Off-road · Portugal
3 min read
The highest point in mainland Portugal falls seven metres short of a round number. Up in the Serra da Estrela, there’s a story that has been told for two centuries to fix that. It’s a good excuse to talk about crossing Portugal from south to north, with half the way off the tarmac.
The legend
Seven metres short
Torre, in the Serra da Estrela, is the highest point in mainland Portugal: 1,993 metres. Almost two thousand.
The story goes that in the early 19th century King João VI had a stone monument built on top to make up the difference and take the mountain to 2,000 metres. Nobody has been able to confirm it, and Portuguese sources present it for what it is: something people say. Today, at the end of the road, there’s a roundabout with a monument recalling that tower, and a survey marker.
📌 1,993 m: the highest point in mainland Portugal. · Source: Wikipedia, Torre (Serra da Estrela)
We like the story because it says a lot about the country: there’s always something to tell around every bend, even if it isn’t on the map.
The route
Portugal, bottom to top
The Translusitania crosses Portugal from south to north. It starts with a day of off-road training in Málaga, then heads up through Tavira, Moura, Abrantes, Manteigas and Longroiva to Bragança. Around 1,200 km in seven days, roughly half of it on tracks.
Manteigas sits right in the Serra da Estrela, so the tower’s mountains are part of the ride. Before that come the Algarve, the Alentejo and central Portugal; after, the north, almost to the border.
The terrain
What the dirt is like in Portugal
Wide tracks through pine and eucalyptus, mountain roads past wind turbines, the odd water crossing, dust in summer. It’s travel off-road: the point is to keep moving and enjoy the landscape, not to conquer impossible obstacles.
That’s why we ask for basic off-road experience. You don’t need a racing background, but you should feel comfortable standing on the pegs on a track. If you’re not there yet, we’ll tell you honestly and suggest starting with a different trip.
What’s included
What comes with you
- A Triumph Tiger 900 set up for the dirt.
- Two guides with the group and a support van.
- Accommodation, five breakfasts and five dinners (accommodation only in Málaga).
- Off-road training on day one, before you set off.
Worth knowing beforehand: you can’t bring your own bike or a pillion, and every rider must take out risk-activity insurance.
Take the leap
Seven days. A country from bottom to top. Half of it on dirt.
Translusitania · Portugal off-road · 5–11 June 2027
From €3,980 with a Tiger 900
Two guides, support van and off-road training included.
FAQ
Questions about the Translusitania
When is the next departure?
5–11 June 2027.
How many kilometres, and how much is off-road?
Around 1,200 km in seven days, roughly half of it on tracks.
What level do I need?
Basic off-road experience. It’s not a tour for your first time on dirt.
Can I bring my own bike or a pillion?
No. Everyone rides a Tiger 900 from our fleet, without a pillion.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, in three payments (20%, 40% and 40%), booking online by card until 21 December 2026.
Sources: Wikipedia (PT), Torre (Serra da Estrela) · Wikipedia (EN), Torre (Serra da Estrela)
