Bike Tour in Minho: The Green Cradle of Portugal
A bike tour fit for beginner and intermediate bike touring enthusiasts, in the cradle of Portugal: the Minho region. Ride by marked, easy macadam trails alongside luscious green landscape, from the Lima and Vez Rivers to the Atlantic Ocean, rediscovering the traces of early Portuguese history, from the 12th century on. Relaxing in former Manor Houses, now refurbished as charming hotels, you’ll ride along the Vez and Lima Rivers, in Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez, nearby the Peneda Geres National park, towards the sea, discovering the historical centres of Viana do Castelo, Caminha and Valença, while tasting the trademark green wines, gastronomy and millennial old history of this region.
Riding by the Lima river, you’ll reach Ponte de Lima, the oldest “vila” or village, in Portugal, founded in the 12th century and best known by its Roman and Medieval bridge – a small town, which has much to offer in terms of culture, gastronomy and local wines, as this region is renowned by its typical Green wine.
Arriving to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll get to visit Viana do Castelo, with the ever present Santa Luzia Sanctuary overlooking this piscatorial city – explore it’s historical Centre by the sea and enjoy the fresh fish and seafood of the region.
From Viana, you’ll start riding by the Atlantic Ecopista, which is also a marked trail that is part of the Camino de Santiago, so you get to ride by the “Camino Português”, a pilgrimage route that started in the 9th Century with the discovery, in Galiza, of the remains of St. James.
Arriving to Caminha you’ll get to see the Minho river, that serves as a natural border between Portugal and Galiza, in Northern Spain. Riding alongside the Minho river, by the Ecopista, you’ll reach Valença, where you’ll get to visit and stay for the night inside this 17th century fortress overlooking Spain, where you should try the local “Alvarinho” wines.
The Scott bikes were excellent and well maintained. The off road routes along rivers and the coastline were peaceful, interesting and ...
We are a couple from Israel and we just finished the self guided bike tour in the Minho valley and it ...
At the scheduled time pick-up at Porto airport, and transfer to Ponte da Barca. Check-in at Ribeira Collection Hotel in Arcos de Valdevez where you’ll be staying for the next few days, exploring Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez regions. If you arrive early, we suggest going for a loop ride by the luscious green margins of the Lima and Vez rivers, exploring the historical buildings of the region. Night at Ribeira Collection Hotel in Arcos de Valdevez (upgrade to superior room in Premium option).
Night in Ponte da Barca, at Ribeira Collection Hotel in Arcos de Valdevez (upgraded room included in the "premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, after which you can opt from three different rides, with different difficulty levels. You can choose from a 28km loop ride by the Northern bank of the Vez and Lima rivers, leading you to the historical Centre of Arcos de Valdevez, or extend the ride up to 49km, by the Ecopista of the Vez River. You can also opt for a tougher alternative, riding up to Soajo, to view the typical granite Espigueiros, to get a taste of the Peneda-Geres National Park. Riding back to Ponte da Barca, make sure you take your time to marvel at the local manor houses, and 12th-century Portuguese architecture and taste the local green wines and typical gastronomy of the region.
Night in Ponte da Barca, at Ribeira Collection Hotel in Arcos de Valdevez (upgraded room included in the "premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Today you’ll start your ride heading west, following the south section of the Lima River and through its marked trails. These are soft riverside macadam trails, with no climbs, that’ll lead you to Ponte de Lima, the oldest “vila” in Portugal, founded in the 12th century, where its Medieval bridge marks the landscape – a small town, which we recommend for lunch, and with much to offer in terms of culture, gastronomy and local wines. Cross the bridge to ride upwards, to Paço de Calheiros Manor House – the climb will lead you to a 13-acre estate with its very own manor house and vineyards, and where you’ll be greeted by the Count of Calheiros himself. Night at InLima or Paço de Calheiros (included in Premium option).
Night in Ponte de Lima, at InLima Hotel & Spa or Paço de Calheiros Manor House ("Premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Ride down south, back to the margins of the Lima River – today, you’ll be heading towards the sea! After reaching Ponte de Lima, ride West, by the south bank of the Lima River, until you reach Viana do Castelo - another day with no big inclines. Crossing the river to Viana do Castelo, you’ll be able to see the monumental Santa Luzia sanctuary that looks over the city. The historical city centre of Viana is really worth exploring and has great options for lunch. Check in at Casa Melo Alvim for the night or choose to climb a bit more up to Pousada de Viana do Castelo (upgrade to Pousada de Viana do Castelo in Premium option), for a privileged view over the city.
Night in Viana do Castelo: Casa Melo Alvim or Pousada de Viana do Castelo (included in "Premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Today you’ll head North, but first you’ll ride by Viana’s beautiful city Centre, discovering its Fort, Nossa Senhora da Agonia church, before reaching the Atlantic Ecopista, which is a part of the “Camino de Santiago”. This is an ocean-side marked trail with no technical difficulties, that’ll lead you to Vila Praia de Âncora and then to Caminha. You’ll ride by macadam trails, backroads and boardwalks by the beautiful beaches of northern Portugal, crossing pine tree forests and some ancient pathways. Take the time to visit the lovely Centre of Caminha, as you’ll be staying in Porta do Sol Conference & Spa or Palacete Villa Idalina (in "Premium" option).
Night in Caminha, at Porta do Sol Conference & SPA (upgraded room in "Premium" option) or Palace Villa Idalina ("Premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Leaving the ocean behind, you’ll ride by the Northern bank of the Minho River, overlooking Spain across the border as you ride along the Ecopista towards Valença. No technical difficulties as you’ll ride mainly by a marked pathway alongside the river, towards Vila Nova de Cerveira – its quaint Centre is worth a visit and a stop at a local cafe – and then towards Valença do Minho, marked by its medieval fortress, which you should dedicate some time to explore. You’ll check in at Pousada de Valença (upgrade to superior room in Premium option), located inside the fortress overlooking Spain and Tui –make sure to try the “Alvarinho” wines from the region.
Hotel in Valença, at Pousada Valença or Parador de Tui (upgrade to superior room in "Premium" option)
Breakfast and check-out of your hotel. If you feel like riding some more, go for a short loop up to Spain, to visit Tui’s historical city Centre, before being transferred back to Porto at the scheduled time.
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
Born and raised in Porto, Daniel's horizons have led him to explore several places across the globe. He frequently boards on adventures in Sri Lanka and is passionate about hiking and biking alike. Based in Porto, he is the go-to guide on the best spots to experience the North of Portugal and Spain in depth.
