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