best motorcycle trip portugal

Motorcycling in Portugal- Everything you need to know

Planning a motorcycle trip to Portugal? Want to see some of the most breathtaking places in Europe? Here’s everything you need to know to go motorcycling in Portugal, including routes and places to visit.

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Motorcycling in Portugal- why you should go!

Portugal has a little bit of everything- dramatic coastline with sandy beaches, caves, mountains, fantastic cuisine and history. Oh, and wine. Lots and lots of lovely wine. It’s wonderfully traditional and many parts of it still feel utterly untouched by the modern world.

One of the best things about motorcycle touring in Portugal is that you can see the differences between the regions, try the local cuisine and really get a feel for the country in a short space of time. It’s also one of the cheapest countries in western Europe, so you can travel on a small budget without much issue.

In this guide, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to go motorcycle touring in Portugal, including getting to Portugal and planning your route, where to stay, some road trip ideas and places to visit, driving tips and other practical advice to help you have an amazing Portuguese road trip.

We’re also going to share some things NOT to do- like use your dash-cam! (Did you know dash-cams are illegal in Portugal?!)

Motorcycling in Portugal- Where to go

When planning a motorcycle tour of Portugal, the first thing you need to do is decide where you’re going (and how long you have for your adventure!)

How long to go for?

If you’re riding from the UK to Portugal (we’ll cover that shortly), you need to allow at least 2 days to get from arriving in France (by either ferry or Eurotunnel) to Portugal. And that’s 2 days of pretty much solid riding (it’s about 15 and a half hours (1013 miles) from Calais to the north-eastern Portuguese border)

We don’t recommend visiting Portugal if you only have a week or your road trip. It’s too far and all you’ll do is drive there and back. Of course, if you’re going to rent a motorcycle and fly in, that’s perfectly doable in a week (more on that shortly).

If you have a couple of weeks, you can certainly explore a good chunk of Portugal, but you will be doing a lot of riding unless you stick to just the North of the country. Portugal isn’t a huge country- it only takes about 7 hours (470miles) to drive from North to South, so once you’re there it’s easy to see a lot in a short space of time.

Highlights of a Portugal Motorcycling Holiday

Some of the best places to visit when motorcycling in Portugal include:

• The Algarve – the beaches there are some of the best in Europe
• Lisbon – one of Europe’s most historical cities
• Sintra- it really does look like something from a fairytale
• Alentejo National Park- the largest protected coastal Natural Park in Europe
• Porto- one of the oldest ports in the world
• Cape St Vincent- Europe’s most south-westerly point
• Serra Da Estrela- Portugal’s highest mountain range
• Duoro Valley- if you like wine, here’s the place to go
• Megaliths near Évora- these are amazing!

Make sure you bring a motorcycle camera or helmet cam – the scenery is spectacular.

If you enjoy reading books before a trip, here are some we recommend:

When to go motorcycle touring in Portugal 

Portugal has one of the warmest climates in Europe. As such, it’s a magnet for northern Europeans- especially in winter.

Motorcycling in Portugal in winter

Portugal is great in winter. It’s one of the warmest places in Europe in February with average temperatures of over 16°C. The nice thing about Portugal during the winter is most places remain open, as so many tourists still visit, so it doesn’t all shut down like many other countries in Europe. (Of course, some campsites do choose to close, but there are still plenty open all year.)

However, not everywhere in Portugal is warm in winter. Expect snow and skiing in the mountains- especially in Serra Da Estrela (the highest mountain range).

Touring Portugal in summer

For us, summer in Portugal is just too hot. Average temperature in the Algarve in August is 29°C- that’s the AVERAGE. Because we travel with a dog, we try to avoid hot places like this and go motorcycling in Norway or other places with mountains and cooler air.

Also, it gets crowded in summer. Crazy crazy crowded. Beaches are packed and queues for tourist attractions are long. Being crammed in, in hot weather, doesn’t appeal to us at all.

Motorcycling in Portugal in Spring and Autumn

As with most of Europe, Spring and Autumn are perfect times to explore Portugal. The weather is still warm (average of 19.8°C in April and 22°C in October), but the crowds from summer have gone and you might even get stretches of beach all to yourself.

If you enjoy hiking, this is a great time to visit, especially in Spring when the flowers are blooming.

TOP TIP: If you are travelling outside of peak season, definitely get an ACSI CampingCard- you’ll save a fortune on campsites all over Europe, including Portugal

Driving from the UK to Portugal

Did you know that Portugal and England have the oldest alliance in the world, dating all the way back to 1373?! If you’re planning a motorcycle trip to Portugal, there are a couple of options from the UK, assuming you’re bringing your own vehicle (if you’re flying in and hiring, we’ll deal with that shortly.)

There are two ways people get their motorbikes to Portugal- motorcycle through France and Spain or take the ferry to Spain and then ride into Portugal. There are pros and cons to each.

Generally, taking a ferry from the UK is much more expensive than driving through France (depending on the time of year and type of cabin you choose).

Ferry from the UK to Portugal

There are no direct ferries from the UK to Portugal. You can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to either Santander or Bilbao (both on the north coast of Spain)- those are the closest ports to Portugal. (Bilbao is about a 5-hour drive from the Portuguese border- 480km)

A one-way trip on either ferry from the UK takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. They also have dog kennels onboard if you want to bring your dog.

The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. Even in the middle of summer. As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering I’m ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years) , I avoid this crossing and prefer to drive from the UK through France to Spain and then Portugal, but it’s entirely up to you.

Driving routes through France to Portugal

If you decide that you want to ride your motorbike (or drive, if you’re motorcycle camping with a van ) through France down to Portugal, you first need to decide if you’re going to take the ferry or Eurotunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both).

The quickest route from Calais is via Le Mans and Bordeaux, crossing into Spain at San Sebastian. Then head towards Valladolid and you’re nearly in Portugal. It takes about 18 hours from Calais and you can join this route easily if you decide to come over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg.

Can I ride to Portugal in the Winter?

Yep. I know there are several huge mountain ranges (especially the Pyrenees), but generally the routes are all open, unless you happen to be really unlucky and hit it in the middle of a snowstorm -do check the weather forecast before travelling. My husband got this wrong many years ago and had to battle for two days on a bike (with a pillion) in a snowstorm. It was so bad he STILL talks about it!

If this happens, then we recommend stopping for the night somewhere safe and then continuing on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. Don’t forget you will need all-weather tyres in winter- more on that shortly. Alternatively, change your plans completely and go motorcycling in Croatia instead

Borders / Customs in Portugal

There is no border control if you’re driving between Spain and Portugal. However, there are restrictions on how much tobacco and alcohol you can carry and it must all be for personal use.

Also, now that the UK is a third country, you are only allowed to carry:

• Wine/ Spirits: 2 litres
• Perfumes: 50 grams of perfume/ 250 ml EDT
• Coffee: 500 grams/ Coffee extracts and coffee essences – 200 grams
• Tea: 100 grams/ Tea extracts and tea essences – 40 grams

You can find a full list of all current allowances here

Hiring a motorcycle to tour Portugal 

If you don’t have your own bike, or don’t have time to ride all the way to Portugal, you can easily fly in and hire one. Just make sure to ask how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are at the airport itself and you might need to book a taxi.

To rent a motorcycle in Portugal most places will expect you to be:

• 18 years or over, depending on the company’s rental policy and size of bike.
• 125cc and below requires a licence category A1 or equivalent.
• have a minimum of 1 year riding experience
• show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities).
• international driver’s license for Non-European Members 

Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border into Spain if that’s what you’re planning to do.

Don’t forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the rider, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring.

Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws.

You can expect to pay anywhere from 80€-180€/ day- based on model. Make sure you ask the right questions to know what’s included in your rental, such as:

• Mileage limits/ surcharge
• Kit included
• Luggage included
• Helmet rental available
• Pillion allowed
• Breakdown/ insurance cover
• Times & location of pick up/ drop off
• Documents needed

Motorcycling in Portugal- what gear do you need to carry?

Just like most of Europe , there are certain things you MUST carry with you whilst motorbike touring in Portugal.

Don’t forget, if you are motorcycling through Spain & France to get to Portugal, you need all the kit required by those countries, as well as the kit needed in Portugal.

Things you need to ride in Portugal- safety gear

These are the things you MUST have with you when you’re motorcycle touring in Portugal.

• It is NOT mandatory to wear any other protective gear- but I highly advise that you do!
• Hi-vis reflective jackets – you must wear them on the side of the road or hard shoulder or risk being fined. You do NOT have to ride with one on if you don’t wish to.
• You do not need headlight beam converters on a motorcycle in Europe unless your headlight points dramatically to the left.
• Country (UK) sticker attached to the back of bike on reg plates. (NOT the EU or GB sticker anymore!)
• If you wear glasses you MUST carry a spare pair.
• Wearing a helmet is mandatory for riders and pillions and you will be fined for breaking this

NOTE – If buying a helmet, check for an ECE 22 E-Mark label to be road-legal on European roads. Read more.

TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for riding in Portugal in advance. If you wait until you’re at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much!

Recommended bike accessories you MIGHT need when motorcycling in Portugal

The following kit are things you might need to carry in your kit.

• Winter tyres are compulsory
• Warning triangle
• First aid kit – not compulsory but worth carrying.
• Spare bulbs
• Snacks and water- just in case!

Don’t forget to do your motorcycle maintenance checks before you leave- grab your FREE motorcycle maintenance checklist here

What documents do you need to road trip in Portugal?

Unlike motorcycling in the UK , if you’re riding in Portugal, you need to carry the following documents:

• Passport (or identity card)
• Driving licence (check it is in date!)
• Motorcycle Insurance documents- check you are covered for riding in Europe
• Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)

We advise to also have the following documents to hand:

• Vehicle tax
• Breakdown cover
• International Driving Permit if required
• Trailer certification (if towing)
• Personal travel insurance

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Portugal?

You do not need an IDP to drive in Portugal for periods up to 6 months.

Using a Dash-cam in Portugal

This warrants its own section, because so many people don’t realise the law. Using a dash-cam in Portugal is illegal as it’s against the law to film people or other peoples’ property. Not just that, but OWNING a dash-cam is illegal in Portugal.

So, if you do have a dashcam, or a Go Pro, you might want to consider not using it in Portugal and putting it away. The fines for disobedience can be up to 1,500€

Motorcycle stopovers & overnight parking in Portugal

In Portugal, there are several types of stopovers you can use.

Portugal Camping sites for motorcycles

It’s easy to find motorcycle campsites in Portugal and they’re much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very basic facilities, while others are designed for long-term visitors and have entertainment, clubs, pools and bars!

Campsites in Portugal are often a lot cheaper than you might expect, especially if you’re used to other countries in western Europe. Some are as little as 2€/pp/ night- but they are very basic.

Many campsites have large pitches, excellent (and clean) facilities and stunning views. And most have staff who speak excellent English.

TOP TIP: If you’re touring Portugal in summer, make sure to get a pitch with shade. You’re going to need it when the sun gets hot! However, don’t forget if you’re solo motorcycle touring , you’ll need to carry all your camping gear yourself.

TOP TIP : If you’re planning to stay in one area for a long time (30+ days), negotiate a special rate with the campsite directly. Most of them have some sort of discount- some are as little as £10/ day, including electric.

Is wild camping / free camping legal in Portugal for motorcycles?

Yes. They DID ban wild camping in Portugal at the beginning of 2021… and then they changed the law again. So it is ok to stay off-grid, even if you’re campervanning in Portugal .

Driving and motorcycle laws in Portugal

The road network in Portugal is apparently one of the best in Europe (according to a Portuguese website) but the country has one of the highest accident rates in Europe.

Portuguese drivers rarely use indicators and will regularly cut wildly across several lanes to reach an exit. Police are trying to stop this (and other stupid driving behaviours) but it means fines for speeding and/ or reckless driving are high and must be paid on the spot. The worst areas are around Lisbon, Porto, on the A1 and A2 and in the Algarve- ride with extreme caution in these spots.

There is a four-lane motorway A1 (auto estrada) running from Lisbon to Porto(about 314km / 195miles) and multiple good-quality two lane highways (many of which are toll roads.)

Road surfaces are generally good on major roads, but some secondary roads are not well surfaced and need to be ridden with care, especially on sports bikes.

Let’s cover the basic rules and some tips for motorcycling in Portugal:

• Portugal drives on the right
• Vehicles coming FROM the right have priority at junctions
• On roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way.
• Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you might want to change the setting on your motorcycle sat-nav)
• Failing to stop at a “Stop” sign can lead to a fine of up to €2,500
• It is illegal to ride with headphones connected to a sound device
• You need dipped headlights during the day
• It is illegal for a motorbike to carry passengers under the age of seven
• Handsfree kits are allowed
• It is forbidden to use a dashcam or radar detector for speed cameras
• Road surfaces are generally pretty good in towns and cities, but can be bad in the countryside.
• Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if you’re driving near a tram network.
• Emergency vehicles and military vehicles have priority over other road users.
• There is no border control between Spain and Portugal – you can just ride right in

Is filtering/ lane splitting legal in Portugal?

Legal? No. Does ‘everyone’ do it? Yes. Common advice from people who live/ ride in Portugal is if the traffic is stopped, you can filter to the left. If there is a solid line, don’t cross it, but dash is ok. But there is a chance of a fine if caught, so filter/ lane split at your own risk.

Roads in Portugal

There has been a lot of money spent in recent years to build new roads (hence all the tolls!) Most of the major roads have been resurfaced and are pretty good, but there are many older roads in more rural areas which are in poorer condition. There are also plenty of off-road trails if you have a scrambler/ trail bike.

Traffic Lights in Portugal

Traffic lights use the 3 colour system. There is no amber signal after the red, and a flashing amber light indicates “caution”. A flashing or constant red light indicates “stop” and is used near level crossings and to give warning of an obstacle.

Speed Limits in Portugal (unless otherwise signed!)

Breaking the speed limit could result in either an on-the-spot or an automatic fine being sent to you.

Motorcycles:

• 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways and some dual carriageways
• 100km/h (62mph) on major roads
• 90 km/h (55 mph) on minor roads (out of town)
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas

Speed Cameras in Portugal

Many roads have automatic speed cameras on in Portugal and they’re quite happy to send tourists a fine through the mail.

You might also find random traffic lights, which turn to red in the middle of nowhere if you’re speeding and make you wait for a couple of minutes before turning to green so you can move off again. These are surprisingly effective!

Drink Drive law in Portugal

Alcohol laws are stricter in Portugal than the UK. The legal limit is 0.05% blood alcohol (the UK is 0.08%) and applies to the driver of any motorised vehicle. If you’ve had your license for under 3 years, the limit is 0.02%

– A blood alcohol level between 0,5 g/l and 0,8 g/l is considered a serious offence, and it is sanctioned with a driving inhibition between 1 month and a 1 year and a fee payment of an amount from 250 up to 1.250 euros.  – A blood alcohol level between 0,8g/l and 1,2g/l is a very serious offence, sanctioned with a period of driving inhibition between 2 months and 2 years and a fee payment of an amount from 1.250 up to 2.500 euros.   – A blood alcohol level of 1,2g/l or more is considered a crime, that can be punished with imprisonment up to 1 year or fee penalty up to 120 days, and driving inhibition between 3 months and 3 years.

Low Emission zones in Portugal

Portugal does have one low emission zone in Lisbon. About 33% of the city is inside it, so be careful if you drive in.

Click here for more detailed information about how to find zones across Europe.

Tolls in Portugal

There are two types of toll in Portugal- both on motorways:

• traditional motorways with toll booths, where payment is made by cash, bank card or electronic tolls.
• Purely electronic toll motorways. In order to use these roads, you MUST have an electronic device in your vehicle.

Easy Toll uses your bank card and number plate to take payments. You enter your card details at a sign up location on the border and get a photo of your registration plates taken. The system will then deduct toll payment from your bank card every time your vehicle passes a toll gate.

Signing up costs 0.74 euros, plus a 0.32 euro administrative fee. 

This method is valid for 30 days, and the tickets issued at the toll must be kept as proof in case of a problem. You can find out more on the  Portugal tolls website . 

If you regularly use toll roads, it may be worth signing up to the Via Verde scheme which takes you through the fast lane without having to stop and pay.

Motorcycles with the Via Verde electronic system form class number 5, which gives them a 30% discount on tolls.

Via Verde is the only system which works on ALL the Portuguese motorways. It also covers a decent section of Spanish toll roads too. You buy a transponder and then get charged or what you use. The nice thing about them is that once you have one, it doesn’t expire, so it’s valid for whenever you return to Portugal.

Personally, we use e-Movis for tolls all over Europe and we’ve never had a problem. These allow you to use the VIA-T lanes in Portugal

It’s worth noting that you need a DIFFERENT e-Movis tag for Spain and Portugal (one does both countries), than you do for France. So if you’re driving from the UK to Portugal, you will need at least 2 e-Movis toll tags and you’ll need to remember to switch them over.

Pre-paid Toll Card

This system is relatively straightforward and handy instructions are written on each card.

You buy a pre-loaded card with either 5, 10, 20 or 40 euros. You then activate the card with an SMS message, using the code printed on the card and the licence plate of the vehicle. 

There is a service cost of 0.74 euros for each card purchased. 

If you head home with credit still on your toll card you can get this refunded – just return it to the main post office in Portugal, the CTT.

There is also a Toll Service, which is a pre-loaded card with unlimited use for 3 days or previously defined journeys.

You can purchase these at the CTT post office, online at  www.tollcard.pt  or at various service areas.

This website also shows how much each toll road will cost, so might be worth a look when you’re planning your route through Portugal.

Motorbiking in Portugal- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read this step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Other essential tips for motorbike touring in Portugal

Getting fuel.

Petrol and diesel are widely available. Many fuel stations are 24h on the main roads and are self-service with card machines.

Petrol is Sem chumbo (95 / 98) – Green handles on pump

Diesel is Gasóleo or Diesel. Black or yellow handles on pump

It is not allowed to carry fuel in cans, even in small amounts, so be careful if you have a vehicle and want to carry fuel for your motorbike.

Some places are 24h pay at the pump, but may require you to go into the shop and pay the cashier either in advance or after you’ve filled up- there will be a sign to tell you what to do. (Leave your car in front of the pump and make a note of the pump number.)

You can pay using cash or a credit card. Many places do NOT take American Express. You can usually use your UK cards without a problem.

NOTE: It is illegal to run out of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge.

Motorcycle touring in Portugal- security

Portugal has a lower crime rate than many other countries in Europe, but motorcycle thefts do happen, as does petty theft and pickpocketing.

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorbike security when travelling in Portugal. I know it’s not always possible, but try not to leave your bike unattended in an unsecure area.

More useful things to know about bikelife in Portugal

Some more tips to help you enjoy your time in Portugal.

Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything

Language – The Portuguese are pretty good at languages. Portuguese is spoken, along with Spanish. Many of the younger generation speak English well.

Currency – Euro

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (not at tolls and often not at fuel stations)

Timezone – GMT (same as UK- yes, Spain is in a different time zone!)

Mobile Phone and Internet – It’s usually possible to use your UK phone and data in Portugal, but do check with your provider.

Tipping- Tipping is not expected but appreciated. 5% – 10% in restaurants is standard if you are happy with the service.

Shops – Food prices are pretty inexpensive. Traditionally, shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some close for lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. On Saturdays, shops generally close at 1 p.m. though in city centres some are open in the afternoon. Many shops close on Sundays.

Don’t confuse Portugal with Spain- the Portuguese are very proud of their culture and heritage. They enjoy life at a slower pace and there are plenty of queues.

Food and Drink in Portugal

Markets are the hub of life in Portugal. You’ll find one in every village, town and city, with a range of local produce for sale. Many people in Portugal only ever eat seasonally, so local dishes will change depending on time of year.

Make sure you have cash (including small change) and bring your own bags. Pay attention to the signs in these car parks- they will say when the market is and if you are unable to park on certain days.

Local dishes in Portugal to try include:

• pastel de Belém/ pastel de nata- DELICIOUS custard tart
• Francesinha – ham and cheese sandwich
• Caldeirada de Peixe -stewed fish
• Salt cod or bacalhau

Touring Portugal with a dog

Portugal is slowly becoming more dog-friendly. Dogs are now welcome in cafes and restaurants and are allowed on trains- make sure you have a muzzle and their paperwork.

They are not allowed on many beaches in summer and are not allowed into public places like museums. Small dogs in crates are allowed on buses and trams; large dogs are unwelcome on most of them.

Don’t forget how hot it gets in summer and to make sure your dog is comfortable.

To return into the UK you’ll need a vet on the continent to administer a worming treatment and then allow between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK.

Be warned, there are MANY stray dogs (and cats) in Portugal- more than I’ve seen anywhere else in Europe. Feeding them is a bit like feeding seagulls…

Using a drone in Portugal

You are allowed to take and fly your drone in Portugal, but they are VERY hot on privacy laws and recording people without their permission- especially if you then upload the footage to Youtube or something.

READ MORE: What’s the best travel drone (and how to choose)

Drones and similar remote-controlled flying devices must be kept at least a minimum 150m from people, vehicles and buildings that are not connected with the drone operator. Flying must happen in daylight only and up to a maximum height of 120m. Never fly closer than 5km to airports. The drone must always remain within the sight of the operator.

Please check for local regulations and military or other special restricted areas where all the aforementioned activities are forbidden by law.  Here are current rules .

Other posts you might find useful:

• Motorcycle touring- complete guide to getting started
• How I quit my job to tour Europe by motorcycle
• 5 epic roads in Europe
• How to choose the best motorcycle sat nav for you

DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, but cannot be held responsible for any changes made to the law since the last update. If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. Thanks.

Kat has spent years touring the UK and Europe by motorcycle, car and motorhome. It was the idea of motorcycle touring which pushed her to go from nervous new biker to excited explorer and she still can’t believe some of the crazy mountain roads she’s ridden!

She has owned several bikes, with her favourites being a Triumph Scrambler for long rides and her current speed demon- a ZX6R (both purple!) Whilst she loves to travel, her favourite thing is to help other bikers (both male and female) gain the confidence to have their own epic adventures. Ride safe!

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8 thoughts on “Motorcycling in Portugal- Everything you need to know”

Hi. Greetings from Lisbon. Couple of errors in your article… Exemples: big supemarkets are not closed at lunchtime; you do not say bikers have a 30% discount if they use Via Verde; to use a drone you need a special permit, the speed limit in some areas of Lisbon is 30 kms/h; there are in fact 2 motorways (auto estradas) running from Lisbon to Porto (A1 and A8); the warning triangle is not necessary for a bike; etc. Good luck! Best. Rui

Thank you for the information, we have updated the details.

Great tips! We’ve just done a motorcycle tour from Sicily to Spain and then Portugal and we really enjoyed it. We would love to return to Portugal as our main goal was Spain so we didn’t see that much of the country. So these tips would be great for us when the time comes. Thanks!

Brilliant! Glad you enjoyed it. You’ll love Portugal 🙂

Great information thank you. Currently looking at either riding down in February ’23 or getting a caravan or motorhome and taking the dog. If you take your dog ( i think i read you do ) where do you leave him/her when out riding ?

He comes with us, in a doggy backpack 🙂 We don’t take him on motorways though, so it’s not long days when we’ve got him. If we’re going to do a looooong trip, we’d leave him in the UK with family or a dog sitter. Leaving him in the van for longer than an hour is not a great idea, especially if its warm.

What are the costs to buy a motorcycle there? For example a sport bike ZX10R or Ducati Panigale? I’m considering retirement there and I prefer sport bikes

Something to add – availability of electric charging points for those of us on electric motorbikes.

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7 scenic roads in Portugal

Posted on november 13th, 2019 by motorcycle diaries.

Pooh, November! Usually, the month in which nature tells us to get out our scarves and bonnets by rendering every exhalation visible, and by splashing the land with wet leaves and snowflakes in the making.

The time of year us motorcyclists - with some exceptions - aren’t too fond of. but what if you took your two-wheeled vessel out anyway and set sail for… portugal, with its mild climate, over 3.000 hours of sunshine per year and 850 kilometers of splendid beaches bathed by the atlantic ocean, the country might just be your perfect motorcycle destination, all year long., add up its ancient frontiers, exceptional range of different landscapes just a short distance away, lots of leisure activities, superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people, and we’d be surprised if you’re not packing yet… , three roads in the serra da estrela:.

The first three Roads in this list all clamber their way up the Serra da Estrela, mainland Portugal’s highest mountain, which offers a magnificent backdrop for an adventurous ride. Its summit at 1.993 meters towers over an area of rare landscape beauty, with striking mountain drops and a sea of deafening silence above the clouds.

A stunning place, not only enjoyed by humans, but also by a wide variety of birds and flocks of sheep herded by the local - appropriately named - Estrela dogs. The sheep are of great importance to the region, as their milk is used to produce the region's most characteristic product - the renowned Queijo da Serra cheese that’s produced with a bunch of ancestral techniques. A must-try. 

Although our focus is mainly aimed at motorcycle riding, the Natural Park is also a great place for outdoor activities, like hiking, trail running or mountain biking during the summer months - don’t hesitate to try the 25 Lagoon Itinerary, leading you to some refreshing locations. You can even experience the sensation of paragliding in Linhares da Beira, soaring over this historical village.

But, as winter approaches, you might as well strap your skis or snowboard on the back of your bike, as there are several pistes with support infrastructure. In Portugal? Yes ma’am, yes sir.  Given that this is the highest peak in mainland Portugal, it is also one of the zones with the highest levels of precipitation, with abundant snow in the winter, enabling winter sports to be practiced. The fact an ice crystal is the symbol of the Natural Park, in allusion to its climatic characteristics and the glacial origin of this mountain range, is no coincidence… 

N339 on the Serra da Estrela

Well, what can we say… If you’re ever riding through Portugal, there’s no excuse in the world that’s good enough not to ride this one! An asphalted snake, that twists and shakes its way up and around the Serra da Estrela for 44 kilometers on end, while plummeting through and past rocky outcrops, boulders, and crags. Some of the latter have shapes that resemble human forms - and have therefore been given names such as ‘old woman’s head’. 

The road itself is particularly popular with local bikers - not in the least because of its formidably twisty character and the spectacular viewpoints along the way. If you’re a winter sports fanatic, don’t forget your skis, as this one shreds straight through a ski resort, after rising from Covilha to the two-kilometer high summit. Don’t hesitate to take the diversion to the right, pointing you towards Manteigas, which after a mile or so gets to the head of a perfectly formed glacier valley.

On top of that, Manteigas might just be the most beautiful mountain town in the proximity of the Serra da Estrela. No modern high-rises to be seen, just white houses with their typical red roofs, perched on top of grass-green hills. If you need a shot of caffeine and a little nibble - we’d recommend the slightly improvised stall of Ti Branquinho for a cuppa and a piece of local cheese. If you rejoin the main road, the finish is just a few kilometers away in the village of Seia, which offers another set of sweeping views over the surrounding lowlands, and a handful of interesting museums. 

N112 to Fajao

Over to a hidden gem , situated just southwest of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. This mountain road looks and feels brand new, and was probably constructed as a service road for the windmills on the summit. Long live green power! Eh, at least if the implementation of these windmills is followed by roads of an equal caliber as this one: 13 kilometers of paved perfection, clinging on to the mountain cliffs, with hardly any traffic, splendid views in any direction and no police station around…

Just make sure you ride it the first time while prospecting if the road is clear from small rocks - which tend to drop from the hillsides once and a while. The village of Fajao is well worth a visit if you decide to let the engine cool down for a while - Café Juiz de Fajao serves the best (well, and the only one to be fair) espresso in town...

N338 to the Serra da Estrela

A stunning piece of road , which will seduce you for nine straight kilometers. Well, straight is not exactly the right word to describe this ever-crinkling marvel. When riding this one you’ll probably spontaneously turn around to ride it again. We did at least. Several times. And then again. If you ride it from east to west, the Miradouro da Rocha - a small parking lot along the way - will spoil you with the most stunning views over the mountain flanks and the underlying valley.

On the summit, you’ll spot the Torre, which adds 7 meters in height to the Serra da Estrela, taking the summit to exactly 2.000 meters. Coincidence? Nah… Literally translated, Torre means Tower, and that’s exactly what it is: a tower that marks the highest point in Portugal. On the mainland at least, because if you take the Portuguese archipelagos into consideration, Mount Pico, on the island of Pico in the Azores, is the highest point of Portugal overall at 2.351 meters. Another free point for your next pub quiz. You’re very welcome.

Arrabida Top Road

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful spots of Portugal, look no further: the Serra da Arrabida - between Sesimbra and Setubal, just south of Lisbon -  has got everything and more you could wish for. Lush hills lined with vineyards, idyllic beaches, jagged rocks, and steep peaks are abruptly cut off by the ocean, to form towering cliffs. A truly stunning sight.

And even better: the Arrabida Natural Park has some great views and brilliant roads too. One of the best is perched right on top - needless to say, the views are truly dramatic and, as long as you avoid riding here during the holiday season, traffic is almost entirely absent. ​​​​​

Three Roads in the Algarve

Aah, the amazing Algarve! It was in this southernmost region of Portugal, the Portuguese sailed off on the epic journey that led them to discover the unknown parts of the world. A place with - eh - shiploads of history, and a sun-soaked climate, which makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive: infinite stretches of sandy beaches, gold-colored cliffs and a ton of small coves sheltered by the rocks.

The ocean, painted in every shade of blue known to man, will lure you to at least dip your feet, although there are great surfing spots galore along the coastline. But the part motorcyclists will like even more is the fact that this part of Portugal too is spotted with mountains, of which we know for a fact there aren’t too many kilometers running straightforward. Just the way we like it.

Don’t forget to take a break in one of the Algarve’s magnificent cities along the way: Silves still breathes its Arab past, while Lagos is a portal towards the times of the great discoveries and Faro has a historic center of astonishing beauty. More into a party? Then the rather busy Portimão and Albufeira will definitely get you going. Either way, the Algarve is worth discovering. 

N397 from Palheirinhos to Alcaria do Cume

Take for instance the N397 , which kicks off in the stunning village of Tavira. This one is nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Algarve’, with its eye-watering beautiful bridges over the Gilão River, and its rather bizarre anchor cemetery on the Praia do Barril. Well worth a detour, any time of the year.

The part we’ve selected, however, runs from Palheirinhos - 10 kilometers further inland - to Alcaria do Cume. The latter being a mountain which towers 527 meters above sea level, stunning you with marvelous views in any direction. Whatever you do, though, keep one eye on the road:  the state of the asphalt can change suddenly, and we don’t mean in a good way…

N266 from Nave Redonda to Porto de Lagos

If you don’t care for the views too much, but prefer a nice flow during your rides, then the N266 from Nave Redonda to Porto de Lagos will put a smile on your face. Let’s say the eucalyptus trees bordering this Road are blocking the view quite frequently.

But the 36 kilometers of nearly perfect asphalt and fast sweeping corners will make up for that in the blink of an eye. The first part, from Nave Redonda to Monchique is the pearl in this crown and is a much-appreciated classic during motorcycle press tests in the region. We’ve counted well over 100 corners on this part - not even half of the entire length - and altimeters galore, and not even the slightest hint of oncoming traffic. One to enjoy over and over again.

Tiny road from Salir to Ameixial

How the hell did we end up here ? Well, we’re not sure, but let's say being lost isn’t always a bad thing. At the time we took out our camera on this magnificent 20-kilometer long treat, we were welcomed by an amazing view, with a few shy sun rays stinging through the dense fog which was draped all over the surrounding mountain range.

The road itself treated us to a very pleasant ride - not amazing, but with a certain flow - and there was no living soul to be seen. Oh, do we love the smell of solitude in the morning! 

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• ← Tours

Best of Portugal Motorcycle Tour

• BMWMOA Portugal & Central Spain Motorcycle Tour
• Essence of Portugal Motorcycle Tour
• Portugal & Central Spain Motorcycle Tour
• Portugal & Southern Spain Motorcycle Tour
• Portugal & Spain Land of Vineyards Motorcycle Tour

Download Tour PDF

Skill Level: Advanced

Touring Roads: 30%

Challenging Roads: 70%

History / Culture:

Riding Time: 7 - 9 hours

How our rating system works →

IMTBIKE ROUTE rating

It is essential to know the different skill levels needed to participate in the IMTBIKE TOURS that are offered to you. IMTBIKE makes sure that it offers different tours for all riding styles and levels. The IMTBIKE team always works diligently in designing our routes. This is a laborious process which entails reviewing all road choices before selecting the best option for an IMTBIKE tour.

The most experienced motorcyclists looks for roads that require technical skill; narrow twisty roads with little traffic and endless curves. But these same roads would be too difficult for a less experienced rider.

The local driving habits, the amount of traffic, the asphalt quality and the radius of the curves vary considerably from country to country and even in different regions of the same country. They will also vary depending on the season of the year. All of these factors have been studied by IMTBIKE and have been taken into consideration when rating our tours.

IMTBIKE thinks it is also important to know about the different types of roads you will be enjoying on your tour. To understand the road types easier, IMTBIKE has divided them into two categories, and we have calculated an approximate percentage of each on all of our tours.

• TOURING ROADS: These are wider roads comprised mainly of larger radius sweepers. They are still curvy roads but not tight mountainous twisty curves. Please remember that you will ride very few straight roads on IMTBIKE tours!
• CHALLENGING ROADS: These are roads that are tight twisty turns which require more technical skill. Many times they will be narrower roads without a shoulder and sometimes with steep inclines or descents. Normally they will be mountainous roads accompanied by spectacular sceneries.

If you have never ridden a motorcycle outside of your country, or if you have little experience riding on mountain roads with many curves, we recommend that you choose a tour rated moderate or intermediate. If you have any questions or doubts please do not hesitate to call or email us. We are always happy to answer your questions to make sure that you choose the best tour for your riding level.

This route offers wider sweeping turns that are easy to maneuver. This route may have some tighter turns in a few places but this will be the exception. Regardless, even on moderate tours you must be able to ride a large cylinder motorcycle in any condition. Never plan to learn how to ride a motorcycle on an IMTBIKE tour. We recommend having a minimum of 8.000 km (5.000 miles) of experience riding a large cylinder motorcycle to participate on a MODERATE rated IMTBIKE Tour and you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

Intermediate

This route rating can have sections of very twisty curves on narrow roads with no center line to divide the road. There will also wider radius curves on these routes. Traffic conditions can be intense at times in some urban environments and the local driving habits may seem aggressive and unpredictable to you. It is imperative that you are an experienced motorcyclist. We recommend that you have a minimum of 12.000 km (7500 miles) of large cylinder motorcycle experience to participate on a INTERMEDIATE rated IMTBIKE Tour and you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

This route rating has long sections of technical narrow twisty roads and sometimes single lane roads. These twisty roads will often be in mountains where steep inclines and descents will be commonplace. Some riding days can be long and challenging. Traffic conditions can be intense at times in some urban environments and the local driving habits may seem aggressive and unpredictable to you. It is imperative that you are a very experienced motorcyclist on a large cylinder motorcycle. We recommend that you have a minimum of 16.000 km (10.000 miles) of large cylinder motorcycle experience on an ADVANCE rated IMTBIKE Tour and of course you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

IMTBIKE Average Daily Riding Hours

5 to 7 hours 6 to 8 hours 7 to 9 hours

How many hours a day you ride on a tour is important information in helping you decide on the right IMTBIKE tour for you. Some tour members want to ride as many hours as possible everyday, while others prefer to stop more frequently and dedicate more time to enjoying the scenery, visiting cultural sights and arrive at the hotel earlier to relax before dinner. The daily riding hours are calculated including the coffee breaks and photo stops but they do not include the time taken for lunch.

Normally we’ll start our riding day at 9:30am and we will take about a one hour lunch break sometime between 1pm and 2pm. So if the daily riding hours for a given tour are 5-7, then you will arrive at the hotel between 3:30pm- 5:30pm depending on the average speed of the group.

The little great paradise

May. 05 — may. 19, 2024 by request only, may. 04 — may. 18, 2025 14 spots left, from: € 6685.

The only way to immerse yourself in the soul of Portugal is to travel by motorcycle and this extraordinary country has a lot to offer! Our Best of Portugal tour encompasses everything you could want to see in a country as beautiful and fascinating as the ancient Roman Lusitania: its dream beaches and vertigo cliffs, folklore and Fado music, tasty cuisine, excellent wines. Its captivating cities … its history. And, of course, an abundance of serpentine roads to for motorcycling.

Two unforgettable weeks in this little European paradise to travel the country from north to south and from east to west, to its most lost corner. Visiting historical cities like Lisbon, Porto, Guimarães or Évora; sleeping in medieval cities and tasting Portuguese specialties like Bacalhao. You’ll follow the snaking course of the Douro River through the vineyards that produce Porto wines; You’ll visit bays, magnificent mountains, lush forests and Natural Parks; and, above all, you will enjoy some of the best curvy roads you can imagine. Portugal awaits you with open arms.

Make this a Self-Guided Tour →

• Start / End Lisbon Total Distance 1,755 miles / 2,825 km
• Total Time 15 Days Riding Days 13 Days
• Rest Days 2 Porto, Eastern Algarve Breakfast 14 Included Breakfasts
• Dinners 12 Dinners Daily Mileage 160-220 miles / 250-350 km
• Hotel Overnights 14 Nights Riding Season Spring, Autumn
• Highlights:  Cascáis, Sintra, Lisbon, Porto, Guimarães, Óbidos, Serra da Estrela, Algarve, Atlantic Coast Accommodations:  Awesome hotels. First-class historical Pousadas and Paradors. Pousadas and Paradors are Castles, Palaces & Fortresses converted into motorcycle-friendly hotels. *All IMTBIKE lodgings are hand-picked for their quality of service, local charm and strategic locations.

Start your Self-guided Tour →

Portugal Motorcycle Tours Gallery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in lisbon, safety instructions and welcome dinner, day 2: lisbon - tomar, day 3: tomar – coimbra, day 4: coimbra - porto, day 5: porto - rest day, day 6: porto – guimarães, day 7: guimarães – alto douro, day 8: alto douro - serra da estrela (north), day 9: serra da estrela (north) – serra da estrela (south), day 10: serra da estrela (south) – alentejo, day 11: alentejo – eastern algarve, day 12: eastern algarve - rest day, day 13: eastern algarve - western algarve, day 14: western algarve – lisbon, day 15: flight back home.

Transfer included from the airport to the hotel. You’ll have time to rest and visit the city before meeting with the group for a welcome briefing in the evening. Afterwards we’ll all eat dinner together in a traditional restaurant. The first and last day of the itinerary correspond to your arrival and departure days. Depending on which country you are from, you might have to leave a day early. Please make your airline reservations accordingly.

Lisbon is an incredible city, but we’ll have no trouble saying goodbye knowing what lies ahead. We’ll be visiting Cascais, Estoril (Portuguese Monaco) and Cabo da Roca, (the westernmost point in Europe) while riding our very first Portuguese roads of the trip. Leaving the city we’ll follow the coastline on a road frequented by motorcyclists and surfers’ vans heading out to the beaches. Next we’ll visit the extraordinary walled medieval city of Óbidos. We’ll finish the day in Tomar, an attractive small town famous its history with the Knights Templar.

Today we’ll explore the beautiful mountains and lonely roads of the interior. We’ll experience the most rural part of the country and see with our own eyes how the locals live in this part of the world. The way of life hasn’t changed much in years! We’ll ride the Serra da Lousã Mountains on some fun, twisty roads through a thick forest. We’ll end the day in the lively university town of Coimbra.

Another day of great motorcycling awaits us with more curves and mountain roads through the Central Portuguese mountains. We’ll link up one small road after another through beautiful villages and incredible landscapes all the way to the steep, vineyard covered banks of the Douro River. The last part of the day will bring us along the river to the beautiful city of Porto, world famous for its delicious wines.

Today you’ll have an opportunity to explore Porto. Don’t miss your chance to visit one of the famous wine cellars on the other side of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. You can also head towards the beach and eat freshly grilled sardines or even hop on your motorcycle and ride north along the Atlantic coast, the choice is yours!

Today we’ll follow the Douro River upstream through a landscape of steep terraced vineyards where the Port wine grapes are grown. We’ll then head north through another wine region where Vinho Verde is made and eventually arrive in the beautiful city of Guimaraes, the cradle of ancient Portuguese civilization and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Today we’ll explore the remote backroads of Portugal’s far northern region near the border with Spain. This beautiful and sparsely populated region is lodged between two historically powerful kingdoms that are rich in history. We’ll ride some fantastic motorcycling roads with no traffic. The day’s journey ends near our beloved Douro River and the border between Spain and Portugal.

Today we’ll change course and head south through Portugal’s interior. We’ll trace the Douro River’s first few kilometers in Portugal through an area called the “Alto Douro.” After that we’ll continue on lonely rural roads until we reach the imposing Serra da Estrela mountains where we’ll stop for the night. Rest up because tomorrow is an important day!

We could spend weeks carving up the marvelous, solitary mountain roads of this region but we have condensed them into one fantastic day for your motorcycling pleasure. A few hundred kilometers of perfect asphalt, beautiful views, and infinite curves…what else can we say? Today is a day of motorcycling Nirvana!

We still have a bit more riding to do in the Serra da Estrela as we explore the Sao Mamede Natural Park before finally heading northwest towards the mighty Tajo River, which we’ll cross more than once. Next we’ll head south, little by little entering into another wine growing region, the Alentejo. We’ll finish our day inside an impressive and perfectly conserved walled city.

Today we have to say "see you soon" to the interior of Portugal, to its kind people and the serene beauty of its landscapes. But our sadness will be short-lived as we return to the blue waters of the Atlantic on the coast of the Eastern Algarve. To get there we will follow the waters of the Guadiana River, the river that forms the natural border with Spain. On your way south we will cross the Guadiana Natural Park and pass through beautiful historic towns.

This is a magnificent day next to the blue waters of the southern coast to recharge our batteries for the last two intense days of the route. The Portuguese Algarve is visited by tourists from all over the world for the quality of its beaches, mild climate, rich cuisine, beautiful fishing villages and its friendly people. Today you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy it all.

The roads and highways that follow the coastline of the Portuguese Algarve can get pretty busy. We’ll escape from the chaos by heading up into the mountains on winding roads used only by the locals. These roads will take us to the beautiful Sierra de Monchique with its spectacular views. After a fantastic day on a motorcycle we’ll descend to the shores of the Atlantic again, at the foot of the westernmost part of the Algarve.

Today we have a long ride north along the Atlantic coast in search of the Tajo River. We’ll cross it near the coast on one of the most famous bridges of the city. Along the way we’ll visit lighthouses hanging on impressive steep cliffs, very important in maritime history for their strategic location. After riding the entire length of the picturesque southern coast, the marvelous city of Lisbon will welcome us again with open arms.

Today you will say your goodbyes to the guides and the other tour members (now your new friends) as you make your way to the airport to fly home. We’ll see you again on our next motorcycle adventure together!

Best of Portugal Motorcycle Tour Pricing

The base price of every tour is calculated for a single rider on a BMW G310R and sharing a double room.

Add passenger

+ € 4940

Single Room Supplement

+ € 1400

BMW F700GS low

+ € 280

+ € 390

+ € 590

BMW F900GS ADV

+ € 830

BMW R1250RS

BMW R1250GS

BMW R1300GS

+ € 1000

BMW R1250GSA

BMW S1000XR

BMW R1250RT

BMW K1600GT

+ € 1450

€ 6685

Included in tour:.

• Airport pickup on the first day of the tour.
• Overnight accommodations in high quality hotels
• A gourmet dinner every night (except on rest days).
• Complete buffet breakfast every morning.
• New model BMW motorcycle fully equipped with 3 BMW cases.
• Tour handbook (normally about 70 pages-very comprehensive) and highlighted map.
• Expert multilingual guide on a motorcycle.
• Multilingual guide in support vehicle which will carry your luggage, any oversized purchases you make; or even a passenger or two.
• Tour Souvenirs.

Not included in Tour:

• Air ticket, lunches, gasoline, drinks, tolls, personal spending and tips

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PORTUGAL ENDUROS

Portugal Enduros offers a wide variety of European Motorcycle Tours developed for different skill levels, and available all year round due to the ideal weather conditions found in the South of Portugal, Algarve.

If you’re an adventurist seeking the ultimate motorcycle tour in Portugal, look no further! Our Portugal Enduros and Motorcycle Tours offer the perfect experience for enthusiasts of all levels. Led by seasoned professionals, our tours will take you on an exhilarating journey through Portugal’s breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains.

Our expert guides will ensure an unforgettable adventure tailored to your skill level. With a blend of stunning scenery, thrilling trails, and top-notch equipment, our guided motorbike tours are designed to deliver an adrenaline rush like no other. So, rev up your engines and prepare for an epic ride with Portugal Enduros. Book your spot now and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime!

Please note: All Enduro tours require a full motorcycle license. Contact us for more information.

1 Day Enduro

2 Day / 1 Night – Enduro

3 Day / 2 Night – Enduro

4 Day / 3 Night – Enduro

James Hillier Enduro Experience

DIRTBIKE ENDURO TOUR

COMING SOON

Supermoto training.

ADVENTURE TOURING

E-BIKE TOURS

What's included on our tours.

We provide the latest BMW Motorrad GS bikes and KTM Enduro models

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided for each night of the tour

Mechanical Assistance

Our professional mechanic will be on hand to assist with any bike amendments.

All meals are included on our tours (excluding evening meals)

AIRPORT TRANSFER

Our team will provide transport to and from the airport.

All fuel is included throughout the tour.

Tyre Mousse

Tyre mousse will be available incase of any punctures.

Riding Gear

Helmet, riding gear, boots, gloves is all included.

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Our motorcycle tours in Portugal

• Motorcycle tours

Portugal offers beauty, excitement, and something for everyone

Portugal, while relatively small, is one of the greatest destinations for motorcycle tours in Europe. The country offers such an incredibly diverse array of sights and experiences that it will be hard to drag yourself back to the airport to head home! Portugal has existed as a nation for about 900 hundred years, and in that time its borders are relatively unchanged. That feat is remarkable, but it also creates a wonderfully vibrant and unique culture that you are sure to love. The major cities, like Porto and Lisbon, are home to fantastic architecture, delicious cuisine, and some of the country’s most famous museums and monuments. You’ll find buildings decorated entirely with one of Portugal’s trademark works of art – azulejo, which are intricately painted ceramic tiles. In Porto, be sure to wander the waterfront along the mighty Douro River, visit the Port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, and marvel at the interior of the Sao Bento train station. In Lisbon, hitch a ride on a funicular to beat the hills, visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge for spectacular views of the city (and a little history), wander the Alfama neighborhood, and visit the monastery and monuments of Belem. You should also try to catch a Fado show, which is a deeply emotional, uniquely Portuguese musical performance.

I'm the Sales Representative and will assist you through out the whole process, informing you of all details and answering to all questions and doubts about the tours. I'm as…

Ride across the famous Régua to Pinhão road

Cross the Douro River for a thrilling ride

Gorgeous off-road alternatives to Portugal tours

Visit Viana do Castelo, the oldest city

Contemplate the brandas of Serra d'Arga

Admire wild horses along the asphalt

Discover Portugal on a brand new dirt bike

Explore the region of Porto with Enduro Champions

Ride across the Serra de Valongo mountains

Adventure across Costa Verde- a true KTM experience

Discover the majestic beauty of the Serra d'Arga

Explore north Portugal on a dirt bike journey

All you have to know about a motorcycle tour in Portugal

They’re also home to the major airports and are likely where you’ll first enter the country for your Portugal tour, unless you happen to be traveling overland. Although, you will be able to take some shorter domestic flights to places like Faro in the south.

Any Portugal motorcycle tours must encompass the smaller cities, towns, and villages, and Planet Ride does their best to find tours that do. There, you’ll have an eye-level view of Portuguese culture. In fact, Guimaraes is considered to be the birthplace of the nation! Another great destination is Evora, where much of the city is still hemmed in by ancient city walls, houses have been built into the aqueduct arches, and ancient megalith complexes hide in the surrounding landscapes. Then you have places like the religious pilgrimage city of Fatima, the surf mecca of Nazare, and the southern beachside party town of Faro.

The countryside, including the mountains and forests of the north, the hot rolling plains of Alentejo, and the sun and sand of the Algarve, should not be ignored during your Portugal tour! Destinations like the stunning national park of Peneda-Geres and its lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, the terraced vineyards of the Douro river valley, or the ancient megalith structures found outside Evora are all sure to leave an impression. Portugal is doing an excellent job of preserving the environment and has countless Natural Parks and nature reserves. For example, Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina protects a large swathe of the southwestern coast, Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park offers caves, waterfalls, and amazing hiking, or Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, which offers dramatic, rugged landscapes, high alpine passes, and massive monuments carved straight into the rock.

So, no matter where you go in Portugal, you are sure to find something unforgettable. A mix of cities, towns, and countryside offers the best view of the Portuguese culture and can all easily be combined into a short or long Portugal tour.

What Planet Ride offers for motorcycle adventures in Portugal

Planet Ride has tracked down a collection of Portugal motorcycle tours that will leave you breathless and wanting more! We have spent countless hours in search of phenomenal local guides who are at the top of their craft. We only work with the best, and these guides have been working and living in Portugal for years. They know all the best sights, great places to try the local food, and what those strange road signs mean. They can help you sink into the local culture or get you out of mechanical trouble with your bike. Every guide we feature is dedicated to bringing you’re a Portugal tour that is top-notch and unforgettable.

Take Jean-Francois for example. He chose to settle in Portugal for its authenticity, charm, landscapes, traditions, gastronomy, culture, and heritage. Jean-Francois leads several different Portugal motorcycle tours, like the 10-day Great Tour of Portugal and an 8-day Harley excursion from Porto to Faro. On the former, you’ll begin in the town of Mira, where you receive your Harley, Honda, or BMW bike and attend a briefing with all of the other riders. From there, it’s off to Lisbon and the historic quarter of Belem. Days three and four take your further south, where you’ll eventually reach Faro on the coast of the Algarve. Be sure to take in the scenic views of quaint fishing villages, golden seaside cliffs, and endless sand, surf, and ocean. Now, you’ll head back north to the ancient lands of Alentejo. Stops in Evora and Covhila let you discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the entrance to Serra da Estrela. Continuing, you’ll round out this road trip adventure winding through the carefully terraced vineyards of the Douro River valley. Along the way, you’ll get to visit a Quinta, or wine estate, where Port wine (and others) are produced! Finally, things come to a close, and you return to Mira.

Then there’s Pedro, who’s a native of Portugal and guides some intense off-road riding. His Wild Trails in the Heart of Portugal tour is six days of some of the most exceptional enduro riding out of all the motorcycle tours in Europe. You’ll arrive in Porto with a little time to explore before joining up with the rest of the group for dinner and a trip briefing. While out on the town, make sure to cross the famous Ponte Luis, wander along the river, and marvel at the azulejo that decorate countless Porto landmarks. For the next five days, you’ll crisscross north-central Portugal on a solid KTM bike. The first day of riding takes you along a rough stone track (which also happens to be where the Trials World Championships were once held) to an ancient Celtic city (or, Citania) from the 1st century B.C. Day three of your off-road Portugal tour will see the group heading for Recarei and its surrounding mountains and eucalyptus forests. The hilly terrain and steep descents make for some crazy riding! Finally, you’ll hit Lagares and the “impossible climb” of Senhora Salto on the last two days of riding, before relaxing a bit in Porto and heading home.

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The definitive guide to the best motorcycle routes in Spain and Portugal

Life would not exist without bees. The same thing happens to a motorcyclist without a motorcycle. Motorcycle routes  are made for adventurers. The truth is, there is nothing like a good biker route for finding oneself and connecting with nature. So be prepared. In this post we’ll tell you all about the best routes and the essentials to pack in your bags when you take a motorcycle trip . A motorcyclist knows that a trip like this is something unique:  Not only do you visit cities and towns when you ride a bike, you feel their buzz.

And if your motorcycle adventure passes through Spain and Portugal, you’re in luck. Both countries are full of incredible and exiting routes for bikers, being the Gateway to Europe . However, I’m sure you do not have all the time you’d like to travel the entire Iberian Peninsula. That’s why we are going to describe to you the best crossings that can be done in different regions of Spain and Portugal. But first, let’s take a look at what you should pack. Remember that by renting a BMW bike with Beebiker, you’ll have three original suitcases to fill, so in order to pack smart, keep reading.

Don’t miss out on the best routes you can take with your motorbike rental. We’ll tell you all about them!

What to pack in my bags for my motorcycle trip

Travel bags on bikes obviously have smaller volumes than those for cars. Therefore, it’s important to be organized, as well as practical, if you want the motorcycle trip to be the best from the start to the finish. If you want the rumble of your bike to be heard, pay attention to our tips for carrying luggage on a motorcycle trip. First of all, we recommend you take less clothes than usual. Don’t carry more clothing that you’ll use on the bike. When you’re on a bike all day, less is needed. Socks must be comfortable as well as good sturdy motorcycle boots that are essential for your safety. You don’t need to show up already loaded down with jacket, gloves and a helmet. We can rent them out to you. Just let us know before you arrive.

In addition, we recommend that you always take personal hygiene products in plastic containers, as they could spill or leak. Also carry a first-aid kit and spare glasses if you use them. You’re bound to have great weather on your motorcycle trip, so sunscreen lotion will come in handy.

Don’t forget to take everything along in plastic bags! This way you’ll always keep all the contents dry.

The essentials for your motorcycle trip

In addition to what was mentioned, you’ll need good gloves during the trip. At the same time, we recommend that you take a raincoat and a reflective vest. A support for your mobile phone is handy as well. These are basic items that, coming from experience, one should never forget to take along.

In addition, it’s convenient to carry a puncture repair kit and an anti-fog spray. Needless to say, you must carry a first-aid kit, it’s fundamental. But as for a GPS you don’t have to worry, we’ll include the official BMW GPS, Navigator V!

One of the most important things that you should not forget is to always carry your personal documents , as well as those for the motorcycle either in a backpack that you take separately or in an accessible place, in a pocket of the jacket. You may need these at any time and it is convenient to have them handy, so as not to unfasten all of the luggage.

Now that it’s clear what you should pack in the motorcycle bags, let’s plan the routes!

The best motorcycle routes around Madrid

San Fernando de Henares motorcycle route

One of the best routes for enjoying your  motorcycle rental in Madrid  is the San Fernando de Henares route, in the direction towards Santos de la Humosa. In general, the roads are in very good condition and you’ll pass by the Almoguera reservoir. This section already is part of Castilla-La Mancha and after that it keeps on going to the Community of Madrid province.

The most difficult part of the trip is perhaps when you cross the Tajo river, although there is usually no problem during warmer seasons. The route is 151 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours.

This way, you’ll first go towards Mejorada del Campo and then onwards to Campo Real. Later, the route heads towards Carabaña, and from there to Brea de Tajo and to Almoguera. From Almoguera you’ll go to Zorita de los Canes and from there to Hueva, then to Pozo de Guadalajara and finally to Los Santos de la Humosa.

Torrelaguna circular route

A second route you can do is the Torrelaguna circular route . We recommend that you choose this one, if what you enjoy most is the sierra mountain landscape. In addition, it is an easy trip to make and you won’t find any problem reaching it. Half is paved and half is a dirt track.

The circular zone is dominated by the El Vado reservoir and the Jarama river. The total distance is around 140 kilometres and more or less it lasts about five hours. The route goes from Torrelaguna to Patones and from there to Valdesotos. After that it goes on to Valdesotos, Campillejo, Bocigano, Colmenar de la Sierra and finally to Torrelaguna.

The Santos de la Humosa route towards El Tiemblo

This is also a circular trip. It goes towards the Puerto de Cruz Verde, but to do this you’ll have to travel through San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Then, you’ll have to go down towards Robledo de la Chavela, but we recommend that you take the road to Cebreros. Moreover, it’s advisable to make a stop in Navaluenga to rest. In the hottest seasons, we recommend stopping in several places to rest and cool off.

The distance of the route is about 370 kilometres and lasts approximately thirteen hours. The itinerary goes from Los Santos de la Humosa to Alcala de Henares.

Later you will go from Torrejon de Ardoz in the direction towards Pozuelo, to Las Rozas and then to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. From Cebreros you will travel to El Tiemblo, to San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Navas del Rey and then to Villaviciosa de Odon. Finally, the route will continue from Coslada to Torrejon de Ardoz and from there to Los Santos de la Humosa.

Motorcycle routes through natural landscapes

If you desire even more  natural landscapes , then your route is the  Presa Puente Viejas  one heading towards  El Pozo de Guadalajara . There are a lot of places to stop and connect with nature. In addition, the roads are usually in good condition. The distance is 150 kilometres and the duration is about seven hours.

Between these two locations, you’ll go through Viejas, through Pradena del Rincon, Puebla de la Sierra, Robledillo de la Jara, El Berrueco, Uceda, Usanos and through Cabanillas del Campo.

Moreover, the route through the  North Sierra of Madrid  is a great idea if you want to keep gazing at nature and, in turn, leave the heat behind.

This consists of following the outline of the mountains, visiting spectacular sites as the Cueva del Chorrillo, which is located in Tamajon. It’s also worth seeing the Atazar reservoir. To do this route you’ll travel about 130 kilometres for eight hours, not counting the times you want to stop and enjoy the views.

Most attractive routes on a motorcycle in Barcelona

One of the routes that we recommend you to do for your  motorcycle rental in Barcelona is the Montseny route, especially if you like to visit forests. It’s a natural park that can be reached by taking the C-33 from the Gothic Quarter. It has a lot of curves beginning from Seva.

From Seva, we recommend that you go to Viladrau, with spectacular bridges and waterfalls. If you set out towards Turo de l’Home , you’ll visit the highest mountain in all of Montseny. And from there, go on to Trencat  in order to bathe in the Tordera river. On the way back, it’s worth visiting the coastal promenade.

Another of the most interesting routes is the  Garraf Park . It’s an amazing site, and not only will you be visiting one of the most important ecological reserves in Barcelona, but also all of Catalonia. The start of this route is located on the road from Barcelona to Castelldefels. Although there are several curves, the road is in very good condition. Also, after all of them you can enjoy the view and look off.

Once you have reached the viewpoint, it is worthwhile to stop to appreciate the landscape. The beauty of the sea will surely dazzle you. Once you continue, keep ascending. The coastal landscape will be transformed, but the views will always remain spectacular.

Along your way, you will reach the road to Palau Novella . Visit its Buddhist monastery hidden in the mountains, making the most of your motorcycle rental in Barcelona. If you want to continue changing landscapes, take the BV-2111 road. It will take you in the direction of Olivella, a unique little village. It stands out especially for its rural architecture. Then, continue your route to Canyellas and visit the castle.

If you aren’t tired yet, visit the areas near the Parc de Foix, as well as the Castellet. Go to Sitges and from there, you can return to Barcelona following the C-32. This route will be approximately 42 kilometres.

One very special route to take advantage of is the one that runs along the entire coastline of Barcelona. It’s about four and a half kilometres long. This is the coast of the area of Ciutat Vella and Sant Marti.

Travelling the Way of St. James by motorcycle

One of the best experiences you can live through with your motorbike rental in Spain is to do the  Way of St. James ( Camino de Santiago ).  The experience gives you everything at once: touring, connection with yourself, culture, new dishes to try, perhaps religiosity, but always spirituality.

The most common way is to do it on foot, although many pilgrims prefer to do it by cycling. But what we love the most is to travel the Way of St. James on a motorcycle. Are you up for it?

The experience of doing the  Way of St. James  by motorcycle is a great opportunity for you to enjoy the complete and original route. In addition, this opportunity will be mixed with the new knowledge of perfect roads and views of unique landscapes as well as new places.

You can set out a much more complete route thanks to doing it by motorcycle. In turn, you’ll have more time and tranquillity to enjoy all of its aspects. Whether the culture, cuisine or landscapes, among others, along the entire Way of St. James.

The routes are usually planned to take over a week. Eight or nine days would be the ideal amount of time for visiting the autonomous provinces through which it passes. For example, you can visit Castile and Leon, Asturias or Cantabria, as well as Galicia.

A unique opportunity, if you have the chance, is to make your trip longer and use your  motorcycle rental inside Portugal . To do that you can travel the  Way of St. James  using the  French Route , which is one of the most common. In the end, everything is up to you and according to your tastes and priorities.

Let yourself fall in love with these biker route, we’re recommending you the best ones!

Best motorcycle routes in Portugal

If you want to add kilometres to your  motorcycle rental, go to Portugal . This country, as well as being close, has some novel and incomparable landscapes and the best thing is that you can start the trip in Spain. The route goes through Spain and then crosses one of its points at the border.

Our recommended routes do not focus on the main roads of Portugal, as they always have too much traffic. We prefer to recommend secondary roads that, in addition, allow you to see beautiful landscapes. Some of the sections have many curves and in others you just have to follow a straight path and go right up to the north of Portugal.

A good option for your motorcycle ride through Portugal is to do the route that borders its west coast. For this, you can take national roads. Two examples would be the N-268 or the N-120. We recommend this suggestion because both will let you deviate and visit unique places like Praia do Monte Clerigo, or the incredible views of the Portuguese coast like Cape Sines.

However, you can also follow your route on the A2 highway. This will take you to one of the largest wetlands in Portugal: the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve.

If you want to include Lisbon within your visit, the best way to do it is to make your route following the 25 de Abril Bridge , or the Vasco da Gama Bridge . In addition, you can take a detour towards the national road 6 and skirt the area of Portugal that has the shape of a nose on the map. A great option if you like your biker route full of curves.

On the other hand, there is also a good route towards Oporto. Although you always have the option of doing it by highway, we recommend you cross the Serras de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park or the Estrela Natural Park. The views are always going to be better than those of any highway and you will surely fall in love.

Although you will have to park the bike for a while to go the way walking, we recommend that you visit the  Dunas de San Jacinto  in Portugal and the  Ria de Aveiro . From there, you can cross the border into Galicia also by highway if you are in a hurry.  Although, as always, we recommend an alternative route with curves and above all, many landscapes and nature like the Montesinho Natural Park .

Motorcycle roads in Portugal and southern Spain

If you want to rent a motorbike in Spain in the south and then finish your route in Portugal, we have to applaud you on your choice. Without a doubt, it’s a route you will enjoy and the best known of them is the one that goes along the  Via del Infante , from Ayamonte (Huelva) and goes towards the  Algarve . So you will end up really enjoying your motorcycle rental in Portugal . For this route you’ll have to follow the A-22.

If you like more mountainous landscapes, we recommend you travel north of Seville. The 600 curves road is an unbeatable environment. This route is a challenge for bikers. You can go from Cazalla to San Nicolas del Puerto and visit the Hueznar waterfalls.

Another option is to take your route through Cadiz in the most Atlantic part. So we recommend you start in Tarifa and go on to Lentiscal, Zahara de los Atunes and Caños de Meca. You’ll stop at the Los Alcornocales natural park, the Dune of Bolonia, the Barbate marshes and you’ll go on towards the famous beaches of Caños de Meca.

If you later want to head to Portugal from the south, your best option is the Algarve. We recommend that you take advantage of Faro as a rallying point if you need an excuse to visit it. In any case you are in luck, because when your favourite season comes around to do the biker route, Portugal is a country that has a fantastic climate year-round in the south. So you can make the most of your motorcycle rental in Portugal in any month.

Even in summer, it’s not too hot thanks to the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to go to the south of Portugal, we recommend that you follow the national highway 125. It goes along the south coast of Portugal and it’s very pleasant to cross. However, if you especially like curves or prefer landscapes only seen on routes made through mountains and sierra, you’ll have to go a little further inland.

The route that we recommend in this case is that once you get to Faro, you’ll go in the direction of Sao Bras de Alportel. Then, continue towards Barranco Velho, where you’ll have spectacular mountain landscapes. From there, we recommend you continue towards Sao Bartolomeu de Messines and then towards Silves. From there, the path that we recommend you follow is the one that goes to Monchique, then to Portimao, and later to Lagos and Cabo de San Vicente.

When you are in Faro, as we have mentioned, the first thing you will see is Sao Bras. To get to Barranco Velho you will have to follow the National 2.

To do a route somewhat shorter than the others, since it only has 100 kilometres, one option is to go from Lagos to Faro or vice versa. This way, what you’ll see are mainly its coastal landscapes, since it borders all the southern area of Portugal.

The route of Casteles in Huelva

You can also choose to do the route of Castles in Huelva on your motorcycle. The tour starts by going to the city of Aroche on the N-441. Later, we recommend that you continue with your bike on the N-431 and turn right onto the A-495 and then turn towards the N-433. The weather is usually great, so stop and enjoy it. Later, take the HU-8101 to return to where you started. The route is approximately 131 kilometres.

As for the distances, when you leave Aroche, you’ll have about 41 kilometres to Encinasola. From there, there’ll only be 17 and a half kilometres to Cumbres de San Bartolome and from there to Cumbres Mayores, it will be about a 13 minute trip along 10 kilometres.

Later you’ll have to go in the direction of Cala, where you will take more time, since it’s about 40 kilometres. Later until Santa Olalla del Cala you only have to travel 12 kilometres on your motorcycle. From there to Aracena, it’s already 41 kilometres, but the estimated time is less, since it can take about 15 minutes, thanks to the conditions of the road and there being fewer curves.

The next thing is to go from Aracena to Cortegana about 27 kilometres. Here the time becomes longer and it’ll be about half an hour. On this route you can enjoy the richness of its landscapes with unique fauna. In addition, there is a lot of woody vegetation, as well as irrigated grasses and reforestation done with piñotero pines.

Another option for touring the south of Andalucia and taking a detour to Portugal is to start from the capital of Huelva. However, if you prefer to continue seeing the south of Spain, we recommend that you head towards Palos de la Frontera.

From there, you can travel 12 kilometres from Huelva in the direction of Mazagon. You’ll enjoy the views of the mouth of the Tinto River. To do this, the road you have to follow is the national road N-442, which passes not only through Palos de la Frontera, but also through the municipality of Moguer.

You could also go from Aroche to Cumbres Mayores. In total, this will be about 52 and a half kilometres in 45 minutes and from Aroche, you’ll see many cultural monuments, such as the historic quarter or Turobriga, an ancient Hispano-Roman city.

When you are going to Cumbres Mayores, you’ll come across Cortegana. It’s a beautiful municipality that is located on top of a hill and will be located in the direction of the Sierra de Aracena and the Picos de Aroche. Once you arrive at Cumbres Mayores, you can go towards Santa Olalla del Cala, which will take almost one hour along 52 kilometres.

You won’t regret visiting this natural environment, such as the pastures or its castle built in the fourteenth century. Around here, you’ll pass through Hinojales and through Cañaveral and Arroyomolinos de Leon. These places have a mild climate and originally were colonized by settlers who came from Leon, hence the name.

Later on, from Santa Olalla de Cala to Aracena you’ll have to travel about 41 kilometres in just over half an hour. If you’re heading west you’ll be on the border with Portugal once you get to Rosal de la Frontera, so you can deviate and continue your route in that country. On this route, you’ll pass by Zufre, which stands out for its landscapes and its reservoirs.

However, if you want to continue travelling through Andalusia, you can continue along the edge of the natural park towards Higuera de la Sierra. You’ll find meadows that have chestnut trees, landscapes with holm oaks and cork trees along your entire route.

Later we recommend a route from Aracena to Alajar, which is 12 kilometres. Moreover, it doesn’t take king since it’s only about 20 minutes. You’ll see new sierra landscapes and a natural park , as well as being able to visit the historical urban centre . Every possibility is mixed into this route in addition to being able to see the Gruta de las Maravillas .

Going from Alajar to Fuenteheridos will only be 6 kilometres and takes 10 minutes. Its streets are small, so we recommend you be careful with the bike or even stop and just do it walking. It’s worth it however, seeing its great rural and architectural beauty.

The best motorcycle routes around Spain and Portugal

We’ve gone through all the routes you can do if you want to travel around Spain and Portugal by motorcycle. Motorcycle routes through the capital of Madrid or the Ciudad Condal, the Way of St. James or the Algarve or Huelva. Here is a guide to combine the beauty of both countries in your trip. Spain and Portugal are a paradise that any biker dreams of . The weather always accompanies the adventure and the start of new passions at every corner and landscape which you’ll never forget. If you wish, we’ll help you with the rental of the motorcycle. Dare, breathe and live out your dream. You’ll want to repeat and whoever tries Beebiker always comes back.

Also, if you rent your motorcycle for more than four days we offer unlimited mileage . In your motorcycle rental , a GPS BMW Navigator V will be included to accompany you in your adventure without losing you. Likewise, for the same rental period we will deliver the motorcycle to wherever you’re staying, at a hotel or another residence, if you wish.

We also offer you the possibility of choosing an Early Pick Up service, which means that you can pick your bike up the day before starting at 6:00 p.m. Moreover, there is no additional charge for it! And we also offer a Late Drop Off service, which means that you can return it the next day at 10:00 a.m.

Travel with our latest fully equipped BMW model motorcycles, and pack the three luggage cases following our advice. What are you waiting for in order to live out one of the best trips of your life?

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Turn your wishes into a memorable holiday!

We at Portugal Motorcycle Tours will do everything to turn your wishes into a memorable holiday! Together, we will combine kilometres of road and adventure with breath-taking landscapes, exquisite beaches, sunny weather and incredible gastronomy – mouth-watering food and fine wine (only at dinner of course)!

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OUR TESTIMONIES

We just returned from our first trip to Portugal as well as our first motorcycle tour in Portugal with Miguel. It was exhilarating, fear, relaxation, pleasure and it changes you forever with all the curves. In other words, it was fear and emotional pleasure rolled all into one that makes you wanna keep going on and on! Can't wait to do it all over again with our fantastic Tour Director Miguel!! In addition to the motorcycle riding I don't know what was more exciting: the train, the boat ride, the castles, the Airbnb 250 year old home or the homemade meals!!! If you are even thinking about a motorcycle tour in Portugal, Portugal Motorcycle Tours would be your best choice! Norma and Bill - Myrtle Beach, SC

Norma and Bill

“It rained pretty much all day today! It was a pretty slow speed day except for a really fun section that had good turns that really flowed. I could have done that all day!! We got to our hotel that is part of a Castle/Fort that was built in 1392. Another great day with Portugal Motorcycle Tours!”

Donna Leeman

“Just finished this tour with Miguel, Andy and Ron. Had a brilliant (but all too brief) time riding some truly majestic roads across Portugal, visiting some interesting places (such as a Castle up in the hills which unknown to Miguel, was closed for lunch!). Evenings of enjoyment with the other guys on the trip, great companions on the journey, staying in some lovely places eating marvelous food and drinking some of the delightful wine that Portugal produces!”

Andrew Heyworth

“Miguel Thank you thank you and will see you next time!!”

Omran Hayat, Saad Almunayes & Yousif Malallah

“fantastic tour of Alentajo to the Algrave. Excellent planning, food and sights. Highly recommend.”

Clayton DaSilva

Really enjoyed my ride with Portugal Motorcycle Tours and good conversation! And wine! And food! And the Andys!

Ronald Goedendorp

“I’ve just finished the North tour with Portugal Motorcycle Tours, it was perfect! Normally, I’d make my own way, this time I opted for a guided tour. Using a tour guide paid dividends..he chose the best routes, high-end hotels and the finest dining. I’d never have found any of them on my own. The route simply could not have been better. Thanks in particular to Miguel. I’ll be back as soon as I can!”

Phil Ratheram

“To find out more about riding in Portugal I’m gonna meet with Miguel who does tours here… Today has truly being a magical experience! Riding here in Portugal is sublime!”

“Wow! What an amazing place! Great Food! Greater Company! And the Best Sunrise in all of Portugal! This Bed and Breakfast Tops the Charts!” "When you can see your hotel and motorcycles from the top of the castle! Zoom zoom zoom! Staying a night at a castle within walls, bucket list item!! This is our last night on the tour. What an exceptional tour!! Portugal is an incredible value. If you like wine, holy moly!! This is the place to be for sure! The food is awesome, the wine is amazing, but the countryside was made for motorcycles!!... Definitely a must do bucket list item!!" "Thanks Portugal Motorcycle Tours!!"

These trips were never a means to an end, but part of the love for my job. Looking back, they were the great inspiration for the foundation of Portugal Motorcycle Tour.

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Northern Portugal Adventure - Porto

The "Northern Portugal Adventure" is a fantastic opportunity for any rider to explore two of the most well-known regions of this lovely country in a different type of guided tour. Starting and ending in the iconic Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, this unique experience will feel like a relaxing time away with two-wheel friends: motorcycles only, and no support vehicle, as the journey on the road is four-day long and the motorcycle boxes will be enough to carry all that is needed for the road.

Intermediate

Starting from

Next Starting Date

We will get to know the Douro River valley, full of surprises and magical landscapes, and then move North to visit the Peneda-Geres National Park, a true rider's paradise for its combination of special roads and cozy old villages along the way. Before heading back to Porto, a must-stop in Guimarães, the birthplace of this nation, is also on the itinerary. Join us on this thrilling adventure, and you will understand why Portugal is so cherished by all its visitors! 

Tour Leader

Complete luggage system in selected models

Motorcycle Coverage (CDW & TP)

Accommodations in selected hotels

All breakfasts

Dinners (except on rest days)

Customized Welcome Kit

Tour Booklet with daily description

Medical travel insurance

Supplements

Rider on Single room 550€

Co-rider on double room 1.050€

Upgrade BMW 1250 GS 80€

Upgrade BMW 1250 RT 128€

Upgrade Honda Africa Twin 32€

* Base Price: One rider with a BMW 750 GS motorcycle in a shared room

Reception of the tour participants at the airport and transfer to the hotel with Aventura Motorcycle Tours, welcome drink, dinner, and tour presentation.

Porto - Lamego

Our first day on the road is dedicated to fully exploring the Douro Valley in-depth, admiring its tiered vineyards rising from the banks of the river. Our route passes through the N222, a part of which was voted "Most Scenic Drive in the World" by a renowned British car magazine - from Peso da Régua to Pinhão, pure riding bliss! 

There are many viewpoints to be visited and plenty of opportunities for incredible photos, so have your camera ready. After lunch in Pinhão, we will cross the river to ride alongside the northern part of the valley and finally get back to the southern bank for a wonderful night stop in a traditional winery-hotel amongst the vineyards.

Lamego - Arcos de Valdevez

It's time to ride North! Today, we leave the Douro River via a stretch of the internationally famous N2, a road that links the North and South of Portugal to Vila Real, and then turn Northwest to continue our journey.

The roads ahead will be mainly incredible twisty stretches linking old villages where time seems to forget to move. As we get closer to Arcos de Valdevez, our gateway to explore the Serra da Peneda-Geres the next day, the subtle scenery changes give away the fact that we are now in the northern part of Portugal, close to Spain's Galicia.

Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda - Gerês

Today, we will discover the beautiful Peneda-Geres National Park, spiraling up the thrilling curves of one of Portugal's best riding regions. First on the list of stops is the Nossa Senhora da Peneda sanctuary, an amazing temple almost hidden in the green landscape around it.

Moving further North, we will visit Castro Laboreiro, close to the Spanish border, and enter Spain for a few kilometers before stopping to admire the stone corn granaries in Soajo. Our destination for today is the South entrance of the Peneda-Geres National Park, passing through Germil, another little village that shows the authentic Portuguese way of life.

Peneda - Gerês - Porto

On our way down back to Porto, we will make an essential stop at enchanting Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, and pay a visit to its world-famous castle to learn about the early days of the Portuguese nation.

After lunch, we will take the highway straight to the coast and then proceed to Porto alongside the beaches. Our hotel is located on the Ribeira, close to the riverbank, and a beautiful sunset and a delicious dinner will help us celebrate our days spent on the road.

Breakfast at the hotel and time to say farewell to our group. Aventura Motorcycle Tours will provide the transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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20 Tips & Laws to know before your Motorcycle trip in Portugal

• Motorcycle Laws , Motorcycle Travel

Embark on your Portuguese adventure with confidence! Discover “20 Tips & Laws to know before your Motorcycle trip in Portugal” for a safe, exhilarating journey.

Before embarking on a motorcycle trip in Portugal , there are several tips and laws to keep in mind. One of the best things about motorcycling in Portugal is the opportunity to explore the different regions and experience the local cuisine. It’s advisable to plan your route and decide how long you have for the adventure. Some of the must-visit places in Portugal include the Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, and Cape St Vincent. It’s important to consider the best time to visit, with winter being a great time due to the warm weather and fewer crowds.

If driving from the UK to Portugal, there are two options – taking a ferry from the UK to Spain and then riding into Portugal or riding through France and Spain. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the border and customs regulations, including restrictions on tobacco and alcohol. If not bringing your own motorcycle, renting one is a viable option, but make sure to meet the rental requirements and have the necessary proof and documentation.

It’s crucial to stay legal on the road, which includes carrying essential documents like your passport, driving license, bike documents, insurance certificate, and the necessary reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet. Other items to consider packing are spare glasses, a puncture repair kit, and a multitool. It’s also important to understand the driving laws and regulations in Spain and Portugal, such as speed limits and the requirement to have a GB identifier on your bike.

Lastly, it’s recommended to take a ferry when transporting your bike to Spain and to check the condition of your tires before starting the trip.

Key Takeaways:

• Plan your route and decide on the duration of your motorcycle trip in Portugal .
• Explore must-visit places like the Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, and Cape St Vincent.
• Consider visiting during the winter for better weather and fewer crowds.
• Choose the best option for crossing borders from the UK to Portugal – ferry or riding through France and Spain.
• Familiarize yourself with border and customs regulations, including restrictions on tobacco and alcohol.

Planning Your Motorcycle Trip

Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to plan your motorcycle trip in Portugal to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Portugal offers a diverse range of landscapes and attractions, so taking the time to plan your route and itinerary will help you make the most of your adventure.

Start by deciding how long you have for your trip and what regions or cities you want to visit. Some must-visit places in Portugal include the Algarve with its stunning beaches, Lisbon with its rich history and vibrant nightlife, Sintra with its fairy-tale castles, Porto known for its port wine, and Cape St Vincent, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Be sure to consider the best time to visit. Winter can be a great time to explore Portugal by motorcycle, as the weather is pleasantly warm and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. This allows you to enjoy the scenic roads and breathtaking views at your own pace.

Once you have your destination and timeframe in mind, it’s time to plan your route. Consider the type of roads you want to ride, whether it’s coastal routes, mountainous terrain, or scenic countryside. Research the road conditions, popular attractions along the way, and potential pit stops for meals or rest breaks. By planning ahead, you can maximize your time on the road and discover hidden gems along the way.

Crossing Borders: UK to Portugal

If you’re starting your motorcycle trip in Portugal from the UK, there are a few options for crossing borders to reach this stunning destination. One popular choice is taking a ferry from the UK to Spain and then riding into Portugal. This allows you to enjoy the scenic views of the Mediterranean and the opportunity to explore both Spain and Portugal on your journey.

Another option is riding through France and Spain to reach Portugal. This route offers the chance to experience the beautiful landscapes of both countries, with picturesque countryside and charming towns along the way. It’s important to note that crossing borders may require specific documentation, so be sure to research and prepare accordingly.

When crossing borders, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the customs and border regulations of the countries you’ll be traveling through. This includes knowing the restrictions on tobacco and alcohol, as well as any necessary paperwork or permits. Taking the time to understand these regulations will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Rental Requirements and Documentation

Renting a motorcycle for your trip in Portugal can be a convenient and cost-effective option, but it’s important to meet the rental requirements and have the right documentation in place. Before renting a motorcycle, ensure that you have a valid motorcycle license that is recognized in Portugal. Most rental companies require riders to be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of two years of riding experience.

When renting a motorcycle, you will need to provide certain documents, including your passport, driver’s license, and a credit card for security deposit purposes. It’s essential to have travel insurance that covers motorcycle accidents and damages to the rental vehicle. Some rental companies may also require an international driving permit, so check with the rental company beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

Additionally, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the motorcycle before accepting it. Take note of any existing damages and make sure the rental company is aware of them. It’s recommended to take photos of the motorcycle from all angles to have documentation in case of any disputes later. Familiarize yourself with the rental company’s policies regarding fuel, mileage limits, and any additional fees or charges that may apply.

By meeting the rental requirements and having the necessary documentation, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable motorcycle trip in Portugal. Take the time to research and compare different rental companies to find the one that best suits your needs and offers reliable motorcycles for your journey.

Stay Legal on the Road

When embarking on a motorcycle trip in Portugal, it’s crucial to stay legal on the road to ensure your safety and avoid any legal complications. Carrying essential documents is a top priority, including your passport, driving license, bike documents, insurance certificate, and the necessary reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet. These documents not only demonstrate your identity but also ensure that you comply with local regulations.

While exploring the beautiful regions of Portugal, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the driving laws and regulations. Speed limits vary in different areas, so pay attention to the signs and adjust your speed accordingly. Additionally, Portugal requires motorcycles coming from abroad to display a GB identifier on their bikes. This identifier is commonly available in sticker form and can be easily affixed to your motorcycle.

In order to make your motorcycle trip safe and enjoyable, it’s recommended to pack a few essential items. Spare glasses are important in case your vision is compromised, ensuring that you have clear visibility on the road. A puncture repair kit can come in handy in case of unexpected tire damage, allowing you to fix the issue and continue your journey. Lastly, a multitool is a versatile device that can assist with minor repairs or adjustments to your motorcycle.

Essential Items to Pack for Your Trip

By staying legal on the road and being prepared with the necessary documents and equipment, you can fully enjoy your motorcycle trip in Portugal. Remember to respect the driving laws, take in the stunning views, and embrace the freedom and adventure that awaits you on your journey!

Packing the right essentials for your motorcycle trip in Portugal can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some must-have items to consider including in your packing list:

• Protective gear: A well-fitting helmet, sturdy gloves, and durable riding boots are essential for your safety on the road. Additionally, consider packing a protective jacket and pants for added protection.
• Navigation tools: While Portugal offers breathtaking landscapes to explore, having a reliable GPS or a detailed map can help you stay on track and discover hidden gems along the way.
• Basic tool kit: It’s always wise to have some tools handy in case of minor repairs or adjustments on your motorcycle. A compact tool kit with essentials like wrenches, screwdrivers, and tire repair tools can be a lifesaver.
• First aid kit: Accidents can happen, even on the most well-planned trips. Make sure to pack a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain medication, and any necessary prescription medications.
• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during long rides. Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Additional Tips:

When packing for your motorcycle trip in Portugal, keep in mind the variable weather conditions and pack accordingly. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing temperatures. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Lastly, remember to pack a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. Exploring Portugal on a motorcycle is an incredible experience, and being prepared will ensure you make the most of your journey.

Driving Laws and Regulations

Understanding and adhering to the driving laws and regulations in Portugal is essential for a safe and hassle-free motorcycle trip. Portugal has specific rules that every motorcyclist must follow to ensure their own safety and that of others on the road. Here are some important motorbike laws to keep in mind:

• Speed limits: The maximum speed limit on Portuguese motorways is 120 km/h, while on open roads it’s 90 km/h and in urban areas, it’s 50 km/h.
• GB identifier: If you’re riding in Portugal with a UK-registered bike, it’s a legal requirement to display a GB sticker or a Euro-style number plate with the GB identifier on the rear of your motorcycle.
• Parking: Be cautious when parking your motorcycle in Portugal. Parking on the pavement is not allowed, and you must park in designated motorcycle parking areas or use paid parking facilities.
• Helmet laws: Wearing a helmet is mandatory for both the rider and passenger in Portugal. Ensure that your helmet meets the required safety standards.
• Alcohol limits: The blood alcohol content limit for motorcyclists in Portugal is 0.5g/l. It’s crucial to never drink and ride to prioritize your safety and the safety of others.

Additionally, it’s important to carry the necessary documentation while riding in Portugal. Make sure to have your passport, driving license, the original vehicle registration document, and proof of insurance with you at all times. It’s also recommended to wear a reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet when riding, as it’s a legal requirement in Portugal.

By understanding and complying with these laws and regulations, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable motorcycle trip in Portugal. Remember to prioritize your safety, be aware of your surroundings, and always ride responsibly.

Taking a Ferry and Bike Maintenance

If you’re planning to transport your motorcycle to Spain before embarking on your trip in Portugal, taking a ferry can be a convenient option. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also allows you to enjoy the scenic views of the sea during your journey. When choosing a ferry, consider factors such as the cost, departure ports, and schedules to find the best option that suits your needs.

Before boarding the ferry, it’s important to ensure that your bike is in optimal condition. Check the tires for any signs of wear or damage and make sure they are properly inflated. Inspect the brakes, lights, and other essential components to ensure they are functioning correctly. If you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, consider getting your motorcycle serviced by a professional before your trip.

Additionally, it’s recommended to pack a few essential items for bike maintenance. A puncture repair kit can come in handy in case of a flat tire, allowing you to quickly fix the issue and continue your journey. A multitool is also essential for making minor adjustments or repairs on the road. Don’t forget to pack spare glasses if you wear them, as well as any necessary prescription medications.

By taking a ferry and ensuring your bike is in top shape, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Portugal. Remember to plan your route, familiarize yourself with the driving laws and regulations, and carry all necessary documents and safety gear. With these preparations in place, you’ll be ready to explore the best places for motorcycle trips in Portugal and create unforgettable memories on the open road.

Are the Tips & Laws for Motorcycle Trips in Portugal Similar to Those in Morocco?

When planning motorcycle trip tips in morocco , it is important to note that regulations and laws may vary from those in Portugal. Familiarize yourself with local road rules, obtain proper documentation, and wear protective gear. While both countries offer thrilling experiences, it is crucial to research and understand the specific guidelines for each destination.

By following these 20 tips and laws, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable motorcycle adventure in Portugal. Before embarking on your journey, it’s important to plan your route and consider the must-visit places in the country, such as the Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, and Cape St Vincent. The best time to visit is during the winter, when the weather is warm and the crowds are fewer.

If you’re driving from the UK to Portugal, you have two options – taking a ferry from the UK to Spain and then riding into Portugal or riding through France and Spain. Familiarize yourself with the border and customs regulations, including any restrictions on tobacco and alcohol. If you’re renting a motorcycle, make sure to meet the rental requirements and have all the necessary documentation.

While on the road, it’s crucial to stay legal and carry essential documents, such as your passport, driving license, bike documents, and insurance certificate. Don’t forget to also have a reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet. Packing essential items like spare glasses, a puncture repair kit, and a multitool can come in handy during your trip.

Understanding the driving laws and regulations in Portugal, including speed limits and the requirement to have a GB identifier on your bike, is essential for a smooth and safe journey. If you’re transporting your bike to Spain, consider taking a ferry and ensure your tires are in good condition before setting off on your adventure.

Q: What are some must-visit places in Portugal for a motorcycle trip?

A: Some must-visit places in Portugal for a motorcycle trip include the Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, and Cape St Vincent.

Q: What is the best time to visit Portugal for a motorcycle trip?

A: Winter is a great time to visit Portugal for a motorcycle trip due to the warm weather and fewer crowds.

Q: What are the options for crossing borders from the UK to Portugal on a motorcycle?

A: There are two options for crossing borders from the UK to Portugal – taking a ferry from the UK to Spain and then riding into Portugal or riding through France and Spain.

Q: What are the rental requirements and documentation for renting a motorcycle in Portugal?

A: To rent a motorcycle in Portugal, you need to meet the rental requirements and have the necessary proof and documentation, such as a valid driving license and insurance certificate.

Q: What essential documents should I carry on the road when riding a motorcycle in Portugal?

A: When riding a motorcycle in Portugal, it’s crucial to carry essential documents like your passport, driving license, bike documents, insurance certificate, and the necessary reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet.

Q: What are some essential items to pack for a motorcycle trip in Portugal?

A: Some essential items to pack for a motorcycle trip in Portugal include spare glasses, a puncture repair kit, and a multitool.

Q: What are some important driving laws and regulations to know when riding a motorcycle in Portugal?

A: When riding a motorcycle in Portugal, it’s important to be aware of driving laws and regulations, including speed limits and the requirement to have a GB identifier on your bike.

Q: Should I take a ferry when transporting my bike to Spain?

A: Yes, it’s recommended to take a ferry when transporting your bike to Spain. Additionally, it’s important to check the condition of your tires before starting the trip.

Source Links

• https://www.ride.co.uk/routes-content/motorcycle-touring-in-spain-and-portugal-the-basics
• https://bikergirllife.com/motorcycling-in-portugal/
• https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/travel/how-ride-motorcycle-europe

About The Author

Daniel Shakibaie

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Motorcycle Travel Blog Portugal: A Minimoon Motorcycle Tour

• Published: October 5, 2022

Portugal’s Douro Valley has got to be one of the most romantic places on Earth. Add to the mix incredible riding roads, stunning landscapes and some of the world’s best wine and you’ve got the perfect motorcycle mini-moon…

Motorcycle Travel Blog Portugal

From this secluded height we have one of the most beautiful parts of Europe all to ourselves. The mighty Douro River winds its way through the valley below us while towering lush green walls climb into the sky either side. Each one is a terraced vineyard lined with rows of vines full of plump purple grapes being warmed by the sun.

The sandy trail we’re chasing snakes between the vines until it wraps around the sloping mountain and disappears into the distance. We sip water and take in our view as the breeze cools us and our motorcycle. We’re exploring one of the world’s most famous wine regions and the only thing on our minds is if we’ll be having red or white this evening. Now this is a proper honeymoon…

I do…

Last week we were in the UK saying, ‘I do’. And two years ago, we were a few years into our round-the-world motorcycle trip, making our way through Thailand en route to Australia when Covid hit. I had just proposed to Alissa on a Thai island a few days before Covid restrictions became a thing. We had to abandon the bike in a mate’s garage and fly back to Blighty. We never thought it’d take this long to finally tie the knot. But it was an incredible day and worth the wait.

Fingers crossed we’ll be back on our trip by the end of the year, but that means returning to sleeping in a tent and boiling noodles on a fire most nights. So, we thought we’d treat ourselves to a little luxury for our mini-moon first and sign up for a self-guided tour of Portugal. All the planning, prep, gear, bike and hotels etc are taken care off. All we had to do is turn up and ride – perfect.

We jump back on the KTM 790 Adventure and follow our dirt road through the valley until it eventually swings back onto the main road.

Being on a self-guided tour means we’re alone and without a guide but have a pre-loaded GPS with all our daily routes mapped out. We have an accompanying book explaining the points of interest marked on our device and a bunch of optional off-road routes plotted out too. We just completed our fourth dirt track of the day and our reward is a squiggly purple road route for the next 100 miles. We kick into gear, spin the dust off the rear wheel and head into the mountains.

National 222

The legendary National 222 road sign flicks past and our smiles widen. Dubbed one of the best – and most romantic – roads in the world, we might as well give it a go. The road clings to the river as we fly around it constantly flitting between second and third gear. It shoots upwards and along the breadth of the valley before dipping back down to chase the riverbank. The KTM’s parallel-twin is in its element and launches us up steep ascents with the slightest flick of the wrist.

We disappear deeper east into Portugal’s northern region until we hit the border with Spain, then dip south into the National Park where the temperature hikes up to 36C and the scenery rolls into sun burnt meadows. The days glide by quicker than the riding.

But the mountains are the most fun. Our purple route cleverly carves its way through the maze of peaks and over the mighty bridges and gargantuan damns that connect them. The main roads are immaculate, the bike begs for faster riding and we oblige – twirling up mountains like red wine swirling in a glass.

At home and in Europe, we’ll search out twisty roads, ride them and then turn around to ride them again because they’re in short supply or few and far between. But here it’s non-stop… the only limiting factor is the battle of attrition with your wrist. They’ll just keep on coming so long as you can keep on riding.

Whoever designed this curated route is a composer, summoning the best out of their country and enchanting the KTM to hum its sweetest tune along roads we’d never otherwise find, or spend a lifetime searching out…

Dizzy from the ride and in need of shade, we pull into a little village and search out the local coffee shop. All the villages have the same Portuguese feel: cobbled streets, a church, steep hills, a much-needed water fountain in the main square and a quaint coffee shop coupled with older chaps smoking and laughing the day away while basking the sun. The coffee is short, sharp and strong, the food keeps on coming and the people warm and welcoming.

These alluring little towns and villages could easily trap you for days with their laid-back lifestyle. The route pulls us into Portugal’s forests where the smell of pine fills our helmets before looping us out into the grasslands where almond and olive trees line the road.

The sun begins to dip in the distance and paints the sky a blend of orange and purple. The day passes and the chequered flag pops up on our GPS. The hotels are pre-booked and paid for on the tour along with dinner and wine – and it’s posh too (you know it’s swanky when there’s no menu and the chef comes over to your table to tell you what he’d like to cook for you). We eat so much that we waddle to bed feeling food drunk – the copious amounts of wine probably don’t help.

The best bits

The optional off-road routes are marked in green on the Garmin. They veer off the main route and cut across the countryside before linking back up and are anywhere from 3 to 20 miles long. They’re too tempting to miss. Luring us in, we swing right and scramble up a dirt track, over a few ruts, through a gravel pit and blast out into the open. The tracks cut their way through the valleys into the distance and over the top of the Douro River. It’s as though we’re riding on Portugal’s second floor – somewhere in the clouds. We roll into hanging vineyards in the sky. Vines are strung along the path and we ride through carefully, trying not to flick any grapes with the wing mirror.

Gazing over the beauty laid out in front of us conjures memories of foreign lands. Swap the grapes for rice and we’re back in Vietnam’s cascading paddies. Snowdonian stone walls line the country lanes, the mountainous forests are borrowed from Cyprus’s wild interior, the coffee houses and gorgeous towns from Italy and the French riviera lines the sea. Portugal ignites the best memories of other countries and wraps them up into one exquisite package.

We plot our last trail through one more vineyard as it leads us on a back route to the town and our hotel for the night. Whitewashed houses with orange tiled roofs appear from amongst the vine leaves in the distance and we can already smell the food and taste the wine…

Your turn…

If you’re interested in signing up for a self-guided tour (or a guided tour) in Porto, Portugal, then check out our guide: How to join a motorcycle tour in Porto, Portugal .

You’ll find info on there about how we did this self-guided tour, prices, what’s included and everything you need to know to do the same. 

The company we went with was Freeride Spirit , who we thoroughly recommend as they did a brilliant job. 

If you fancy riding in Portugal but on your own bike, or on a rental instead of on a tour, then have a read of the packed:  Motorcycle Travel Guide: Portugal . 

Read more on motorcycle travel Portugal and Europe

Thanks for checking out our Portugal Motorcycle Tour Blog. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Portugal and Europe that we recommend you read next. 

• Europe Destination Guides
• Motorcycle Touring Guides
• Portugal Destination Guides

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Motorcycle Travel Guide: Europe

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If you enjoyed this Portugal Motorcycle Travel Blog or have any questions, please post your comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

5 thoughts on “Motorcycle Travel Blog Portugal: A Minimoon Motorcycle Tour”

That would be a fabulous riding destination, firstly Congratulations to you both on your wedding wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and Adventure especially on 2 wheels ..

G’day Mate,

You’ve ditched old faithful (XT 660) The new set of wheels look the goods,

Take care and have a great New Year 😊

Haha yeah we have! But only temporarily! We’re back on the XT on the round the world trip now. We’ve just finished riding through Southeast Asia on it and have just shipped the XT to Australia (Melbourne) where we’ll pick it up in February! Have a great new year too mate 🙂 Andy

Fantastic Andy, If you make it out to the Yarra Valley (Healesville -my home town) outer Melbourne, Throw me a message and I’ll catch you for a coffee at the Beechworth Bakery. I’ll bring my XT so we can exchange some Yamaha war stories.

Cheers Darren 😊

Hi Darren, well that’d be brilliant! The Beechworth Bakery Healesville is now saved on my Google Maps, if we head that way I’ll give you a shout 🙂 Cheers and all the best! Andy

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6 unmissable roads to ride in Northern Spain and Portugal

Just a day’s ferry crossing away from England’s south-coast lies a riding paradise. Blessed with sun from early spring to late autumn, it has become a pilgrimage for many British motorcyclists. We’re of course talking about motorcycling in northern Spain and Portugal.

I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks riding around the Iberian peninsula last year where I enjoyed some of the best riding of my life through the likes of the Picos de Europa, the Pyrenees, and beyond. It was an incredible journey and one I’d highly recommend to any biker with a thirst of adventure.

If you fancy riding in Spain and Portugal yourself, make sure you don’t miss out on the seven mind-blowing roads listed below that are all within reach of those handy ferry ports . I also got in touch with local expert Brian Watson of McTours Ltd , who has spent months based in the region riding every road he could find to build the perfect tour.

With years of knowledge under his belt Brian has pointed out some deviations from these busier roads that I’ll certainly take next time I head over, these are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

BP1103, BP1121: The road to the monastery at Montserrat

While most people will take the train or a tour bus, the steep ascent, coupled with typical billiard-table smooth Spanish blacktop, makes for a great road for motorcyclists. Parking for bikers at the top is also free for 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to snap some photos of the stunning views before heading back down and towards the Pyrenees.

Brian’s tip:  While the views from the top are great, you can be unlucky and encounter tour buses while on this road. If you’re in the area, on your way back down from the Monastery the BV-1122 is a lovely, narrow stretch of road with no solid white lines and relatively little traffic that just begs to be ridden.

N260: From Biescas heading East through the Pyrenees

Whittling down the list of brilliant roads I’d ridden during my time in the Pyrenees was pretty hard, but one stood out amongst the many, the N260.

Perhaps it’s because I virtually had the road to myself when I rode it, or perhaps because of the peaceful, yet awe-inspiring scenery that I managed to capture in the photo above. Either way, it is a fantastic road and a must-ride if you’re in the region.

As I rose and fell through the hills and valleys, I found myself sandwiched in between steep cliffs to one side and long drops covered in sprawling forestry to the other, while constantly in the shadow of the Pyrenees mountains. I felt that I’d stumbled across one of the best roads in the world. Simply epic.

Brian’s tip: The N260 is a long road, with many great parts, a stand-out favourite is the section from Ripoll towards Llivia. Brian will deviate off the N260 on his tours; both the LV-5134 and the L-511 prove popular with his clients.

LV/BV-4241: A squiggle through the Catalonian countryside.

When designing roads linking small villages in the Catalonian countryside, I’m convinced Spain’s chief road planner (should they exist) left their map briefly unsupervised, giving their toddler enough time to sneak in and scribble a wiggly line across the page. Not noticing this had occurred, the map was sent off, the roads were built and the BV-4241 came into existence.

Perhaps I’m letting my imagination run wild, but the BV-4241 is so unrelentingly twisty that it almost defies logic. It writhes through the hills, a never-ending succession of hairpins, undulating dips, twists and humps, before spitting you out above the town of Berga.

Not one for the fainthearted, it’s a white-knuckle ride that should be taken at a comfortable pace. With so much focus required on the road, I honestly couldn’t tell you too much about the surrounding countryside or views, an indication that this is one for the riding purists.

Brian’s tip: A great, twisty ride, while the more technical B-400 running just north of this road competes for the title of best road in this region.

N621: The Potes Triangle

The magnificent Picos de Europa mountain range needs no introduction, but the N621 might. Part of the Potes Triangle (named after the small town of Potes which is a great place to base yourself on a tour), it’s a phenomenal road to ride into the heart of the Picos, with great viewpoints throughout.

Ask any local biker for advice on where to ride in the area, and chances are they’ll tell you to follow the ‘Triangle’ for a day’s ride. Starting on the N621, you’ll go up past a statue of an ibex and a turning to a monument of a white bear. Stick on the road for a while, before taking a right at Riaño onto the N625, before looping back around to Potes on the AS114.

If you fancy something even more exhilarating, after taking the right at Riaño onto the N625, take the first left onto the CL-635. Continue on this road, staying right at the fork, and enjoy the numerous tight hairpins as you begin your descent. Follow the road to its end, and you’ll find yourself close to Gijón, a nice stop on the coast.

Brian’s tip: A well-known and popular route, the 15-mile stretch south of Potes is bound to excite but you can improve the ‘triangle with’ deviations onto the quieter LE-2703.

N222: Douro Valley

Named the Best Road in the World in 2015 by car rental firm Avis, the N222 is an absolute must when visiting Portugal, or even the Picos. It’s also not too far from some of our other roads, starting half a day’s ride from the beautiful town of Salamanca in Western Spain.

The road takes you through 17.5 miles of the wine region of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It largely sticks to the course of the Douro river, allowing you to follow its smooth contours as it flows amid the hillsides and terraced vineyards rising above you.

You’ll come out near Porto, an absolutely beautiful city and one I’d thoroughly recommend staying a night or two in.

Brian’s tip:  A picturesque route, but his tours will take some of the minor roads that climb higher to command a better view of the valley stretching ahead of you, ideal to catch that perfect photo.

N232: Over the mountains from Manteigas

Finally, we have the N232 in the Serra de Estrela National Park, in central Portugal. Ok, we may have strayed further afield from the ferry port by this point, but it’s yet another memorable road that you’ll be sure to tell your mates about when you get back home.

This brilliant stretch of tarmac rapidly climbs into the mountains, bringing you out at around 1,500 m above sea level. It’s a glorious collection of tight, blind hairpins and switchbacks that keep you fully focussed at all times. At one point while riding, I stole a quick glance to my right and was rewarded with a perfect memory, a bird’s eye view of the tarmac weaving its way back down to the town of Manteigas below.

Brian’s tip: The section around Manteigas is a great ride, although once up and over the mountains you’ll want to turn off before the route opens up for more of a challenge.

Ride these roads for yourself

If you fancy riding any of the roads, get in touch with Brian at McTours Ltd .

With an almost unparalleled wealth of local knowledge and experience Brian had me kicking myself as he suggested some lovely alternative routes that I missed out on. Although, I suppose, it’s just a great excuse to head over again to make sure I tick them off!

With a number of upcoming tours to get you motorcycling in northern Spain and Portugal, you’ll be sure to find a tour that Brian is offering that’s right for you. And with bespoke options for those who want to fine-tune their holidays, there’s no reason you can’t tick off all six this summer. Safe riding!

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Portugal Motorcycle Tours

In case you didn’t know, I was quite the motorcycle aficionado during my teen years. My first motorcycle was a high octane 2 stroke 125cc Yamaha DTR. I got it as a present for my 16th birthday, as I demanded an own (and cooler) means of transportation to school. At least that was the official excuse. Street racing or off-roading were never my things, and I never learned how to do a wheelie with my bicycle let alone a motorbike.  The real reason was that I wanted to have the joy of riding as a part of my everyday life. Not just the commuting to school and to rugby practise, but the liberty that I indulged myself into when I took the two-wheeled horse for day long rides on the weekends. My fellow youthful biker gang members and I would enjoy the easy rides on the regional back roads, through forests, hills and coastal roads. We would imagine that instead of few cc of engine size we would be riding “adult” motorcycles like big Hondas, Harleys, Triumphs and Ducati.

This dream, left dormant for a number years, was suddenly jolted  back into life when I received an email from Miguel Oliveira with an invitation to become a partner in his new Portugal Motorcycle Tours company.

Miguel approached me with the idea that he wanted to sell “the inaccessible Portugal discovered and travelled by motorcycle”.  He was very clear from his initial pitch ” It is not about selling Motorcycle Tours or Motorcycle holidays, or anything related with Motorcycle Tourism. I want to be able to show the real Portugal, the private Portugal outside of guides, giving my guests direct contact with the with the culture, the people, the food, the wine and with all the reality that makes Portugal a unique destination.”

Being a hardcore lover of the Portugal of the interior  and a die hard supporter of gastronomy as the greatest expression of Portuguese Culture , the yes was a guarantee. Using my insider knowledge of what it is like to travel through Portugal through food to another good use, I help Miguel in the design 6 tailor made tours . Each covering a specific part of the territory, these tours were designed to grant you access to the inaccessible, private and unprocessed Portugal.

The South Portugal Tour

Sea, sun, open plains, space, seafood and plenty of cows! This is how I would best describe the South Portugal Tour. A trip through the wild Atlantic Coast of southwestern Portugal where the Portuguese Fish is at its finest quality  and the open plains of Alentejo where cattle and black pork make up a delicious food landscape. Also included in the trip is a journey through the private Algarve, where deserted beaches, barbecues in the middle of orange groves and boat rides make up for an extraordinary journey.

Click here for more info on the South Portugal Tour .

The North Portugal Tour

In Portugal, we call the North our fatherland, the place where the country was born. Here the small thousand-year-old villages still remind us of this long heritage, along with their traditions and people. Come with on a discovery of the most remote, and forgotten region of Portugal, who happens to be also the one with the most friendly people and arguably the best food! Trust me, my grandmother was from the North!

Click here for more info on the   North Portugal Tour .

The Douro Portugal Tour

It not by accident that they call the Douro, the most beautiful wine region in the world. On this tour, you will be driving upstream along the banks of the Douro river, being surrounded and endless sea of grooved mountains, cliffs and unique vistas. Besides the world class wine, you will be tasting some of the best home cooked food Portugal has to offer.

Click here for more info on the Douro Tour.

The Harley Portugal Tour

On our 7 day Harley tour through Portugal,  you can get to know an exclusive and untouched part of a country that was once called Lusitania. From Lisbon, north is our first direction, as we hit the back roads of the center west Atlantic coast, passing through fishermen villages, vast fruit orchards and even making a barbecue on the beach. Further north we enter the culinary and wine heartland of Portugal, where we will be staying with a local family in the Douro Valley and learn how some of the top wines in the world have the most humble beginnings.

Click here for more info on the Harley Portugal Tour.

The Ladies Portugal Tour

We asked out women rider friends for some of their expert advice on the best way to put a tour through Portugal together. After a heated discussion over some seriously good seafood and Vinho Verde, we came up with the Ladies Portugal Tour, made exclusively to our female audience. Over the course of 3 days, the excitement will contain you and you will see that the best ride of your life can be easily combined with good food, your makeup kit and an all round relaxing massage.

Click here for more info on the Ladies Portugal Tour.

The 3 day Portugal Tour

Nothing like a discovery short break away from the daily routine and let yourself be taken by the freedom of riding a motorcycle across the Portuguese Heartland. With this short trip, we will take on a quick 3-day tour of the best that Portugal has to offer. From the coast to the heartland, you will be driving through UNESCO heritage sites, protected forests, barbecuing on the beach and even fishing your own lunch.

Click here for more info on the 3 days Portugal Tour.

What Portugal Motorcycle Tours is all about

We want you to feel our traditions and our pride for Portugal and it is with this in mind that we plan and operate our trips. Portugal Motorcycle Tours prides itself of being an insider when it comes to showing you authentic Portugal, either it is by staying in a 17 th century feudal palace, leading you through unbelievable scenic routes that only the locals know, getting one of our friends to cook a speciality meal for you in their home or granting you access to a wine tasting in a private vineyard.

We know the most beautiful and iconic roads Portugal has to offer because we’ve driven on them our entire life. This intimate knowledge of the routes lets us arrange our touring days and itineraries so you do nothing else than enjoy the ride.  Portugal Motorcycle Tours trips are made easy enough for first timers or experienced drivers who just want to enjoy a relaxed trip. Ahead lies a country with the greatest concentration of landscape diversity in the whole of Europe. Scenic coastal roads, lead to mountains that descend into red dust planes, turn after turn, hill after hill, vista after vista. This is the thrilling ride through Portugal that we want you to experience.

Ever wonder what it is like to be sitting in the main square of a forgotten interior village of Portugal at the end of a hot summer’s day, feasting your senses on some authentic local food and wine and realizing that you are the only foreigner for 50 km… This is what the food and wine experiences within every Portugal Motorcycle Tours trip are all about. It is about indulging your palate and your hunger with home cooked regional cuisine prepared by cooks and families who are our friends. Not only are these places off the touristic map but some of them are just private families who have a great affection to welcome distinct travellers and show them the eternal Portuguese way of saying I love you through food.

We are in love with Travel, Food, Wines and of course Riding! To ensure that you share this affection, we dedicate all our focus and work to make sure that these motorcycle holidays through Portugal are not just the best motorcycle holidays in your life, but the best holidays you ever had!

Book your desired date directly from the calendar .  for more information, including a complete itinerary shoot us an email. be sure to check out our mission page for an overview of just how we make every day the best day ever..

Disclaimer:

This a sponsored post by Portugal Motorcycle Tours, with whom I am proudly associated.

Portugal Motorcycle Tours contact details:

http://www.portugalmotorcycletours.com/

Email : [email protected]

Nelson Carvalheiro

I am just a guy with a camera, trying to make sense of it all...

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