TOURING PORTUGAL
Portugal: port, a sandwich filled with five different meats and covered in sauce. And great riding…
Great roads and a sandwich made up of five different meats and cheese.
Basking in southern Europe’s sun for 3000 hours every year, Portugal sits on the Iberian Peninsula neighbouring Spain.the country has an array of spectacular landscapes, beaches, cities and a rich cultural history which makes it one of the most exciting places to explore on two wheels. But where to start?
Start in the capital, Lisbon. From here, you can enjoy a ten day 1100-mile ride. There will be mountains, coastal roads, UNESCO World Heritage sites, wine routes, the Estrela mountain range, villages, castles and no motorways.
Head north from Lisbon to Vila Franca de Xira, cross the Tagus river on the N10 then eastwards for a two hour cruise to Évora on the N4, joining the N2 then the N114 all the way to the capital of Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region. Upon arrival, visit the Évora Historic Centre for a dose of the city’s past, and stay the night in preparation for a stint north and a go on the best roads the Estrela mountain range (part of the St. James Portuguese Way) has to offer.
The Estrela mountain range is home to mainland Portugal’s highest point at 1993 metres above sea level. The four+ hour ride from Évora skirts the edge of the Serra de São Mamede National Park after joining the IP2 from the N18. Continue north for 105 miles before re-joining the N18. Then rejoin the IP2 at Boidobra. Keep going to the twisty N339 until you find yourself in the Estrela mountain range.
More of Portugal’s flawlessness awaits on the next, 99-mile, leg from Estrela to the Douro Valley and Douro River. To get there take the exquisite N222 and Port Wine Route, then spend the rest of the day exploring the valley’s lakes, culture and port producing properties. A decent meal in the valley is around 20 euros, expect grilled octopus, kid goat and traditional dishes such as feijoadas made with pork, beef and beans. For a veggie option, the valley’s famous feijoada de cogumelos is cooked with mushrooms and butter beans. Finish the evening watching the sun set with a refreshing white port and tonic on the terrace of Six Senses’ Vale de Abraão restaurant.
Having recovered from Douro’s port, head for the coastal city of Porto on the N211, famed for its elegant bridges over the Douro River, cobbled streets and yes, you guessed it, more port wine.try one of the city’s great traditions – the Francesinha – a sandwich filled with up to five different meats, covered in cheese and drowned in sauce. Pick one up for around 13 euros.
Next up is the medieval riverfront city of Coimbra. Travel south on the N222, N335, N234-1, N111-1 and EN111-1, and into the city. Coimbra was Portugal’s capital for over a century, and hosts the country’s oldest and most prestigious university. Navigate the atmospheric cobbled lanes to get a feel for the authenticity of this place. Enjoy the local food but bear in mind that the locals dine early which means restaurants close equally punctually. And many eateries are closed on the weekend.
And on the eighth day… head three hours south from Coimbra to the small traditional town of Óbidos. The ride takes in the Convent of Christ, Tomar – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
representing the opening up of Portugal to other civilisations, plus you’ll visit the fascinating Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. After these stop-offs, Óbidos and its narrow-cobbled streets, traditional painted houses, and the impressive medieval castle awaits. Trivia fans will be interested to hear that it is, in fact, the finest example of a Portuguese walled town. Be sure to check out the beautiful Porta Da Vila, the main gateway to Óbidos.
The final riding day and it’s 60 miles back down to Lisbon on the N8, N9 and N374. This tour is a perfect candidate for a bit of fly-ride action. If you’ve never considered this option, yes it can be a bit restrictive, but equally it is a stress free way to enjoy one of Europe’s riding treasures.