Portugal

[Triaguar]

Wuhan has reopened after 76 days. If that is replicated over here we may get into europe in summer. With that in mind we are going to add Portugal into our spanish trip. We are looking for fast roads, that are out of the way, does anyone have any recommendations please. And any Portugese advice in general. Thanks.

[dibblecorse]

I wouldn't plan anything based on news out of Wuhan, also don't expect freedom of movement throughout the EU in the summer, I think its highly unlikely they will be ready for 'tourists'.

[Triaguar]

dibblecorse said:

I wouldn't plan anything based on news out of Wuhan, also don't expect freedom of movement throughout the EU in the summer, I think its highly unlikely they will be ready for 'tourists'.

Thanks, understand that. But we will be going at some stage. Ferry is booked on flexi tickets as we always do. There are no work commitments so as soon as the full all clear is given we will be gone. Please continue with your advice if you have any

[black-k1]

I'd suggest looking at the Portugal routes on www.BestBikingRoads.com as a good start point. I've not done the route myself but I understand the run down (or up if you're coming home) the Spain/Portugal border is pretty good and a route I plan to do myself in the not too distant future.

[dibblecorse]

Triaguar said:

dibblecorse said:

I wouldn't plan anything based on news out of Wuhan, also don't expect freedom of movement throughout the EU in the summer, I think its highly unlikely they will be ready for 'tourists'.

Thanks, understand that. But we will be going at some stage. Ferry is booked on flexi tickets as we always do. There are no work commitments so as soon as the full all clear is given we will be gone. Please continue with your advice if you have any

Fair play, I (mis)read your post a little and got the impression your dates were decided, there are some great roads in the south in and around Far, towards Portimao etc plus there are regular events at the circuit if that floats your boat but more than likely too far south ....

[Triaguar]

dibblecorse said:

Triaguar said:

dibblecorse said:

I wouldn't plan anything based on news out of Wuhan, also don't expect freedom of movement throughout the EU in the summer, I think its highly unlikely they will be ready for 'tourists'.

Thanks, understand that. But we will be going at some stage. Ferry is booked on flexi tickets as we always do. There are no work commitments so as soon as the full all clear is given we will be gone. Please continue with your advice if you have any

Fair play, I (mis)read your post a little and got the impression your dates were decided, there are some great roads in the south in and around Far, towards Portimao etc plus there are regular events at the circuit if that floats your boat but more than likely too far south ....

No that's fine and good advice. The circuit thing is not our cup of tea. We need to be going from 'somewhere to somewhere'. Distance is no object as time is not really within reason a limiting factor. We will do at least three weeks plus a stay in a house in the Sierra Nevada. Could you give a road number or more precise location I am starting to route plan. Thanks

[Andybow]

Highly unlikely spain will be in any place for free travel in the summer, but it if it is these roads are peachy.
ZA 925 Puebla de sanabria ( spain) to Braganca (Portugal)
N103 Braganca to Braga
Anywhere around Douro valley including villa real
N212 from Cha to fiolhal
Some epic riding in Portugal

[Triaguar]

Andybow said:

Highly unlikely spain will be in any place for free travel in the summer, but it if it is these roads are peachy.
ZA 925 Puebla de sanabria ( spain) to Braganca (Portugal)
N103 Braganca to Braga
Anywhere around Douro valley including villa real
N212 from Cha to fiolhal
Some epic riding in Portugal

That's a good starting point thank you.

[zzrman]

The area South of a line drawn East West from Lisbon is fairly boring. The area North of a line drawn East West from Porto has some great roads - just look at ViaMichelin for the roads edged in green - there are lots. Porto is a nice place to spend a couple of days and you can leave for Spain by riding along the Douro Valley.

The whole North West area of the Iberian peninsula i.e. including bits of both Portugal and Spain has some great roads. We've toured Spain and Portugal twice so if you want PM me when your plans are firming up and I'll give you my 2p.

[spareparts]

Andybow said:

Highly unlikely spain will be in any place for free travel in the summer, but it if it is these roads are peachy.
ZA 925 Puebla de sanabria ( spain) to Braganca (Portugal)
N103 Braganca to Braga
Anywhere around Douro valley including villa real
N212 from Cha to fiolhal
Some epic riding in Portugal

Agreed with this - esp the N103. Super super road.
Along the Douro, the N222 (southern side) is better than the northern side (N108). From Porto all the way to Peso da Regua. This is a tighter road than some others, but is superb.
I’ve ridden all the way down to Lisbon but forget which roads were taken. Note that the non-toll roads are filled with local trucks moving at relatively slow pace and can get congested.

[Triaguar]

zzrman said:

The area South of a line drawn East West from Lisbon is fairly boring. The area North of a line drawn East West from Porto has some great roads - just look at ViaMichelin for the roads edged in green - there are lots. Porto is a nice place to spend a couple of days and you can leave for Spain by riding along the Douro Valley.

The whole North West area of the Iberian peninsula i.e. including bits of both Portugal and Spain has some great roads. We've toured Spain and Portugal twice so if you want PM me when your plans are firming up and I'll give you my 2p.

Thank you