A few weeks ago I asked for advice and experiences about bikepacking in Portugal. I did the trip (mainly EV1, solo female biker), that's how it went:
tl;dr It was exhausting (altitude), dusty and I really enjoyed it. Definite recommendation!
Here's everything in detail:
The route:
– Start in Porto (I flew with KLM, my bike cost 55€ extra as sports luggage, there were even tools at the airport to mount my bike) to Albufeira to visit friends.
– I used this Komoot route as a Base
– I cycled a total of 962km and over 7000 metres in altitude
– Duration 12 days (including 1 break day, the last days were short distances due to the heat) from 20th May to 01 June
– Mix of gravel and loose ground, road and cycle paths
Overnight stay:
– Mainly campingsites (I really needed that daily shower), 1 wild camping, 3 hostels
Navigation:
– I bought a Coros Dura before the tour (previously I had the Wahoo Bolt 2, which I didn't like). I used the Dura for the first time on the tour and was very satisfied and I didn't even have to recharge it.
Overall impression:
– A great mix of hinterland and coastal views, nice people, mainly quite considerate drivers. I really enjoyed it and can recommend it (also as a woman travelling alone)
by truffleshuffle3000
4 Comments
Looks freaking awesome! I want that route too.
You was in a hurry to make the route? I would stay more in every city or village near sea and enjoy, no rush at all!
Awesome trip! How often did you deviate from the Komoot route?
About the Dura, what do you mean you didn’t have to charge it? How long does the battery last?
we will be in Portugal next month for a wedding but we booked an earlier flight, so we have 8 days before the wedding and we are still unsure if we should bring our bikes and do a short bikepacking trip of maybe 4 days. we will be staying somewhere close to Porto with my partners family.
do you think it would be worth it to do EV1 only from Porto to Lisbon? what is that part of the route like? and which part of the route was your favorite?