Cycle from Minho to Porto
- Cycle through rugged hills, vineyards, coastal nature reserves and rural communities
- Start from the spa town of Monção at the Spanish border and finish at Porto
- Varied architecture; from intricate tile-clad buildings to crumbling fortresses
- Miles of white-sand beaches and colourful shore huts on the dramatic Atlantic coast
- Enjoy wine tastings on local vineyards and a visit to one of Porto's port cellars
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Porto and transfer to MonçãoMeet your private driver and enjoy the scenic drive to the small town of Monção in the Alto Minho region, with its 14th century fortifications that held off Spansh invasions. After a welcome briefing and bike fitting at the hotel, you'll visit a local winery and taste their Alvarinho wines. A taxi will collect you from your hotel at 4pm. The locals are not only proud of their heritage, but also of the region's Vinho Verde, a crisp white wine made from young grapes. The local square is a lovely spot for a drink and dinner, and the historic walls provide views over to Spain. If you have time, you may wish to sample the healing waters at Termas de Monção spa, or simply settle into your hotel and prepare for your cycling adventure.
Stay in an ancient monastery overlooking the river Minho in Monção. Built by monks, original features remain here, such as the Chapter Room, the door of charity, wine cellar, chapel, and the tower room. The hotel is equipped with a spa, swimming pool and tennis court, as well as a restaurant servng dishes from the Minho region and a selection of renowned Portuguese wine.
Enjoy the views of neighbouring Galicia across the mighty Minho River as you follow it towards the Atlantic Ocean, to its mouth at Caminha. Birdlife is abundant here and you'll see fishing platforms built into the river. Today's ride with have you pedalling through vineyards, passing by the Palácio da Brejoeira - owned by one of the largest producers of Alvarinho wine in the region. Pause here to enjoy a tour of it's stately rooms and a wine tasting if you wish. Continue on your journey to the sea through the town of Valença, and take time to explore its 17th century Vila Nova de Cerveira fort. Continue on and enjoy the art and architecture in the pretty little town of Vila Nova de Cerveira. You'll then arrive in the elegant town of Caminha, with a medieval centre full of charm. Take your pick from a variety of great dining options. What better way to celebrate your arrival at the ocean than sampling some delicious seafood?
Ascent 204m / descent 220m
Located just 1.5km from the beach, the Design & Wine Hotel combines modern architecture with the heritage of an 18th century building. The 23 rooms are equipped with all the modern comforts including an iPad, minibar, TV, wifi and an aromatherapy system, along with views to the Minho River and Santa Tecla mountain. Enjoy the library, games room and the restaurant that serves local cuisine with a modern twist, and a selection of traditional Portuguese wines. The spa features a sauna, Turkish bath, gym, hot tub and an indoor pool.
The longest day's ride on the trip, but with an almost flat profile it makes for an easy-going day in the saddle. From Caminha at the mouth of the River Minho pedal south along the dramatic Atlantic coastline to the city of Viana. Portugal's Costa Verde (Green Coast) is known for its pristine beaches, backed by dunes, forest and the occasional fishing village. Enjoy this coastline for the first part of today's journey and then spend time exploring the historical centre of Viana do Castelo, famous for heart-shaped filigree jewellery and colourful embroidery. The city was the setting off point for ships in the "discoveries" of the 16th century, and later cod fish shipping vessels bound for Newfoundland. The opulent town houses and the impressive 19th century Byzantine Santa Luzia Church overlooking the city from its hilltop are testament of past prosperity. Enjoy a long lunch here before heading inland. Follow the south bank of the Lima River, through forests and farmland, to reach Ponte de Lima, a delightful town with plenty to offer, and Portugal's oldest town. Ponte de Lima, named after its 1st century 24-arched Roman bridge, is an important stop for pilgrims making their way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
Ascent 176m / descent 193m
A 4-star hotel located by the historical centre of Ponte de Lima. The property features a spa area with massage services, and a lush garden to relax in. Rooms have a private balcony overlooking the river.
Using the Lima and Vez rivers as your guide, follow the ecotrail upstream through gorgeous countryside to Arcos de Valdevez, another pretty riverside town with an impressive bridge and delicious local cakes called charutos. The return journey to Ponte de Lima follows the opposite banks of the Vez and Lima Rivers, passing through more rural scenery and the village of Ponte da Barca, allegedly the birthplace of the navigator Ferdinand Magellan. When you get back to Ponte de Lima, we will have a chilled vinho verde (regional wine) and Portuguese tapas waiting for you at a typical tasca.
Ascent 129m / descent 156m
A 4-star hotel located by the historical centre of Ponte de Lima. The property features a spa area with massage services, and a lush garden to relax in. Rooms have a private balcony overlooking the river.
Hop back into the saddle for a day's pedaling through hillier terrain to Barcelos. Don't be surprised if you see lots of people hiking on today's route - you'll be following sections of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail today, in the opposite direction. This stage brings you up close and personal with tiny villages and their local farming traditions and vineyards, as you cycle through a landscape of rolling hills. It also offers fabulous views of nearby mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Barcelos, make sure to visit the 13th century Mother Church with it's peeling hourly bells. Feira de Barcelos is the famous Thursday market that takes place in the town, but if you miss the market it's worth wandering through the medieval heart of the town, looking out for pottery that the town is known for to take home as a keepsake. In the evening, we recommend a refreshing glass of vinho verde with tapas before a late dinner - you've earned it!
Ascent 417m / descent 401m
Located in the centre of Barcelos, the Art'Otel is a boutique hotel in a characterful building, built around 1937. It is a few minutes walk from the main monuments of the city.
Make your way through more beautiful countryside as you head back to the ocean once more at the mouth of the Cávado River. After a stretch of lightly rolling terrain enjoy a largely downhill then flat approach to your next overnight stop. You'll be following the coast south to the sandy beaches and riverside town of Vila do Conde, which is famous for bobbin lace-making, embroidered "handkerchiefs of love" and its naval history. With a prosperous ship-building past you'll find grand townhouses, a replica of one of the "discovery" ships in the charming harbour, overlooked by Santa Clara monastery and the impressive aqueduct. For the seafood enthusiast, sampling freshly caught cuisine with a view of the Atlantic is surely the only option for dinner.
Ascent 156m / descent 189m
Just two minutes from the centre of Vila do Conde, Villa C is a boutique hotel marked by its modern architecture, trendy decoration and cultural center. Its restaurant celebrates northern Portuguese cuisine, with rustic flavours taken from neighbouring fishing villages, and regional ingredients. There is also a bar, spa and indoor swimming pool within the hotel.
Today is your final day in the saddle, and you'll follow a mostly flat route along the coast past large dunes. Look out for more birds as you cross the nature reserve south of Vila do Conde. The coastline is varied and beautiful, with windmills on some of the beaches. Stop at the colourful fishing village of Angeiras to see the community at work before making your way past the port of Matosinhos and along the Douro River into Porto city centre. After you have freshened up, it's time to find out more about the famous port wine at one of the most prestigious port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. With another tasting, of course. The city's renowned for its vast port export, which is evident from the terracotta roofed storage warehouses on the banks of the Douro.
There are plenty of other sightseeing opportunities in Porto, including Lello Bookstore and the Stock Exchange Palace. Discover the botanical gardens and over 1500 UNESCO-listed monuments, off-set by striking modern architecture and edgey street art. A gastronomic paradise, Porto is home to a myriad of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants. Stroll the winding streets in the old quarters of Ribeira, Miragaia and Massarelos, seeking a rooftop bar with a view, and toast time well spent cycling through northern Portugal.
Ascent 157m / descent 162m
A 4-star hotel overlooking the banks of the Douro, and part of the Madre Deus de Monchique Convent. The building was beautifully restored to maintain the original design of the convent and the building's history. The onsite restaurant serves authentic cuisine with produce from the region and the season, and the bar boasts a panoramic view over the Douro River.
After breakfast prepare to bid farewell to this incredible city. From your accommodation an included private transfer (approx. 20 minutes) to Porto Airport will assist in your onward journey.
Why not add an extra night or two in Porto? There is so much to discover in this colourful, charismatic city.
This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 88.5 candy bars. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This moderately rated tour is an easily accessible trip, combining the lush rolling valleys of the Alto Minho region with seaside cycling along the Atlantic Coast, finishing in the charismatic UNESCO city of Porto. Ideal if you want to get off the beaten track, but don't want to miss out on exploring the sights of Porto. The area is renowned for its excellent wines and full-bodied port, and your trip includes wine tastings in the Minho region as well as a visit to one of Porto's renowned port cellars. Stay in characterful 4-star hotels, finishing in the bustling historic city of Porto. The cycling is varied; enjoy a mixture of quiet country roads, cycle paths and some short sections on off-road tracks.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
The route has been graded as moderate overall based on the distances each day. The route should be manageable for most regular cyclists or those relatively new to cycling with a good level of fitness.
Pedal on a mixture of quiet country roads, cycle paths and sections on farm track and forest track, with distances between 32-56 km. While most days are largely flat, others (Day 5, from Ponte de Lima to Barcelos) take in rolling terrain, meaning that the daily cumulative ascent varies from 64-436m on this tour, making this a great trip for anyone with good physical fitness. You must be confident with cycling off-road due to most days featuring this type of terrain, particularly the circular route on Day 4 which is an off-road ride.
On this tour you will stay in 4-star hotels.
Alternate Accommodation
During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations that are not listed in the main daily description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.
Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. It is also possible to travel as a solo cyclist, please get in touch with one of our specialists as our solo prices for this trip are on request only due to logistics.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning, but lunches and dinners are not so that you are free to choose from the surrounding options. If there isn't a restaurant at your accommodation there will be options nearby. For lunch, you will pass through towns and villages en route where you can purchase provisions for a picnic lunch.
World-class seafood, crisp white wines (vinho verde), and of course port, are what the region is renowned for. Your trip includes two wine tastings; in Monção on Day 1 and a port tasting in Porto on the final cycling day of your trip on Day 7. You'll also have a taste of local products in Ponte de Lima on Day 4.
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure app which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route info. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost.
- 7 nights in 4-star hotels
- All breakfasts
- Wine tasting in Monção on Day 1
- Taste of local products in Ponte de Lima on Day 4
- Wine tasting at port wine cellars in Porto on Day 7
- Private transfer from Porto Airport to Monção on Day 1
- Private transfer from Porto hotel to Porto Airport on Day 8
- Luggage transfers
- Bike hire with panniers and helmet (E-bike requires a supplement)
- Detailed information pack, GPS tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US offices
- Welcome briefing upon arrival
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Upgrade to E-bike
- Extra night in Porto
You can begin your trip on any day of the week from 1st March to 31st October
Generally you'll find that spring and autumn are the best times for cycling in Portugal, with temperatures from 12-19 degrees Celsius and the added bonus of less summer tourists. However, being in northern Portugal and therefore cooler than the south this trip is also pleasant in the summer months. Summer temperatures vary from 18-25 degrees Celsius and perhaps into the high 20s on occasion. Rainfall is generally low, with a monthly average of no more than 12 mm between March and November. May to September tend to be the driest months of the year.
Porto Airport (or Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport) is the most convenient airport for beginning the trip, and is served by many airlines. However, you can also reach Porto from Lisbon Airport.
From Lisbon Airport take an airport shuttle bus to the Santa Apolonia Train Station and then a train to Porto (approx. 2.5 hours). Lisbon is served by many airlines in the UK and from many other gateways in Europe and the US.
Transfers to and from Porto Airport, to your first and last accommodations are included in the price of the trip. Your arrival transfer from Porto to Monção is approximately 1.5 hours by car. Your specialist will request your flight arrival details nearer the travel date to arrange your transfer.
A departure transfer from your accommodation in Porto to the airport is included in the trip. Your specialist will request your flight departure details nearer the travel date to arrange your pick-up.
Luggage transfers between overnight locations are included in the tour. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person, it should weigh approximately 20 kg.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Bike & E-Bike Hire
Hire of a Mountain Bike is included as standard (MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels), but we can also arrange hire of high quality E-bikes too at an extra cost (TREK Powerfly 4 625 Gen 3).
Included with bike hire is a pannier rack, panniers, lock, toolkit, puncture repair kit and pump, and use of a helmet.
For some battery-powered assistance on longer days, and to ease ascents, we recomend hiring an e-bike (for a supplemental cost). The rechargeable battery on your bike will be your reliable riding partner, getting you to the top of hills or to your final destination with more energy in the tank for an afternoon swim or simply for exploring. E-bikes are growing rapidly in popularity so please make sure to request one at the time of booking so we can secure availability for your trip and avoid disappointment.
It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.
This trip is graded moderate. Daily distances are from 33 km—56 km. Once you have left the towns and cities much of the cycling is on quiet country or coastal roads with some sections on good tracks. You will encounter some rolling terrain throughout the tour. We can arrange the rental of e-bikes if you would prefer a power-assisted ride.
To get the most out of the trip we recommend a good level of fitness, and it's a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your trip so you can get used to riding back to back days. However, it’s not all about the cycling. Each day there are plenty opportunities to visit historic sights and sample locally produced food and wine.
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