Bike Tour | Portugal Historical Villages and Serra da Estrela
- Start: Belmonte; End: Piodão
- 8 days | 7 nights
- Comfort or Deluxe Hotels
- Stages between 28 e 45Km | 1.200 m D+ average
- Ebike or mountain bike
- Self Guided or Guided
- From 1150€
- Cultural and gastronomic experiences
- Private trip (Alone, with your lifemate, with your family or with friends)
- Difficultty: Challenging (Mountain Bike), Leisure (Ebike)
Historical Villages... So much to discover
What to expect on the bike tour Historical Villages and Serra da Estrela Natural Park
In partnership with Historical Villages of Portugal.
Visit the Historical Villages of Portugal Belmonte, Sortelha*, Piódão and Linhares da Beira. Get to know mountain villages like Manteigas*, Loriga, Cabeça, Casal de Rei and Vide.
*BEST TOURISM VILLAGES 2023 by UNWTO
You will also cycle through Serra da Estrela. Largest mountain in mainland Portugal, territory of the Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark. Discover unique landscapes and traditions in Portugal. Find out how the ice shaped our mountain 30.000 years ago.
You can choose to cycle every day or live other experiences. Walk with the shepherd and his flock, visit wineries in Dão and Beira Interior wine regions… Or a cheese factory, to understand how the famous Serra da Estrela Cheese is produced. There’s also some interesting museums on the way. If you prefer, take a walk in nature or simply relax at the hotel.
Choose between medium range Hotels (Comfort) or high range hotels, the best ones in our region (Deluxe)
Completely customizable trip. Add extra nights to enjoy more experiences in our region, or make the trip shorter if you wish.
You will discover one of the most authentic, peaceful and safe regions in Portugal. Enjoy nature and traditions on an unforgettable trip, away from crowds.
Day by day
In this section you’ll find a short description of what you’ll do each day on the Historical Villages and Serra da Estrela bike tour. Some suggested activities are only available if you opt for the guided tour. For more detailed information, ask for the detailed programme.
Day 1
Arrival in Belmonte and Check In at the Hotel. Bicycle delivery and brief briefing.
Hotel: Pousada de Belmonte (Comfort Optiont) or TheVagar Countryhouse (Deluxe option)
Day 2
Suggested bike/ebike tour:
Visit Sortelha
38 km or 52KM | 500 m d+ or 760 d+ | 50% secondary roads and 50% off road
Circular route starting at the accommodation and visiting the Historical Village of Sortelha. Route along paved and dirt secondary roads with very little traffic, through small towns, agricultural fields, oak forests and beautiful granite outcrops. The village of Sortelha with its 12th century castle and granite houses leaves no visitor indifferent.
Other Experiences:
In Belmonte you can visit a property where DOC Beira Interior wines are produced, the Cheese Museum or take a guided tour of the town. More information in the detailed program.
Hotel: Pousada de Belmonte (Comfort Optiont) or TheVagar Countryhouse (Deluxe option)
Day 3
30km to 45KM | 600 m d+ to 1,400 m d+ | 50% secondary roads and 50% dirt roads
Route that will take you from Belmonte to the heart of Serra da Estrela, Manteigas. This route has several variants that will depend on the accommodation option chosen and the participants preferences. A few kilometers after leaving the accommodation, you pass through Vila de Belmonte, a town full of history and culture. You will then enter Serra da Estrela, the largest mountain in mainland Portugal. Unfortunately, throughout this stage the effects of the 2022 fire are still noticeable, but the mountains still wonderfull and the panoramic views will certainly surprise you.
Hotel: Hotel da Vila (comfort option) or Casa das Penhas Douradas, Penhas Douradas (deluxe option).
Day 4
Several bike/ebike tours for you to choose
On this day there are many options for a bike or ebike ride between 20 and 60 KM. You can choose to visit the Historic Village of Linhares da Beira and the peculiar village of Folgosinho by bike. Or take a route around Manteigas, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, to discover some of the most enchanting forests of our mountain and some of the most unique mountain landscapes in Portugal.
Other Experiences:
In Manteigas/Penhas Douradas you can also accompany a shepherd and his flock for a morning, go hiking or visit the interesting Burel – a traditional tissue made of sheep wool- factories. More information in the detailed program
Hotel: Hotel da Vila (comfort option) or Casa das Penhas Douradas(deluxe option)
Day 5
29 km to 43KM | 200m d+ to 1400m d+ | 25% paved roads and 75% dirt mountain roads
You will head west to discover this area of Serra da Estrela. Depending on the accommodation chosen, this stage will take place between Manteigas and Loriga or Penhas Douradas and Lapa dos Dinheiros. After beautiful Penhas Douradas plateau, the route follows the first steps of the Alva River, through forests and views of the plains to the west. Route with several different points of interest, such as the mountain village of Sabugueiro, the sanctuary of Sr.ª do Desterro or the Natural Electricity Museum.
Hotel: O Vicente (comfort option) or Casas da Lapa (deluxe option).
Day 6
Bike/ebike suggested tour
Climb to Torre (1993m asl)
45km | 1,450 m d+ | 80% paved road and 20% mountain roads
The day you will conquer the highest point in mainland Portugal, the top of the Tower at 1993m above sea level. The summit is perhaps the least interesting part of this route, which will always take you up through lagoons, glacial valleys and imposing granite blocks. After conquering the highest point of mainland Portugal, enjoy the descent and the views by returning along the same route to the Hotel.
Other Experiences:
In Loriga or Lapa dos Dinheiros, you can visit a property producing Dão wines, a cheese factory producing Serra da Estrela cheese, the Natural Electricity Museum, go Canyoning or hiking. More information in the detailed program.
Hotel: O Vicente (Loriga, opção comfort); Casas da Lapa, Lapa dos Dinheiros (opção deluxe).
Day 7
29 to 42 km | 750 m to 1250 m d+ | 50% secondary roads and 50% off road
On this day you will leave Estrela and its granite behind and head to the schist kingdom of Serra do Açor. Along the way, you will also visit the shale villages of Cabeça, Casal de Rei and Muro, yet in Serra da Estrela. Also noteworthy is the Poço Fundeiro waterfall. Here humanization and Nature interact harmoniously to create unique landscapes. Once in Serra do Açor, head through small towns and agricultural terraces to the Historical Village of Piodão. Known as the Portuguese Nativity Village, located in a deep valley, this village is one of the most beautiful in Portugal and without a doubt one of the most sui generis.
Take the opportunity to wander the streets of Piodão and visit the fantastic river beach of Foz da Égua.
Hotel: Inatel Piodão (comfort option); Story Studio (deluxe option)
Day 8
Transfer to Belmonte. Trip End
Day by day - Bike Tour Historical Villages and Serra da Estrela
In this section you’ll find a short description of what you’ll do each day on the Historical Villages and Serra da Estrela bike tour. Some suggested activities are only available if you opt for the guided tour. For more detailed information, ask for the detailed programme.
Arrival in Belmonte and Check In at the Hotel. Bicycle delivery and brief briefing.
Hotel: Pousada de Belmonte (opção standart) or TheVagar Country House (opção deluxe), Belmonte.
Suggested bike/ebike tour:
Visit Sortelha
38 km or 52KM | 500 m d+ or 760 d+ | 50% secondary roads and 50% off road
Circular route starting at the accommodation and visiting the Historical Village of Sortelha. Route along paved and dirt secondary roads with very little traffic, through small towns, agricultural fields, oak forests and beautiful granite outcrops. The village of Sortelha with its 12th century castle and granite houses leaves no visitor indifferent.
Other experiences;
In Belmonte you can visit a property where DOC Beira Interior wines are produced, several and very diverse museums or take a guided tour of the town. More information in the detailed program.
Hotel: Pousada de Belmonte (Confort option) or TheVagar Country House (deluxe), Belmonte.
30km to 45KM | 600 m d+ to 1,400 m d+ | 50% secondary roads and 50% dirt roads
Route that will take you from Belmonte to the heart of Serra da Estrela, Manteigas. This route has several variants that will depend on the accommodation option chosen and the participants preferences. A few kilometers after leaving the accommodation, you pass through Vila de Belmonte, a town full of history and culture. You will then enter Serra da Estrela, the largest mountain in mainland Portugal. Unfortunately, throughout this stage the effects of the 2022 fire are still noticeable, but the mountains still wonderful and the panoramic views will certainly surprise you.
Hotel: Hotel da Vila (confort option) or Casa das Penhas Douradas, (delux option)
Several bike/ebike tours for you to choose
On this day there are many options for a bike or ebike ride between 20 and 60 KM. You can choose to visit the Historic Village of Linhares da Beira and the peculiar village of Folgosinho by bike. Or take a route around Manteigas, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, to discover some of the most enchanting forests of our mountain and some of the most unique mountain landscapes in Portugal.
Other experiences:
In Manteigas/Penhas Douradas you can also accompany a shepherd and his flock, go hiking or visit the Burel factories. More information in the detailed program
Hotel: Hotel da Vila (confort option) or Casa das Penhas Douradas(deluxe option)
29 km to 43KM | 200m d+ to 1400m d+ | 25% paved roads and 75% dirt mountain roads
You will head west to discover this area of Serra da Estrela. Depending on the accommodation chosen, this stage will take place between Manteigas and Loriga or Penhas Douradas and Lapa dos Dinheiros. After beautiful Penhas Douradas plateau, the route follows the first steps of the Alva River, through forests and views of the plains to the west. Route with several different points of interest, such as the mountain village of Sabugueiro, the sanctuary of Sr.ª do Desterro or the Natural Electricity Museum.
Hotel: O Vicente (confort option) or Casas da Lapa (deluxe option).
Bike/ebike suggested tour
Climb to Torre (1993m asl)
45km | 1,450 m d+ | 80% paved road and 20% mountain roads
The day you will conquer the highest point in mainland Portugal, the top of the Tower at 1993m above sea level. The summit is perhaps the least interesting part of this route, which will always take you up through lagoons, glacial valleys and imposing granite blocks. After conquering the highest point of mainland Portugal, enjoy the descent and the views by returning along the same route to the Hotel.
Other experiences;
In Loriga or Lapa dos Dinheiros, you can visit a property producing Dão wines, a cheese factory producing Serra da Estrela cheese, the Natural Electricity Museum, go Canyoning or hiking. More information in the detailed program.
Hotel: O Vicente (Loriga, opção confort); Casas da Lapa, Lapa dos Dinheiros (opção deluxe).
29 to 42 km | 750 m to 1250 m d+ | 50% secondary roads and 50% off road
On this day you will leave Estrela and its granite behind and head to the schist kingdom of Serra do Açor. Along the way, you will also visit the shale villages of Cabeça, Casal de Rei and Muro in Estrela. Also noteworthy is the Poço Fundeiro waterfall. Here humanization and Nature interact harmoniously to create unique landscapes. Once in Serra do Açor, head through small towns and agricultural terraces to the Historical Village of Piodão. Known as the Nativity Village, located in a deep valley, this village is one of the most beautiful in Portugal and without a doubt one of the most sui generis.
Take the opportunity to wander the streets of Piodão and visit the fantastic river beach of Foz da Égua.
Hotel: Inatel Piodão (confort option); Story Studio (deluxe option)
Transfer to Belmonte.
End of the Trip.
Price List
The prices shown may change during the high season (June to September) and on festive dates.
After you contact us with your choice of options and extra days, we will send you the final price within 48 hours.
Price per person (minimum 2 people).
Self-guided pack, mountain bike, from:
Comfort Hotels, from 1150 €
Deluxe Hotels, from 2150 €
- 7 nights stay in a double room, with breakfast included, according to the chosen service level.
- 7 dinners at the hotels (drinks not included).
- Rental of ebike or Bike, helmet and tool kit.
- Garmin GPS with routes (we will also make GPX available if you wish)
- Briefing with local guide on arrival date
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Phone support available every day
- Transfer of participants from the final in Piodão to Belmonte
- Suggestion of other cultural, wine, gastronomic and nature tourism activities
- Transport costs to the start point of the Bike trip (Belmonte)
- Consumption and personal expenses of participants
- Other activities and/or meals not mentioned as included
What you can add to your bike trip:
Guide (price/group)
Bike/ebike tours guided. Monitoring of other activities or visits chosen in our program. Insurance. Pictures.
1800 €
Individual room suplement
Under request
Extra Night(s)
Under request
Transfer from Lisbon or Porto to Belmonte.
Under request
Serra da Estrela... So much to feel
Price List
Minimum 2 people. The prices shown may change during the high season (June to September) and on festive dates.
After you contact us with your choice of options and extra days, we will send you the final price within 48 hours.
Self guided Ebike tour
Comfort Hotels
from 1.150€ / pax
Self guided Ebike tour
Deluxe Hotels
from 2.150€ / pax
7 nights stay in a double room, with breakfast included, according to the chosen service level (comfort or deluxe).
7 dinners in the hotels selected for your stay (drinks not included).
Ebike rental, helmet and tool kit.
Garmin GPS with routes (we will also make GPX available if you wish)
1800 € / group.
Ebike tours guided (Guided ebike rides and accompaniment on other activities. Support van. Insurance. Photo gallery).
1800 € / group.
Briefing with local guide on arrival date.
Luggage transfer between hotels.
Phone support available every day.
Replacement ebike.
Technical assistance, if required.
Suggestion of other cultural, wine, gastronomic and nature tourism activities.
Transfer of participants from the end of the tour in Piódão to Belmonte.
Upon request.
Private transfers to the start (Belmonte) or from the end of the tour (Piódão).
Upon request.
Upon request.
Individual room suplement.
Upon request.
Upon request.
Extra Night(s).
Upon request.
Participants’ personal consumption and expenses.
Other activities and/or meals not mentioned as included.
Book your trip now
Fill the requested data, without comittent. In 48 hours we”ll get in touch!
