cycle tours lisbon

The Top 7 Bike Tours in Lisbon: An adventure for a day 2024

Are you looking for the best bike tours in lisbon i’ve got you covered.

Lisbon is an amazing city steeped in history and culture , making it a great choice for a bike tour. I’ve spent many afternoons exploring the city on two wheels, taking in the stunning views, learning about the city’s history and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Lisbon.

When I arrived in Lisbon I quickly learned that two wheels is definitely better than driving on four in Lisbon since traffic and parking are such a pain in the neck!

From personal experience, one of the most rewarding adventures you can have in Lisbon is on a guided bike tour. I often take an e-bike downtown since its one of the best ways to get around.

Not only do you get to admire gorgeous views while zipping around town on two wheels, but you also get to learn about the city from experienced locals who are passionate about their hometown. This fills your day with energy, fun stories and fascinating insights about Lisbon that makes your visit much more memorable. I also find that biking is a great way to get some exercise in while I’m travelling since I tend to overeat and instantly feel like an overstuffed piñata! Check out the best bike tours in Lisbon below and get your body moving all while seeing Lisbon at it’s finest.

If you’ve got kids in tow, remember that bike tours don’t cater to children below the age of 10 since they don’t have e-bikes in children’s sizes.

My Top 3 Picks: Bike Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon Tour: Downtown Lisbon to Belém

✅ One of the best overviews of Lisbon

✅ 4 hour tour all downhill

✅ Includes a few stops for tastings!

Go Lisbon by Night Electric Bike Tour

✅ Watch the sun set over Lisbon

✅ See Lisbon by night

✅ e-bike means an easy ride

Sintra Mountains to Cascais sea Tour from Lisbon

✅ See Cascais market, Sintra forest and Guincho beach

✅ Spend a day in nature on the coast

✅ Hotel pickup

Best 7 Bike Tours in Lisbon

1. Lisbon Bike Tour: Downtown Lisbon to Belém

⭐️  RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | 📍 START: Parque Eduardo VII

✅  Book it!

The Lisbon Tour is the perfect way to explore the Portuguese capital from top to bottom. Leaving at 9:30 am, you can enjoy a relaxing 4 hour ride through the city and take in all the sights at a leisurely pace.

Your experienced guide will stop at interesting points and tell you about the city highlights, while also helping to navigate the winding streets and alleyways of Lisbon. Halfway through your journey, you will have the chance to taste a Portuguese specialty and experience a typical drink before continuing your downhill ride.

Finishing in Belem, another historical district in Lisbon, this tour gives you the perfect opportunity to explore Lisbon’s most historical areas and enjoy a ride along the Tejo river! You’ll be dropped off in Belem where you can have lunch and visit a few monuments before returning downtown by public transport or taxi.

With its easy terrain and knowledgeable guides, this tour is perfect if you’re looking for an exciting yet relaxed way of exploring Lisbon.

“Great tour! Don’t need to be fit for it as it is down hill and level. Plenty of sites along the way and stops and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. They are also very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend this tour at the beginning of the trip as it will help get your bearings of the city and they can give you tips and advice.” -Jean (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Lisbon: 7 Hills Half-Day Electric Bike Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | 📍 START: Alfama

The 7 Hills Half-Day eBike Tour gives you the opportunity to explore and discover Lisbon’s historical center in a fun and easy way, navigating its hilly landscape with the help of an electric bike. You’ll get to enjoy panoramic views from the Miradouro da Graça, and the terrace of Chão do Loureiro without the huffing and puffing! Departing close to the harbor, you’ll see sites such as the famous Feira da Ladra flea market, the monumental church of Panteão Nacional, and the Mannerist Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. You’ll also visit some beautiful landmarks like the impressive Sé de Lisboa cathedral or use the Ascensor da Lavra funicular.

I absolutely loved exploring the delightful city neighbourhoods of Vila Berta and Penha de França during this tour! They offer two convenient time slots at 10 am or 3 pm, allowing you to choose based on your schedule.

The tour lasts approximately three hours and concludes with a complimentary drink, which I personally found to be a delightful way to end the experience.

“Overall this tour is excellent value for money! Far better way to get a feel for a city by treading its streets than a tourist bus! You get some great historical tips and wonderful views. The e-bikes mean you can control if you want a leg workout or a leisurely glide up the many hills.” -Matthew (Read more reviews)

3. Go Lisbon by Night Electric Bike Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 hours |📍 Start: Alfama

The Go Lisbon by Night e-bike Tour is an unforgettable experience since you get to tour this amazing city by night! As the sun sets, you will be taken to some of Lisbon’s most popular sites, many of which have breathtaking panoramic views.

The beauty of riding an electric bike is the ease with which you’ll go up and down Lisbon’s narrow streets. You will also get to see traditional neighborhoods that have been around for centuries, and visit traditional cafes and shops that retain their original atmosphere from years ago.

This is a great option if you don’t have much time in Lisbon since most tours happen during the day. You can easily tack this tour on at the end of a day of sightseeing and still get dinner in at 9!

“The night tour was so much fun. Xavier our guide was such a lovely guy and really wanted us to have as much fun and see as much as possible. Neither of us had ridden electric bikes before but he explained it all and off we went! And the bikes were fab – you definitely need them for the hills in Lisbon. We loved seeing everything and hearing about the history of such a wonderful city. We stopped for lots of photo opportunities and had a picnic of fresh Portuguese strawberries (so tasty!) at the end whizzing through the shopping streets after the sun had gone down we really felt we had experienced another side to the city.” -ReviewerName (Read more reviews)

4. South Lisbon: 3-Hour Christ the King Electric Bike Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.8/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 hours | 📍 Start: Martim Monis

I loved the convenience of my electric bike on this tour as my group explored the historic sights and monuments on the South Lisbon Electric Bike Tour. We biked down to Praça da Figueira, took in the Santa Justa Lift, and explored Praça do Comércio with its amazing waterfront views. I loved the group of people and really had a great afternoon!

We then, took a ferry across the Tagus River and saw Cais do Sodré from the water. We cycled through Cais do Ginjal to get closer to the Christ The King Statue and then headed up Boca do Vento lift to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of Lisbon and 25 April Bridge. I think this has been my favorite tour of the city because of the views!

After a quick coffee break in Casa da Cerca’s botanical gardens, we climbed all the way up to Sanctuary of Christ The King for a spectacular view of Lisbon. On our way back downhill I really enjoyed beautiful Almada’s narrow streets and the Medieval Museum was interesting, with relics from Islamic life in Portugal during Middle Ages.

The tour includes ferry tickets and the Medieval Museum entry tickets, and takes you back to Martim Monis where it begins. This is a great tour to do if you’d like to go on a bike ride but have already seen downtown Lisbon.

“This was an excellent way to see Almada. Seeing the Christ the King statue was really cool. We chose to pay the 6 Euros to go to the top and we felt it was worth it. We enjoyed riding around and learning about Almada equally as much. The eBikes were in excellent condition and it was very easy to get around, even uphill. Our guide was excellent too.” – Sandra (Read more reviews)

5. Taste the Flavor of Lisbon on an Electric Bike

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   4 hours | 📍 START: Eduardo 7 Park

Enjoy a tour of Lisbon’s flavors and sights on an electric bike. Get the best of both worlds by exploring the city while sampling the delicious local cuisine. Start your journey at one of Fernando Pessoa’s favorite coffee shops, where you’ll enjoy a cup of coffee with the same view as the famous Portuguese writer.

Afterwards, don’t miss out on the Belém custard pies, considered by many to be among the best treats in all of Lisbon. Ride over the hills and then try some traditional codfish pastries on your next stop, then enjoy a cold Portuguese beer as you admire all the amazing scenery along your journey.

Of course, you won’t want to miss out on a few more local delicacies such as “pastel de bacalhau”, bifana or Açorda. As you explore Alfama district, let yourself get lost in its maze and enjoy some wine with the locals.

This gastronomic adventure includes 5 stops with 5 tastings, 4 drinks and 1 meal, and gives you an authentic insight into Portuguese culture and cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else!

“Easy to book and mobile ticket use. Safe tour with helmets. Our guide Antonio (Toni) was fantastic – very friendly, knowledgable and a confident English speaker. We felt safe and in good hands on the busy streets of Lisbon. We visited well-known and little-known, local spots in Lisbon. Although Lisbon is a hilly city, the tour was made easy with the electric bikes. Food spots were typical of Lisbon and yum! We would definitely recommend this company (and especially Toni). Great value for an almost 5 hour tour!” -Louise (Read more reviews)

6. Lisbon: Boat Trip, Guided Walking Tour, Bike & Yellow Tram

⭐️  RATING:  4.8/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   5 hours |📍 START: Rossio

Explore Lisbon with an experienced guide that will show you the city’s hidden gems by walking, biking and boating! This tour is incredible because of the amount you get to see in such a short time. It’s also incredibly fun to switch between so many different types of transportation!

Start your journey at Rossio Square, where you’ll stroll up to restauradores and take a unique ride in the elevador da Gloria—Lisbon’s trams are unforgettable! After admiring the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, you’ll walk over to the oldest Jesuit church in Lisbon and check out the ruins of Carmo convent.

Then your guide will walk to Alfama with you to see Lisbon’s Cathedral and head down to Praca do Comercio. Next, hop on a bike and pedal along the banks of the Tagus, cruise by MAAT art museum and on arriving in Belem, taste an iconic Pastel de Belem from the shop where they originated in 1837!

Then you’ll head to Belém tower, famous for its Manueline architectural style. To finish off your tour, get on board for a lovely boat cruise back to Lisbon’s centre and get off at Praca do Comercio. Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 10.

“We had a fantastic guide, he was a great conversationalist and gave us a lot of insight into Lisbon and told us something of the history of Portugal which we are not familiar with. The mixture of walking, cycling and boat was welcome and allows us to cover a lot of ground. The highlight was the pastel de nata from the original bakery which was much needed after the walking and cycling – we should have asked for 2 each! – and Pedro managed to supply them without having to wait in the lines of eager customers. It was just the 4 of us as a family group which was lovely” -Jan (Read more reviews)

7. Lisbon ebike trip: Sintra Mountains to Cascais Sea

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   6 hours | 📍 START: Hotel pick up

This tour is perfect if you are staying in Lisbon and want to experience Sintra and Cascais from a different perspective. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and brought to the Cascais Market where you’ll start your bike ride.

Your guide will take you on easy trails from Cascais through the Sintra forest. You’ll get to enjoy the rural beauty of the region and the small villages along the way. Then you’ll wind your way up through the forests of Sintra up to the Peninha Sanctuary. The breathtaking panoramic views really make it worth the trip!

After that, the group will cruise down to Guincho beach where you’ll stop for lunch, and pedal back to Cascais where the tour will stop. The nice thing about this tour is that you can take a look around Cascais before taking the train back to downtown Lisbon. You’ll get to enjoying the lovely views along the coast for a few euros!

This is a great alternative to a private tour if you’re looking for a little adventure, especially since the e-bikes make it so easy! Remember that your return fare is not included, but that means you could potentially even spend the afternoon in Cascais before returning to your hotel.

“My husband and I toured with Rodrigo and it was honestly the highlight of our trip. We biked through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and along the Cascais coastline with a lunch on the beach in between. The bike ride took us through magical looking trails and unbelievable views and sights that we wouldn’t have seen on our own. Rodrigo was an amazing guide and we cannot say enough about our experience. I will 100% suggest this tour to anyone going Portugal!” -Diana (Read more reviews)

How to Choose the Best Lisbon Cycle Tours

Before you book you’ll want to look for the following:

1. A knowledgeable guide who can provide interesting facts and anecdotes about the city. Make sure to read tour reviews to find out how knowledgeable the guides are.

2. Quality bikes that are comfortable to ride with appropriate safety gear included in the tour price.

3. A great itinerary that takes you to all the key sites and hidden gems you want to see.

4. The age limit is generally 10 years of age since companies don’t have children’s bikes.

5. Amazing views from different parts of the city that will turn any tour into an unforgettable experience!

FAQs About Lisbon Bike Tours

Is lisbon good for biking.

Yes, Lisbon is a great city for biking! With its beautiful landscapes and views, the city offers plenty of routes for both seasoned cyclists and leisurely riders alike. The mild climate makes even winter days comfortable to ride in, and numerous bike paths allow cyclists to explore the city safely.

Can you cycle from Lisbon to Cascais?

Yes, cycling from Lisbon to Cascais is possible. It is a relatively easy route of around 30 km (18.6 miles), that follows the coastline and offers breathtaking views. Along the way, you will pass through some of Lisbon’s iconic neighbourhoods such as Estoril and Sintra, making it an unforgettable experience for cyclists. There are bike paths all along the route so it is safe for anyone wishing to explore the area on two wheels.

Can you take bikes on Lisbon Metro?

Yes, most of the Lisbon Metro stations have bicycle racks for use by cyclists. You can also take your bike on board the train as long as it is folded and in a protective cover. However, you cannot take bikes on the rush hour trains between 8am to 10am and 6pm to 9pm on weekdays.

Does Lisbon have public bikes?

Lisbon has a wide network of public bikes to rent from, nicknamed “LisboaVai”. It is operated by JCDecaux and provides bicycles for short-term use to citizens and tourists alike. It’s a convenient and affordable way to explore the city. The bicycle stations can be found all around Lisbon, allowing visitors to explore cheaply and conveniently.

Are bicycle helmets required in Portugal?

Yes, bicycle helmets are required in Portugal. This law was introduced in 2010 and applies to all cyclists younger than 18 years old. Bicycle helmets must be used whenever a minor is riding a bicycle. When it comes to bicycle helmets for adults, they are not mandatory on a regular bike, but while riding an e-bike they are a must.

🤩 Don’t miss this excellent e-bike tour from downtown Lisbon to Belem !

Final Thoughts: Best Electric Bike Tour Lisbon

Visiting Lisbon and experiencing its culture by bike is an unforgettable adventure. From the breathtaking views to the fascinating stories you will hear along the way, a bike tour of this remarkable city will leave you with memories that will last forever.

• What to do in Lisbon When it’s Rains
• Is Lisbon walkable?
• The 13 Best Parks in Lisbon
• The 13 Must-Sees in Downtown Lisbon
• Where to Stay in Lisbon

A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a teacher. Michelle is a Canadian travel blogger who writes about Ericeira and Portugal. She is the founder and creator of Ericeira Family Adventures and fell in love with the charming Portuguese village when she was enticed to move there in 2014. She now lives in Lisbon, with her little boy Luca and Leo the cat.  Follow her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com.

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The best cycling experience around Lisbon.

Situations We’re Monitoring

A note to our guests regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019). Learn More

Why Ride With Cycling Lisbon?

Lisbon city center is great for a while but we also want to show you other neighborhoods of our city.

Local and authentic

See, feel, hear, smell and taste Lisbon on a bicycle. See Lisbon the way the locals see it, not on a touristy city bus.

By experienced locals

Born and raised in Lisbon, this is the city we call home… and guiding bike tours for well over a decade we are not “learning the ropes”. In Cycling Lisbon , we know what we are doing and we have figured out what makes an excellent bike tour. At the same time, in Cycling Lisbon , we are always improving, making additions, and keeping it fresh!

In Cycling Lisbon , we speak English, Spanish, French and, of course, our native Portuguese.

10am Along the river and through the market

You will ride with us in this fantastic city while avoiding the overcrowded areas and the tuk-tuks..

While showing you the epicenter of the old town, tasting the local Ginjinha and interacting with true Lisboetas (Lisbon inhabitants), the Cycling Lisbon staff will show you the best places to eat in downtown Lisboa.

Obviously we wouldn´t let you just pass by and ignore one of Lisbon´s most renowned markets, an oriental-dome-topped hall, which is doing trade in fresh fruit and vegetables, native seafood and flowers since 1892.

Wheel over to the river and its fantastic bike lane where we will show you how this part of the city has played a main role throughout our history.

This relaxed 3 hour Cycling Lisbon route covers the historical center, the discoveries district of Belém and the river ride in between.

City of the senses 3 faces of Lisbon e-bike tour

Old city, the river and a cork forest.

On this tour we show you three different sides of Lisbon: the old city, the river side and the main – and biggest – park of our capital.

After rolling along the Baixa neighborhood nothing would contrast more than a river ride and crossing the main Forest Park of Lisbon

In this Cycling Lisbon Tour, we will spend 45 minutes cruising alongside the river, followed by a boost from our electric assisted bikes that will easily move us up the hill to the last Royal Palace.

From here we will cross the city´s largest green space – Monsanto Park – where you will learn why the cork trees are essential – it´s all about the wine… but not only.

Bring your camera because few tourists stumble upon these yet-to-be-discovered treasures. Just imagine yourself riding a bike in a cork forest… now that is a damn good screensaver!

Sintra Full Day e-bike tour: 5 to 6 hours

Sintra has got all the ingredients that make it a fantastic day trip destination: beautifully kept coast line, unesco forest woods, romantic architecture and small traditional villages..

After picking you up at your hotel in Lisbon we transfer to Cascais and hop on our beloved e-bikes. You’ll soon realize why the 5 km bike lane along the Atlântic has been chosen a few times to shoot ads.

Red, white and blue e-bike tour

Quiet scenic roads, the best market in the country, picnic with us.

If you are riding with us in Arrábida we could never let you go before eating like a local.

In this Cycling Lisbon Tour we will shop for our ingredients in one of the best markets in the world, sit by the crystal clear water of Galápos beach and enjoy our delicious pic-nic ocean, making sure you find what you like.

While doing so we´ll introduce you to our food culture and everything you always wanted to know about Portugal.

Our goal is to share a great experience with you, combining sea and land in Mediterranean harmony, the best coastal ride, the best pic-nic with fresh local products.

GIVE US A CALL NOW

LISBON BIKE TOUR

Approximately 3.5 hours

From  €39

Lively Lisbon

Our Lisbon Bike Tour shows off the best sights of the Portuguese capital! Cycle and through history as we discover Lisbon during the Phoenician times, nearly 3000 years ago, and the present, modern city. In between, see and learn about the transformation of the city from the Romans to the Barbarians, the Moorish people, and the dynasties of Portuguese Royal families. We’ll also touch on Salazar’s dictatorship which impacted half of the 20th century and has undoubtedly shaped modern Lisbon.

Throughout the tour, you will learn how and why the Portuguese pioneered the first global village, sailing off to the New World and connecting the furthest corners of the globe. If you think that the Seven Hills of Lisbon make it difficult to visit the city, then you’ve come to the right place! Our bikes and well-crafted itinerary make it incredibly easy to see and experience this vibrant city. There is not a single climb on our unique itinerary. It’s the perfect tour for families.

Any trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the local pastries, so we’ve included two special tastings for you on tour. enjoy the neighborhoods, culture, and food of Lisbon with your local guide.

The tour will finish next to Belém Tower (next to the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa public parking).

Tour Details

What’s included.

• Experienced local guide
• A comfortable bike
• Helmet (optional)
• A delicious Portuguese pastry
• A speciality Portuguese drink

Good to Know

• All ages are welcome! All tours run rain or shine.

• 1 25th of April Bridge
• 2 Praça do Comércio
• 3 Discoverer's Monument
• 4 Fish Market
• 5 New MAAT Museum
• 6 Eduardo VII Park
• 7 Liberdade Avenue
• 9 Belém Tower
• 10 Marquês de Pombal Square
• 11 São Domingos Square
• 12 São Vincente de Fora Monastery

Meeting Point

This tour departs from the Alameda Cardeal Cerejeira (top of the Parque Eduardo VII, right below Restaurant Eleven), Parque metro station on the Blue line and São Sebastião da Pedreira on the Blue/Red metro lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important information, where is the meeting point, what is your cancellation policy.

We’re happy to offer free changes and 100% refund up to 24 hours before tour* Failure to cancel a reservation  at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure  may result in forfeited travel funds. Fare difference may apply.

*See restrictions here

What kind of bikes do you use?

We use comfortable city bikes that are great for all sizes.

Is this a good tour for kids?

Absolutely!

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Helmets are not required but are available free of charge.

Will my bike have a basket?

Most of our bikes do have baskets!

What are your covid policies?

Masks are not required on the tour, but we maintain a safe distance throughout. All of our equipment is disinfected after each use.

How long is the tour?

The tour is about three and a half hours long and covers a distance of about 7.5 miles/12 kilometers. We’ll also stop at a café that’s included in the three and a half hours.

Where does the tour end?

We’ll finish next to Belém Tower (next to the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa public parking).

What's included?

We provide the bike, expert local guide, and a helmet should you wish to use one, a delicious Portuguese pastry and a special Portuguese drink. Any additional drinks purchased at the café where we’ll stop to enjoy the pastries are not included. Gratuities are not included.

Can I store my luggage at your shop during the tour?

You can certainly leave your larger bags with us, but we don’t have a traditional office. We organize for our bikes to be delivered on a cargo truck that meets us again at the end of the tour in order to start and finish in two different places. Your luggage can be left in this truck and returned to you at the end of the tour, but this would be at your discretion.

Can I leave the tour early?

We kindly ask that once you depart with your guide, you intend on staying for the duration of the tour. The tour is about three hours long, so please plan accordingly.

Do we go inside the museums and monuments?

We unfortunately do not have time on this tour to enter any of the monuments or museums that we’ll see. Your guide will give you plenty of helpful hints to go back and dive a bit deeper into the areas of the city that interest you most following the tour.

Can I reschedule in the event of bad weather?

We intend on operating rain or shine, and we advise all guests to dress appropriately for the weather.

Explore our preferred partners around the world.

Lisbon Bike Tour

When we look at Lisbon, the city of 7 hills , we tell ourselves at first glance that it’s not as “bike-friendly” like that. Indeed, the sinuous landscapes and the slopes can discourage more than one. The tram rails, as well as the cobblestones that litter the streets, are quite dissuasive for those who would like to cycle in Lisbon. When in fact, the city is well designed to ride. Indeed, several bike lanes have been created for a few years now to allow Lisbon people to move quickly and economically. Because yes, the installation of these cycle paths also responds to an economic interest (the country having been often affected by financial crises) and to travel by bicycle is the most inexpensive solution. Since then, Lisbon has recently become a European city where cycling is within the reach of everyone following the construction of numerous infrastructures. This has allowed many tourism players to benefit from it as is the case with our company RideLisbon . 

Since 2018 we have been offering bike tours to discover the Portuguese capital. Our initial idea meets a growing need on the part of travelers to travel economically, quickly and above all environmentally friendly. Because yes, the majority of travelers no longer want to do things like everyone else and visiting a city by bicycle has become in recent years a great alternative to conventional modes of transport. Going to tourist places by bike has all its charm. No more long waits at the tram or bus stop to get to the monuments, no more being seen as a simple tourist aboard a double-decker tourist bus. Thanks to RideLisbon, you can explore the city with locals, to feel like a real local. Our philosophy is to show you the city like no one has ever shown it to you. Everything you learn during our tours, no books or website speaks about it because who better than the locals to tell you about the local culture and live in Lisbon.

See Lisbon like a local, with a local

Indeed our number 1 priority is to bring real value to the bike tour. You can learn about the history of Lisbon and its monuments, but what about the local culture and the situation of its inhabitants? No one can explain it to you better than a local guide who lives in the city. 

One of our objectives is also to make you discover the history of the city chronologically. As with a book, you don’t start at the end or the middle. Well on our bike tours it is the same. 

Alfama, the heart of Lisbon

We start our tour at the very beginning of Lisbon’s history, that is to say in the Alfama district. Located in the center of the city, this district is a must during a stay in Lisbon . The atmosphere is very special because here everyone knows each other, everyone talks with everyone and that for centuries. Formerly a bastion of the Moors, this district today represents a village inside a city of 2 million inhabitants. 

We also recommend a more extensive visit to the neighborhood during a day trip.

Bike in Lisbon safely

Outside the Alfama district, the rest of our route is on a 7km long bike lane. This cycle track opened since 2010 connects downtown Lisbon (Cais do Sodré) to Belém. It is a track intended only for bikes and separates from the road so it is very safe to ride a bike there. It provides access to the tourist district of Belém. It is the best option to get there.

Reach out Belém in the nicest way possible with the best bike tour

From Belém, you will be amazed by the number of monuments per sqm2! This district is known worldwide for being the starting point for the largest expeditions around the world. These expeditions have enriched the country, evidenced by the monuments built at that time: the monastery of Jeronimos and the Tower of Belém. But that’s not all. The district is also known for being the cultural place of the city. There are about 10 museums there! As with Alfama, we recommend that you also spend half a day there during a day trip because there are many things to do in Belém. 

The advantage of opting for a bike tour with us is that you will not have to look for any kind of transport to get to Belém. Because from the city center most tourists will opt for public transport (tram 15) and you can imagine that this tram is constantly full. So if you don’t want that, take one of our tours. This will allow you to see the city differently. 

Following our visit to the Belém district, we will return to the city center where we started our journey, without break, a pure 45-minute ride along the Tagus. Because yes, the goal of our tour is also to be able to cycle quite simply. This responds to a real expectation of our customers who during a bike tour wants to know the history of the city, its culture, the current situation but also to take a bike ride. It will be the perfect time to exchange good advice between travelers and also to ask our guides for the best places to eat, go for a drink, etc. Do not hesitate to also ask them at the end of the tour to head to the best restaurants in the city. 

If you want to know more about the tour and the places visited, click on this link.

Where we start/end our trip

Flexibility and Financial Protection – Read More

Open : 9.30am - 5.00pm (Mon-Fri) Sat-Sun by appointment | [email protected]

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• Lisbon & West Coast

Cycling holidays around Lisbon and the west coast of Portugal

On one of our  Lisbon  bike tours,   you’ll see a city filled   with trams and tiny streets above the River Tagus. The surfing beaches of  Costa Caparica  and verdant rocky hills of the  Arrábida Natural Park . Historic  Setúbal ; rolling  Alentejo  vineyards; the rugged coves of the  Vincentina Coast  and  Algarve’s Sagres peninsular .

Explore  wild nature, cork oak groves, vineyards  and  shoreline bird reserves ;  cliff-top dunes  and  castles . Discover  awesome panoramas  of idyllic coves, crystal waters and stack rock coast and look out for  dolphins ,  white storks  and  sea otters .

Our self-guided cycling holidays around Lisbon and Portugal’s west coast feature  linear routes  and  hotel to hotel  cycling tours.

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Take your fill of vibrant city culture in Lisbon, then point your two wheels south and head for Alentejo’s Arrábida hills and some of the most scenic cycling Portugal has… Read More

£1,367.00

8 Days, 7 Nights

Grade 4 (More Challenging)

Lisbon to Algarve Spanish Border

Cycle the Atlantic Ocean’s Portuguese coast of contrasts. Enjoy the bright lights and heady heights of Lisbon, then set off south on a warm coastal adventure down ‘Al Gharb’, the… Read More

£1,988.00

16 Days, 15 Nights

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Hills of Lisbon E-Bike Tour

• From €34 EUR

2.5 hours From €34 EUR Lisbon

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• Day tours by bike

Reach new heights in the hills of Lisbon

The Hills of Lisbon E-Bike Tour will leave you feeling on top of the world! See the city’s most extraordinary vistas and sightseeing spots, including Alfama, the National Pantheon, Senhora do Monte Belvedere, Mouraria, Lisbon Cathedral, and Comércio Square. This guided day tour leads you on a lacing route through Lisbon’s narrowest streets unreachable by bus or car, with your electric bike taking the sweat out of the hike!

Arriving at Alfama, soak up the atmosphere of Lisbon’s authentic local markets and check out the fishmonger’s catch of the day. Pick up an authentic souvenir or ask your guide about the Sé District nearby – you’ll visit the commanding Lisbon Cathedral, the city’s iconic church, later in the tour!

Pedal on to the National Pantheon, also known as the Church of Santa Engrácia, to discover an awe-inspiring feat of Mannerist and Baroque Revival architecture glistening in the Lisbon sunshine. Built during the 17th century, this former church is the final resting place of some of Portugal’s most famous personalities, including former president Óscar Carmona, singer Amália Rodrigues, and footballer Eusébio.

Senhora Monte is nicknamed “The View Point” because it offers the most picture-perfect panoramic of Lisbon – unforgettable! Park up your e-bike, take a seat, and enjoy spectacular vistas of a truly memorable city.

Now it’s time to climb back down to earth, but not without some more stunning scenery along the way. As you ride down to Mouraria, you’ll quickly discover why it’s known as the “Lake District of Lisbon”! Your guide will elaborate on the stories and heritage that color the mournful tunes of the ‘Fado’, and the culture that makes Lisbon unlike anywhere else.

Your guided day tour continues on to the awe-inspiring Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in the city whose exquisite exterior resembles a towering fortress. From here, your e-bike tour reaches a fascinating finale at the Plaça do Comércio, Lisbon’s picture-perfect square facing the harbor and boasting buildings of incredible beauty, standing on the site of the former Royal Palace. Ending in Lisbon’s principal square, this is an e-bike tour that promises both hills and history!

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Alfama, National Pantheon, Senhora do Monte Belvedere, Mouraria, Lisbon Cathedral, Comércio Square

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• Electric bike and helmet

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Rua dos Douradores 16, 1100-206 Lisbon

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  Write a review

· Hills of Lisbon E-Bike Tour

William was awesome! Great way to see Lisbon. Would definitely recommend to friends

• 4/5 Bikes + equipment
• 5/5 Scenery
• 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

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Relaxed, fun and educational

Joao was a book of knowledge and spoke incredibly well! Electric bikes made getting around very easy and the route was insightful.

Great way to see Lisbon Hills on an ebike

Guides were awesome, views spectacular, and if you like history this ride is for you. If you are not comfortable on a bike (or have never ridden an ebike) the cobble stone streets and tight traffic can be tricky but otherwise is was awesome.

Guides were awesome, views spectacular, and if you like history this ride is for you. If you are not comfortable on a bike (or have never ridden an ebike) the cobble stone streets and tight traffic can be tricky but otherwise is was a fantastic experience.

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VUELTA’24 Route Preview: From Lisbon to Madrid With a Murderous Final Week!

The spanish grand tour profile.

La Vuelta a España 2024 Route Preview: The 79th edition of the Vuelta a España will start in Lisbon on Saturday 17 August and finish in Madrid on Sunday 8 September. The last Grand Tour of the year has a very different route to previous years, but as with the other three week races, the final week is extremely hard. You could say the first two weeks are easier than usual, but it’s all a wearing down process before the murderous finale. Here are the stage details.

This is the fifth time la Gran Salida will be outside of Spanish borders. This year, the Vuelta will start from Lisbon for the second time in history. The Portuguese capital also hosted the opening of the Tour of Spain in 1997, the year Alex Zülle was the final overall winner. That year the first stage was a road stage, this year it is a 12 kilometre time trial.

The Vuelta a España will be in Portugal for three days, followed by a mountain stage in Extremadura. In recent years the Vuelta has used unknown climbs in this region. In 2024, it will be the Pico Pitolero (13.8km at 7%). After that, there are a number of hilly and sprint stages in Andalusia and the so GC men can take a back seat, although there could be action on stage 9 to Granada.

Stage 12 sees a real mountain finish in Galicia. The Vuelta is then in the north of Spain and is extremely hard. Every day the Vuelta has Cat.1 or HC climbs, the toughest in the Picos mountains. The stages with summit finishes at the Lagos de Covadonga (stage 16) and Picón Blanco (stage 20) will be hard and decisive.

The Vuelta ends with a time trial in Madrid, 22 kilometres which they hope will be a thrilling conclusion.

The 79th Vuelta a España Stage Details: 21 stages 3,265 kilometres Start in Lisbon Finish in Madrid Rest days on Monday 26 August and Monday 2 September 2 time trials 24 time trial kilometres 9 mountain finishes No stages longer than 200 kilometres 16 stages between 150 and 200 kilometres 2 hors category climbs 20 x 1st category climbs 15 x 2nd category climbs 14 x 3rd category climbs 3 x 4th category climbs.

Stage 1 Saturday 17 August, Lisbon – Oeiras (12km, ITT)

La Vuelta a España starts on Saturday 17 August in Lisbon, Portugal. This is the fifth time that the Vuelta has started outside Spain, after Gran Salidas in Lisbon (1997), Assen (2009), Nîmes (2017) and Utrecht (2022). The first stage is a 12 kilometre time trial to Oeiras.

The Vuelta doesn’t visit the historic centre of the capital, but the suburb of Restelo and then west along the coast to Oeiras. The start is from Lisbon’s historic Praça do Império. From there, the riders go straight to the coast. They will also pass the royal gardens. From then on, it is almost straight to the finish in Oeiras. The route is not technical, but considering recent Vuelta, this is probably a good idea.

Stage 2 Sunday 18 August, Cascais – Ourem (191km)

The sprinters have a chance on stage 2 of the 2024 Vuelta. The peloton races north through Portugal from Cascais to Ourem, out of the Lisbon area and in to Santarem, on mainly flat roads close to the coast. There are two fourth-category climbs: After 9 kilometres, there is the summit of the Alto do Lagoa Azul and in the finale, the Alto da Batalha is 19 kilometres from the finish. Pure sprinters might have trouble on the last climb, but the ones with some climbing in their legs should get over. The last 20 kilometres are flat or descending to the hilly finish in Ourém. There are hardly any bends in the last kilometres of the stage, so the sprinter’s teams should be able to get their trains in line.

Stage 3 Monday 19 August, Lousa – Castelo Branco (182km)

The third stage is the last in Portugal, but the first with serious climbing. It might be too early for any big time differences amongst the GC men in the 182 kilometres between Lousa and Castelo Branco, as the last 50 kilometres are almost flat. The stage starts in Lousa and heads to the largest mountain range in the Portugal: the Serra da Estrela.

There probably won’t be much GC action as the peloton will only climb to around 900 metres altitude on to the Alto de Teixeira. There are still 100 relatively easy kilometres to the finish in Castelo Branco, with only the long, but not steep climb, the Alto de Alpedrinha. There is still a little over an hour of racing to the finish in Castelo Branco and the exit of Portugal.

Stage 4 Tuesday 20 August, Plasencia – Pico Pitolero (167 km)

The first mountain stage in the 2024 Vuelta is on Tuesday 20th of August, when the GC riders will battle it out on the Pico Pitolero for the red jersey and precious seconds. The 167 kilometre stage from Plasencia to Pico Pitolero is the first stage in Spain and is difficult right from the start, as the riders have to climb the Puerto de Cabezabellosa (Cat.2). After a short descent, the next climb, the Alto de Piornal (Cat.2) comes right away. After an easy middle section, the peloton climbs the Pico Pitolero for the first time in la Vuelta. It is 13.8 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 7%, but in the last 4 kilometres, the gradient is 10% or more and the road surface is rough concrete. The maximum gradients go up to 20%. This should shape the GC for the rest of the race.

Stage 5 Wednesday 21 August, Fuente del Maestre – Sevilla (170km)

The fifth stage is 170 kilometres long and starts in Extremadura. The stage doesn’t have any categorised climbs, but the first 100 kilometres of the stage are undulating. The start in Fuente del Maestre is at an altitude of 450 metres and the stage altitude varies between 300 to 750 metres.

The final is flat and there is hardly any climbing in the last 45 kilometres. The peloton comes into the centre of Sevilla from the north of the city for the sprinters to have another shot at victory.

Stage 6 Thursday 22 August, Jerez de la Frontera – Yungquera (181km)

The Vuelta is now in the deep south. Stage 6 starts in Jerez de la Frontera on Thursday. This area is fairly flat and climbing doesn’t really start until after 50 kilometres, on the Cat.1 climb of the Puerto del Bojar (15km at 5.7%) with maximum gradients of 10%. This is the toughest climb of the day, but the stage only really start then, with four more Cat.3 climbs. First is the Alto de Ronda (5.9km at 4.6%), then the Puerto del Viento (6.9km at 4.1%) and the easier Puerto Martinez (3.8km at 5.5%), the last is the Alto de las Abejas (9.3km at 4%). The final climb is not difficult. The finish is in Yungquera for the first time.

Stage 7 Friday 23 August, Archidona – Cordoba (179km)

The seventh stage is on rolling roads and will probably not cause any problems for the GC riders. There is a Cat.2 climb 30 kilometres from the finish. From the stage starts in Archidona, there is some climbing in the first 140 kilometres, but nothing hard. The hardest part of the stage is the Alto del 14%, yes, that’s the name of the climb and its maximum gradient. The climb is 8.4 kilometres and has an average gradient of 5.3%. It is downhill to the finish in Cordoba.

Stage 8 Saturday 24 August, Ubeda – Cazorla (159km)

The eighth stage starts in Úbeda and finishes in Cazorla after 159 kilometres. From Úbeda, the first 70 kilometres go northeast to the Guadalquivir river. After 105 kilometres, the first climb of the day is the Puerto Mirador de la Palomas (7.3km at 5.9%), a Cat.2. After the Puerto Mirador de la Palomas, there is a long descent to Peal de Becerro, from where the finale really starts. From an altitude of 500 metres, the climb goes to an altitude of 900 metres. After a short descent, the final climb to Cazorla begins. It is 4.2 kilometres long with an average gradient of 8.2%. The GC men should cause some time differences here. In 2015, Esteban Chaves won ahead of overall leader Tom Dumoulin and took over his leader’s jersey.

Stage 9 Sunday 25 August, Motril – Granada (179km)

The second real mountain stage is also the last stage before the first rest day. The stage goes from Motril to Granada, 178 kilometres. This is the last stage in Andalusia before the riders move to Galicia in the north. This mountain stage has three Cat.1 climbs and goes up to an altitude of almost 1,700 metres twice. The hardest part of the stage is mainly in the second half, as the first 80 kilometres are fairly easy. After 88 kilometres, the first climb of the day is the Puerto de El Purche (8.8km at 7.7%).

In the last 70 kilometres, the Alto de Hazallenas comes twice. This climb is very hard, with an average gradient of 9.2% over a distance of 7.5 kilometres. At the halfway mark, it peaks at 20% and average percentages of well over 10%. This climb has been on the Vuelta route before: Thymen Arensman won in 2022 on the Alto de Hoya de la Mora, the first ten kilometres of which are on the road of the Alto de Hazallenas. Miguel Angel Lopez and Chris Horner also won here a few years earlier.

Rest Day No.1

Stage 10 Tuesday 27 August, Pontareas – Baiona (160km)

The Vuelta moves from the far south to the very north of Spain on the first rest day. On Tuesday, the race continues with a stage in Galicia, close to the Portuguese border, a stage of 160 kilometres, with four categorised climbs. Two of them are Cat.1, but the peloton never goes higher than 805 metres. The climbs are mainly from sea level. After 12 kilometres there is the Alto de Fonfría (15.5km at 4.5%), the next doesn’t come til the last 60 kilometres. The finale comes in three parts and becomes increasingly difficult. First there is the Alto de Vilachán (6.6km at 5.4%), then the Alto de Mabia (6km at 5.7%) and finally the Alto de Mougás (9.9km at 6.1%). If the attacks come on the Mougás, the flatter final kilometres will be quite hectic.

Stage 11 Wednesday 28 August, Padron – Padron (164km)

The second stage in Galician soil is similar to the previous day’s stage, although the two Cat.1 climbs are missing. There are four climbs in the route, none of which are higher than 500 metres. The start and the finish of the stage are at the technological centre of Padron, which is one of the last stops on the Camino en route to Santiago de Compostela. The stage will be difficult to control due to the climbs. The first categorised climb is the Puerto San Xusto after 42 kilometres. It climbs for over 10 kilometres with an average gradient of 4.2%. After this, the peloton will pass the finish line on the Puerto Aguasantas twice. This climb is almost 9 kilometres with an average gradient of 4.6%. Once the Puerto Aguasantas has been summited for the second time, there are still almost 50 kilometres to go. These are mainly descending or flat, until the Puerto Cruxeiras. This climb is only a Cat.3, but the race could explode here. The climb is a kind of Mur de Huy, at 1.5 kilometres and an average gradient of 9.2%. After the top there is a descent to the finish.

Stage 12 Thursday 29 August, Ourense – Montana de Manzaneda (133km)

The finish of the 12th stage is at the ski resort of Montana de Manzaneda. The stage goes from 224 metres to an altitude of 1,500 metres. There is only one categorised climb on the route, but the rest of the stage is flat. In the first few kilometres there is a lot of climbing. The first 3 kilometres are a climb to Montealegre with an average gradient of around 8%. The peloton rides to an altitude of almost 700 metres.

After 110 kilometres, the climb to the ski resort in Manzaneda begins (16km at 4.7%). The final climb isn’t too steep, but that changes at it gets nearer to the top. The road rises at around 3% in the first few kilometres, in the final kilometres it’s never below 7%.

Stage 13 Friday 30 August, Lugo – Puerto de Ancaras (171km)

Stage 13 is the last day in Galicia and there are a few big climbs on the menu, before the finish on the Puerto de Ancaras in Cantabria, a climb of crushing gradients. The start of the stage is quite easy, with climbs of Cat.3 and Cat.2 that shouldn’t bother anyone. The Alto Campo de Arbre (6km at 5.1%) and the Alto O Portel (7.8km at 5.2%) are not too steep. The Puerto de Lumeras (6.7km at 6%) is a warm-up for the Puerto de Ancares, which comes in 8 kilometres.

The Puerto de Ancaras

The Puerto de Ancares (7.6km at 8.9%) has a gradient of 9% and becomes steeper and steeper in sections. After the 3rd kilometre, the gradient never drops below 10%. The penultimate kilometre is the toughest, with an average percentage of 14% and sections above 20%.

Stage 14 Saturday 31 August, Villafrance del Bierzo – Villablino (199km)

The 14th stage starts in Villafrance del Bierzo. The first hundred kilometres are again fairly easy. Halfway through the stage, there is the Puerto de Cerredo. This climb rises about 9 kilometres with an average gradient of 4.1% and will not cause too many problems. At the top the riders will enter Asturias. In this stage, the Puerto de Leitariegos (24km at 4.1%) is the main obstacle.

This starts after a long descent towards Bimeda at 39 kilometres from the finish. There are 24 kilometres of climbing, but it never really gets very steep, it should take about an hour to summit. After the top, there is another 16 kilometres of descent to the finish in Villablino. The stage could be decisive, but the riders knowing that on Sunday they will be a climb of an HC category?

Stage 15 Sunday 1 September, Infiesto – Cuitu Negru (142km)

Stage is a real terror for all the riders. A stage of 142 kilometres, with the finish line on top of the Cuitu Negru in Valgrande-Pajares. A real Asturian climb. The asphalt road to the top was built especially for the Vuelta fifteen years ago. From Infiesto, the peloton has a rolling road to the three climbs before the Cuitu Negru. After 28 kilometres, they start the Alto de la Colladiella (7.8km at 7.1%), after which the Alto de Santo Emiliano (5.4km at 5.6%) quickly follows. As a warm-up, the peloton tackles the Alto de la Colladiella again after 80 kilometres. There are still about 37 kilometres to go to the foot of the Cuitu Negru.

Cuitu Negru

After a long descent, there is the Puente de Fierros, where the 19 kilometre final, the Cuitu Negru (19.5km at 5.2%) begins. The average gradient gives a false picture of the climb as the first 7 kilometres are not too taxing, but after that it becomes very difficult. Eight kilometres from the top, the road rises at 11%, and after that the climb becomes more and more difficult. The last 2.5 kilometres rise at more than 12% and just before the top it goes up to 24%.

Rest Day No.2

Stage 16 Tuesday 3 September, Luanco – Lagos de Covadonga (181km)

The sixteenth stage finishes at the Lagos de Covadonga. The start of the stage is in the Asturian coastal town of Luanco and then goes via the hilly northern Spanish coast past Gijón to the beautiful mountain range of the Picos de Europa. Before the final HC climb, there are two Cat.1 mountains. The first is the Mirador del Fito (7km at 8.1%) after 70 kilometres and the second, the Collada Llomenia (7.6km at 9.3%).

After the Llomenia there are 40 kilometres to the base of the Lagos de Covadonga for 12.5 kilometres to the glacial lakes Lago de Enol and Lago de Ercina. The Lagos de Covadonga (12.5km at 6.9%) and is a long hard climb. In the first 7 kilometres the road rises at 10%. The last part of this section has ramps of more than 15%. The last kilometres of the climb are a bit flatter and last part to the finish is downhill.

Stage 17 Wednesday 4 September, Arnuero – Santander (143km)

In the middle of the tough final week, the sprinters are allowed to go for victory on stage 17. There are two Cat.2 climbs, but the last 50 kilometres of the stage are virtually flat. The stage starts in Arnuero and finishes in the Cantabrian capital of Santander. The first part of the start should be quite calm, but then the stage has a hilly zone between kilometres 40 and 70. This includes the Alto de la Estranguada (7.8km at 6.2%) and the Alto del Caracol (5.1km at 6.6%), both Cat.2. Nothing too severe, so the sprinters will probably be safe. After the Alto del Caracol it is mainly downhill and flat to the finish in Santander, where there should be a bunch sprint. The Vuelta has finished in Santander 35 times. The last stage finish was in 2003 and Alessandro Petacchi was the victor.

Stage 18 Thursday 5 September, Vitoria-Gasteiz – Maeztu (175km)

The Vuelta will be in the Basque Country for a day for stage 18, between Vittoria Gasteiz and Maeztu. This should be a stage for an escapees, with a few Basque climbs in the final. The start is in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The biggest climbs in the stage are after 77 kilometres and 130 kilometres; the Alto de Rivas de Tereso (11.1km at 3.4%) and the Puerto Herrera (5.5km at 8.4%).

The second climb could cause a split. After the Puerto Herrera, there are 45 kilometres without any categorised climbs to the finish, but it is not flat. The road rises for 3 kilometres at 5%, 7.5 kilometres from the finish.

Stage 19 Friday 6 September, Logroño – Alto de Moncalvillo (168km)

There are two major mountain stages before Madrid. The peloton leaves the Basque Country on Friday, but stays in the north of Spain in the Castile and Leon. Stage 19 has a summit, the first in the third week. After the start in Logroño, the 8 kilometre final climb to the Alto de Moncalvillo (11.3km at 7.6%) comes after 160 kilometres. There is also the Puerto de Pradilla, but this Cat.3 climb does not have any super-steep gradients. After the Puerto de Pradilla it is mainly downhill to the foot of the Alto de Moncalvillo.

The last time on the Alto de Moncalvillo

This climb is tough, with an average gradient of 7.6%. Towards the top the gradients are never below 10%. There should be a battle for the overall here.

Stage 20 Saturday 7 September, Villarcayo – Picon Blanco (171km)

The last bunch stage is in the province of Burgos and has more than 4,000 metres of climbing. After 35 kilometres, the Las Estacas de Truebla (9.3km at 3.1%) is the first climb of the day, followed quickly by the Puerto de La Braguia (6.1km at 5.6%). These two climbs are the easiest of the day. After that, there are five Cat.1 or Cat.2 climbs in the last 100 kilometres. Halfway through the stage, the Alto del Caracol (10.5km at 5.5%), the Portillo de Lunada (14km at 6.2%) and the Portilla de la Sia (7.2km at 5.8%) will loosen the legs.

There is a long descent towards the finale, which starts with the Puerto de Los Tornos (13.2km at 5.4%). The riders will then have climbed over 3,000 metres, but without any insanely steep gradients, they will come later. In Espinosa de los Monteros, the final climb to Picon Blanco (7.6km at 9.2%) begins after 162.5 kilometres. This climb barely has any gradients below 10%, except in the first kilometre and the last kilometre. From kilometre 3.5, the climb becomes really tough, with sections approaching 20%.

Stage 21 Sunday 8 September, Madrid – Madrid (22km, ITT)

After years of a sprint finish for the last stage, this year ends with a 22 kilometre time trial through the Spanish capital. The time trial route has no climbs as the centre of Madrid it is mostly flat. The time trial is also not particularly technical and is ridden in a southerly direction towards the centre.

The start of the time trial is at the headquarters of the Spanish telecom giant Telefónica (Movistar), from where the riders will enter the old city centre via the M-612. After about 12 kilometres, the riders come into Madrid via the Tétuan district and will pass the Santiago Bernabéu football stadium. Four kilometres from the finish there is the fountain of Cibele and then the boulevard Paseo del Prado. At the botanical gardens, 2 kilometres from the finish, the riders will make a 360-degree turn back to the Paseo del Prado and the fountain of Cibele and the finish is on the Gran Via. Who will be wearing the Red leader’s jersey? We will list the ‘Top Contenders’ soon.

Vuelta a España 2024 Stages: Stage 1. Lisbon – Oeiras 12.0km ITT Stage 2. Cascais – Ourém 194.0km flat Stage 3. Lousã – Castello Branco 191.2km hilly Stage 4. Plasencia – Pico Villuercas 170.4km mountains Stage 5. Fuente del Maestre – Seville 177.0km flat Stage 6. Jerez de la Frontera – Yunquera 185.5km hilly Stage 7. Archidona – Córdoba 180.2km hilly Stage 8. Úbeda – Cazorla 158.7km hilly Stage 9. Motril – Granada 178.2km mountains 26-8 rest day Stage 10. Pontearas – Baiona 159.6km hilly Stage 11. Padrón – Padrón 166.4km hilly Stage 12. Ourense – Cabeza de Manzaneda 137.4km mountains Stage 13. Lugo – Puerto de Ancaras 175.6km mountains Stage 14. Villafranca del Bierzo – Villablinokm 200.4km mountains Stage 15. Infiesto – Cuitu Negru 142.9km mountains 2-9 rest day Stage 16. Luanco – Lagos de Covadonga 181.3km mountains Stage 17. Arnuero – Santander 141.5km flat Stage 18. Vitoria Gasteiz – Maeztu 179.3km hilly Stage 19. Logroño – Alto del Moncalvillo 173.2km mountains Stage 20. Villarcayo – Picón Blanco 172.0km mountains Stage 21. Madrid – Madrid 24.6km ITT

*** Stay PEZ for the ‘Vuelta Rider Preview’ coming soon. ***

The best of the 2023 Vuelta a España

# Thanks to La Vuelta for the profiles and facts and PCS and WielerFlits for the other knowledge. #

Alastair Hamilton has been a pro team mechanic on the road, track and mountain bike and worked for the Great Britain team at the World championships in all disciplines. Since moving to Spain and finding out how to use a computer, he has gone from contributor of Daily Distractions at the 2002 Vuelta a España to editor at PezCyclingNews.

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Power vacuum makes Vuelta a España the most unpredictable Grand Tour of the season – Analysis

Absence of Evenepoel, Vingegaard and Pogačar creates conditions for a hugely compelling race

When Vuelta a España director Javier Guillén recently made a public plea to UAE Team Emirates to include young contender Juan Ayuso in their line-up for the 2024 race, it unintentionally cast a spotlight on a broader leading question: who is most likely to make the running in the last Grand Tour of this season and who will be completely missing from the equation?

In some ways, with or without Ayuso, it’s the absences that define the broader outline of the 2024 Vuelta a España. First and foremost, after crushing the opposition first in the Giro d’Italia and then in the Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar’ s longstanding decision not to go for a ‘Grand Slam’ means the current dominator of the Grand Tours will not be present in La Vuelta.

But despite Pogačar's tendency to eclipse the opposition in every race he starts right now and the increasingly frequent comparisons to greats of the calibre of Eddy Merckx, the list is a lot longer than that. For one thing, the absence of the two other podium finishers this July in Nice, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) further expands the power vacuum at the top of the  Vuelta GC tree. 

After all, Vingegaard is not only the winner of the 2022 and 2023 Tours, he finished second last year in the Vuelta as well. As for Evenepoel, he captured both the Vuelta a España overall in 2022, and three mountain stages and the KoM classification - this despite a notable GC collapse in the Pyrenees -  in 2023.

No disrespect intended, but it’s impossible for defending champion Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) to wholly fill the power vacuum left by this trio of Grand Tour aces while the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Primoz Roglič's participation is a reminder of the equally large question mark surrounding the Red Bull rider's underlying condition. 

Currently on the comeback trail from a brutal injury this July in the Tour, past history suggests the Slovenian veteran would be more than capable of bouncing back into the arena at the Vuelta after a tough summer  - witness the events of 2020, 2021 and 2022. But after missing one possible warm-up race, the Clasica San Sebastian on Saturday, even if he does make it to Lisbon, the reality is the current state of his form remains completely uncertain.

As for Kuss, after missing the Tour de France completely because of COVID, his current status as top favourite is held by a relatively narrow gap, hinging as it does almost entirely on last year’s overall victory and a recent stunning win in the Vuelta a Burgos.  His stage racing GC record is very impressive in terms of quality, but it's (as yet) a very short one. That lack of experience in handling GC scenarios could prove important in a race which, unlike in 2023, will likely not have a single team containing Kuss dominating proceedings almost from beginning to end and is likely to be much more in a constant state of flux.

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Kuss does other points in his favour: for one thing, compared to the shenanigans of the last week of the 2023 Vuelta a España where the crushing superiority of Jumbo-Visma all but backfired for Kuss, the internal power politics are far more clearcut for the American this time around. Kuss' first victory of 2024 at Burgos has reminded the world how dangerous a climber the Durango-born rider can be when in form. But it's also true that when the Vuelta rolls out of Lisbon next Saturday, Kuss will be much more of a marked man than he was when the race left the start city of Barcelona last August - and his room for manoeuvre correspondingly  that much more limited.

Last year, in fact, Kuss managed to fly under the radar until it was too late for his rivals to do anything, most notably when he turned an innocent-looking midweek break into an unsuspected major foundation stone for overall victory. It's true that  Kuss now knows that he has the wherewithal to go the distance and conquer a Grand Tour and his confidence will be correspondingly higher. However, it's equally undeniable, that if Kuss is going to win this time round, with his rivals far more alert to his potential, he'll need a very different strategy to 2023. 

Globally, it could be argued that the two crunch pre-race questions of the 2024 Vuelta are the will-he/won’t he saga surrounding Roglič’s participation and whether Kuss can handle the heightened pressure from day 1 of being a leading contender. But no matter how those questions play out, in no way do Kuss or Roglič stand head and shoulders above the rest of the contenders in the way that Pogačar did, say, in the countdown to the Giro d'Italia.

Vuelta a España - the complete guide Vuelta a España - the route

Who's in the running

But is this such a bad thing in terms of spectacle? The absence of Pogačar, Vingegaard and co, and the question marks surrounding Roglič should combine to make the Vuelta a standout opportunity for the outsiders in any other grand Tour. The Vuelta looks set to be a very different kettle of fish to the Giro and Tour, and among the best-known contenders are the UAE Team Emirates duo Adam Yates and Joao Almeida, both of whom were instrumental in laying the groundwork for teammate Pogačar in July.

Others seeking to repeat their already top-grade 2024 Tour de France performances include 2019 Giro d’Italia winner Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), winner of a Tour de France stage and the king of the mountains, as well as Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep), fifth overall. Cast your mind back to May, too, and  Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe's Dani Martínez and Australia's Ben O'Connor (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale) were significant GC factors in the Giro d'Italia battle, placing second and fourth respectively.

Yet while all of these contenders are aware that this is an increasingly rare chance to get their name in the Grand Tour history books alongside the Pogačars and Vingegaards of this world, none of them are seemingly automatically a level or three ahead of the rest, as is the case for the Slovenian and Dane. (A quick glance at the Tour de France GC rankings, with Vingegaard 13 minutes ahead of fourth-placed Joao Almeida, the top Vuelta a España contender in July, confirms this). As a result, this much more level playing field means the Vuelta could well end up being by far the most interesting Grand Tour of 2024 from a tactical standpoint.

The atmosphere of unpredictability surrounding the 2024 Vuelta is considerably helped by the fact that few riders have specifically prepared for the Vuelta and for many (like Adam Yates, Carapaz, Landa, Martínez and O'Connor) the Spanish Grand Tour will be their second of the 2024 season. As the end of the year looms, the chances of a sudden drop in form, then, or an abrupt and unbearable rise in fatigue levels, particularly in the Vuelta's ultra-difficult second half, are correspondingly higher. It's true that racing three Grand Tours in a single year did no harm whatsoever to Kuss' chances in 2023, but this time out, he has the considerable advantage, in terms of race freshness at least, that La Vuelta is his first Grand Tour of the season.

There are few hiding places in the Vuelta for those seeking to 'ride into form', too, for all the 2024 route is not unnervingly difficult in its first week as 2023, which featured a significant incursion into the Pyrenees on stage 3. At 12 kilometres the opening TT in Lisbon is far too short to do more than establish a nominal hierarchy. But could well change as soon as stage 4, when the peloton face the first major summit finish of the race, the grinding 14-kilometre ascent of Pico Villuercas. 

Being not excessively difficult, Villuercas’ most likely role will be the classic one for an early GT summit finish of weeding out those potential contenders who are short on form, rather than establishing a clear leader. Stage 9 through the foothills of Sierra Nevada, though, which includes a double ascent of the dreaded Hazallanas climb in blazing Andalusian August heat, could well provide a much more serious sortout of the same calibre. But whoever gets into the Vuelta transfer plane on the first rest day wearing the red jersey of leader for the two-hour long, 1,000 kilometre flight north, (spare a thought for those members of the Vuelta caravan who are obliged to drive) the real climbing challenges though, will come from halfway through the second week onwards.

Containing six of the nine summit finishes, ascents of the Ancares on stage 14, Cuitu Negru on stage 15, the Lagos de Covadonga on stage 16 and Moncalvillo on stage 19 and Picón Blanco on stage 20 - all of them category 1 or higher -  will doubtless help maintain the GC suspense. That's a very different story to the Vuelta of 2022, say when the overall battle was all but over by the start of week 3, or in 2023 - when, barring the precise order of the Jumbo-Visma riders at the head of the classification - everything had essentially been decided by the summit of the Tourmalet on stage 13.

This time, though, the Vuelta has everything going for it to ensure a different plot line, and one which would be very much in keeping with its tradition of unexpected winners. In the last 15 years alone, when it comes to unexpected triumph,  we've witnessed Vincenzo Nibali and Chris Froome’s maiden Grand Tour wins in 2010 and 2011, Alberto Contador’s devastating ambush at Fuente De in 2012, outsider Chris Horner ripping the race apart at Hazallanas in 2013, Fabio Aru upsetting Tom Dumoulin's clearcut pathway to victory in the sierras of Madrid in 2015, Simon Yates' sole Grand Tour win to date in 2018 and Kuss himself making a breakthrough in 2023. Put it all together, and it's hard to disagree that one of the Vuelta’s most enjoyable features is its potential for major surprises to materialise and new names to emerge.

What can Wout van Aert achieve in the Vuelta?

With that 'surprise factor' in mind, one of the biggest unknowns of the Vuelta a España will be the debut of Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) at the race. The Belgian signalled his intention to ride the Vuelta last winter, and the Belgian has stuck with the idea, despite the heavy crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen that ruined his Spring and forced him to miss a planned Giro d'Italia. Instead, Van Aert returned to the Tour and he then claimed a bronze medal in the time trial at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

As with the Tour, Van Aert’s plans for solo stage glory may well be conditioned by what his GC leader - in this case Sepp Kuss - can achieve. Furthermore, the as-yet unspecified goals of teammate, fellow-Belgian and possible GC contender Cian Uijtdebroeks could also affect his opportunities. Team duties notwithstanding, there are plenty of chances both for breakaways and bunch sprints on tough terrain, as well as the potential for Van Aert to remind us of his considerable time trialling talents. Indeed, if Van Aert does well in the opening race against the clock, he could follow in compatriot Remco Evenepoel’s wheeltracks and even end up having a spell in the lead of the Spanish Grand Tour.

It's worth remembering, too, that Van Aert will also be using the Vuelta to build for the World Championships on both road and gravel. That’s a strategy which has become increasingly rare, compared to the late nineties and early noughties where multiple candidates for the rainbow jersey would get in a couple of weeks of racing in Spain before quitting. 

But regardless of whether he makes it to Madrid,  what Van Aert gets up to can hardly fail to be a major interest point. The same goes for compatriot and veteran breakaway specialist Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Dstny), set to celebrate his 500th day of Grand Tour racing on stage 20 of the 2024 Vuelta, and surely aiming to go out on a high note in his retirement season at some point along the way.

Rigoberto Urán (EF Education-EasyPost) is yet another star name using the Vuelta as his swansong, while at the other end of the spectrum, interest will be high in what Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates),  the precociously talented young Mexican, can achieve in his first Grand Tour. Likewise,  British TT ace Josh Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers), three months Del Toro’s junior and barely out of his teens himself, will doubtless be making the most of the Lisbon time trial. So, too, will Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates), who recently did not hide his deep disappointment at missing out narrowly on an Olympic time trial medal at least.

This mixture of radically different personal goals and backstories is perhaps what makes the Vuelta the most colourful of all three Grand Tours. For some, the Vuelta a España is a last-chance saloon in a quest for a new contract or to make it into the WorldTour while for others, it represents an opportunity to put a skewed season straight or revive optimism after a poor Tour de France. (As Eusebio Unzue, the veteran Movistar team manager, once famously put it, ‘the Vuelta in September is a chance [for riders] to re-sit the exams they failed in July’.)

For yet others, the Vuelta a España is the first step towards future Grand Tour greatness, as it was with Tadej Pogačar in 2019, while the more established stars, given the vacuum of power at the very top of that ranking in the Vuelta, will be keen to remind the cycling world that should anybody falter, they will be ready to take up the reins of power in an instant. 

Enjoy it while it lasts, mind. Tadej Pogačar has already hinted strongly that after a six-year-absence he will return to the Vuelta a Españ in 2025, and on current form, the risk he would turn the Spanish Grand Tour GC battle into an exhibition race is not a small one. In 2024, though, it's very much up to the best of the rest to grab their chance to shine in Spain.

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Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for Cyclingnews , he has also written for The Independent ,  The Guardian ,  ProCycling , The Express and Reuters .

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