[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":495},["ShallowReactive",2],{"home-posts":3},[4,244,297],{"id":5,"title":6,"body":7,"categories":224,"category":225,"cover":225,"coverAlt":225,"coverStyle":225,"description":226,"extension":227,"faq":228,"filters":229,"meta":230,"navigation":231,"ogImage":225,"order":225,"path":232,"publishedAt":233,"readingTime":234,"relatedLinks":235,"robots":225,"schemaOrg":225,"seo":236,"seoTitle":237,"sitemap":238,"stem":239,"steps":240,"takeaways":241,"translationKey":225,"usps":242,"__hash__":243},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fbicycle-touring-portugal.md","Bicycle touring in Portugal - the coast, the interior and when to go",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":202},"minimark",[10,14,19,22,25,29,34,37,40,44,47,51,60,64,67,71,74,77,81,109,117,121,147,155,159,163,166,170,173,177,180,184,192,196],[11,12,13],"p",{},"Bicycle touring in Portugal gives you an Atlantic coastline, hilly wine regions, empty interior roads and small villages with good food, all in a country you can cross in a couple of weeks. Most cyclists follow the coast along EuroVelo 1, but the quieter interior is just as rewarding if you don't mind climbing. Here is how to choose your route, when to go and what to expect.",[15,16,18],"h2",{"id":17},"is-portugal-a-good-country-for-bicycle-touring","Is Portugal a good country for bicycle touring?",[11,20,21],{},"Portugal works well for a first long tour as well as for experienced riders. Distances are manageable, accommodation is easy to find, and the food, from fresh bread and pastéis de nata to grilled fish, keeps you going.",[11,23,24],{},"It is not flat, though. Away from the coast the country is hilly to mountainous, especially in the north and centre, and even coastal routes have short, steep climbs. Many rural roads are quiet, but some main roads have fast traffic and little shoulder, so planning your route around them pays off.",[15,26,28],{"id":27},"which-cycling-routes-should-you-take-in-portugal","Which cycling routes should you take in Portugal?",[30,31,33],"h3",{"id":32},"the-atlantic-coast-and-eurovelo-1","The Atlantic coast and EuroVelo 1",[11,35,36],{},"EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast Route, runs the length of Portugal from the Spanish border in the north to the Algarve in the south. It connects Porto, the coast around Aveiro, the fishing towns of the centre and Lisbon, and continues along the Alentejo coast. Expect a mix of bike paths, quiet roads, boardwalks and occasional busier stretches. Signposting and surface quality vary by section, so a good map or navigation app is useful.",[11,38,39],{},"Since the prevailing wind along the coast in summer often blows from the north, many cyclists ride the coast from north to south. Check the forecast for your dates, as this is a tendency, not a rule.",[30,41,43],{"id":42},"the-alentejo","The Alentejo",[11,45,46],{},"The Alentejo, between Lisbon and the Algarve, is a region of rolling plains, cork oaks and whitewashed villages. Inland it is quiet and gently hilly; the coastal part, the Costa Vicentina, has cliffs and wild beaches. Distances between villages can be longer here, and summer heat in the interior can be intense.",[30,48,50],{"id":49},"the-north-and-the-interior","The north and the interior",[11,52,53,54,59],{},"The Douro valley, with its terraced vineyards, and the mountains of the north and centre offer harder but beautiful riding. Villages along the Spanish border are often very quiet. If you are coming from or heading to ",[55,56,58],"a",{"href":57},"\u002Fcountries\u002Fspain","Spain",", the interior gives you plenty of small border-area roads to link the two countries.",[30,61,63],{"id":62},"the-algarve","The Algarve",[11,65,66],{},"The south coast has a mild climate and is a popular winter destination for cyclists. The coast is busy and built-up in places, but the hills just inland are much quieter.",[15,68,70],{"id":69},"what-is-the-best-time-to-cycle-in-portugal","What is the best time to cycle in Portugal?",[11,72,73],{},"Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for most of the country. Summer can be very hot in the interior and in the Alentejo, while the coast stays milder but busier with holidaymakers. The Algarve is pleasant in winter and spring and often uncomfortably hot in high summer.",[11,75,76],{},"The north is greener and wetter, with more rain from autumn to spring. In the interior, nights can be cool even when days are warm. Wildfire risk in hot, dry summers is a real concern in parts of the country: check local warnings and follow the instructions of the authorities.",[15,78,80],{"id":79},"where-to-sleep-on-a-bike-tour-in-portugal","Where to sleep on a bike tour in Portugal",[82,83,84,92,98],"ul",{},[85,86,87,91],"li",{},[88,89,90],"strong",{},"Campsites"," are common along the coast and in tourist areas, and some are open all year.",[85,93,94,97],{},[88,95,96],{},"Guesthouses, hostels and local rooms"," are easy to find in towns and are often good value outside the high season.",[85,99,100,103,104,108],{},[88,101,102],{},"Hosts."," Through Cycle Planet you can find cyclists who host each other; ",[55,105,107],{"href":106},"\u002Fregister","make an account"," to get in touch.",[11,110,111,112,116],{},"Wild camping and overnight stays in campervans have been regulated in Portugal, especially in coastal and protected areas, and the rules can be strict. Check the current rules before you plan to camp outside campsites, and look at the ",[55,113,115],{"href":114},"\u002Fcountries\u002Fportugal","Portugal country page"," for notes from other cyclists.",[15,118,120],{"id":119},"practical-tips-for-cycling-in-portugal","Practical tips for cycling in Portugal",[82,122,123,129,135,141],{},[85,124,125,128],{},[88,126,127],{},"Shops and water."," Larger villages have supermarkets, often open in the evenings and on Sundays. Small villages may only have a little shop or café. Public water taps and fountains are common, but check whether the water is drinkable.",[85,130,131,134],{},[88,132,133],{},"Trains with a bike."," Some trains allow bikes, but rules differ per train type and route. Check with the railway before you travel.",[85,136,137,140],{},[88,138,139],{},"Cobblestones."," Many town centres are paved with cobbles, which can be slippery when wet. Take care on descents.",[85,142,143,146],{},[88,144,145],{},"Dogs."," Farm dogs may chase you in rural areas. Slowing down and talking calmly usually helps.",[11,148,149,150,154],{},"Campsites, water taps and other useful places shared by cyclists are on the ",[55,151,153],{"href":152},"\u002Fmap","Cycle Planet map",". Know a good spot that is missing? Add it so others can find it.",[15,156,158],{"id":157},"frequently-asked-questions","Frequently asked questions",[30,160,162],{"id":161},"do-you-need-a-visa-to-cycle-in-portugal","Do you need a visa to cycle in Portugal?",[11,164,165],{},"Portugal is in the Schengen area, so Schengen entry rules apply. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Check official sources and the embassy before you travel.",[30,167,169],{"id":168},"how-long-does-it-take-to-cycle-the-portuguese-coast","How long does it take to cycle the Portuguese coast?",[11,171,172],{},"Riding EuroVelo 1 through Portugal from north to south takes most cyclists roughly two to three weeks, depending on your pace, side trips and rest days.",[30,174,176],{"id":175},"is-portugal-good-for-cycling-in-winter","Is Portugal good for cycling in winter?",[11,178,179],{},"The Algarve and the south are mild in winter and popular with cyclists then. In the north and the mountains, expect rain and cold nights, and fewer campsites open.",[30,181,183],{"id":182},"can-you-combine-portugal-with-other-countries","Can you combine Portugal with other countries?",[11,185,186,187,191],{},"Yes. Many cyclists combine Portugal with Spain, or continue on to ",[55,188,190],{"href":189},"\u002Fblog\u002Fbicycle-touring-in-morocco","Morocco"," by ferry from southern Spain.",[15,193,195],{"id":194},"plan-your-portugal-tour","Plan your Portugal tour",[11,197,198,199,201],{},"Bicycle touring in Portugal combines a beautiful coastline, a quiet, hilly interior and good food in a compact country. Choose your season carefully, check the camping rules and plan around the busiest roads. For visa basics, tips and more information, visit the ",[55,200,115],{"href":114},".",{"title":203,"searchDepth":204,"depth":204,"links":205},"",2,[206,207,214,215,216,217,223],{"id":17,"depth":204,"text":18},{"id":27,"depth":204,"text":28,"children":208},[209,211,212,213],{"id":32,"depth":210,"text":33},3,{"id":42,"depth":210,"text":43},{"id":49,"depth":210,"text":50},{"id":62,"depth":210,"text":63},{"id":69,"depth":204,"text":70},{"id":79,"depth":204,"text":80},{"id":119,"depth":204,"text":120},{"id":157,"depth":204,"text":158,"children":218},[219,220,221,222],{"id":161,"depth":210,"text":162},{"id":168,"depth":210,"text":169},{"id":175,"depth":210,"text":176},{"id":182,"depth":210,"text":183},{"id":194,"depth":204,"text":195},[],null,"Bicycle touring in Portugal - the EuroVelo 1 coast, quiet interior routes, the best season, the Algarve, where to sleep and practical tips for your trip.","md",[],{},{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Fbicycle-touring-portugal","2026-11-06","5 min",[],{"title":6,"description":226},"Bicycle touring in Portugal - routes and tips",{"loc":232,"lastmod":233},"blog\u002Fbicycle-touring-portugal",[],[],[],"xIknBgEF8gIofOjbNKMpHzhOQjj9yRn6vsTB24wTeCA",{"id":245,"title":246,"body":247,"categories":281,"category":225,"cover":225,"coverAlt":225,"coverStyle":225,"description":282,"extension":227,"faq":283,"filters":284,"meta":285,"navigation":231,"ogImage":225,"order":225,"path":286,"publishedAt":287,"readingTime":288,"relatedLinks":289,"robots":225,"schemaOrg":225,"seo":290,"seoTitle":225,"sitemap":291,"stem":292,"steps":293,"takeaways":294,"translationKey":225,"usps":295,"__hash__":296},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fwelcome-to-the-new-cycle-planet.md","Welcome to the new Cycle Planet",{"type":8,"value":248,"toc":277},[249,252,256,270,274],[11,250,251],{},"Cycle Planet has a new website. Everything you added over the years moved with it: the country pages with visas, border crossings and places to sleep, the points of interest on the map and your cyclist profile.",[15,253,255],{"id":254},"whats-new","What's new",[82,257,258,264],{},[85,259,260,263],{},[88,261,262],{},"Faster pages."," Country pages and points of interest load straight away, also on a slow connection on the road.",[85,265,266,269],{},[88,267,268],{},"A blog."," Stories, tips and route ideas for bicycle touring.",[15,271,273],{"id":272},"your-account","Your account",[11,275,276],{},"You log in with the same email address and password as before. Your profile, hosting details and the points you added are still yours.",{"title":203,"searchDepth":204,"depth":204,"links":278},[279,280],{"id":254,"depth":204,"text":255},{"id":272,"depth":204,"text":273},[],"Cycle Planet has a new home. Country information, points of interest and cyclist profiles moved over, and the blog is new.",[],{},{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fwelcome-to-the-new-cycle-planet","2026-11-05","1 min",[],{"title":246,"description":282},{"loc":286,"lastmod":287},"blog\u002Fwelcome-to-the-new-cycle-planet",[],[],[],"YDfimY--1fq_5koPHi_5Yx8uxp7QYreKRWt-3FJe_Js",{"id":298,"title":299,"body":300,"categories":479,"category":225,"cover":225,"coverAlt":225,"coverStyle":225,"description":480,"extension":227,"faq":481,"filters":482,"meta":483,"navigation":231,"ogImage":225,"order":225,"path":484,"publishedAt":485,"readingTime":234,"relatedLinks":486,"robots":225,"schemaOrg":225,"seo":487,"seoTitle":488,"sitemap":489,"stem":490,"steps":491,"takeaways":492,"translationKey":225,"usps":493,"__hash__":494},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fcycling-patagonia-argentina.md","Cycling Patagonia in Argentina - how to ride Ruta 40 and survive the wind",{"type":8,"value":301,"toc":465},[302,305,309,312,315,318,322,325,328,348,351,355,358,361,365,368,394,397,401,404,410,416,420,428,430,434,442,446,449,453,456,460],[11,303,304],{},"Cycling Patagonia in Argentina means huge open steppe, glaciers and granite peaks on the horizon, and a wind that can stop you in your tracks. The famous Ruta 40 runs along the Andes through the whole region, and for many cyclists it is the start or the finish of a ride through South America. It is not technically hard, but the wind, the distances and the lack of supplies make careful planning essential.",[15,306,308],{"id":307},"what-is-it-like-cycling-in-patagonia","What is it like cycling in Patagonia?",[11,310,311],{},"Argentine Patagonia is mostly dry, flat to rolling steppe east of the Andes, with the mountains, lakes and glaciers along the western edge. Towns can be very far apart, and between them there is often nothing but fences, sheep, guanacos and the occasional estancia (ranch).",[11,313,314],{},"The riding is a mix of long, straight asphalt and gravel (ripio). Many sections of Ruta 40 have been paved over the years, but stretches of loose gravel and corrugation still exist, especially on side roads. On ripio, wide tyres and patience help a lot.",[11,316,317],{},"What makes Patagonia special is the scale and the emptiness. What makes it hard is that same emptiness, combined with the wind.",[15,319,321],{"id":320},"how-strong-is-the-wind-on-ruta-40","How strong is the wind on Ruta 40?",[11,323,324],{},"The wind is the defining feature of cycling in Patagonia. Strong westerly winds blow across the region, often for days, and gusts can be powerful enough to push a loaded bike off the road or blow you over. With a tailwind you can fly; with a headwind or strong crosswind, progress can drop to a crawl.",[11,326,327],{},"Because the prevailing wind comes from the west, the direction you ride in matters:",[82,329,330,336,342],{},[85,331,332,335],{},[88,333,334],{},"North to south"," on Ruta 40 often means a crosswind from the right, which can be tiring and sometimes dangerous with gusts.",[85,337,338,341],{},[88,339,340],{},"East-west sections",", for example towards El Chaltén or El Calafate, can be the hardest when you ride into the wind.",[85,343,344,347],{},[88,345,346],{},"Early mornings"," are often calmer than afternoons, so many cyclists start very early.",[11,349,350],{},"Plan short daily distances, build in extra days and don't be too proud to wait out a storm or take a lift for a stretch if the conditions are dangerous.",[15,352,354],{"id":353},"when-is-the-best-time-to-cycle-patagonia","When is the best time to cycle Patagonia?",[11,356,357],{},"The cycling season is the southern summer, roughly November to March. Days are long and temperatures are more manageable, though the weather can still be cold, wet and windy at any time, and the far south can get snow even in summer. December to February is the busiest period in the tourist towns.",[11,359,360],{},"Outside this season many services close and conditions become harsh. Cyclists often time a trip through South America so they arrive in Patagonia in summer, either heading south towards Ushuaia or starting there and riding north.",[15,362,364],{"id":363},"food-water-and-supplies-on-long-stretches","Food, water and supplies on long stretches",[11,366,367],{},"Supplies are the main planning challenge. Distances between towns can be several days by bike, and water sources can be scarce on the steppe.",[82,369,370,376,382,388],{},[85,371,372,375],{},[88,373,374],{},"Carry enough food"," for the longest gap on your route, plus a reserve for wind delays.",[85,377,378,381],{},[88,379,380],{},"Carry more water than you think you need."," Estancias, police posts and road maintenance camps sometimes help cyclists with water, but don't count on it.",[85,383,384,387],{},[88,385,386],{},"Fuel for your stove"," is available in towns; petrol from the pump is commonly used in multi-fuel stoves.",[85,389,390,393],{},[88,391,392],{},"Bike parts"," are mainly found in larger towns, so carry spare tyres, tubes, brake pads and a chain.",[11,395,396],{},"Supermarkets in bigger towns are well stocked; small towns may only have a basic shop.",[15,398,400],{"id":399},"where-to-sleep-when-cycling-in-patagonia","Where to sleep when cycling in Patagonia",[11,402,403],{},"Wild camping is how many cyclists spend most nights in Patagonia, but on the open steppe the challenge is finding shelter from the wind. Cyclists look for culverts under the road, small hollows, abandoned buildings or windbreaks near trees. Much of the land is private and fenced, so ask permission at estancias where you can. Rules in national parks differ: camping is often only allowed at designated sites, so check before you go.",[11,405,406,407,409],{},"Towns have campsites, hostels and guesthouses, and some places along the route have become known for welcoming cyclists. Other travellers' tips on shelters, water and camp spots are collected on the ",[55,408,153],{"href":152},"; add your own finds there to help the next cyclist through the wind.",[11,411,412,413,108],{},"You can also find cyclists who host each other on Cycle Planet; ",[55,414,415],{"href":106},"create an account",[15,417,419],{"id":418},"crossing-between-argentina-and-chile","Crossing between Argentina and Chile",[11,421,422,423,427],{},"Many Patagonia routes zigzag between Argentina and ",[55,424,426],{"href":425},"\u002Fcountries\u002Fchile","Chile",", for example to combine Ruta 40 with the Carretera Austral on the Chilean side. Some crossings are remote, involve ferries or gravel roads, or are only practical in summer. Border formalities, opening times and rules on carrying food (such as fresh fruit, meat and dairy) can be strict. Check the current situation before you plan a crossing.",[15,429,158],{"id":157},[30,431,433],{"id":432},"do-you-need-a-visa-to-cycle-in-argentina","Do you need a visa to cycle in Argentina?",[11,435,436,437,441],{},"Many nationalities can enter Argentina without a visa for tourism, but rules depend on your passport and can change. Check with the Argentine embassy or your government's travel advice, and see the ",[55,438,440],{"href":439},"\u002Fcountries\u002Fargentina","Argentina country page"," for tips from other cyclists.",[30,443,445],{"id":444},"how-long-does-it-take-to-cycle-ruta-40-through-patagonia","How long does it take to cycle Ruta 40 through Patagonia?",[11,447,448],{},"It depends on your start and end point, the wind and how many side trips you take. A section through southern Patagonia can take a few weeks; riding the whole region from the lakes district to the south takes considerably longer. Always plan extra days for wind.",[30,450,452],{"id":451},"should-you-ride-patagonia-north-to-south-or-south-to-north","Should you ride Patagonia north to south or south to north?",[11,454,455],{},"There is no single right answer. Many cyclists ride north to south as the end of a longer trip, while the wind on Ruta 40 often comes from the side either way. Look at your whole route, including east-west sections, before you decide.",[15,457,459],{"id":458},"plan-your-patagonia-ride","Plan your Patagonia ride",[11,461,462,463,201],{},"Cycling Patagonia in Argentina is a test of patience as much as fitness, but the landscapes make the wind worth it. Plan for long stretches without supplies, time your trip for the southern summer and stay flexible. For visa basics, border notes and tips from other cyclists, visit the ",[55,464,440],{"href":439},{"title":203,"searchDepth":204,"depth":204,"links":466},[467,468,469,470,471,472,473,478],{"id":307,"depth":204,"text":308},{"id":320,"depth":204,"text":321},{"id":353,"depth":204,"text":354},{"id":363,"depth":204,"text":364},{"id":399,"depth":204,"text":400},{"id":418,"depth":204,"text":419},{"id":157,"depth":204,"text":158,"children":474},[475,476,477],{"id":432,"depth":210,"text":433},{"id":444,"depth":210,"text":445},{"id":451,"depth":210,"text":452},{"id":458,"depth":204,"text":459},[],"Cycling Patagonia in Argentina - riding Ruta 40, dealing with the wind, the best season, long stretches without supplies, sleeping and crossing into Chile.",[],{},{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fcycling-patagonia-argentina","2026-11-03",[],{"title":299,"description":480},"Cycling Patagonia - Ruta 40 in Argentina by bike",{"loc":484,"lastmod":485},"blog\u002Fcycling-patagonia-argentina",[],[],[],"3aCBdTxNCNC_C7OuAjs6b8yEE6ZbmA92YSKgQXsfj1g",1793981967058]