Lisbon’s hometrails
Serra de Sintra
Sintra
Serra de Sintra, wrapped in lush greenery and housing historic monuments, is a haven for nature lovers and cultural explorers. Located only a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, this region features peaks merging with the Atlantic, The evergreen forest offers breathtaking panoramic vistas, stretching from Peniche to Cascais and encompassing Lisbon in its stunning backdrop.
Sintra, Colares, Malveira, and Cascais reveals an dense network of trails for all skill levels. Northside between the peaks and Colaresare located the more technical and also more humide trails for experienced bikers. The southern trails, comparably drier and less rugged, offer a more accessible riding experience, accessable also for intermediate experience level. The coastal trail linking Serra de Sintra to Ericeira and Santa Cruz offer scenic rides between pristine beaches and towering cliffs, welcoming both novice and experienced riders. The majestic cliffs around Cabo da Roca and the beauty of Praia da Ursa paint a picturesque scene. The impressive long beaches Praia do Guincho and Praia Grande, bordering Serra de Sintra in the North and South stand as natural marvels and must-visit spots during your stay.
Along the coast, Sintra’s biking region seamlessly connects with the chique coastal town Cascais in the South and Ericeira’s famed Surf Coast in the North.
Renowned mainly as a mountain biking area, Serra de Sintra offers an exhilarating terrain with steep inclines and descents across Sintra, Colares, and Cascais.
As a natural park, paved roads are rare. However, spanning from Cascais in the south to Praia Grande in the north and Sintra in the east, Serra de Sintra presents an excellent spot for road cyclists too, with minimal traffic except around tourist hotspots like Sintra Old Town, Palacio da Pena, and Quinta da Regaleira and Along the mair road from Colares to Cascais.
To the northwest of Sintra, the coastal trails can be quite rough for gravel bikes, and the main coastal road, N241, tends to have heavy traffic. Yet, the interior, especially north of Ericeira, offers a pleasant gravel route with minimal traffic, featuring accessible fields and forest roads.
Between Cascais and Praia do Guincho, nestled at the foot of Serra de Sintra, there’s a flat and picturesque cycling lane along the oceanâuniquely the only one in this area.
We recommend
Travel MTB & E-Travel MTB
Experienced mountainbikers will find theroughest trails here and might opt for full suspension bikes, while e-bikes could be a better choice for less experienced riders. The coastal trails to Ericeira and Santa Cruz are technically less challenging and can be ridden using hardtail bikes.
Road and gravel bikers will only find a few asphalted roads and will face quite a bit of traffic, especially during the weekends. If you can handle this, also on road and gravel bikes you will find some very scenic rides
We got pick up and drop off locations in Lisbon and Ericeira.
Find out more about our bike delivery…
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Serra de Sintra got a very particular micro-climate, different than the surroundings.
As the hills are the highest elevation along the coast in whole Portugal, Serra de Sintra receives much more rain than other zone. Even in summer it can be chilly and foggy, while Lisbon is sunny with 30 degrees and more. Especially going to the outstanding Cabo da Roca it’s recommendable to bring a wind breaker any time of the year.
As most rain comes with north wind, the northside between Sintra, Colares and the peaks is cooler and more himide, than the southside. The trails between the peaks and Alcabideche or Cascais are more dry. Especially on rainy days this can make a huge difference. While the northside is rainy, the southside can be sunny!
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Our Favorite Rides in Sintra
Nestled in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Sintra is a cyclist’s paradise with its enchanting landscapes. You’ll find winding roads that lead to breathtaking castles, lush forests, and scenic coastline. The challenging mountain terrain, including the Sintra Mountain Range, offers a thrilling experience for more advanced riders. Explore the charming town center, visit the romantic PalĂĄcio da Pena, and enjoy sweeping ocean views along your ride.
Panorama Loop
45km – 750m elevation
A day tour to take a loop around the Serra de Sintra. From the historical town of Sintra we go down northside to Colares and Praia Grande. Along the impressive cliffs and through the evergreen forests we make our way to charming villages in the evergreen forests at Serra de Sintra and to the breathtaking cliffs and beaches around Cabo da Roca.
With marvellous panorama views we reach the coast at the virgin coast near the famous surfspot of Praia do Guincho. From here a cycling lane along the ocean leads us to the pretty coastal town Cascais. The chick beach promenade and the charming oldtown invites for a final loop and a recovery drink to round up our ride.
Historic center of Sintra & Cascais
Praia Grande, Guincho & Abano
Cabo da Roca & Praia da Ursa
Villages at Serra de Sintra
With 40km and some sharp uphills Sintra Cascais Loop requires some fitness. We mainly ride on gravel roads, most technical sections are optional. Safe cycling is required, but no advanced MTB skills are necessary.
Southern Coastal Trail
45km – 650m elevation
Through the forests and along the cliffs: This ride combines the amazing rough coastline with the traditional agriculture of the interior and leads us deep into Portugal.
Small and charming villages and plenty of fields and forests border our way from the historic town of Sintra to the coast near Azenhas do Mar. A scenaric leads further along the cliffs. Views reach from Cabo da Roca until Peniche and one beautiful beach follows the next.
Ericeira, our final destination, is a real pearl of a coastal town. The route is dominated by many short up- and downhills. Without MTB-skills you probably will have to push your bike once in a while, but it’s still doable if you bring a good fitness. It’s an tiring daytour, but worth every effort!
Historic center of Sintra & Ericeira
panorama cliff rides
Azenhas do Mar & Praia do Sao Juliao
See our two-days option from Sintra to Ericeira and Mafra with stay in Ericeira.
Sintra All Mountain
40km â 850m elevation
The beach of Guincho is the ideal start for the more challenging trails of Serra de Sintra. A first long climb brings us to the crest of Serra de Sintra. From here we discover the region on the best trails of the zone. Depend on the weather conditions and our riding skills we go up to Santuario da Peninha, down north to Praia de Grande or to the lakes around Quinta do Pisao.
Plenty of S1 and S2 single trails
diverse underground
trails with ocean view
summit to sea singletrail (500m)
Be ready for some sharp uphills and some thrilling moments on the downhills. Uphill or downhill Sintra Trails is a challenge for everyone! Sintra Trails is our ride for experienced bikers. As a group tour it requires some bike experience to keep up with the group. As a private tour at least a good fitness level is necessay to enjoy this ride.
Our Accommodation –
Charm, Comfort and tradtion
Comfortable hotels, authentic holiday homes and charming farm and nature stays characterize our accommodations.
Ask us for your individual holiday program or join one of our existing trips
Rural Stays
Lay back and relax: farms, rural villages and wine yards provide a comfortable and authentic way to discover the original Portugal.
Quality Hotels
Enjoy a journey with the best hotels along the route.
Ocean view, spa, Pool, Michelin kitchen: A few high class hotels wait along the way from Lisbon to Lagos. Reserve the high class with us
Guesthouses
Sintra and Ericeira are
Depend on season & availability this can be shared or private rooms
Bike & Surf Package
8 days / 7 nights
Enjoy the best that Portual has to offer for outdoor lovers: Some of Europes best surf waives are only a bike ride away from each other. Explore some of the continent’s most coveted surf waves, set against the backdrop of stunning World Surf Reserves, and traverse Europe’s most captivating cliff trails. Here’s a sneak peek into your extraordinary trip:
Day 1 – Baleal in Peniche: The Perfect Start
We kick off your adventure with a gentle introduction to the world of surfing at Baleal in Peniche. These beginner-friendly waves provide the ideal training ground for novice surfers. Peniche exudes a vibrant coastal charm, seamlessly blending the authentic Portuguese fishing town atmosphere with the energetic and laid-back vibe of a top-notch surf destination
Day 2 – Peniche to Santa Cruz: Get on the bikes
Also our first bike day comes relexed. For much of the route, there is a dedicated coastal bike path along the coast, which ensures a safe, easy and enjoyable ride. A flat route leads us along stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and panoramic vistas.
Day 3 – Santa Cruz: A Hidden Gem
Santa Cruz, the hidden gem of our journey, offers a laid-back atmosphere and pristine Praia Azul with its expansive sandy beach. It’s an underrated paradise for surfing enthusiasts, where you can hone your skills amidst breathtaking coastal beauty.
Day 4 – Santa Cruz to Ericeira: An Epic Bike Route
Prepare for a day of thrilling biking adventure as we pedal from Santa Cruz to Ericeira. Along the way, we traverse unique single trails and dirt roads, perched atop 60-meter high cliffs. Discover charming villages and secluded beaches, all while reveling in the natural beauty of the Portuguese coast.
Day 5 – Ericeira: Surfer’s Paradise
Ericeira, our third and final surf stop, provides a bench of top-quality reef and beach breaks for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, Ericeira’s waves are sure to satisfy your surfing cravings. Immerse yourself in the vibrant, international surf scene while appreciating the town’s traditional charm.
Day 6 – Ericeira to Serra de Sintra: A Biking Extravaganza
Embark on another epic biking adventure from Ericeira to the renowned cycling destination of Serra de Sintra. Then, pedal your way to Europe’s westernmost point at Cabo da Roca. This unforgettable route promises breathtaking scenery and a thrilling sense of accomplishment.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the best of Portugal’s outdoor paradise. Join us on a journey that combines the thrill of surfing with the allure of scenic biking routes, all set against the backdrop of Europe’s most stunning coastal landscapes.
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