Portugal is on the rise as a destination for cyclists because of proximity to the US, its wide range of landscapes, and its mild climate. According to a recent study by the European Cyclists Federation, the cycling tourism industry in Europe is worth $55 billion per year, and is growing. Portugal forecasts strong growth too, according to Live Love Ride’s bike tours, which has added 6 new routes to its bike tour portfolio in Portugal.

Live Love Ride expects a growth of nearly 25% in incoming tourists in Portugal.  According to the company’s co-founder, Pedro Rocha, 2015 “has been a great year, and we have welcomed tourists from all over the world on our Portugal Bike Tours. Portugal is a true hidden gem with great conditions for cycling, and our visitors are please with the authenticity and beauty of our country.”

In 2016, guests will get to explore routes such as Douro Granfondo, the largest road cycling event in the country along with more than 2,000 participants, in May of 2016, as well as the first Granfondos in the country, the Lousã and Serra da Estrela Skyroad Granfondos (July and September of 2016, respectively). In February, cycling fans will get to join the “Volta ao Algarve.” In March, triathletes will be able to join the “Lisbon Triathlon”, the largest Tri event in the country, with a half-ironman distance.

Leisure bike tours in Portugal will also add “Silver to Blue Coast ride”, “Lisbon to Sagres – Costa Vicentina Bike tour” and “Algarve, from West to East”, all of which add more coastal rides along some of the best beaches in the country, whether on mountain bikes or road bikes. The Alentejo, Douro and Santiago de Compostela cycling tour have been revamped with hand picked restaurants, hotels and more.

All the dates for these tours can  be found on http://portugalbiketours.com