THE SLOW CYCLIST ANNOUNCES NEW JOURNEY THROUGH PORTUGAL'S CÔA VALLEY FROM MAY 2025
Scheduled journeys and private groups available. |
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THE SLOW CYCLIST ANNOUNCES NEW JOURNEY THROUGH PORTUGAL'S CÔA VALLEY FROM MAY 2025
Scheduled journeys and private groups available. |
Category: Europe - Portugal - Industry economy
- Sustainability - Tourism
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2025-03-05
 New journey through Portugal’s Côa Valley
Photo credit © The Slow Cyclist
Until the 13th century, this historically rich region was the fought-over border between Spain and Portugal and is now home to one of Europe's largest and most fascinating rewilding projects.
Packed with history, the area played an influential role in medieval times due to its proximity to the Spanish border, later battling invading French forces during the Napoleonic Wars. Travellers will enjoy a dose of quiet, contemplative slow travel, cycling through nature in its rawest form and learning about this fascinating historical region, all whilst staying in charming, stylishly renovated houses.
Oli Broom, Founder of The Slow Cyclist says, ‘In recent years we have heard great things about the Côa Valley, home to one of the Douro River's main tributaries that stretches for 140 kms, south to north near the border with Spain. I first visited early in 2024, following in the footsteps of several of my colleagues, and I can't emphasise enough how quickly I fell for this charming yet largely ignored region. Its historic hilltop villages, giant wilderness, its friendly locals always eager for a chat and a laugh and, of course, the gently meandering Côa River all combine to make it a hard place for the slow traveller to leave. And it is fitting that a river that cradled prehistoric tribes is now cared for so thoughtfully by local people passionate about rewilding such a vast swathe of northeast Portugal.’
The journey kicks off with an exploration of tiny, historic Sortelha, before moving onwards to Seixo do Côa, through far-reaching landscapes strewn with vast boulders. Next, guests will set off to Pinhel, stopping only for lunch at Castelo Mendo and an afternoon visit to the extraordinary whitewashed, star-shaped fortifications of Almeida.
Breathtaking views ensue, as the group moves towards the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo for the first of two nights, stopping for a walk in the Faia Brava Nature Reserve.
The final section of the journey gives way to the familiar rounded terraced slopes of the Douro, packed with charming country lanes, delicious home-cooked food in Algrodres and the option of visiting UNESCO Prehistoric Rock Art Site with an archaeologist. It doesn’t stop there – the final morning offers guests the option of gorge-lined walks or an insightful visit to the museum of prehistoric art at Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Itinerary highlights include:
- A chance to learn about the rewilding efforts along the Côa River, home to everything from wolves and wild horses to tauros, vultures and golden eagles
- Visiting the fortifications of some of Portugal’s most beautiful and unspoilt villages.
- Exploring the region in which Wellington’s men defeated Napoleon’s army.
- Taking an archaeologist-led visit to a UNESCO site of prehistoric rock art demonstrating human life from the end of the Palaeolithic Age some 12,000 to 20,000 years ago.
- Sampling Portuguese wine and port as well as farm-to-table home cooking – expect meat, fish and vegetables served with abundant salads.
The full itinerary can be seen here.
The Slow Cyclist offers a five-night journey through Portugal’s Côa River from £2,995 per person based on travelling as a group of 12, either as part of a scheduled trip, or in a private group. This includes group airport transfers, a support vehicle and luggage transfers, two English-speaking local guides, one Slow Cyclist host, all accommodation, all meals, snacks and drinks, all activities, e-bicycle and helmet hire. A 1% donation to local causes aligned with The Slow Cyclist’s values is also included.
International flights to/from Lisbon/Porto, personal costs, tips and travel insurance are not included.
The Slow Cyclist
The Slow Cyclist is a specialist in expertly guided cycling and walking holidays for small groups of up to 12 like-minded souls to Transylvania, Zagori, Crete and the Mani (all in Greece), Armenia, Turkey, Abruzzo, Lower Silesia in Poland, the Spanish Basque Country, Rwanda, and South Africa.
The Slow Cyclist’s story began in October 2009 when, dissatisfied with a career in London, Oli Broom quit his job, jumped on a bike, and cycled to Australia to watch the Ashes cricket series. A book followed - ‘Cycling to the Ashes: A Cricketing Odyssey from London to Brisbane’ - and after two years living and working in Rwanda with weekends spent exploring all corners of the country by bike, Oli returned home intent on realising his dream of taking people to beautiful parts of the world, by bicycle.…The Slow Cyclist was born in 2015.
To travel is to enjoy a fundamental human desire and we believe in its power to change lives and be a force for good, give joy and forge friendships. We exist because we are passionate about contributing to all these things. We create incredible slow travel experiences, all with impeccable service. Travellers can expect gourmet picnics in hilltop pastures, experts that guide them through the stories of the region, charming, comfortable accommodation in homes, guest houses and farm stays, and total immersion in the country.
Part of The Slow Cyclist’s vision is to support local families and businesses in the destinations that they journey through. Broom believes this is a vital component of slow travel because it means tourism investment is staying with the families they meet and the communities they touch. Since 2021 The Slow Cyclist has also given 1% of its revenue to charitable causes, aligned with its values.
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