Douro Valley e-Bike Cycling Trip

Discover picturesque scenery, terraced vineyards, and traditional villages away from the tourist hotspots on our Douro Valley bike tour.

This e-bike cycling holiday is a unique journey into one of Portugal’s most scenic regions. You’ll begin your adventure in the beautiful city of Porto, also known as the Invicta City. Here, you can wander the historic streets and marvel at the old port warehouses on the banks of the Douro River. Your Douro Valley cycling adventure will start the next day in the quiet town of Alijó, perched high in the hills. Our electric bikes will give an extra boost on the climbs, making this a cycling holiday for all levels.

The Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest wine regions in the world. We’ve planned routes on quiet roads and car free trails to show you the hidden corners of this stunning part of Portugal. Cycling in the Douro Valley is a slow adventure. You’ll become immersed in the area, riding through small villages each rich in history and tradition. Stop whenever you want to visit churches, restaurants, and vineyards along the way.

After leaving Alijó, you’ll ride to the old city of Vila Real entering on a traffic-free route. From there, you’ll follow the N2 – Portugal’s answer to route 66 – to the historic town of Lamego. You’ll see incredible views and ancient vineyards rising in walled tiers up the steep slopes of the valley. But the diverse landscape of the Douro means you’ll also pass by pine forests, mountain flora, and fruit orchards.

In early spring, you’ll see almond, apple, and cherry blossom. Later, you’ll pass by fruit trees brimming with cherries, apples, and elderflowers. Then autumn is grape harvest time, still done by hand in the Douro Valley, before the leaves on the vines die back to show an array of spectacular colours.

You’ll end your Douro Valley e-bike tour on the banks of the river in Peso da Régua. Here, you can treat yourself to a wine tasting in one of the charming wine stores or in one of the local wineries. It’s the perfect way to taste the authentic flavours of the Douro before your departure.

Itinerary – Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, the Invicta City. The fascinating architecture dates back to the Middle Ages, and you’ll get your first view of the Douro River. The Dom Luís 1 bridge over the river connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank. Here, you can explore the historic port wine cellars. A cable car will take you back to the top deck of the bridge, with panoramic views over the city and river below.

The riverside Ribeira district is full of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiled buildings. The stunning São Bento railway station has around 20,000 tiles showing historical scenes.

Porto is a welcoming city and small enough to get around by foot. But you can always stop and rest in one of its many cafes, enjoying a pastel de nata (traditional Portuguese pastry).

Accommodation: Porto, 4-star hotel

Day 2: Transfer from Porto to Alijó | Alijó loop via São Mamede de Ribatua

Distance: 16.6 km (10.3 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +350m / -350m

Our driver will collect you from your hotel for the scenic drive to the Douro region. In Alijó, you’ll receive an in-person welcome briefing by a member of our team. They’ll also ensure your bike is set up correctly for you.

The ride will give you your first taste of the Douro region and help familiarise yourself with the bike. You’ll cycle on quiet roads and tracks to the picturesque village of São Mamede de Ribatua. There’s an incredible viewpoint here, overlooking vineyards and the Tua river below.

A stop at an olive oil mill is the perfect opportunity to have a delicious picnic with local products and to visit this traditional establishment.

Back in Alijó, you’ll have time to freshen up before visiting a local Quinta to taste the local fortified wine, Moscatel.

Accommodation: Alijó, 4-star charm hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Alijó loop via Pinhão

Distance: 37.9 km (23.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +831m / -831m

Leaving Alijó, you’ll soon reach Favaios, a village with old cobblestone streets. It’s famous for moscatel wine and a unique four-cornered bread, and has a museum dedicated to both. Then, as you continue to Pinhão, a breathtaking descent awaits. The wide sweeping road looks out across panoramic views of terraced vineyards, with the Pinhão river below.

Pinhão is a pretty town sitting on the banks of the river Douro. It’s popular with visitors arriving by river boat or train and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes. The train station is well worth a look too. The beautiful azulejo tiles show scenes of the countryside and wine making. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see a steam train!

Leaving Pinhão, it’s time to begin the climb back to Alijó, helped by the e-bike battery. A short detour at Castedo goes to the Miradouro de Santa Marinha. The views from here are spectacular, high above the Douro River, and looking towards the mouth of the Tua River.

Accommodation: Alijó, 4-star charm hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Alijó → Vila Real

Distance: 51.8 km (32.1 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +749m / -929

Saying goodbye to Alijó, you’ll leave the town on a roadside cycle track next to a forest. The terrain here is different, changing from vineyards to trees and mountain flora. High above Sanfins do Douro is a lovely viewpoint at the church of Nossa Senhora Da Mercy, known for worship and pilgrimage.

Beyond the village you’ll cycle on rural roads through vineyards and tiny hamlets. Sabrosa, home of the 15th century Portuguese explorer Magellan, is a larger town with many places to eat and drink. The route then continues to Mateus Palace, built in the early 18th century and set in beautiful gardens. It’s open to the public so you can visit the house, grounds, and museum, or book on a wine tasting tour of this famous Portuguese rosé.

From Mateus, the route into Vila Real is traffic-free, on an old railway line. Relax for the afternoon in your riverside hotel, or wander through the cobbled streets and old buildings of Vila Real.

Accommodation: Vila Real, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Vila Real → Lamego

Distance: 38.9 km (24.2 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +823m / -762m

Leaving Vila Real on the iconic N2 – Portugal’s answer to Route 66 – you’ll pedal alongside the scenic Corgo valley. The route passes under the impressive motorway bridge you crossed on day one, heading to Alijó. Today’s journey winds through small towns and villages, with plenty of places to stop for a break.

You’ll also enter the Douro demarcated wine region. In Santa Marta de Penaguião you’ll ride past their famous wine making co-operative. Soon after, you’ll reach the popular tourist town of Peso da Régua on the banks of the River Douro. Here, you’ll find many restaurant choices, or you could visit the Douro Museum to discover the history of winemaking in the area.

From Régua, the route crosses a beautiful pedestrian bridge over the river Douro. It then continues up the Varosa Valley, famous for its sparkling wine. As you approach Lamego, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church, with its 686 steps, beckons you into this historic town. Explore the cathedral with its Renaissance cloister or enjoy views from the medieval castle.

Accommodation: Lamego, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Lamego loop via São Martinho de Mouros

Distance: 42.3 km (26.3 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +847m / -847m

The road from Lamego to Samodães has stunning views over the Douro River and Régua below. Now, following the Rota do Românico, the landscape changes again and you’ll ride through cherry orchards instead of vineyards.

São Martinho de Mouros has a historic 13th century church and is a good place to stop for refreshments. Then, it’s time to climb to the highest point of the trip, using the e-bike battery for help. The views from the top of the climb are incredible, looking out across the whole route so far. The flora and fauna are different here too, more mountainous with pine trees and rocky granite outcrops.

Then it’s downhill all the way back into Lamego. The route finishes at the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church. The church is open for visitors, or you can wander the grounds looking out over Lamego from the top of the 686 steps.

Accommodation: Lamego, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Lamego → Peso da Régua

Distance: 45.5 km (28.2 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +867m / -1282m

Today’s journey leaves Lamego through the oldest part of town. The Bairro da Ponte has medieval houses hugging the riverbank and lovely views up the river. From there, you’ll follow quiet roads through tiny villages and orchards full of apple, cherry, and elderflower trees.

At Ucanha you’ll cross the river Varosa on a beautiful old bridge. The medieval tower on the far bank is open for visitors, or you can relax over a riverside refreshment. The route continues past the Murganheira wine cellars, known for some of the best Portuguese sparkling wine. It’s open for wine tasting, or you can continue to Salzedas. Here, you’ll find a stunning church and Cistercian monastery, both open for visitors. The monks developed winemaking in the region, and it’s even said they invented port!

Passing more fruit orchards, you’ll soon reach Armamar, the mountain apple capital of the Douro. Situated high above the valley, the town has stunning views and lots of places to explore. Then, it’s a long and scenic descent down to the banks of the Douro. You’ll cycle briefly on the N222 (National Geographic’s most beautiful road in the world, 2015) before crossing the river to enter Régua on a quieter road.

Accommodation: Peso da Régua, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure to Porto

After breakfast at your hotel, make your own way back to Porto and your onward journey. Choose between a scenic train ride, a boat cruise down the Douro River, or a private taxi transfer (additional costs apply).

End of our services.

Meals: Breakfast

Like what you see but it’s not quite a perfect fit?

• Simply get in touch to tell us what you’re looking for. We’re happy to make changes to create your ideal holiday.

Want to visit the Douro Valley but prefer hiking to cycling?

• Please take a look at our walking and hiking holidays in the Douro Valley

Map

Douro Valley e-Bike Cycling Trip

What’s included

• 7 nights’ hand-picked accommodation with breakfast;
• 6 days electric bike rental (TREK Allant + 7 with 27.5” wheels + panniers + helmet);
• Transfer from Porto hotel to Alijó (day 2);
• Luggage transfer between accommodations;
• Picnic lunch with a visit and tasting at an olive oil mill (day 2);
• Visit and wine tasting in Alijó (day 2);
• Detailed route notes;
• App with trail information for use on a smartphone;
• In-person welcome briefing;
• 24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking).

What’s not included

• Lunches and dinners; Insurance; Tourist taxes; Personal equipment; Personal expenses; All items not mentioned in “Included”.