Iberian Divide 10 Day Gravel Tour
Gravel Cycling Tour along the Historic Portugal – Spain Border from North to South
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IBERIAN DIVIDE OVERVIEW
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 10
Tour Type: Guided or Self-Guided, Point to Point
Airport Porto / Faro
Km / day: 50-100km
Elevation gain / day: 6000-1800m
Overall Difficulty: Medium to Advanced
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Are you looking for a real gravel adventure, somewhere very few people have cycled before?
Our 860km Iberian Divide Gravel Tour could be the one for you.
860km 10-day Historic Gravel Adventure along the Spain – Portugal border
Guided, Self-Guided and Club options are available. Pricing starts at €1250pp.
Portugal is one of the least explored countries in Europe, and a true hidden gem for cyclists. During this unique gravel tour you will traverse the country from North to South, starting from Pocinho in the North-Eastern region of Portugal Tras-dos-Montes on the Douro river and finishing in Alcoutim in the Algarve. The regions of Portugal and Spain that we will cycle through are some of the least explored in the whole of the Iberian Penninsular. This gravel tour is a chance to do something new and completely different from other gravel tours on the market at the moment in Europe.
North
You will start the tour with an unforgettable train journey along the Douro River from Porto all the way to the end of the line in a small village of Pocinho. From here itis a stone throw away from where we will start the tour, in Torre de Moncorvo. The north of Portugal is hilly, lush and unspoilt – world famous for the Douro Wine Region, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The ancient terraces cling to the side of every hillside, changing colour in Autumn turning the valleys to gold. leaving unforgettable images in the memory of any passing cyclists.
From here we will head into Spain, where similar countryside is set apart from Portugal by the completely different architecture. Wooden Tudor-like houses on stunning little streets of small villages with almost no tourism makes for a truly amazing start to the trip because you really are exploring areas that are very much untouched by modern living.
Central
The central part of this trip is characterised by a number of hilltop fortified villages we will visit, such as Monsanto, Castelo de Vide, Marvao and Monsaraz. These spectacular towns have such a rich history, and are beautiful, fascinating places to walk around at the end of the day.
South
As you reach Southern Portugal and Spain, the greenery returns along with a range of hills that produce a few punchy climbs but stunning views towards Spain and the surrounding ‘Serra’. Cork oak plantations make a large majority of the roadside vegetation, along with beautiful orange groves.
The route is littered with more magnificent castles – such as Elvas with its huge aquaduct and fortress, a reminder of its less peaceful past. The Algarve itself was one of the last strongholds of the 400 year long Islamic Conquest of Iberia, re-taken by the Christians in 1189, and in fact many place names, churches and the gastronomy of central and southern Portugal still hint at this rich heritage.
Self-Guided – What’s Included?
Scenic train from Porto to Pocinho
Taxi from Pocinho station to Torre de Moncorvo
10 spectacular days of cycling from Torre do Moncorvo to Alcoutim
11 nights high quality accommodation
Buffet breakfast
GPX files of all stages in advance
Phone Assistance
Restaurant Booking
Civil liability Insurance
5* service – our promise!
Guided Option – all of the above, plus..
Knowledgable and friendly guides with you every pedalstroke of the way
Ride Snacks
All staff first aid qualified
Support vehicles + Luggage Transfer
Not Included
Flights
Lunch and Dinner (although we will recommend cafes and restaurants for you)
Extras – e.g. jersey, bike hire, single supplement for accommodation
2026 Iberian Divide Fixed Dates – Ideal for solo travellers!
2026
In 2026 we have one tour available to book onto: 22nd September – 3rd October 2026.
The train transfer from Porto to Pocinho will leave on the afternoon of Tuesday the 22nd September we will start riding on the 23th September, and arrive in Tavira the afternoon of Saturday 3rd October.
If you are ready to book – you can do so direct below!
Those dates don’t work for you? Send us a quote request for a bespoke tour!
What our customers are saying...
860km Iberian Divide Gravel Tour
Please note this is only an indication as external factors such as available hotels might impact which exact routes are followed. You will receive a detailed itinerary once you have booked.
ARRIVAL
Bem-Vindo!
We will meet you in Porto, either at the airport or in the town centre (if you have stayed a day in Porto beforehand). If you are joining the guided tour, we will take your large suitcases and bikeboxes from you, leaving you to enjoy the next section hassle-free.
You will start the journey on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe – along the Duoro River.
On the guided tour, we will accompany you on the train, and the van will meet us at the end to take us to our hotel for the night nearby in the beautiful vineyard-surrounded town of Torre de Moncorvo.
If you are doing this as a self-guided tour, we will book the train and a taxi to Torre de Moncorvo for you.
TORRE DE MONCORVO – ALMEIDA
88km 1500m ‘Fortaleza Almeida’
The first spectacular day on our Iberian Divide Tour will take us directly up into the mountains, with stunning views.
We will cycle close to Spain, crossing the Douro river once again at Barco de Alva, past ancient roman roads and bridges in the hills. We will wind through some super easy gravel tracks to lunch in a picturesque village of Escalhão.
It’s one of the areas least-travelled in the whole of Portugal. The day will finish in the breathtaking star-shaped fortress town of Almeida where we will be staying just outside these impressive city walls.
ALMEIDA – SAN MARTIN DE TRVEJO
81km 850m ‘Hospedaria Conventual de Gata’
It’s time to cross the border into Spain The town of San Martín de Trevejo is so isolated that it has it’s own dialect ‘A Fala’, which is spoken still today by it’s inhabitants.
It’s cultural traditions of winemaking and olive oil production are the main source of income for the people of this region.
The riding today will be fairly easy and flat until around 70km at the border where we head up into the hills and are rewarded at the end of the day with a 10km descent into the town.
SAN MARTIN DE TREVEJO – MONSANTO
52/75km 800m ‘GeoHotel Monsanto’
Today we will cross the hills again back into Portugal, finishing the day in one of the most memorable villages we will see on the trip – Monsanto.
In this unique village in the world, man and nature live in harmony. In the midst of colossal blocks of granite, the people built walls of the same stone and built homes, in perfect symbiosis with the natural environment
MONSANTO – CASTELO BRANCO
65km 904m ‘Melia Castelo Branco’
Descending from Monsanto we will use tiny roads and tracks through tiny villages heading towards Castelo Branco, which has a important historical significance in northern Portugal, settled by the Romans and inhabited later by the Templars.
Here we will stay in the town centre and will use the opportunity for a clothes wash.
CASTELO BRANCO – MARVÃO
95km 1800m ‘Dom Rei Manuel’
Today will probably one of your highlights of the whole trip – it’s just packed with wonderful places to see along the whole route. You will pass Nisa, famous for its terracotta streets, then over to through Castelo da Vide to Marvão – both breathtaking fortified hilltop towns.
MARVÃO – ELVAS
85km 800m ‘Ridan Hotels Dom Luis’
On leaving Marvao we will enjoy spectacular views as we descend through the Serra Marmede Natural Park. After this, the landscape will change completely from rocky outcrops to the flatter rolling lands of the northern Alentejo.
We will finish the day in Elvas, like Almeida, famed for it’s outstanding star-shaped fort.
ELVAS – MONSARAZ
83km 1100m ‘Estalagem de Monsaraz’
This day will take you to one of my personal favourite hilltop towns in all of Portugal – Monsaraz. It’s stunning cobbled streets will make you feel you have stepped back in time 100 years, and there is a peace and tranquility about the place that is simply magical. We will stay in a small boutique hotel right in the centre of this magical village.
MONSARAZ – SERPA
94km 1200m ‘Hotel Beatriz’
Today we will head down from Monsaraz, and through a beautiful gravel section along the Alqueva reqservoir to Alqueva village, then on to Serpa – in the heart of the Alentejo countryside, famous for it’s cheese.
SERPA – ALCOUTIM
93km 1600m ‘Hotel D’Alcoutim’
Today’s route takes us south on some very typical backroads through the olive groves and vines to Mertola, where we will stop for lunch. After this it’s a mix of gravel and backroads all the way to Alcoutim, a beautiful village right on the river Guardiana, overlooking Spain.
ALCOUTIM – TAVIRA
86km 850m ‘AP Maria Nova’
It’s your final riding day! We will start on an easy road along the river and into the salt flats around Castro Marim to Vila Real Santo Antonio. From here it’s an easy coastal section of gravel riding along the Eurovelo 1 to Tavira, with the Atlantic on your left the whole way.
It’s time for a celebratory beer!!
CLUB IBERIAN DIVIDE GRAVEL TOUR
Have you been tasked with finding a challenging club gravel trip for 2026? Maybe the Iberian Divide Gravel tour could be the perfect option.
Club pricing can start as low as €1625 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can suggest the dates below, but also will try and work around your requirements in terms of flight availability. Contact us using the form below to get the ball rolling and we will take care of everything!
We can also arrange any bespoke tour for your club. In the past we have organised Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro and multiple others.
Bespoke Small to Medium Group Tour Pricing
Below is an idea of pricing for our bespoke Iberian Divide Tours, over 10 days, based on 2 people sharing rooms.
More than 12 people?
We are highly experienced at organising large group challenges and events. We can offer unbeatable pricing for the group trip you have in mind.
SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST
Send us a reservation request below for the Iberian Divide Gravel Tour and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.
Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.
Liked the sound of our Iberian Divide Gravel Tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…
Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday
For the gravel riders. Enjoy an off road / gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve! Let us introduce you to the best tracks and trails in the beautiful Algarve, both along the coast and inland.
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
Alentejo Adventure Self-Guided Gravel Bikepacking Tour
For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.
Faro to Lisbon Self-Guided Gravel Tour
For the gravel tourers. This is a fantastic gravel trip for anyone wanting to experience a wide range of landscapes – west coast, rolling Alentejo plains and the beautiful Algarve backroads.
Price range: €795,00 through €1.295,00
Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and incredible landscapes too!
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.
Price range: €1.550,00 through €1.950,00
FAQ’s
Is it possible to do the N2 in fewer or more days?
Can I hire a bike?
Yes. Just get in touch to let us know exactly what you would like (road, e-bike or hybrid) and we will give you a quotation.
Am I too slow?
Definitely not! We pride ourselves on providing holidays for all abilities, and we have guides for different fitness levels. Often groups will be divided into three different groups so suit everyone!
Having said that, there are two trips that do require a reasonable level of fitness – the Bikepacking Adventure and the N2 Challenge. Both of these trips have a minimum number of kilometres to complete each day.
I would like to create my own bespoke holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB’s
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
What is your cancellation policy?
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
Where are you based?
We are based in the central Algarve, in the south of Portugal. But we run road and gravel tours all over the country!
