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Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the natural parks around Lisbon, from the beautiful Sierras in Sintra and Arrábida to the metropolitan park of Monsanto. Joining a Lisbon bike tour is one of the best ways to explore these areas beautiful trails and roads. Grab a bike, join a ride with local guide and prepare to be amazed!
A 30 minute drive up north, you'll find the Sintra Sierra, where the historical city of Sintra is located. Cycling enthusiasts living in Lisbon ride to Sintra every other weekend to enjoy it's peacefull roads and trails. The city of Sintra is worth riding by, to see the picturesque buildings and gardens and for a mid-ride stop for coffee or pastry - Sintra's cultural landscape is UNESCO world heritage patrimony.Due to it's microclimate, Sintra is oftentimes foggy which, combined with its big trees and romantic architecture, creates a beautiful scenario for cycling.
For road cyclists, Sintra Sierra also offers several backroads that are worth exploring. Riding by the middle of the Sierra, to "Capuchos", towards the Roca Cape ( Europe's westernmost point), towards Colares and back to Sintra is one of the best rides around Lisbon. There are several roads to climb/descend in the area, which is marked by a dense forest and great oceanic views, and the best way to explore them is either starting your ride in Cascais, riding by the coast towards Guincho and then climbing towards the top of the Sierra, or starting from the historical center of Sintra, going straight to "Capuchos" from one of the different climbs available and exploring the Sierra from there. Join one of our Lisbon road cycling tours to go for a morning ride by Sintra Sierra with a local cyclist.
For mountain bikers, you can start your exploration in Sintra's historical city center, where you can start climbing right away from the train station ( where there are regular trains operating to and from Lisbon) or start right at the top, in "Capuchos", where you can park your car. From there, you can climb to Peninha Sanctuary and enjoy several macadam trails and single tracks designed by local riders in the area. There are experiences for every type of rider here - from downhill to Enduro sections, with drops and jumps, to other more natural trails with less human intervention. There are also some great sections for Cross Country or recretional riding, but it's always better to go with a local rider or guide to explore the Sierra, as it is intricate and can sometimes be overwhelming to find your way throughout. Join one of our Lisbon Mountain Bike Tours to go for a half-day ride in Sintra Sierra with a local guide and appropriate bike.
Traversing the Tagus river, down south, a 30 minute drive will take you towards Arrábida natural park, a Sierra located by the atlantic ocean in Setúbal district. This is a protected area which reaches it higgest peak at 499meters that is coverd in mediterranean like vegetation, remindind us adriatic locations, like Dalmatia. It's also home to some of the most charming beaches nearby Lisbon like "Portinho da Arrábida", or "Galapinhos" and a former 16th monastery, that marks the landscape. If you are visiting the area, make sure to visit Azeitão (renowned by local pastry and beautiful vineyards) Palmela's medieval castle and Setúbal. The beautiful views over the Sado estuary will make you want to visit Tróia peninsula too, for sure.
For road cyclists, the best way to explore the area is starting and ending in Azeitão. Starting riding towards Aldeia Rica, and then turn south, by the N379 road, entering the natural park and starting your ascent to the top of the Sierra. Even though the Sierra's highest point is only at 499meters, the climb can be tough and has some short but steep sections which can be challenging. Keep riding by the national road and soaking in those beautiful views of the Arrábida convent, the Sado river Estuary, the Tróia peninsula and the whole southwest coast of Portugal. Once at the top, a technical but short descend will lead you to the oceanside, where you can turn right towards "Praia da Figueirinha" and "Portinho da Arrábida" - where we strongly advise you to descend to, so you can enjoy the small beach, fishermen's harbour and lovely restaurants that provide great lunch options. Riding back to Azeitão, you can also choose to extend your ride up to Cabo Espichel - when reaching Azeitão, turn left towards Sesimbra and ride towards Espichel Sanctuary, where you'll be able to see, in a clear day, the Sintra Sierra, to the north.
Located right in the middle of Lisbon metropolitan area, Monsanto is one of Europe's largest forested parks. Covering over 900 acres, it is the capital's main lung. Mainly used for crops and pasture for livestock in the VIII century, Monsanto began to be regarded for its strategic importance as a good balance between the city's growing urban area and the need for a natural landscape and to improve the climate of the capital. And this is where Monsanto Sierra becomes so special. One minute you are walking in a thriving European capital, the next you can be cycling through a dense green landscape, surrounded by varied flora and fauna, in a mix of terrain, asphalt and man-made trails, ranging from twisting singletracks, gravel tracks and winding roads crossing most of the Monsanto Sierra that provide the road cyclist with a great opportunity to pedal some k's without needing to engage the urban traffic.
Describe what and how you want to explore Portugal on a bike and let our consultants suggest the best options for you:
