Best Cycling Events in Portugal

Planning your cycling trip around Portugal’s biggest race days is a brilliant move — whether you’re there to cheer from the roadside or to clip in and join the action yourself (yes, many events welcome amateurs!). 

The energy is infectious: pelotons whizzing past vineyards and mountains, cheering crowds lining coastal roads, and finish-line celebrations that spill into the streets. 

Even on your own self-guided tour, you’ll find yourself swept up in the buzz, with every ride feeling like part of the spectacle.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of Portugal’s most exciting races and granfondos.

TOP Cycling Events in Portugal:

1. Ride Across Portugal

Participation Type: Amateurs (open to all)

When: May 

Where: Starts in the Douro Valley, ends in the Algarve

Let’s start big - Ride Across Portugal is one of the most scenic and ambitious cycling events in Portugal.

Spanning over 770 km from the vineyards of the Douro Valley all the way to the golden beaches of the Algarve, this six-day, fully supported stage ride combines epic scenery, cultural deep dives, and serious cycling cred.

Want to see it first-hand and cheer on the racers? Join us on our Douro Valley Bike Tour in May – you won’t be able to escape the buzz. 

During this time, you can expect some closed-off roads (but don’t worry, we know just the perfect detour), excited locals, and maybe even a finish-line party or two. 

The region comes alive in May and you can be right in the middle of it. Start planning today!

2. Volta ao Algarve + Algarve Granfondo

Participation Type: Pros (Volta ao Algarve) + Amateurs (Gran Fondo is open to all)

When: February  

Where: Across the Algarve region, including Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira

If you're the kind of cyclist who loves watching the pros and riding the same roads they do, the Volta ao Algarve is your golden ticket. This five-stage UCI ProSeries race kicks off Portugal’s cycling season each February, attracting teams like Jumbo-Visma and INEOS.

And here’s the twist: you can ride it too! The accompanying Algarve Granfondo lets amateurs tackle a ~100 km route that mirrors the pros’ climbs and coastal sections.

If you prefer to cycle Portugal at your own pace, but still be a part of the excitement, we’ve got a perfect self-guided bike tour for you: see our cycling tour in the Algarve.

3. Granfondo Coimbra Region (UCI Qualifier)

Participation Type: Amateurs (UCI qualifier, open to all) 

When: March 

Where: Coimbra and Montemor-o-Velho (central Portugal)

Part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, this race attracts ambitious amateurs from across Europe. 

This competition is held in Coimbra — the final stop on our Silver Coast cycling tour. 

So, if you're rolling into the city at just the right time, you'll catch the excitement: time trials, bustling plazas, and a whole lot of Lycra. You’ll be there to cheer, snack, sip coffee, and enjoy the show.

4. Serra da Estrela Granfondo

Perticipation Type: Amateurs (open to all)

When: June  

Where: Covilhã & Serra da Estrela Natural Park (central Portugal)

Welcome to Portugal’s roof — the Serra da Estrela mountains. This granfondo is not for the faint of heart. With climbs reaching nearly 2,000 meters, it’s the ultimate test for anyone who wishes to tackle the elevation gain.

The route winds through the Estrela Natural Park, mixing stunning mountain views with alpine switchbacks. Think of it as Portugal’s answer to the Marmotte, minus the crowds and with much better cheese at the finish.

More Can’t-Miss Races: 

While the headline races steal the spotlight, Portugal’s cycling calendar is full of lesser-known granfondos that are just as rewarding.

Here are a few more worthy additions to your cycling calendar:

• Bragança Granfondo (July): Northern Portugal’s summer ride through historic border towns
• Monção & Melgaço Granfondo (Sept): Wine country, sunflower fields, and cross-border charm
• Lousã Granfondo (Sept): Mountain forests, ancient schist villages, and lung-busting climbs
• Tavira Granfondo (Sept): Ride through the Algarve’s lesser-known eastern coast
• Portimão Granfondo (Nov): Coastal cruising with perfect autumn sunshine

Who Can Join These Events?

Most of Portugal’s cycling events — especially granfondos and sportives — are open to amateur riders of all levels. 

You don’t need a racing license or a professional background. If you can ride the distance and love a good challenge, you’re welcome to join.

What About the Pro Races?

Some events, like the Volta ao Algarve, are all about the pros — the elite pelotons, the team cars, the cheering fans. 

But that doesn’t mean you’re just a spectator. Many of these races also feature public granfondos on similar routes, held the same weekend or even the next day.

You won’t be racing with the pros, but you’ll ride the same legendary climbs, soak in the same crowd energy, and maybe even cross the same finish line.

Want to Be Part of the Buzz?

We’ll help you plan your cycling holiday in Portugal to align with the country’s most exciting cycling events — no racing required!

Chat with our travel advisor and let’s find the perfect trail, region, and race-day vibe to add a burst of energy to your bike tour in Portugal.