BIKEPACKING IN PORTUGAL

Bikepacking is an awesome way to see this incredible country. If you are prepared to be self-sufficient and travel on two wheels, you can see a side of Portugal that few other tourists will experience; away from the main roads and towns, into the heart of the countryside, on an endless network of gravel tracks just waiting to be explored.

To do this safely, there are certain things its really important to know. If you have more questions which are not answered on this page, feel free to get in touch.

Can I wildcamp in Portugal?

Wildcamping in a tent in Portugal is prohibited and can result in fines of €120 – €600. However, if you are travelling on 4 wheels, and riding from your campervan, wildcamping is (with strict exceptions) permitted. Under the Highway Code (Articles 48 and 50-A), you can stay in a motorhome, campervan or similar, for up to 48hrs in one location, outside of a Natura 2000 Network Zone, protected area, or an area covered by a Coastal Development Plan.

Concerns for environmental degradation and fire risk, especially in summer, have resulted in this policy; we ask you to respect Portuguese law and travel with consideration for the environment. Camperguru has a great list of campsites in Portugal, where you can pitch up, sleep outdoors, and support local businesses at the same time.

Are trails marked?

Portugal has a comprehensive, easy to follow system for official hiking trails, which you will also find useful if you are riding off road. You can find a handy visual guide here . Smaller trails may not be marked, but this does not mean that they are not public.

How can I tell if a track is public or private?

Portuga’s interior is a web of tracks, still used by vehicles, as a result of a historically large rural population and rural farming activities. The vast majority of these tracks are public, and you should feel confident riding them on your bike. Private tracks are typically restricted with a simple chain barrier, or are marked with a ‘X’ or ‘Privado’ sign.

Can I ride through a closed gate?

Yes, generally you can ride through gates if they are not locked or marked ‘Privado.’

Looking for some great bikepacking routes? Check out some of our favourite Instant Download tours

Check out the full range here…

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REVIEWS

      
   Paradise Cycling Tours
   227 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   enrico leonardi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Abbiamo fatto 5 giorni in bicicletta con Fiona come ns accompagnatrice nella Valle del Douro. Organizzazione eccellente. Ci ha tracciato un percorso fantastico con panorami bellissimi, abbiamo percorso  strade senza traffico e con fondo perfetto. Ottima scelta di Hotel e ristoranti. Fiona è stata fantastica nel farci trovare sempre i ns bagagli negli hotel. Le biciclette sia le e-bike che le muscolari perfette. Consiglio vivamente questa organizzazione.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michela Oberti 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Secondo viaggio insieme a Fiona e a paradise cycling. Quest'anno Azzorre: isola di san miguel!!
Un viaggio meraviglioso. Organizzato tutto alla  perfezione. Grande professionista, la sua miglior qualità è la capacità di prevenire sempre, Anticipando, Qualsiasi bisogno. Tutto questo accompagnato da un sorriso
Contagioso. Super!!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Francesca Cutini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I spent an unforgettable week in the Azores with Fiona as our group leader, cycling for seven days through the rolling hills, breathtaking lakes, and spectacular coastline of São Miguel Island.

Everything was perfectly planned. Every route, every stop, and every detail was thoughtfully organized, making the entire experience smooth, relaxing, and truly enjoyable.

Fiona is an outstanding guide—professional, knowledgeable, kind, and full of positive energy. Cycling with her is a real pleasure, and she made us feel welcome and cared for every single day.

She gave us seven days in paradise, filled with incredible landscapes, great company, and memories that will stay with me forever.
I can’t wait to ride with Fiona again—next time in Italy, exploring the beautiful roads and landscapes of Umbria.

Thank you, Fiona, for such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend Paradise Cycling Tours to anyone looking for an unforgettable cycling holiday.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chiara Enrico 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing trip! Thank you for the perfect organization with attention to any details . Riding the island through small paths away from main roads made us feel in Paradise !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrea Cattani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experience exceeding our expectations.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Liam Somers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day out with Paradise Cycle club on the gravel trails around Loulé. Top (Tomas) to tail (Fiona), everyone looked after and made to feel very welcome.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicola Craxton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a newbie to gravel riding I cannot recommend Paradise Cycling more! Fiona and Tomas make everyone feel so welcome (no matter your level or experience) and these are genuinely social rides. No one is left behind and I’ve only ever felt supported and comfortable - it’s a wonderful cycling environment. I can’t thank you enough for all the tips and tricks, and for helping me enjoy gravel riding so much!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie Gall 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Paradise tours on various occasions now to show me some routes around the Algarve
Fiona and Tomas are top of there game in every way and super friendly and as we would say in Scotland good craic as well
Thanks again and hopefully see yous again  soon
Cheers guys 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nuno S. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic team , nice tour guides very helpful, amazing routes with good views and always time for that coffee stop on the ride…enjoyable cycling tours 👍👏🏻👏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Richardson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great social cycling ride today with Fiona and Tomas from Paradise Cycling and the local riders giving me a warm welcome on my first ride with them.  Great tarte de maçã at the coffee break too.
  
 
  
  
 
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