The central area of Portugal is situated between the green North and the Lisbon area, luring visitors with one of the most diverse landscapes in the country.
To the west, you will find the Atlantic's long, white sandy beaches and to the East the region that extends to the border with Spain, with its high mountains, castles, forests and incredible scenery.
It is a motorcyclist's heaven, hidden deep inside ancient nature and packed with culture and history, it gifts us with the best quality tarmac and more corners than days in a year! If we compare it to a restaurant it would have a constellation of Michelin stars at the entrance.
We enter this region via Tomar, a land rich in history, deeply connected with the Knights of the Templar. Its castle has been around for over 862 years when the Templars ordered the Castle of Tomar to be built, making it one of their strongholds during the expansion of Portugal and conquest from the Moors in the 12th and 13th Centuries.
History is aplenty wherever we go in Portugal, but this Region has some of the most imposing monasteries, namely Alcobaça, Batalha and Tomar that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Continue your journey to Lousã, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Lousã Mountain Range. Ride through the Serra da Lousã, where majestic cliffs and sweeping vistas will take your breath away. Explore the Lousã Castle, perched high above the town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Next, we enter the magical forest of Buçaco and its fascinating landscape. This magnificent forest has a breathtaking palace hotel in the middle and about 400 native and 300 exotic trees and plant species. Among these, you will find African, Indian and Mexican cedar, imposing cypress trees, sycamores and mimosas. It was created and maintained by monks that put up notices threatening to excommunicate anyone that harmed any of the trees.
This part of the tour takes us through some of the best mountain roads anywhere in Europe but without the traffic! Passing ancient stone hamlets and little villages, preserved for centuries, with bucolic rivers and watermills, this is a truly romantic experience.
In one of the biggest moments of our tour, we have the privilege of covering a section of what is the longest road in Portugal, the N2. Along its 738.5km, it crosses 11 districts, 3 regional accents, 3 colours of wine and an immensity of gastronomic dishes that rival the number of km of its extension.
Our section is one of the most beautiful and entertaining, taking us to Peso da Régua and the banks of the Douro River, by which time we will be ready to let ourselves be carried away by the nectar that grows, matures and ferments on these hills until our palate is delighted.
The last part of the tour is all about the Sea. The coastal plain has several beaches, like the ones of Mira, Figueira da Foz, Ílhavo, Nazaré, Peniche and São Martinho do Porto.
The region remains largely unknown and therefore untouched by tourism, meaning those who do visit can bask in the extraordinary “silver” sand and a true feeling of adventure.
To experience the energy of the North Atlantic it is difficult to find a better location! You will be guided through a couple of hundred kilometres between hills and dunes and the ocean. 60 of those kilometres are on the Atlantic Route, with its panoramic views, rugged cliffs, crashing waves and crossing picturesque fishing villages, castles and remains of ancient fortresses. The salty Atlantic air mixes with the freshness of the pine trees, making for a pleasant breeze very specific to this unique location.
The landscape looks like a painting, shades of green and blue are changing before your eyes and there are so many interesting spots beckoning us to stop! No doubt this is the most legendary road in western Portugal, and, some say, one of the most beautiful roads in Europe, but that is for you to decide!
Heading further south, more wonders await, like the town of the giant 30ft waves, Nazaré, and the half-moon-shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto for a relaxed coffee by the water.
Throughout your journey, Turtlemoto Tour ensures your comfort and safety. Our experienced guides will lead the way, providing local insights and ensuring you don't miss any hidden gems along the route. Rest assured, our top-quality motorcycles and carefully selected accommodations will enhance your experience, leaving you with memories to cherish.
Unleash your spirit of adventure and let the wonders of Central Portugal unfold before you on a MotoTour. Join us on this exhilarating journey, where every twist and turn reveals a new chapter in Portugal's captivating story. Book your tour now and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
Thank you for reading and sharing!!
All the best,
The Turtle