The best cycling routes around São Mateus

There are 5 touring cycling routes around São Mateus listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

Yes, there is one easy touring cycling route. The Friar's Mill – Church of Saint Mary Magdalene loop from Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is 28.7 km long with a moderate elevation gain of 142 meters, making it suitable for a more relaxed ride.

São Mateus offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You can expect a mix of coastal roads, some paved and others more rustic, near beaches like Praia de Guriri and Praia de Urussuquara. Inland routes may feature more rugged terrain, lush vegetation, and potentially unpaved tracks, especially when heading towards areas with waterfalls or along the Rio Cricaré.

Yes, several routes are circular. For instance, the challenging Pico Médio Granfondo — circular route on Ilha do Pico covers 105.2 km with significant elevation, and the Lagoas do Capitão, Seca e do Caiado — circular route on Ilha do Pico is a difficult 25.8 km loop.

São Mateus is rich in natural beauty. Along the coast, you'll encounter diverse beaches like Praia de Guriri with its clear sands and the ecological Project Tamar base, or Praia de Urussuquara with its restinga vegetation and dunes. Inland, the region boasts several waterfalls, such as Cachoeira do Inferno and Cachoeira da Jararaca, and scenic views along the Rio Cricaré. While the routes listed specifically mention attractions like Captain's Lagoon and Pico Mountain Summit, these are part of a broader natural landscape that touring cyclists can explore.

São Mateus has a tropical climate, making it suitable for cycling year-round. However, the period between September and March is notable for marine turtle nesting, particularly around Praia de Guriri, adding an ecological highlight. Generally, the drier seasons might offer more comfortable riding conditions, but the lush vegetation is vibrant during the wetter months.

Yes, São Mateus offers several challenging routes. Four of the five listed routes are rated as difficult. For example, the Pico Médio Granfondo — circular route on Ilha do Pico is a demanding 105.2 km ride with nearly 1600 meters of elevation gain, and the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene – View of Pico Island loop from Aeroporto da Ilha do Pico is a 67.6 km path with over 1200 meters of climbing.

The touring cycling routes in São Mateus are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Over 20 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, appreciating the diverse landscapes from extensive coastlines to hilly interiors.

Absolutely. The region's varied topography, including elevated areas along the Rio Cricaré and the significant climbs on some routes, suggests opportunities for panoramic vistas. The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene – View of Pico Island loop from Aeroporto da Ilha do Pico, for instance, is specifically noted for offering substantial climbs and panoramic views.

Yes, the Lagoas do Capitão, Seca e do Caiado — circular route on Ilha do Pico is a difficult route that specifically features lagoons, offering scenic waterside cycling experiences. Additionally, the Captain's Lagoon is a notable natural monument in the area.

The routes in São Mateus vary significantly in distance. You can find shorter routes like the 25.8 km Lagoas do Capitão, Seca e do Caiado — circular route on Ilha do Pico, or longer, more challenging rides such as the 105.2 km Pico Médio Granfondo — circular route on Ilha do Pico.