In September, venture with us into the Alto Minho

After the holidays, it is time to return to the routine and get back into shape. To achieve this, join us in the far north of the country and say goodbye to the last days of summer by cycling through the enchanting landscapes of the Monção e Melgaço Granfondo. On 20 September 2026, we return to the "cradle" of Alvarinho for another great celebration of amateur cycling; you can register now for one of the three distances: minifondo (57 km), mediofondo (93 km), or granfondo (123 km).

This time, the border town of Monção will host the participants of the eighth edition of this event which, together with its counterpart Melgaço, forms the sub-region where the nation's finest Alvarinho wines flourish. Situated on the left bank of the River Minho, on a mid-slope area, this is where the Monção e Melgaço Granfondo 2026 will take place.

Choosing the minifondo will not require great effort. The route is virtually flat, with the exception of the climb to Pomares (7 km at 4.3%) which, nevertheless, has an easy profile to tackle. Once surpassed, there will be 20 km at a good pace until the finish line.

The mediofondo and granfondo athletes will also pass through there, but first, they face the greatest challenge of both distances: the ascent to Fiães, a village that predates the founding of Portugal. Approaching the finish, the passages through Tangil, Merufe, and Longos Vales—where the landscapes, traditions, and heritage are an integral part of Monção's identity—will be etched into the participants' memories.

It will be in Longos Vales that the granfondo changes direction to dive back into the rural charm that so well characterises the Alto Minho landscapes. The race will head towards Sago, Anhões, Luzio, Abedim, Barroças, and Taias, with the climb to Senhor do Bonfim presenting the steepest gradient of the final kilometres (8.5 km at 4%). Passing through Mazedo, overlooking the River Minho, will lead the athletes to the start/finish line at the square of the old Monção railway station, dominated by the walls that were once crucial in defending the national territory during the wars with Castile.