Portugal and Spain Border Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Marvão
You will begin in the medieval village of Marvão, perched on a hill with stunning views and a beautiful castle. Take time to explore the village streets or enjoy the hotel's outdoor jacuzzi, before a welcome drink at 6 p.m. and an overview of the routes ahead. The tour is designed for fit riders: if you are not, an e-bike is a must.

Day 2: Marvão – Castelo de Vide (61 km; +750 m)
You will ride through the landscapes around Marvão and the Natural Park of Serra de S. Mamede, on secondary asphalt roads with some climbs. Along the way you will pass the Menir of Meada, the olive oil mill of Galegos, where local olive oil is served with Alentejo bread, the Beirã train station and an artisan craft beer stop. The day ends in Castelo de Vide, a lively village with a cosmopolitan vibe and a medieval castle.

Day 3: Castelo de Vide – Arronches (59 km; +530 m)
You will head south through the Natural Park of São Mamede on narrow secondary roads, a truly off-the-beaten-track area with few people. "Postcard" roads lined with white-painted tree trunks lead past small hamlets, the Roman city of Ammaia and its museum, a local winery and the village of Alegrete with its small hilltop castle. In Arronches, a circular ride takes you to ancient cave paintings, before a night in a charming farmhouse.

Day 4: Arronches – Elvas (67 km; +525 m)
A long day on quiet secondary roads, perfect for spotting griffons and storks. You will cross briefly into Spain to glimpse cattle farms and the distant Castle of Alburqueque, then return to Portugal through Campo Maior, with the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Enxara, the Castle of Ouguela and the Coffee Museum along the way. You will arrive in Elvas, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where you will spend two nights.

Day 5: Around Elvas (10–15 or 43 km; +450 m)
A full day is dedicated to Elvas. You can stay close to the city, with 10–15 km of cycling to the aqueduct, the local museums and its two remarkable fortresses, Forte de Santa Luzia and Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça, or ride 43 km out into the countryside. The hotel spa offers the perfect retreat.

Day 6: Elvas – Juromenha (64 km; +220 m)
You will cross into Spain again, following the Guadiana River, the natural boundary between the two countries, past farmlands, olive groves and green fields. With an e-bike or extra energy you can visit the historic center of Badajoz. You will stop in Olivenza, a village with a castle and a fascinating history, before returning to Portugal and reaching Juromenha; the local taxi boat is the recommended way to cross the river.

Day 7: Around Juromenha (73 km; +630 m)
You will explore Juromenha and its historic fortress, once a defensive point against Spain, then ride through undulating forests of cork and holm oaks. In the small village of Terena you will visit the sanctuary, a stunning castle and a marble-carved cemetery, before cycling back to your guesthouse with a swimming pool.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast your journey across the border comes to an end. A transfer to the airport can be booked as a supplement.