Gravel biking has surged in popularity as cyclists seek out new adventures beyond paved roads, craving the thrill of exploration and the beauty of untouched landscapes. Gravel bike tours are more than just cycling experiences; they are immersive journeys through some of the world's most breathtaking and lesser-known terrains. These tours cater to adventurers who yearn to explore off-the-beaten-path routes, with the freedom to traverse a mix of surfaces, from dirt roads and forest trails to gravel paths. The versatility of gravel biking means that every tour is a unique adventure, promising both the thrill of the ride and the awe of discovery.
Gravel bikes offer the freedom to ride wherever you'd like, mixing up trails with back roads - the perfect vehicle for any adventure
Back roads, trails, cycle paths? All of the above, please!
Selecting the perfect gravel bike tour depends on several factors, including your skill level, fitness, and what you want to experience. Consider tours that offer:
1. Girona and Catalonia, Spain: A Gravel Biking Paradise. Girona and Catalonia have long been celebrated as a cycling haven, attracting riders from around the globe with their stunning landscapes and challenging routes. For gravel biking enthusiasts, this region offers an unparalleled mix of terrains—from the rugged Pyrenees to the serene beaches of the Costa Brava. Gravel routes in Girona and Catalonia meander through medieval villages, lush forests, and volcanic fields, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and natural beauty. The area's mild climate makes it an ideal year-round destination for gravel biking, inviting riders to experience the warmth of Spanish hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and a vibrant cycling culture that's second to none.
2. The Algarve, Portugal: Coastal Trails and Country Roads.
The Algarve's diverse landscapes make it a dream destination for gravel biking. From the Atlantic coast's dramatic cliffs and golden beaches to the serene beauty of the Guadiana Natural Park, gravel bike tours in the Algarve promise adventure and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Cyclists can explore the region's historical sites, such as ancient Moorish castles and traditional Portuguese villages, adding a cultural depth to their journey. The Algarve's well-maintained gravel paths, combined with its sunny climate, offer perfect riding conditions to experience the thrill of gravel biking in a uniquely captivating setting. Click here for more information on our gravel bike tour in Algarve.
3. Tuscany, Italy: Rolling Hills and Historic Beauty.
Tuscany is a region synonymous with art, history, and stunning landscapes. Its rolling hills, dotted with cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves, provide a picturesque backdrop for gravel biking. The region's white gravel roads, known as "Strade Bianche," are famous in the cycling world and offer a mix of challenging rides and scenic beauty. Cycling through Tuscany on a gravel bike allows riders to immerse themselves in the heart of Italian culture, with opportunities to taste world-renowned wines, savor traditional Italian cuisine, and explore Renaissance towns and villages. Tuscany's blend of natural beauty and rich history makes it an unforgettable destination for cyclists seeking the essence of gravel biking.
Preparing for a gravel bike tour goes beyond sheer excitement; it involves equipping yourself with the right gear and knowledge to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Here are some essentials:
Stop for a cafe mid ride during a gravel bike tour in Portugal
Embarking on a gravel bike tour requires not only the spirit of adventure but also a foundation of physical fitness and skill. Here's how to prepare:
Gravel biking brings us closer to nature and rural communities, making it imperative to ride responsibly and sustainably:
Incorporating these elements into your preparation, training, and conduct ensures not only a memorable and enjoyable gravel bike tour but also a responsible and sustainable adventure. By gearing up properly, preparing your body, and committing to eco-friendly practices, you’re set for an exceptional experience on the gravel paths.
As passionate cyclists, we are always on the lookout to design new bike tours with the best roads and trails to explore a certain region. Serra da Estrela Natural Park has always been on our mind, as it not only hosts the highest point in Continental Portugal, but truly amazing, undiscovered landscapes that transport us in space in time. In this region you're able to visit the "Historical Villages of Portugal", 12 villages that capture the essence of pre-roman to medieval times, understand the lifestyle and culture of the "Transumância", the Burel fabrics and textiles, experience Portuguese gastronomy at it's purest and some of the most different wines Portugal has to offer at the moment.
These reasons alone make it a special region to explore. But it took us a while to design the perfect bike tour in the region, as we needed to pair these attributes with key issues so we could make it into a perfect bike tour - trails, roads and the best hotels to showcase the region. And so, with the help of local riders, we designed a tour to be better experienced on mixed terrain, as this untamed land requires us to skip the road for some trails every now and then, so we can explore glacial valleys, river springs and the GR22. This lead us to create our first ever "Gravel" tour, as we feel that's the best bike to explore this mixed terrain, as it isn't technical and allows us to better flow from one castle to the next. And here it is, our "Bike tour in the Portuguese Historical villages and Estrela Natural Park".
This bike tour starts with a 2h30m transfer from Porto airport ( or hotel) to Covilhã, a gateway to the Estrela Sierra, where we'll stay for the night on a charm hotel that will allow us to explore it's historical city center and gastronomy - a great introduction to the region. After breakfast, we'll descend towards the Zêzere river, tackling the macadam trails towards Belmonte, the first of several historical villages we'll visit, where the castle marks the top of this fortified village. After the mandatory coffee stop, we'll ride by the GR22 towards Manteigas and then Penhas Douradas, where a SPA at high altitudes await - this is where we'll stay for the next nights, exploring the Sierra. For the next days, we'll be be conquering the "Torre" - the highest point in continental Portugal, descending by trails in Glacial valleys, riding to nearby historical villages like "Linhares da Beira", ride to the spring of the Zêzere river and get to know more about the ancient "Burel" textiles and gastro traditions of the Estrela national park - while indulging in the best accomodation and SPA of the region.
From there, we'll ride north, to "Penalva do Castelo", where we'll rest for a night at the spectacular "Casa da Ínsua" Parador, and then towards "Trancoso" and "Marialva", which boast spectacular castles and ruins of long lost eras, dating back to the 12th century. From Marialva, we'll cross the "Côa" river using the GR22 route, by the natural reserve of "Faia Brava" and ride to our last Historical Village of the journey, "Castelo Rodrigo", which sits on the top of a small mountain, overlooking the high mountains of Portugal and Spain. The Douro river is nearby, and so are the almond trees, vineyards and olive trees characteristic of this region.
As this bike tour comes to an end, you'll be transferred back to Porto and hopefully experienced this region in an authentic manner, bringing you closer to it's magic, in a way only a bike can transport you.
Join us there. Click here to view the full information on our "Bike tour in the Portuguese Historical Villages and Estrela natural Park"
