Peneda-Gerês National Park Gravel Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Porto – transfer to Esposende
You will be met in Porto and driven, together with your bikes and luggage, to Esposende on the Atlantic coast, where your journey begins.

Day 2: Esposende – Ponte de Lima (approx. 50 km; +400 m)
You will follow the Ecovia along coastal boardwalks to Rio de Moinhos beach, then head inland on cobbled lanes past village churches. After a last stretch near the sea, the route turns for good towards the historic town of Ponte de Lima, as the lively coast gives way to the quiet interior.

Day 3: Ponte de Lima – Santa Maria (approx. 55 km; +900 m)
The Lima River greenway leads you through mostly flat countryside to Arcos de Valdevez and its granite buildings. From there, the forests of the Serra da Cabreira take you to Santa Maria, known for its thermal waters and peaceful setting.

Day 4: Santa Maria – Campo do Gerês (approx. 30 km; +1,300 m)
The most demanding day of the tour. You will climb 1,300 m into Peneda-Gerês National Park on switchbacks through chestnut, oak and beech forests. Wide views open up at the top, before a technical descent brings you to Campo do Gerês, the heart of the park.

Day 5: Campo do Gerês – Lóbios (approx. 40 km; +800 m)
Dirt roads lead you out of Campo do Gerês through forests with gentle ups and downs. Gradually the trees give way to pastures and grassland as you near the Spanish border and arrive in Lóbios, a small town known for its thermal waters.

Day 6: Lóbios – Montalegre (approx. 50 km; +1,400 m)
Back in Portugal, you will face steady climbs and technical descents over several mountain passes, with views from dense forest down into deep valleys. The day ends in Montalegre, with its granite houses and castle.

Day 7: Montalegre – Paradela (approx. 45 km; +750 m)
Back roads and dirt tracks cross a countryside of pastures, forests and small villages. You will pass dry stone walls and old granite granaries as the route climbs and descends towards Paradela.

Day 8: Paradela – Gerês (approx. 40 km; +900 m)
On the last riding day you will wind through pastures, oak and chestnut woods and small villages. The gradient rises as you re-enter the national park and reach Gerês, its beating heart.

Day 9: Departure – transfer to Porto
After breakfast, a transfer takes you from Gerês back to Porto, where the tour ends.