Reconco Gerês Granfondo 2026
The biggest road cycling event in northern Portugal returns to Vila do Gerês with three routes through Peneda-Gerês National Park. Over a thousand cyclists ride through one of Portugal's most spectacular natural settings.
The Reconco Gerês Granfondo returns to Vila do Gerês on June 7, 2026, cementing its place as one of Portugal's most iconic road cyclosportive events. Organized annually since 2014, the event gathers cyclists from across Portugal and abroad in a truly unique setting: Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Participants can choose from three distances: the demanding 131 km Granfondo, the 90 km Mediofondo, or the more accessible 54 km Minifondo. All routes start and finish in Vila do Gerês, crossing the municipalities of Terras de Bouro, Amares, Vieira do Minho, and Montalegre. The 2026 edition promises new course sections, including a passage across the Caniçada dam and a climb to Santa Isabel do Monte.
Limited to 1,500 participants, the event follows Portuguese Cycling Federation regulations. It is open to cyclists aged 15 and over (with specific age restrictions for some distances), and helmet use is mandatory. The organization provides mechanical and medical support, electronic timing, refreshment stations along the route, and finisher medals for all participants.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the Granfondo is a celebration of the Gerês's stunning landscape. Cyclists pedal along winding roads lined with native forests, waterfalls, lagoons, and granite villages, in one of Europe's best-preserved territories. The finish line in Vila do Gerês turns into a genuine celebration, with category podium ceremonies, entertainment, and Minho regional gastronomy.
Visitors traveling to follow the race will find plenty of accommodation options in the region, from thermal spa hotels to rural tourism houses, along with countless activities such as hiking, swimming in the lagoons, and tasting local produce. Registrations are open and tend to sell out well in advance, given the event's growing popularity.
