| Start | End | Type | Distance | Climbing | Feed-station |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peso da Régua | Manteigas | Hilly | 174km | 3.280m | Marialva |
National Road 222 (EN222) is the most romantic road in Portugal… at least that is what people say.
With the Alto Douro Wine Region as accompaniment, the route leaves the Vila Galé Collection Douro Hotel in Peso da Régua and takes you onto the romantic road EN222, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.The first 22 km stretch between Peso da Régua and Pinhão is, undoubtedly, the cherry on top of the cake, as it swirls along through amazing landscapes. It was once considered the best road in the world to ride your bike on!!!! But that’s not all… at this point, the route climbs up to São João da Pesqueira through 15 unforgettable km where the river and the vineyards will take you to another dimension. From here, continuing on the EN222 for more 30 km you will reach the historical village of Marialva, where you will find the 6D “feeding-zone” of this stage and where you can collect your 6D bars and your Water Bottle. 80 km so far, 94 km to go…
In a fast paced ride, the landscape changes dramatically and the route will take you to the Serra da Estrela National Park where you will face a long and challenging climb with tremendous views over the Park and the Caldeirão Dam. But that’s not enough.
At Fernão Joanes the route will take you in a fast descent through 12km in a fast and turning mountain road well inside the Natural Park, immersed in deep vegetation.
In the village of Valhelhas you will have to climb again to Manteigas where you meet the Vila Galé Serra da Estrela Hotel and so you can rest and relax while you enjoy the facilities and feel the heartbeat of the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain of Portugal.
HOTEL: Vila Galé Serra da Estrela
