Dine Route

To Dine, the archaeological treasure of Montesinho

A natural extension of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos, this route runs through the eastern part of the Montesinho Natural Park along a Roman road, over medieval bridges and for around three kilometres alongside the border with Spain. The heart of the route is Dine, with the Lorga de Dine cave and the lime kilns. Suitable for gravel bikes.

Activity: BTT
Distance: 64,6 km
Elevation gain: 1819 m
Elevation loss: 1885 m
Altitude: 702–1255 m
Estimated time: 6h
Technical difficulty: Very hard (black)
Route type: Loop
Best season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Waymarked: Yes
Code: BTT09

Centre: Vinhais

The Dine route extends the Fraga dos 3 Reinos to explore eastern Montesinho and one of the most surprising places in the municipality. The border. After Moimenta — along the Roman road and over the medieval bridge — the route runs for about three kilometres beside the border, with views of the Spanish villages of Hermisende and San Ciprián and of the heights of the Serra da Gamoneda. It is the ever-thrilling feeling of riding on the edge between two countries. Archaeological Dine. A pleasant, well-kept village, Dine is the heart of the route. The Lorga de Dine cave holds remains from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, being one of the few in Portugal inhabited as a dwelling; the finds can be understood at the Interpretation Centre. Outside, the lime kilns — active until the mid-1960s — bear witness to the area's industrial heritage. Villages and bridges. From Dine, age-old paths lead to Santa Cruz, with another medieval bridge and the Ribeira do Teixedo valley unfolding bend after bend. The return is completed via Paçó and Prada to the Parque Biológico. A long, demanding route, well worth the detour to the Dine Interpretation Centre, which deserves an unhurried visit.

Download the track: GPX · KML

Quick answers

How long is the Dine Route route and how much climbing does it have?

64.6 km, with 1819 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

How long does the Dine Route route take?

About 6h (estimated time).

Is the Dine Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is very hard (black). Physical effort: 5 out of 5.

When is the best time to ride or walk the Dine Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

Where does the Dine Route route start?

You can start at: Parque Biológico de Vinhais.

Is the Dine Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

Where can I download the GPX for the Dine Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-de-dine/export-gpx.