Douro Granfondo. Unique, fascinating and unmissable...

The landscape, unrivalled and ever-enchanting, withstood the floods that ravaged the Douro Wine Region during January and February, but the numerous landslides that demolished walls and damaged roads have forced us to lead the race slightly further South. This time, on 26th April, the Love Tiles Douro Granfondo "caravan" will head towards the municipalities of Lamego, Tarouca, Moimenta da Beira, Armamar, Tabuaço and S. João da Pesqueira.

As per tradition, Portugal’s largest and most stunning granfondo will have Peso da Régua as the perfect cradle to welcome the participants who will embark on this great challenge that blends the breathtaking Douro landscapes with the pleasure of cycling in an environment that provides moments of immense tranquillity and harmony.

With 69 km, the minifondo sets off towards Lamego and Tarouca as soon as the start is given in Peso da Régua. Until Granja Nova, always via the EN 226, the route is shared with the mediofondo and the granfondo. The route through Santiago, Armamar and Fontelo (EN 313) will lead the participants to the famous EN 222, right on the banks of the Douro, by the Bagaúste dam. From here, the finish line is a mere 8 km away.

The two other distances head to Moimenta da Beira, where the mediofondo sets out to discover the deep Tedo valley. The climb to Nagosa offers no difficulties, but to reach the top of Vale de Figueira, after leaving Granja do Tedo behind, participants will have to conquer 5 km at 5.6%. Until they reach the stunning mouth of the Tedo, the route follows through Tabuaço, Barcos and Adorigo, always at a brisk pace as the gradient is steep. Once there, the EN 222 will lead them very close to the starting point, having completed 100 km.

The granfondo covers 135 km and, for this, in Moimenta da Beira, participants will stay on the EN 226 until turning towards Faia, from where they will ride for a few kilometres alongside the beautiful Vilar dam reservoir. The passages through Paredes da Beira, Espinhosa and Castanheiro do Sul precede the climb to Tabuaço, with 9 km at 5.6%, to meet the mediofondo route there.

Thus, whichever distance you choose to cover, rest assured that you will not erase from your memory this great adventure that we have to share with you in the 12th edition of the Love Tiles Douro Granfondo.