Section 1: Bragança - N218-2 (31.3 Km)

The third stage of A Rota 18 begins by leaving the historic city of Bragança behind and heading south on the N218. The first kilometres let you put the urban setting behind you as the road quickly slips into a landscape of gentle hills, woods and small valleys that hint at the more natural character of this day’s ride.

After passing near Gimonde, the route becomes much more winding and begins to follow the course of the Sabor River, one of the great stars of this stage. The road strings together bend after bend in perfect harmony with the terrain, offering a very enjoyable ride among slopes covered with oaks, pines and native vegetation.

Further on, small towns such as Milhão and Rio Frio appear, where the tranquillity of the surroundings and the light traffic let you enjoy the ride to the fullest. The views over the valley and the constant changes of direction make this first stretch a magnificent introduction to what awaits us for the rest of the day.

The section ends at a junction where you must turn left to join the N218-2.

End of section

Section 2: N218-2 - M542 (20.3 Km)

As soon as you leave the first stretch behind, the route continues along the N218-2, heading into one of the quietest areas of northeastern Portugal. The road surface is in very good condition and links broad bends with tighter ones as it follows the contours of the valley, offering dynamic, thoroughly enjoyable riding for any motorcyclist.

For much of the way you ride among small stands of oak trees, cultivated fields and dehesas dotted with holm oaks, a landscape that is very characteristic of the Bragança region. As you progress, the surroundings become more undulating and continuous views open up over the valleys of the Maçãs River and the Arbo River.

The route passes through the small town of Pinelo, where the rural atmosphere and traditional architecture remind you that you are travelling through one of the least altered areas of Portugal. From here the road regains its more enjoyable character, with a succession of bends that invite you to savour the riding at a relaxed pace while traffic remains virtually nonexistent.

The final kilometres run between gentle, vegetation-covered hills, alternating short straights with flowing curves until you reach the end of the stretch. At the junction, you must turn left to join the M542 road and continue on the next part of the route.

End of section

Section 3: M542 - Miranda do Douro (42.8 Km)

This second section leaves the surroundings of Bragança behind to fully enter the tranquility of northeastern Trás-os-Montes. The road has an excellent surface and a very varied layout, alternating long straights across open fields with gentle bends that make for relaxed riding while the landscape gradually changes.

The route passes through small villages such as Vale de Frades, Aveleda, São Martinho de Angueira and Cicouro, places where the pace of life is still shaped by farming and livestock raising. Their stone houses, cultivated fields and wide dehesas accompany the motorcyclist for much of the way, offering a very authentic picture of this borderland region.

As we continue, there are constant panoramic views over gentle hills covered with holm oaks, oaks and grasslands, an open landscape that conveys a pleasant sense of freedom. Traffic remains practically nonexistent, allowing you to fully enjoy an entertaining road with flowing curves and excellent visibility.

In the final kilometres the route once again approaches the Montesinho Natural Park, where the vegetation becomes more prominent before descending toward the vicinity of Miranda do Douro, where the section ends.

Miranda do Douro surprises with its privileged location above the impressive canyons of the Douro River. Its medieval streets, the Co-Cathedral, the walls and the spectacular viewpoints make this border town one of the must-see places in northeastern Portugal. In addition, Mirandese still survives here, the second official language of Portugal, along with a traditional culture that gives this corner of the country a unique personality.

End of section

Section 4: Miranda do Douro - Duas Igrejas (7.6 Km)

After leaving Miranda do Douro behind, the route gradually leaves the urban setting to return to the calm of secondary roads. For the first few kilometres, you ride on a wide roadway with excellent pavement, linking long straights and gentle bends that let you comfortably enjoy the scenery before heading once again into the rural landscape.

The road passes through small villages such as Vale de Mira, Cércio and Duas Igrejas, places where stone and traditional architecture still remain part of the everyday landscape. Little by little, the last buildings disappear and the route is once again surrounded by farmland, dehesas and small groves of oaks and holm oaks characteristic of the Planalto Mirandês.

The route is fast and very smooth, with a succession of wide curves and changes in elevation that make the ride especially enjoyable. The light traffic allows you to fully enjoy the journey while the views open out over a gently rolling land dotted with farms and small woodlands.

With one third of the route covered, we reach Duas Igrejas, where we will turn left to head south on the M602 .

End of section

Section 5: Duas Igrejas - N221 (13 Km)

This section runs along the N221-6, a secondary road with excellent pavement and a very smooth layout. The route crosses open, peaceful scenery, alternating gentle bends with long straights that let you enjoy a relaxed ride as you travel between cultivated fields and small patches of woodland.

The road meanders slightly through gentle hills, offering continuous views over the vast agricultural plains that define this part of northeastern Portugal. Traffic is practically nonexistent, which makes this stretch a true pleasure for those who enjoy riding without haste.

In the final kilometers, a few small farms and scattered houses appear before we approach the town of Picote. Little by little, the landscape becomes more inhabited, though it never loses the calm, rural atmosphere that accompanies the entire stage.

The section ends at a T-junction where we will turn left toward Miranda do Douro.

End of section

Section 6: N221 - Picote (-4 Km)

This stretch continues along the M1128, a narrow, perfectly paved road that crosses the vast plains of the Planalto Mirandês. The ride is fast and very enjoyable, with long straight stretches linked by gentle curves that let you enjoy relaxed riding and an open landscape that seems to go on forever.

The vegetation is dominated by dehesas, meadows, and small patches of holm oaks and oaks, while stone walls mark out numerous agricultural plots. This is an area where silence and calm accompany the rider throughout the whole route, with virtually no traffic at all.

As we approach Pereruela, the road comes to life a little more among trees and small farms. The first houses announce your arrival in this quiet village, where the traditional character of the towns in the area is still preserved.

The stretch ends at an intersection within Picote, where you must stop at the marked junction with a STOP sign, where we turn right.

End of section

Section 7: Picote - Vila Cha de Braciosa (-3 Km)

This stretch follows the M602 road all the way, a narrow road but in excellent condition that crosses the heart of the Planalto Mirandês. The route is straightforward and very enjoyable, alternating long straights with gentle bends that let you enjoy relaxed riding while the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see.

On both sides of the road, holm oak dehesas, small cultivated fields and meadows where livestock is commonly seen grazing predominate. The feeling of openness and the very light traffic make this route one of those ideal stretches for savouring the silence and vastness of this border region.

Along the way, a few elements appear that recall the area’s deep religious tradition, such as small stone wayside crosses set beside the road, witnesses to the history and popular culture of these lands.

The last kilometres announce the arrival in Vila Chã de Braciosa, where the first stone houses begin to emerge among the vegetation. The stretch ends as you enter the town, the point from which the next route will continue.

End of section

Section 8: Vila Cha de Braciosa - N221-7 (16 Km)

This stretch begins by leaving Picote on the N221, a modern, wide road that lets you make easy progress as you cross the gentle plains of the Planalto Mirandês. The surface is excellent, and the route combines long straights with broad bends, offering very smooth riding and magnificent views over the agricultural landscape that defines this region.

After the first few kilometers, the route approaches Sendim, one of the most important towns in Terra de Miranda. The road runs through the urban center along wide avenues, where traditional architecture blends with a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. If you have the chance, it is well worth stopping to get to know this town, closely tied to Mirandese traditions and local culture.

Once past Sendim, the road once again winds through fields of crops and dehesas dotted with holm oaks, recovering the serene character of the secondary roads of northeastern Portugal. Traffic remains very light, allowing you to fully enjoy the ride.

The stretch ends at a junction where you must turn left toward Bemposta.

End of section

Section 9: N221-7 - Bemposta (7 Km)

This stretch follows the N221-7 road towards Bemposta, crossing a wide plateau where the horizon seems to stretch on endlessly. The excellent condition of the road surface and the flowing layout make for comfortable riding, linking long straights with gentle bends among cereal fields, meadows and small patches of vegetation.

The feeling of openness is one of the main features of the ride. From numerous points, magnificent panoramic views open up over the Planalto Mirandês, a land of gentle undulations where traffic is practically nonexistent and the silence is broken only by the sound of the engine.

As we get closer to Bemposta, the landscape begins to feel more lived-in with the appearance of farm holdings and the first houses in the village. Little by little, the road leads us into the built-up area, where the atmosphere remains calm and thoroughly rural.

At kilometre 131 of the stage we reach the center of Bemposta, a town very well known for lying beside one of the great reservoirs of the River Douro and for being the gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Arribes del Duero, which we will discover in the next kilometers of the route.

End of section

Section 10: Bemposta - M569-1 (11 Km)

This stretch leaves Bemposta behind and heads back into the tranquillity of northeastern Portugal, following a narrow, very lightly trafficked road that winds between gentle hills, small holm oak woods and Mediterranean scrub. The road surface is in good condition and the route alternates long sweeping bends with short straight sections, offering a very pleasant and relaxed ride.

For much of the journey there is a constant feeling of isolation. Only a few scattered houses and small rural settlements such as Algoso appear, while the landscape opens up at numerous points, showing a mosaic of cultivated fields, pastureland and slopes covered in native vegetation. It is a perfect stretch for enjoying the surroundings and letting yourself be carried along by the unhurried rhythm of these border roads.

As we approach Douro, the road gains a little elevation and offers beautiful views over the nearby valleys before gently descending towards the village. The last bends announce the arrival in this small town, where the atmosphere once again is that of the most rural and authentic Portugal.

The stretch ends at the entrance to Douro, at a junction where we will turn left towards Peredo de Bemposta. From there we will continue discovering some of the loneliest and most scenic roads in the Trás-os-Montes region.

End of section

Section 11: M569-1 - N221 (15 Km)

This stretch runs through one of the most open areas of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, linking small villages along a quiet road with very little traffic. The route alternates gentle straights with wide bends that let you enjoy the ride comfortably while the landscape opens out into broad hills covered with pastureland, farmland and scrub.

After leaving Douro behind, the route passes through small rural settlements such as Ventozelo, Vilarinho dos Galegos and Bairro das Eiras, where time seems to move at a different pace. The stone houses, the neatly defined fields and the absence of traffic make this stretch a real invitation to enjoy the motorcycle without any rush.

As we continue, views over the Douro valley appear sporadically between the gentle undulations of the terrain. The horizon fills with wide agricultural landscapes and small livestock farms that reflect the most authentic essence of northeastern Portugal. The road always keeps a surface in good condition and a very flowing layout, ideal for enjoying the scenery without any surprises.

The stretch ends at a T-junction, where we must turn right to continue the route towards Mogadouro and Macedo.

End of section

Section 12: N221 - N315 (5 Km)

In this section we head into an area of more pronounced relief, where the road begins to wind between slopes covered with pines, holm oaks and scrubland. The route becomes much more dynamic, linking together broad, well-cambered bends that make the ride especially enjoyable for any motorcyclist.

We gently climb and descend following the lie of the land, enjoying magnificent panoramas over the valleys we leave behind. The rock cuttings, the slopes covered in Mediterranean vegetation and the light traffic allow us to enjoy a relaxed and very pleasant ride.

As we approach Miranda do Douro, the landscape begins to open up and the road becomes wider and faster. The first connections with main roads and the city access points appear, always on excellent pavement that invites us to keep enjoying every kilometre.

The section ends at a large roundabout, where we will take the second exit to continue our route along the N315.

End of section

Section 13: N315 - Indeterminada (2 Km)

We now take on this very short stretch that serves as a link between two of the most enjoyable roads on the stage. We ride along a wide road, with excellent pavement and barely any traffic, enjoying a relaxed ride as the landscape opens out on both sides between gentle hills, farmland, and small livestock farms.

The road lets us keep a steady pace and take in the horizon, where agricultural areas alternate with small patches of Mediterranean scrubland. The sense of openness and calm turns these few kilometers into a pleasant breather before tackling the next sector of the route.

We finish this short stretch by turning left to join one of those roads that have no name..

End of section

Section 14: Indeterminada - N220 (14 Km)

In this section we leave the outskirts of the IP2 behind and return to much quieter, twistier roads. The route leads us through a mid-mountain landscape where the road winds between hillsides covered with scrub, pine woods and small olive groves, offering very enjoyable riding and magnificent views over the valleys of northeastern Portugal.

The bends come one after another at a very pleasant pace, alternating quick changes of direction with short straight stretches that let us take in the scenery. As we go on, a few isolated farms and small rural settlements such as Estevais appear, where the peaceful atmosphere invites us to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

The excellent condition of the road surface and the practically non-existent traffic make this stretch one of those places where the road seems made for enjoying the motorcycle. Every corner reveals a new panoramic view and reminds us why this part of Portugal is a true paradise for travelling on two wheels.

By the end of this section we will have covered approximately 174 kilometers since leaving Bragança, a good example of the huge variety of landscapes that this third stage is offering us.

The section ends at a T-junction, where we will turn left towards Mogadouro and Freixo.

End of section

Section 15: N220 - N221 (3 Km)

After leaving the previous section behind, we continue along the N220, which crosses an unmistakably agricultural landscape, where broad cultivated fields gradually replace the more mountainous areas. We ride on a quiet road with a good surface and very little traffic, perfect for enjoying the surroundings at an unhurried pace.

The road traces gentle bends and small changes in elevation as we pass through the vicinity of Quinta da Macieirinha. The horizon always stays open, allowing us to take in the vastness of the Transmontano plateau, where farmland, stone walls and small rural holdings shape a landscape of remarkable authenticity.

As we draw near the end of the section, connections with main roads appear once again. The wide layout and excellent visibility make the ride especially comfortable, offering a pleasant transition before we continue discovering the roads of northeastern Portugal.

The section ends at a roundabout, where we will take the first exit to continue on the N221.

End of section

Section 16: N221 - M595 (80 Km)

We’re in for one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire stage. We leave behind the gentle inland plains and head toward the Douro International Natural Park, where the road begins to search for the deep canyon carved by the Douro River, one of the most impressive landscapes on the border between Portugal and Spain.

For the first few kilometers we ride among croplands, vineyards, and small agricultural holdings, but little by little the scenery changes completely. The road becomes much more winding and starts to descend between slopes covered with olive groves, almond trees, and Mediterranean scrub, offering us continuous panoramas over the stunning Arribes del Duero.

Every bend reveals a new natural viewpoint. The perfectly paved route adapts to the shape of the land, linking bends of every radius while we enjoy views that constantly invite us to stop and take in the scenery. It is one of those places where the road and the surroundings seem to have been created with those of us who travel on two wheels in mind.

The route takes us to Barca d'Alva, a small town located beside the Douro River and known for being the Portuguese end of the historic Douro railway line. From here depart numerous river cruises, and it is also possible to admire the impressive international bridge that links Portugal with Spain, in an environment dominated by the deep canyons carved by the river over thousands of years.

By the end of this stretch we will already have covered more than 260 kilometers, gradually approaching the final part of this magnificent stage, although some of its most memorable landscapes still await us.

After 80 kilometers of this section we arrive at a roundabout where we take the first exit toward Pinhel.

End of section

Section 17: M595 - M1062 (5 Km)

After leaving Barca d'Alva, we leave behind the spectacular Douro canyons and return to a more open, agricultural landscape. The road resumes a calm course, with gentle bends and long straight stretches, allowing us to enjoy relaxed riding as we pass a succession of small farms, olive groves and crop fields characteristic of this border region.

We ride along a narrow road that is in very good condition, practically deserted by traffic, where the silence of the surroundings is broken only by the sound of our motorcycles. On both sides, small agricultural holdings and scattered houses appear, reminding us of the distinctly rural character of this inland Portuguese area.

Little by little, we draw closer to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, one of the most important historic towns in Beira Interior. The landscape softens and the road comfortably leads us to the outskirts of the town, preparing us to keep discovering this land steeped in history.

The section ends at a roundabout, where we will take the third exit.

End of section

Section 18: M1062 - Souro Pires (6 Km)

This stretch brings us back to the quieter essence of Beira Interior. We leave behind the main roads and head onto the M1062, a narrow local road that winds gently between farmland, small livestock holdings and humble villages where rural life still sets the pace of everyday living.

The road, with a good surface and practically deserted traffic, invites us to enjoy relaxed riding. On both sides appear vineyards, meadows and stone walls marking the boundaries of the properties, creating a serene and very authentic landscape. It is easy to come across farmers working the land or agricultural carts, a scene that is part of the charm of this region.

As we approach Souro Pires, the route passes through small streets lined with traditional stone houses and red-tiled roofs, reminding us that we are still traveling through one of the most genuine areas of the Portuguese interior, where rural customs remain practically intact.

End of section

Section 19: Souro Pires - Ervas Tenras (5 Km)

We leave the previous stretch behind and continue along the N226, a well-surfaced road that winds between gentle hills and open fields. The route combines broad bends with small changes in elevation that make for very enjoyable riding, allowing us to take in the scenery without ever losing the rhythm.

For much of the way we ride through pine forests, holm oak groves and small farms, alternating more open sections with others where the vegetation comes close to the road. Traffic is usually very light, so we can focus solely on linking bends and enjoying the surroundings, always with magnificent views over the landscape of northeastern Portugal.

In the last few kilometres the road becomes somewhat straighter and the first scattered houses begin to appear, announcing the end of the stretch. Little by little we enter a more inhabited setting until we reach our next destination.

At kilometre 277 of the stage we arrive in Ervas Tenras, a small, quiet rural village where this stretch ends. We have now covered 277 kilometres since setting out from Bragança, a fine example of the variety of landscapes and roads this third stage is offering us.

End of section

Section 20: Ervas Tenras - M577-1 (10 Km)

We continue our route along the M577, a secondary road with excellent pavement that winds between small farms, meadows, and gentle undulations in the terrain. It is a quiet, uncomplicated stretch, ideal for enjoying the scenery and the pleasure of riding calmly through the heart of the region.

The road crosses several villages with a distinctly rural character, such as Mourados, Moinho de Aveia, and Esperdrada. There, time seems to move at another pace: stone houses, small squares, livestock grazing in nearby fields, and cultivated land accompany our ride. From one settlement to the next, we alternate straight sections with gentle bends, always surrounded by a very open and pleasant setting.

As we move on, the landscape becomes increasingly serene. Meadows give way to small stands of pine and holm oak, while the views open toward the soft hills of northeastern Portugal. It is one of those stretches that invite you to relax and simply enjoy the ride, letting the road set the pace.

At kilometer 287 of the stage, we reach the end of this stretch. At the T junction, we will follow the route sketch by turning left to join the next road and continue our journey toward today's destination, which is now very close.

End of section

Section 21: M577-1 - Carvalhal (3 Km)

We leave the previous junction behind to continue along the M577-1, a narrow road but in very good condition, winding its way between pine woods and gentle meadows. It is a short and very pleasant stretch, with broad bends and an impeccable surface that lets us enjoy a relaxed ride while the landscape alternates between wooded areas and small clearings.

The vegetation accompanies us practically the whole way. The pines provide shade in some places, while the holm oaks and open fields remind us that we are still crossing one of the quietest rural areas in northeastern Portugal. Traffic remains practically nonexistent, which turns this stretch into a true haven of peace.

After just a few kilometers, the first houses announce our arrival at the next town. The road keeps its good alignment until it takes us directly to the end of the stretch.

At kilometer 290 of the stage we arrive in Carvalhal, a small town where this stage comes to an end. You can already smell the finish, which is just 15 km away.

End of section

Section 22: Carvalhal - GUARDA (15 Km)

We pick up the road again on the N221 heading south, enjoying a wide road with an excellent surface and a very fluid layout. During the first few kilometers, we pass through small localities such as Guilhafonso, Martianes, Pêra do Moço and Rapoula, where rural life remains very much present among traditional houses, cultivated fields and wide meadows.

As we continue, the landscape becomes increasingly open. We alternate long straight stretches with gentle bends that make for relaxed riding while the horizon fills with soft hills and scattered woods. It is a fast and comfortable stretch, perfect for covering kilometers with hardly any traffic and enjoying the openness of this part of inland Portugal.

The last kilometers gradually bring us closer to a more urban setting. The roads widen, new junctions appear and the first residential areas announce the proximity of one of the main hubs of Beira Interior. Little by little we leave the rural atmosphere behind and head into a city steeped in history.

At kilometer 305 of the stage we arrive in Guarda, the highest city in Portugal, located at more than 1,000 meters above sea level and known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, its walled historic center and the magnificent viewpoints over the Serra da Estrela. This is where this stretch and this stage come to an end. A shower, a stroll through Guarda’s old quarter and more tomorrow.

End of section