The Historic Villages Route (GR22): an ideal bikepacking route in Portugal
Pedalling through villages where time slows down
There are places in Portugal where daily life is still shaped by the sun, the seasons and local traditions.
The Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal is one of the most complete and authentic ways to explore inland Portugal by bike — especially as an e-bike bikepacking journey, which allows you to adapt distances, manage elevation and maintain a comfortable rhythm over several days.
Here, cycling means passing through stone villages, hilltop castles, ancient rural paths and wide open landscapes where silence is part of the experience.
It’s a journey that invites you to slow down, stop, observe — and truly feel far removed from everyday rush.
What is the Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal?
The Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal (GR22) has been awarded the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe seal by the European Ramblers Association — a certification reserved for outstanding long-distance routes, recognising quality, sustainability, cultural richness and the overall experience.
This continuous itinerary links the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal, crossing one of the country’s most authentic inland territories.
More than a cycling route, it is a cultural and landscape journey, connecting medieval villages, castles, walled towns and historic centres through rural roads and ancient tracks.
Each village forms part of a broader narrative, allowing travellers to understand the region as a whole — not just as isolated points on a map.
GR22: a long-distance route to be experienced in stages
The Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal (GR22) covers around 600 km, but it doesn’t need to be ridden in a single journey.
Many travellers choose to explore only a section of the route, adapting the experience to the time available, desired pace and level of independence.
This flexibility is one of the route’s greatest strengths — it allows for very different journeys within the same territory.
The route is organised into two main loops, connected by GR22.1, which crosses Serra da Estrela.
Northern Loop
This loop passes through several Historic Villages such as Belmonte, Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo, Marialva, Trancoso and Linhares da Beira, crossing open plateaus, quiet countryside and historic borderlands shaped by castles and fortified towns.
It’s a journey defined by wide horizons, silence and a constant sense of travelling through deep inland Portugal.
Southern Loop
The southern loop connects Castelo Novo, Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto, Belmonte and Piódão, combining historic villages with more mountainous terrain, deep valleys and some of the most iconic landscapes of central Portugal.
Here, the experience is more contrasting and varied, blending heritage, nature and small communities with a very distinctive rhythm of life.
GR22.1 links Penhas Douradas, Manteigas and Belmonte, crossing Serra da Estrela and acting as the central axis of the route.
This connection allows you to:
- shorten or adapt sections
- combine parts of the northern and southern loops
- design tailor-made journeys
In practice, this means the route can be experienced in many different ways — and this is exactly where we can help, adapting it to each traveller’s time, experience and expectations.
Why this route is perfect for bikepacking
The Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal brings together unique characteristics that make it ideal for bikepacking:
- natural stage distances between villages
- highly diverse landscapes and several UNESCO-recognised sites along the way
- varied terrain, especially suitable for e-bike bikepacking
- something to discover, visit or taste at the end of each day
This is a route designed for travelling — not for “collecting kilometres”.
Each day makes sense, and every arrival has its own identity.
Quiet rural roads for relaxed cycling
Much of the route follows rural paths, secondary roads and ancient tracks, far from traffic and noise.
These are routes used for generations, now ideal for a peaceful and safe cycling journey.
This allows for a more immersive experience of the landscape, riding at your own pace and without stress.
Bikepacking on the Historic Villages Route: also for families
Bikepacking isn’t just for experienced adventurers.
In this region — and with the right planning — it can also be an excellent option for families.
E-bikes make it possible to:
- adjust effort
- adapt distances to the group’s rhythm
- keep adults and children riding together
For many families, this route becomes a shared adventure, combining outdoor activity, culture and quality time.
What makes this route so special (and still little known)
The Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal remains largely undiscovered, far from mass tourism.
Villages retain their authenticity, encounters are genuine and the sense of discovery is still very much alive.
It’s the kind of journey that:
still surprises
is still told to friends
still feels like a well-kept secret
What to consider before riding the route
Before setting off on the route, a few key decisions make all the difference:
- how to divide stages in a balanced way
- where to stay overnight
- what to visit along the route
- what daily rhythm suits you best
These choices are what turn a route into a true cycling holiday — not just a ride.
We help turn the route into a memorable journey
We know the route, the territory and its communities in depth.
We work closely with local partners and are official partners of the Historic Villages of Portugal Association, responsible for promoting and preserving this unique network of villages.
We help adapt the route to each traveller’s experience, pace and expectations — whether travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family.
This close connection to the territory allows us to:
- adjust distances and stages
- select suitable routes for different levels
- ensure a safe, smooth and enjoyable experience
Our bikepacking journeys along the Historic Villages Route are born from this local knowledge and the desire to offer a thoughtful, authentic experience.
Bikepacking or multi-day tour?
The route can be experienced in different ways, depending on the level of comfort and support you’re looking for.
Bikepacking
Ideal if you want independence, with everything well prepared in advance.
Multi-day e-bike tours
Perfect if you prefer full support, local guidance and zero logistical concerns.
If you don’t feel fully comfortable travelling independently — or if you’re travelling with family and want extra peace of mind — our private multi-day tours are an excellent alternative.
We can personalise your private tour, guided or self-guided.
The Historic Villages Route as a complete cycling experience
The Route of the Historic Villages of Portugal connects the 12 Historic Villages in a journey that blends culture, landscapes and tranquillity.
Whether as a bikepacking adventure, a family journey or a fully supported private tour, it offers a unique way to explore inland Portugal in depth.