Mountain Passages
Type
Road
Duration
11 Days & 10 Nights
Next Departure
16 Jun 2027
Status
Available
From
3.750 EUR
Bike Madrid Lisbon Road
The Bike Madrid Lisbon Road is not just a cycling trip, it’s a serious test of endurance across two countries, tailored for riders who crave long-distance challenges and real road cycling adventure. Over 11 days, you’ll cover 1,100 kilometers on your road bike, from the bold rhythm of Madrid to the Atlantic soul of Lisbon. The journey is split into nine guided stages, taking you over the Castilian Divide and into the raw landscapes of central Spain before crossing into Portugal’s remote interior. Expect classic climbs from La Vuelta a España, quiet rural roads, and fast descents that open onto vast plains and Atlantic views.
This road bike tour is built for cyclists who want more than just distance, it’s about riding across the backbone of Iberia, feeling the shift in terrain, culture, and pace with every stage. The route blends effort and reward: long days in the saddle, sweeping mountain passes, rolling countryside, and powerful coastlines. You’ll ride through small villages, historic towns, and national parks, finishing each day with good food, strong local character, and a place to rest that reflects the region’s rhythm. For those looking for serious road cycling holidays, this is an active adventure that delivers every kilometer of the way.
Highlights
Included
Excluded
- Tour Grade
Bikes available on request:
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
WELCOME TO MADRID!
At the start of our Bike Madrid to Lisbon Road Tour, you’ll touch down at Madrid Airport, our guide will meet you and arrange your short transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might enjoy a relaxed ride or a stroll through the city, and you’ll have time to tune your bike and gear. Before dinner, we’ll gather for a trip briefing to go over the coming days of this exciting road cycling holiday, followed by a traditional Spanish dinner in a local restaurant.
Transfer
0:15 h
Voco Madrid Retiro
DAY 2
Madrid to Segóvia
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE…
Today marks the true start of your active holiday. Ride out from Madrid’s iconic Plaza del Sol, beside the famous Km 0 marker where all Spanish roads begin. You’ll cruise through lively avenues and scenic city parks like the Retiro before reaching the Anillo Verde, a green belt surrounding the capital. Soon, the route shifts dramatically, your road cycling tour climbs into the Guadarrama Mountains. This steady ascent delivers breathtaking views and a thrilling challenge for every road cycling enthusiast. The ride ends in the historic city of Segovia, where comfort and charm await.
Cycling Distance
142 km
Elevation Gain
+ 2.300 m
Hotel Real Segovia
DAY 3
Segóvia to Ávila
ÁVILA, SURROUNDED BY WALLS
Today’s stage takes you deeper into the heart of Spain’s highlands. Begin with a solid climb through the rolling Guadarrama hills, 700 meters of steady elevation that reward you with a sweeping descent. Your road cycling adventure continues through open countryside, where golden fields stretch across the Central Iberian System. Quiet mountain roads lead you toward Ávila, a UNESCO-listed city enclosed by medieval walls, offering a unique cultural touchpoint on your road bike tour.
Cycling Distance
83 km
Elevation Gain
+ 1.200 m
Palacio de Los Velada
DAY 4
Ávila to Barco D´Ávila
TODAY YOU’RE GOING TO ENTER GREDOS MOUNTAIN RANGE
Starting from the medieval city of Ávila, we descend through the streets along the wall towards the west, ready to embark on another day of cycling on high mountain roads. The beauty of the landscapes and the countless kilometers we cover alongside the Tormes River, with its Roman bridges and quaint villages nestled alongside the Zapatero Massif, make it easy to forget that this is a long day with well over 100 km of cycling. However, after this long stage, we reach Barco d’Ávila, a historical town nestled within this mountain range.
Cycling Distance
124 km
Elevation Gain
+ 2.000 m
Izán Puertade Gredos
DAY 5
Barco D´Ávila to Alberca
ENTERING THE NATURAL PARK LAS BATUECAS—SIERRA DE FRANCIA
Get ready for a physically demanding but highly rewarding day. Your journey through the Béjar Mountains takes you to 1,600 meters elevation on winding, remote roads, a true road cycling adventure. The ride passes through lush oak forests and the charming Candelario village. You’ll climb steadily into the Sierra de Francia Natural Park, with a final ascent lasting more than an hour before reaching the picturesque town of La Alberca. A challenging stage on your active holiday, but filled with rich natural and cultural beauty.
Cycling Distance
115 km
Elevation Gain
+ 2.300 m
Abadia de Los Templários
DAY 6
Alberca to Sabugal
PORTUGAL, HERE WE GO!
Today’s route takes you over one of the tour’s most iconic climbs, Peña de Francia, a legendary ascent from the Vuelta a España, reaching 1,750 meters. From there, ride through one of the most remote regions of the Iberian Peninsula: the rugged and wild Sierra de Gata. Quiet roads and dramatic landscapes define this stretch of your road cycling tour. By day’s end, you’ll cross the border into Portugal and arrive in the historic town of Sabugal.
Cycling Distance
146 km
Elevation Gain
+ 2.500 m
Hospedaria Robalo
DAY 7
Sabugal to Piodão
THE HIGHEST PEAK IN CONTINENTAL PORTUGAL!
Your road cycling holiday continues with a spectacular ride through the heart of Portugal’s mountains. Start the day exploring Sortelha, one of Portugal’s most beautiful medieval villages, before heading toward Torre, the highest point on mainland Portugal at over 2,000 meters. Pass through Manteigas, nestled in a dramatic glacial valley, and enjoy the longest descent of the entire tour, down to just 300 meters. The day ends with a final climb to the stunning schist village of Piodão, a true architectural gem perched on a terraced hillside.
Cycling Distance
123 km
Elevation Gain
+ 2.900 m
INATEL Piodão
DAY 8
Piodão to Penela
CROSSING CENTRAL PORTUGAL AND ENJOYING NATURE
Today’s this road cycling tour explores the heart of Portugal’s schist mountains. Ride along ridgelines near 1,000 meters, passing traditional villages and wind farms as you soak in expansive views. This is your final day at high altitude before entering a strikingly different landscape. As the route transitions into the limestone hills, the scenery shifts to olive groves, holm oaks, and undulating terrain, a new stage of your active holiday begins, in the karstic “limestone kingdom” of central Portugal.
Cycling Distance
97 km
Elevation Gain
+ 1.400 m
Hotel Duecitânia
DAY 9
Penela to Óbidos
THE COAST AND THE MAJESTIC ATLANTIC OCEAN!
Your road cycling adventure continues westward, descending from Portugal’s interior mountains to the sea. After leaving the limestone hills behind, you’ll reach the stunning Atlantic coast. The ride follows the Atlantic Road through vast pine forests and past iconic coastal towns like São Pedro de Moel, the surf mecca of Nazaré, and the tranquil shores of Foz do Arelho. This is one of the longest stages of your journey, filled with ocean views and cultural gems. Your day ends in the enchanting walled town of Óbidos, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval treasures.
Cycling Distance
157 km
Elevation Gain
+ 2.000 m
The Literary Man
DAY 10
Óbidos to Cabo da Roca (Cascais)
ENJOY THE LAST STAGE OF THIS EPIC ADVENTURE
The final day of your road bike tour brings both celebration and reflection. Starting from Óbidos, the route leads you toward the Atlantic once again, passing beaches, cliffs, and charming fishing villages along quiet coastal roads. After 9 days of cycling through mountains, forests, and seaside landscapes, you’ll reach Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. This emotional and unforgettable moment marks the official end of your road cycling holiday. From there, you’ll transfer or ride into Cascais for a well-deserved rest by the ocean.
Cycling Distance
121 km
Elevation Gain
+ 1.600 m
Vila Galé
Cascais
DAY 11
Departure
TIME GOES BY INCREDIBLY FAST WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN!
Your road cycling adventure across the Iberian Peninsula has come to a close. After ten unforgettable days of riding through mountains, valleys, villages, and along the Atlantic coast, it’s time to head home. Our guide will meet you at the hotel and assist with your departure. We hope the landscapes, stories, and friendships made during this road bike tour stay with you long after the final ride. Thank you for choosing Exotic Nature Trails, until the next adventure!
Trasfer
0:40 m
