PORTUGUESE INFILTRATION
- antoniolelc
- 7 jun 2024
- 3 Min. de lectura
4 days trip. 1800km aprox. Portugal very near to Spain but never before I enjoyed riding my bike.
FIRST DAY.
From home, Portugal border is a bit far. So I decided this first day, take the most of it avoiding when able some highways parts and riding some twisty-tourist roads as Ibor Valley from Guadalupe (Beautiful Monastry) to Navalmoral de la Mata. I rode some years ago. Ex-118 Road.
My destination was Perales del Puerto. Little village very close to Portugal Border. My intention next day is proceed direct to Serra da Estrela Natural Park, entering by Covilha.
Very hot day crossing Ibor Valley. Taking a rest and refreshing hands, face and head with cold springwater.
Don Julio rural Hotel at Perales del Puerto. Free parking, very quiet, clean and good breakfast.
SECOND DAY..
Leaving Spain and crossing Portugal Border. Portuguese people are very kind. I feel as my own country/home. In fact Portugal and Spain are very similar. But You can also enjoy differences. Food, Building Style, idiom...
Very close to my hotel is also Gata Mountains in Spain, but I have no time and I pointed direct to Covilha. Serra da Strela gate. 2000m high Mountains with panoramic views and wonderful twisty roads. I rode surrounding mountains. Entering by Covilha, then straight in to Sabugueiro, Manteigas and leaving finally by Belmonte.
Some times I found this little buildings when entering into little villages...Probably some religious Sanctuarys?
Serra da Estrela (Star Mountains)
Boa Strela Virgin. Sculpted on rock. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZYgQgegExyMvp9WA
Reaching top, some snow patches.
Top peak Mountain. Some souvenirs and bars.
Descending from top and continue crossing Mountains by Sabugueiro, Manteigas etc.
Top peak at the bottom. While descending to Sabugueiro.
Once I left Mountains by Belmonte I took some highway (A23/25) to proceed quickly my next destination. Natural park Douro river. In Portugal there are some types of highway tolls. Some are paper tickets you get in gates. Other are electronics with cameras you have to get in system.
Take some minutes to read about this and decide wich is your best option.
After few highway kilometers I take N332 to reach Natural Park Douro and take N221 twisty and panoramic road.
Almeida Fortified Village. You can park bike inside and visit it.
First Panoramic view of Douro river at Salto Sapinha.
Across canyon river after Barca de Alba.
Hydroelectric Dam at Saucelle.
Last Panoramic view of Douro Natural park. https://maps.app.goo.gl/nhVmnyea4Au2x1kd7
After this long day I only had to reach my Hotel, but before I wanted to visit special place. Mateus Palace, near Vila real. Mateus founded his pink wine. This palace was his home and he created his wineries and vineyards there.
I was lucky. I didn´t need to book visit...But probably is needed? Check time schedule and price.
THIRD DAY
This day was a bit bittersweat. My intention was to ride N103 from Braga to Braganza crossing Chaves.
I found first part of route is not my cup of tea. I mean. Lots of village, speed limits, people...unable to ride easily and enjoy. So in my opinion is better to eliminate first part of this beautiful route (acoording to motorbike tourist guides). Rest of route I agree is very beautiful. But starting from Ruivais.
Rabagao River.
Chaves Castle and some views. Very easy to get into city-center. You can park at the top, next to Castle.
Vinhais Village near Braganza.
Braganza is very beautiful city worth to visit or book hotel. But It was impossible to me beacuse I have no time.
From Braganza I came back to Spain riding interesting beautiful roads. N218.
Miranda de Douro was my border gate to return Spain again. https://maps.app.goo.gl/UF9HUd6FBKMWqCkG6
My final destination was Salamanca. Very Touristic and beautiful city famous due to ancient university history. I met with old friend to have some beers.
Salamanca´s Mayor Square
Old famous Cervante´s bar.
FOUR DAY.
Only come back home. I crossed Avila city. Another old and famous city due to his walls.
THE END.
Comments