--- title: "Bicycle touring in Portugal | Cycle Planet" description: "Portugal is a great destination for cyclists. Enjoy some of the beautiful and historical cities, or find yourself between the beautiful landscapes. The…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal" meta: "og:description": "Portugal is a great destination for cyclists. Enjoy some of the beautiful and historical cities, or find yourself between the beautiful landscapes. The…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BPortugal%2Cdescription_~UG9ydHVnYWwgaXMgYSBncmVhdCBkZXN0aW5hdGlvbiBmb3IgY3ljbGlzdHMuIEVuam95IHNvbWUgb2YgdGhlIGJlYXV0aWZ1bCBhbmQgaGlzdG9yaWNhbCBjaXRpZXMsIG9yIGZpbmQgeW91cnNlbGYgYmV0d2VlbiB0aGUgYmVhdXRpZnVsIGxhbmRzY2FwZXMuIFTigKY%2Cheadline_Southern%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvcG9ydHVnYWwi%2Cs_VDkHyXEXzgSI1Iwt.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Portugal" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BPortugal%2Cdescription_~UG9ydHVnYWwgaXMgYSBncmVhdCBkZXN0aW5hdGlvbiBmb3IgY3ljbGlzdHMuIEVuam95IHNvbWUgb2YgdGhlIGJlYXV0aWZ1bCBhbmQgaGlzdG9yaWNhbCBjaXRpZXMsIG9yIGZpbmQgeW91cnNlbGYgYmV0d2VlbiB0aGUgYmVhdXRpZnVsIGxhbmRzY2FwZXMuIFTigKY%2Cheadline_Southern%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvcG9ydHVnYWwi%2Cs_VDkHyXEXzgSI1Iwt.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Southern Europe # Portugal **Schengen**[**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=39.399872,-8.224454,6.5) [** Download GPX (153) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/PT) ## **About ** Portugal is a great destination for cyclists. Enjoy some of the beautiful and historical cities, or find yourself between the beautiful landscapes. The food is amazing, the climate can be good depending on the time and place you visit. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/about) ## **People ** Very friendly people who are willing to help. If you're cycling through rural areas people are likely to wave at you. In the north people are friendlier, but also more modest than elsewhere. The Portuguese themselves are also aware of this distinction. It would have to do with the harsh winter climate in the north. As a woman, more southerly, you are approached more often than you would like. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/people) ## **Visa ** People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here [**https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/**](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/). The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries. Last updated 3 Sept 2020 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/visa) ## **See and do **(16) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Albufeira lagoon**See & doNice place for splash either at wavy sea or calm lagoon 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/b57c48a7-15d9-4659-9714-cec718141dd2) 2. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**2. Arrábida**See & doSuper nice by-the-sea mountain with very nice views and beaches. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/22d07763-324a-4615-99af-8941be4c90a1) 3. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**3. Capela dos Ossos de Campo Maior**See & doAfter a huge explosion, more than 1000 people died in the 18th century. The bones of the victims are now decorated on the walls of this chapel. It sounds… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/2160b5a1-576e-4957-b4fd-030c46069406) 4. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**4. Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge**See & doViewpoint over the city, historical place, with an almost 360º view over the town 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/08db94d5-bb80-428d-a662-18fb86f6f12a) 5. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**5. Miradouro Boca do Vento (Cacilhas, Almada)**See & doNice viewpoint to Lisbon from the other side, reachable by ferry](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/51896fd0-5488-438c-ab11-e16133552614) 6. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**6. Miradouro da Graça**See & doNice viewpoint over the city, with a big café](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/9e80c686-ff62-475c-9e1a-b65d93f026aa) 7. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**7. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte**See & doNice viewpoint over the city, said to be the highest point in the city](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/3710279a-49d8-44d2-9470-d95f375ecb38) 8. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**8. Miradouro das Portas do Sol**See & doNice viewpoint over the city, sometimes with music events](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/728285be-421e-4b6c-97c4-356ba0448740) ## **Bike shops **(8) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**1. Bike Pop**Bike shop 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/80ccb7f4-fcfd-47fc-9536-4eba6773b338) 2. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**2. Armazéns Airaf**Bike shopBicycle shop with very good and helpful mechanic](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/456c94e7-869a-4b5c-b8b0-85089e472ee1) 3. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**3. Cicloficina de Almada**Bike shopBicycle DIY repair spot. Local volunteers help out people make repairs in their own bicycles. Not every day, check schedule!](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/d5c6d927-abfb-4091-aa44-5852a2478a89) 4. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**4. Cicloficina do Barreiro**Bike shopBicycle DIY repair spot. Local volunteers help out people make repairs in their own bicycles. Not every day, check schedule!](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7f29e007-5211-4944-8411-86409338f644) 5. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**5. Cicloficina do Seixal**Bike shopBicycle DIY repair spot. Local volunteers help out people make repairs in their own bicycles. Not every day, check schedule!](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/eea7f832-7dd9-487d-acf9-d32e2fca9c73) 6. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**6. Cicloficina dos Anjos**Bike shopBicycle DIY repair spot. Local volunteers help out people make repairs in their own bicycles. Some second hand parts available](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/319ecf93-2713-457e-a7cb-62fc8be7e508) 7. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**7. Rcicla**Bike shopBike shop with good offer](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/146c5e7e-593b-4c77-9659-25cc8727fd3b) 8. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**8. Rcicla - Oriente**Bike shopBike shop with good offer](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/04d59d37-f62d-44e6-8afb-ed01d645a78f) ## **Sleeping ** ### **Staying with locals** Lisbon and Porto have large couchsurfing communities. This is much less in the interior. ### **(Formal) camping** In the tourist areas you can cycle from campsite to campsite. During the holidays these are busy, but there is always room. The ground is quite hard, a tent hammer is recommended. Campsites are often far apart outside the tourist areas. Wild camping is possible in non-touristy areas. The population also thinks this is normal and will not report you to the local authorities. ### **Ho(s)tels** In Portugal, many places have a guest house. The further from the tourist destinations, the cheaper they become. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/sleeping) ## **Places to sleep **(128) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**1. Camping Os Anjos**CampsiteVery relaxed campsite owned by a very friendly Dutch couple and their dog Nietsche. There is a swimming pool and some basic amenities. It's located on walking… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/3d42fe34-8e0e-4a13-bb2d-48d438a87123) 2. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**2. Camp near small waterfall**Wild campingAfter entering Portugal it was getting late and the hills made it difficult to find a good spot. When I took a small side road, I ended up at this perfect spot…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/f3fdf854-c4fa-4c33-959a-18cb0d54a2e5) 3. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**3. Campimeco**CampsiteCampsite by beautiful beach with long stretch of sand (at the end it's traditionally a naturist beach)](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/ebb8bb5b-d2d7-4173-a67a-4cff57b93bc2) 4. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**4. Camping “Quinta Chave Grande”**CampsiteOfficial campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/3150c3b7-110d-4c04-955d-49ec959cd82b) 5. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**5. Camping Almargem do Bispo**CampsiteOfficial campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/c6b9262a-fa81-4f60-9508-20bb4916283a) 6. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**6. Camping Costa Nova**CampsiteOfficial campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/a70382de-be3c-4f4e-afee-74f1186c3a69) 7. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**7. Camping Guarda**CampsiteOfficial campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/153631a9-1f62-4ebe-851a-4cd9c7d10e9d) 8. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**8. Camping Picheleiros**CampsiteNice campsite surrounded by nature](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/b80ed7c6-ab3f-483d-ab82-788e18293a13) ## **Safety ** Portugal is a safe country, especially in the east where only simple people live and everyone in the villages knows each other. Greed seems completely alien to these people. ### **Traffic** Car drivers are still not very use to see cyclists on the road, but it's overall safe. Central and Northern Portugal: The roads are quiet inland. In (near) the cities, the main roads are especially busy. Motorists are not used to cyclists and oncoming traffic in particular can overtake recklessly. Algarve: The main roads are busy and often highway-like. A number of through roads are prohibited for cyclists. The coastal road between Faro and Albufeira is more like a highway and, despite a wide hard shoulder, is unpleasant for cycling. In the conservatories outside the tourist area you are sometimes alone on the road for hours. You can avoid busy roads on the Ecovia de Algarve. ### **Criminality** The usual thinking of being more careful in some cities or touristy areas at night, but overall quite safe. ### **Corruption** No corruption. ### **Nature and animals** Nothing really to worry about. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Train** Not all trains are allowed to accommodate cyclists. Sometimes you have to take the first or last train to get on by bike. ### **Bus** In the Algarve it is not possible to take a bicycle on the bus. Only in express buses from Algarve (Lagos) to Lisbon (bicycle in bag or box in 2015) or Porto or back. In northern Portugal you can always take a bus, they will not let you down. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** Portugal has great pastries to offer ("pastel de nata" are a must). Also the Bacalhau is a popular dish. **Supermarkets** In the larger villages there are supermarkets that are comparable to those in the Netherlands. The supermarkets are often open until the evening and on Sundays. Small villages often have a small shop with a necessary supply. There are not many gas stations, so for drinks and snacks you will have to cycle to a village. **Restaurants** Eating out is cheap in Portugal. In every village there is a restaurant with a cheap daily menu. Portions are always large and a glass of wine is often included. Often villages are completely extinct, but the restaurant turns out to be full. Usually at the start of the meal - unsolicited - a plate is placed with smaller dishes. This is not free, if you taste it it will be on your account. You can ask for it to be removed from your table without any problem. Not the easiest country for vegetarian, but its slowly improving, especially in major cities. **Drinkable water** Many villages have pumps or a well. This water is good to drink. The water from the wells along the mountain roads is also good. Bottled drinking water is available in many places. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/foodDrink) ## **Other places **(1) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Shop.png)**1. Alfacicla - Bicycle Shop**ShopVery friendly and knowledagble bike mechanic! 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/2d7db67a-4214-4b65-b7e6-b624b6203f02) ## **Other ** **Best time to cycle** Algarve: Spring is most suitable for Algarve and the surrounding interior. In summer it is unbearably hot. Central and Northern Portugal: The best weather is in May-June and September with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. In the dry part of the interior it cools down considerably at night. In August it is usually warm but a sleeping bag is needed at night, sometimes rain and getting warmer towards the south until hot on some days. In the mountains it is also doable in summer. **Special sightseeing** The Rota Vicentina is a hiking trail and opened in 2013 in the southwest of Portugal. (Alentejo) This route follows the jagged cliff coast from Santiago do Cacem to Sagres in the south. (rotavicentina.com). The route is also indicated as a mountain bike trail. It is very nice to plan a hike of about 10 days (including cycling from Lisbon). Count on solid mountain biking, especially with a pack! Best time: April-May. Last updated 6 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/portugal/edit/other) ## **From the blog ** ### Bicycle touring in Portugal - the coast, the interior and when to go 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. 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