Parque Natural de Montesinho Route
The great road loop through Montesinho
The Montesinho Natural Park Route is the network’s flagship road tour, starting from Vinhais: a challenging route that passes through the Soeira River Beach, mountain villages, the border with Spain near Moimenta, the high mountains of Pinheiro Velho and the Zona da Lomba.
- Activity
- Estrada
- Distance
- 108,4 km
- Elevation gain
- 3246 m
- Elevation loss
- 3247 m
- Altitude
- 491–1058 m
- Estimated time
- 6h
- Technical difficulty
- Hard (red)
- Route type
- Loop
- Best season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Waymarked
- Yes
- Code
- CRD02
Centre: Vinhais
For many, the best way to discover Montesinho on a road bike — a hard route, but rich in landscapes, points of interest and remarkable villages, always in a cycle-touring spirit. The Tuela and the mountain villages. From Vinhais, the EN 103 leads to the Soeira river beach, a first stop to admire the Rio Tuela. Higher up, the route leaves the main road to climb to Soeira, Fresulfe and Mofreita, in an atmosphere of calm. Along the border. After Mofreita, the road to Moimenta runs along the border with Spain, with extraordinary views. The detour into the centre of Moimenta, an "Aldeia de Portugal", is well worth it. High country and the Lomba. Towards Pinheiro Velho the landscape turns wild and high-mountain, with long, hard climbs and the Rio Assureira for company. From Pinheiro Velho to Pinheiro Novo — a Trás-os-Montes gem — it drops to the Rabaçal and enters the Zona da Lomba. Via Quirás, Passos de Lomba and Gestosa it returns to Vinhais along the park's edge, via Sobreiró de Cima and the EN 103.Quick answers
How long is the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route and how much climbing does it have?
108.4 km, with 3246 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.
How long does the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route take?
About 6h (estimated time).
Is the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route difficult?
The technical difficulty is hard (red). Physical effort: 4 out of 5.
When is the best time to ride or walk the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route?
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Where does the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route start?
You can start at: Vinhais.
Is the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route waymarked?
Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.
Where can I download the GPX for the Parque Natural de Montesinho Route route?
The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-do-parque-natural-de-montesinho/export-gpx.