One of Europe’s oldest countries, Portugal is known for its mix of rugged landscapes and traditional rural lifestyles. Explore 300 million-year-old battered Atlantic coastlines and jagged slate mountains on some great Portugal mountain biking holidays.
*Originally published in September 2014 this article was most recently updated in October 2025*
Below are three top MTB tours around Portugal. Each has its own distinct identity and up to 70% of the tracks off road, so you’ll need to bring your best biking skills.
Portugal Mountain Biking Holiday Ideas
There are guided and supported or self-guided tours available with optional bike hire too. And if the below mountain biking in Portugal is a bit hardcore for you there are plenty of cycling holidays in Portugal to choose from.
Camino de Santiago de Compostela/Way of St James
One of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes, this medieval trail is no picnic. The tour starts at Guimarâes, Portugal’s oldest city and the town known as the ‘birthplace of the Portuguese nation’. It finishes at the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Feel the mystical atmosphere of over a thousand years of pilgrimage along the way. Pass ancient churches, religious iconography and explore the medieval architecture of Ponte de Lima. You’ll also cycle through the fortified town of Valença and explore its ancient streets.
Tours include five days cycling and are rated as 4/5 in terms of difficulty. You’ll cover 220 km at a rate of 44km a day and the trail is split roughly two thirds asphalt to one third dirt tracks. Find out more about The Way of St James.
Cork Trees and Coast
Explore the stunning national parks and forests of Arrabida, south of Lisbon. Ride between Mediterranean landscapes and rugged coastlines starting in the town of Sesimbra.
The beautiful and mysterious cork trees are one of Portugal’s greatest natural resources. They grow in dense clusters creating unique landscapes with winding pathways and tunnels through thick vegetation. Head down to Alentejo and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of the most preserved landscapes in Europe.
The tour is four days of cycling at 56km a day. The difficulty rating is 3/5 and around 70% of the riding is off road.
The Algarve Wild Coast
Cycle the Vicentine Route along the wild Algarve’s west coast. Enjoy cliff-top cycling and winding fisherman’s trails along stunning beaches. Head down to Sagres, the south-westernmost point of continental Europe and the lively small coastal city and surf hotspot Lagos. Experience the beautiful yet rugged landscape of the exposed Atlantic coast, complete with unique flora and fauna.
Tours include four days cycling at 54km a day. The difficulty rating is 3/5 and 68% of trails are off road.
Practicalities of Mountain Biking in Portugal
Bike rental charges are reasonable and you can often get one way hires, although often for an extra fee. Prices vary according to the time of year and it’s recommended to try and avoid high summer as it can be too hot to be in the saddle all day.
Transfers and accommodation are easy to arrange for these Portugal mountain biking holiday ideas. On guided tours you’ll be treated to breakfast, picnics at lunch and dinners in some of the region’s finest eateries in the evenings. Self-guided tours mean you are fending for yourself but much accommodation comes with breakfasts provided only.
We hope you found these 3 great Portugal mountain biking holiday ideas inspirational. Check out these great MTB ideas in Morocco for something a bit more exotic.
