Granfondo Serra da Estrela 2026
- Next event : Sun, June 28, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : Sun, June 29, 2025
The event in a few words
Cyclists are getting bored of running at Finishers! 🚴♀️ To remedy this, we will have to present them with a new road cycling race, worthy of the best among them! So come, two-wheel enthusiasts 🧑🔧, today we tell you about the Granfondo Serra da Estrela in Portugal! 🇵🇹
You will start from Seia, pass through Manteigas to reach the mythical Torre 🤩. Prepare to face the Granfondo, 174 km of pure cycling bliss 😍, with 4,600 mD+. Yes, you read that right: 4,600 meters. It's like climbing the Eiffel Tower fifteen times, but without the elevator 🫣. And if you prefer a lighter version, the Mediofondo offers you 97 km and 2,700 mD+ 💪. A walk in the park, if your definition of "walk" still includes climbs 👀. This is the 11th edition this year, at this point, we can start to trust them on the organization! 👌 The Granfondo Serra da Estrela takes you to the heart of the natural park of the same name, the highest mountain range of mountains in mainland Portugal ❤️🔥, and yeah it's no joke! 🤪
It's an event that also offers an 8.9 km and 380 mD+ hike! 🚶♀️ But we know most are here for the bike! 🚵♀️ No worries for the less experienced; you can ride at your own pace, the timing just serves to spice things up 😈. And don't forget: wearing a helmet is mandatory, the roads are open to traffic ⚠️, and respecting the traffic code is a must. Otherwise, it's the door, or rather, the exit road. If you want to spend some time in the District of Guarda, the natural pools of Loriga 🏞️ are a true haven of peace for rejuvenating after the competition. And why not take another stroll in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park 🌳, we know if you participated, you'll have already had a taste, but here we're talking about a real walk where you REALLY enjoy it! 🤗
Come, put on your helmet, and face the Granfondo Serra da Estrela! 🤠
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
174 kmTOP
97 km
- Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 4600mD+
- 1 loopx174 km
A few more words
This flagship course offers a distance of 174 km with a total positive elevation of 4,700 mD+. The route forms a challenging loop through the Serra da Estrela Natural Park ⛰️. You embark on a mountainous challenge where effort management is crucial 💪. The profile is marked by very long ascents and technical descents winding through granite landscapes. You will pass through typical villages such as São Romão, Valezim, Vide (km 60) and you'll be alongside many lakes like the Albufeira de Lagoa Comprida 🛶 at km 82 just after a pass of 1,500 mD+. You will ride through Sabugueiro around km 90, heading west towards Manteigas and pedal towards the highest point of your race: La Torre 🏰. It's also home to the only ski resort in the country! ⛷️For the last 30 kilometers, you can relax as it's all downhill 📉 and back to Seia to cross the finish line 🏁.
Road Cycling 97 km
Road Cycling- Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 2700mD+
- 1 loopx97 km
A few more words
The Mediofondo is the cycling event 🚴 that is the shortest of the day with 97 km and 2,700 mD+. The route remains challenging and mountain-themed ⛰️, offering a snapshot of the natural heritage of the region 🌲. This is not just a simple leisurely ride, as the slopes of the Serra da Estrela are never forgiving 🎁. It's a perfect gateway to discover high-altitude cycling in Portuguese territory.
You will depart from Seia and head towards Manteigas. The biggest climb towards the famous Torre awaits you right after. You will reach 1,990 m ofaltitude, so even though it's a race, try to lift your head to observe the surrounding landscape 👀. You will pass by many lakes during your descent 🛶, notably the Albufeira de Lagoa Comprida. Sabugueiro will be the last town you pass through, at km 86, before reaching Seia to cross the finish line 🏁 10 km further.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can pick up your race number at the event’s registration desk located at Seia Municipal Park. Collection takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 8 PM and Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 7 AM to 8 AM.
The start for all cycling distances will be given on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Seia.
The walk will start at 9 AM.
The required age depends on the chosen distance:
19 years old for the Granfondo.
17 years old for the Mediofondo.
10 years old for the walk (accompanied by an adult).
Athletes must reach the finish line by 5:30 PM.
The fee varies depending on the registration period and your status:
From January 1 to May 31, 2026: €50 for licensed participants and €55 for unlicensed participants.
From June 1 to June 21, 2026: €55 for licensed participants and €60 for unlicensed participants.
The organization provides seven solid and liquid refreshment points along the route. You'll also find a recovery meal (Pasta Recovery) and snacks at the finish.
Here is what's included in your registration:
Participation in the event, with all organizational, logistical, and legal support
Official Event T-Shirt
Race Number
Solid and liquid refreshments.
Mechanical assistance during the race
Medical assistance during the race
Supply and transport of a personalized bag to store a change of clothes at the summit
Personal accident and civil liability insurance included in the one-day license from the Portuguese Cycling Federation (mandatory for non-federated athletes)
Photographic coverage - with photos available on the event’s official Facebook page.
Time control with chip and final results of times and categories.
Finisher medal
Showers (if the health rules in effect at the time of the event allow)
Pasta Recovery - (snack at the finish)
Personal participation diploma (with time reference)*
* This document is issued only in digital format and is available for download on the official site after the event.
Yes, here it is:
Wearing an approved rigid helmet is mandatory throughout the event.
Moreover, it is highly recommended to bring a repair kit, clothing suitable for changing temperatures at altitude, and a charged mobile phone.
You can check the race rules here
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