Green Peaks Gerês Cycling Tour

In the far northwest of Portugal, between Alto Minho and Trás-os-Montes, you may find the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only Portuguese protected area classified as such. Considered by “The Guardian” as one of the 10 best Natural Parks in Europe, it is a world apart in which nature and humans live in perfect harmony, preserving ancient values and traditions. It has an unusual beauty, with mountainous landscapes and very sui generis characteristics, perfect for outdoor activities. The luxurious vegetation, with an endless variety of green tones, includes the only holly (Ilex aquifolium) forest in Portugal, and endemic species such as the Gerês lily, which brightens up the fields with its shades of violet-blue. Rivers and streams flow through the mountains, rushing down in waterfalls forming crystalline water dams that invite you to reinvigorate baths. The landscapes are breathtaking. Sometimes you might spot a roebuck (the Park’s symbol) or if you’re lucky, its predator, the Iberian wolf. More common are the “Garranos”, wild horses that run freely in the mountains. You may also come across the Barrosã breed cattle or the dark-haired Castro Laboreiro dogs, guarding the herds in harmony with the rhythm of the changing seasons. This “planted seafront garden” has remained unknown to the general public for a long time. However, in the last few years sports events like Trail Running World Championship and the annual stage of the Gerês Granfondo (a cycling event that brings together about 2000 athletes from all corners of the globe) have chosen this region. With roads in perfect condition and traffic-free, Peneda-Gerês National Park enjoys a unique environment for cycling, with deep valleys, challenging climbs (with mountain peaks above 1500 meters), and plateaus with breathtaking panoramic views. With years of experience in organizing outdoor activities, we offer a unique road cycling trip in the mountains of northern Portugal, crossing some of the most spectacular natural scenery of the region, such as the D`Arga, Cabreira, Soajo, Amarela and the magnificent Peneda-Gerês mountains. Designed for a cyclist with a regular cycling practice (road or mountain bike), the Green Peaks Gerês Cycling Tour event will last 6 days, with 4 cycling days, 280 miles/450km total distance, and +20 000feet/+8000 meters total elevation, exploring the inside of this majestic landscapes. Day 1 Porto – Braga Day 2 Braga – Vila do Gerês (116 km. Elevation: +2010m / -1805m) Day 3 Ponte de Lima – Arcos de Valdevez (127 km. Elevation: +1860m / -1905m) Day 4 Ponte de Lima – Corno do Bico – Ponte de Lima (97 km. Elevation: +1100m / -1100m) Day 5 Ponte de Lima – Serra d’Arga (93km. Elevation: +1200m / -1200m) Day 6 Ponte de Lima – Porto