Minho Valley Bike Tours

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CYCLING IN THE MINHO VALLEY

In the north of Portugal lies the charming Minho Valley where historic villages, peaceful vineyards and gorgeous countryside create a verdant world of beauty. This region is the birthplace of Portugal, where towns showcase thousands of years of history. Forts and castles stand proud on hills, having seen countless eras and stories, which you’ll discover on our Portugal cycling holiday.

The Minho Valley is also known for its unique and delicious wine, the vinho verde. Their ‘green wine’ is crisp, light, and slightly sparkling. This makes it the perfect drink on a sunny day, especially alongside a lunch of regional specialities. In the Minho Valley, the cuisine is deeply rooted in the agricultural background of the region, and often the ingredients on your plate will be from the same village you’re eating in. As you move from the coast to inland hills, you’ll notice a dramatic shift in cuisine: plates of sardines are replaced by dishes of black pork. This highlights how important local ingredients are in the Minho Valley.

Why Book With Us?

  • 40 years' creating tailor-made holidays
  • Crafted by experts who love cycling
  • Boutique hotels and gourmet dining
  • Local support in destination
  • Luggage transferred between your hotels
  • Fully serviced hybrid and e-bikes
  • ABTA & ATOL protected

Things to do in the Minho Valley

Minho Valley - Vinho Verdes Grapes

Vinho Verdes

In the Minho Valley, you’ll discover the delightfully crisp vinho verde wines beloved across Portugal. Made with Alvarino grapes, this ‘green wine’ is light, slightly sparkling, and a perfect partner to the seafood and aromatic meats of the region. As most of the Portuguese cuisine is zested with lemons, a crisp wine only enhances the flavour. The slight sparkle of vinho verde was initially a mistake – with a secondary fermentation happening in the wines after they were bottled. However, the winemakers discovered that people enjoyed the charming fizz, and so made it a core trait of the wine!

Minho Valley - Portugals First Region

Portugal's First Region

The history of Portugal as a nation begins in the Minho Valley. What would become the country originated in these green valleys and coves, offering a world of fascinating history to discover. Starting off as the County of Portugal under the old Kingdom of Asturias over a thousand years ago, the Reconquista spread south from the Minho, expanding the county to become what we now know as Portugal. The history of the Minho is wonderful to experience, and this is clear in the many fortresses and cathedrals that sit high on the hilltops.

What our experts say

The Minho Valley is an undiscovered gem for cycling. Be one of the first to discover its crisp wines and local cuisine, against the backdrop of verdant valleys and ancient towns.

Cycling Tours in The Minho Valley

FAQs About Our The Minho Valley Cycling Holidays

The Minho Valley has some of the easiest cycling in Portugal, with leisurely cycle paths and gentle routes. This is a fantastic choice for beginner cyclists or those who want to pedal in the slow lane.

Lying in the north of Portugal, the Minho Valley is wonderfully temperate, with cooler summers and warmer winters. This makes it a fantastic destination for a cycle escape at any time of the year, but we recommend visiting between March and November for the best weather.

We’ve handpicked charming, boutique accommodation in the Minho Valley. Expect warm welcomes, Portuguese hospitality, and comfortable stays.

As travel experts, we’re here to help with any arrangements you should require to ensure a smooth and leisurely holiday. We are also ABTA & ATOL bonded, so you can book with confidence.

We Can Tailor-make
a Holiday to Suit You…

We have a team of experts on hand to help you choose the perfect holiday. From a luxury cycling holiday weekend in Tuscany to a big adventure in through the Loire Valley, we’re whatever you want your holiday to be.