Suggestions for a Portuguese Tour
 

A co-worker and I are going to Estoril (near Lisbon) for work this May. We would like to do a 2-3 day tour while we are there, and are wondering if anyone else has experience cycling there. Any suggestions on where to go? What to do? We have experience doing 100 mile days in the Eastern US, but we've never cycled in Europe (and I know nothing about the road / terrain in Portugal).

You might try this link: http://www.cyclegps.org.uk/

To find the routes for Portugal, click on Routes. There are 4 routes listed there.

Ray

I biked in Portugal (during May, in fact) a few years back, starting in Lisbon and heading north. The Douro valley in northern Portugal was my favorite part. I have also heard good things about the Minho region in the far north, but we ran out of time and didn't make it there. Most of Portugal is hilly, but the roads are OK. Logistically, it was an easy place for touring. We returned to Lisbon from Porto by train without any problem bringing our bikes on the train.

Biked in Portugal some years ago. I do not know anything about making a round trip from Lisbon. However, there is, at least sometimes, a great northerly breeze that goes down the coast. So if you can get yourself up the coast and ride back to Lisbon, that is a very beautiful ride. I loved Portugal and bicycling in Portugal. Have a great time!!

Portugal: drivers a bit crazy (especially in wine tourism regions), take care. Plenty of stray dogs to chase you. People lovely, friendly and hospitable. Cakes fantastic, make sure you spend lots of time in pastelarias!

Don't know about the Lisbon area but northern Portugal's very hilly but also beautiful. It's an easy place to navigate, roads generally in good condition and well signposted. Smaller rural roads can be quite roughly surfaced though. Cyclists and cycle paths are a rare sight.

mmmmmmmm pastelarias (sry:()