Tour of Portugal: The most Insta-worthy places

For those who think that Serra da Estrela is just snow, prepare to be disappointed. The most iconic stage of the Tour of Portugal is the one with the Tower climb, being one of the most beautiful as well. But climbing to the highest point in mainland Portugal is not for the faint-hearted. In addition to the difficult route to get there, which can vary from year to year, the final 20 kilometres, always climbing, make this stage one of the most demanding.

The Mountain stages have an extra dose of adrenaline, maintained when crossing the Serra da Lousã, near Coimbra. With breathtaking climbs to test endurance, the race is accompanied by the incredible beauty of the region. As the climber also has to descend, the route ends with a descent to the taste of sprinters. More recently, the passage through Lousã has served as awareness of the fires that destroyed part of the vegetation.

The journey through this natural paradise deservedly highlights the Schist Villages. In the heart of the interior of the country, the material from which these localities were built, as well as the beauty of the surrounding area, have been in vogue. If you like to cycle, organize a radical route: start at Talasnal, pass through Gondramaz and end at Ferraria de São João or Pedrógão Pequeno. The area covered by these villages is quite dense so you can go as far as your imagination, and legs, will take you.

All the excuses are good for visiting the western region, so if you like cycling you will add the useful to the pleasant. One of the highlights of this itinerary is the medieval village of Óbidos, a true Portuguese architectural and cultural treasure. Don't stop there and set off to discover its surroundings! Make this route more touristy: enjoy a fish dish in Peniche, visit Dino Parque in Lourinhã and try the typical sweets of the region.

Ribatejo has routes for all tastes! If you like demanding challenges, here you will also find several mountain stages, but you can choose a slightly more "flat" route. Start with a stone soup in Almeirim to recharge your batteries and don't forget to include in your path the towns of Chamusca, Golegã and Vila Nova da Barquinha. This is where you will find one of the most Insta-worthy castles in Portugal, Almourol Castle.

The Tour of Portugal also demystifies the idea that it is not worth visiting the countryside. Go beyond the big cities and set off for the adventure through the surrounding towns of Serra da Estrela. If you are willing to cycle more than 100 kilometres, start in Oliveira do Hospital and let yourself be captivated by the villages you will find, such as Caldas da Felgueira, São Romão and Aldeia Viçosa, ending in the highest city of mainland Portugal, Guarda.

In the itinerary through the most beautiful places in the country you can not miss Trás-os-Montes. The emblematic race takes cyclists through nature and the localities of the region, giving prominence to its people and natural attractions. Prepare a getaway to Trás-os-Montes and whatever means of transport you choose, we are sure you will not regret it. Depart from Torre de Moncorvo to Bragança, and make strategic stops at Mogadouro and Vinhais.

Arriving in Bragança, there is another incredibly beautiful route to discover, practically parallel to the Spanish border. In the deep north of Portugal you will find breathtaking landscapes, warm localities and typical food, with many meat and sausage dishes and irresistible pastries. Include in your route Vimioso, Chaves and Montalegre, but be sure to visit the villages that come along the way.

Already near the sea, you can cycle along the coast. We suggest you start in Viana do Castelo - visit the Santa Luzia Sanctuary and the Museu do Traje (Costume Museum) - and head down to Vila do Conde. Along the way you can learn more about other northern locations, such as Esposende or Póvoa do Varzim. Weather permitting, discover the beaches and cool off by the sea. Follow the experience with a fish dish in one of the local restaurants.

Smaller, but equally beautiful, is the route that connects Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto. On the banks of the Douro River, or in the interior of the city, be sure to combine the adventure of cycling with the local gastronomy and the Port Wine, brand image of the region. Many of its highest points invite you to grab your camera or mobile phone, such as the Serra do Pilar Monastery, the Gaia Cable Car and the gardens of the Crystal Palace of Porto.