make your day as you leave the mountain paths and ride through the typical interior Portuguese villages.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto de Mós
Distance: 45km, 600m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Time to meet the Atlantic Ocean
The cool breezes of the Atlantic and the fantastic trails by the sea will be the delight of this day! In a completely different route compared to the previous days, this stage has many ascents and descents, where you will feel the accumulated effort. Leave Alcobaça behind and ride to São Martinho do Porto, a fishing village with a charming bay and breathtaking natural viewpoints. Here, you will go inland and cycle close to the lagoon of Óbidos, which is considered the most extensive coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast. Then, arrive at the medieval town of Óbidos, and discover one of the most picturesque and well-preserved castles in Portugal.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Óbidos
Distance: 56km, 900m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Bike Óbidos Loop
This last day of mountain biking will begin close to the lagoon of Óbidos, where you will be able to enjoy the serene cycling paths along the beautiful crystal waters, as crossing the forest inundated with freshly scented eucalyptus trees. It will be a peaceful day of cycling with some delightful ascents, especially near Olho Marinho, a small Portuguese village where you can take a coffee before returning to Óbidos. Then, cycle along the Real River, crossing the beautiful Várzea da Rainha fields, from where you can enjoy privileged views over the town of Óbidos. Admire the impressive castle walls and try the famous Ginja in the little dark chocolate cup. A delicious tradition that you cannot miss.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Óbidos
Distance: 39km, 400m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 This is it! The adventure has come to an end.
Time goes by incredibly fast when you are having fun. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! We hope the memories and experiences you created and shared will stay with you forever. Get ready for your trip back home. A guide will pick you up at the hotel and tranfer you to the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Mountain Bike Central Portugal Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
The departures are available daily, from January 4th to December 15th, 2024.
- Single room: from $2,125 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,575 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Mountain Bike Central Portugal
This tour is mostly based in charming and superior accommodation. All rooms will have private washrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Vila Galé Collection Tomar ★★★★
Set by the Nabão River and very close to the city centre, Vila Galé Collection Tomar is ideally located to explore the main sites.
Cooking and Nature - Emotional Hotel ★★★★
Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel is recognised for its innovative design and its location in the heart of the Serra D'Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park.
Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel ★★★★★
Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel is located in the unique setting of the Rachadouro Cloister, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
The Literary Man in Obidos
The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel is a unique literary hotel. Located next to the Óbidos Castle, this former convent kept its original charm and was converted in to a hotel.
What’s Included in the Mountain Bike Central Portugal?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes airport pickup and drop-off, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel and short transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
Also included
- Welcome briefing in English & bike fitting
- Digital Information Book delivered before the tour
- Smartphone App & GPS tracks
- Local Support Number (Free to call 24h/day)
- Pre-departure Information Pack (checklist, general travel information)
- Tour Information (description of daily stages & profiles)
Not included
- Any personal transport
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tips
- Bike Rental
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- GPS Device (Garmin Oregon)
- Different arrival & departure transfers
- Bike Rental (Mountain Bike or E-Mountain Bike)
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