Bruno
2172 kmDay 1 – Departure and the First Kilometres
The adventure began in Seville, at Ducati Seville, where I was warmly welcomed by Alfredo, who handed me the Multistrada V4 Rally. With excitement and ready to tackle hundreds of kilometres, I set off, heading to Badajoz. The iconic Puerta de Palmas was my first stop, an imposing gateway to the historical heart of the city.
From there, I headed to Monsaraz Castle, a medieval gem with breathtaking views. After that, I continued toward Lisbon.
Day 2 – From the Atlantic to the Central Hills
With the sunrise, I departed toward Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. This spot is a must-stop for any motorcyclist traveling through Portugal, where the Atlantic wind enhances the sense of freedom and the landscape inspires moments of contemplation.
Next, I headed to Mafra, where I visited the impressive Palace-Convent of Mafra, one of the jewels of Portuguese Baroque architecture. This monumental complex combines a palace, a convent, and a basilica.
The next destination was Óbidos, a charming medieval village, enveloped by the Christmas spirit. Continuing the journey, I passed through São Martinho do Porto, a beautiful coastal lagoon.
Afterward, the road took me to the magnificent Castle and Palace of the Counts of Ourém. From there, I proceeded to the Picoto da Melriça, the geographical centre of mainland Portugal, before ending the day in Belmonte.
Day 3 – The Top of Portugal
Belmonte is a town rich in history, with medieval castles and a strong connection to the Jewish community. I set off toward Serra da Estrela, the highest point in mainland Portugal. From the Serra, the route led me to Viseu, where I explored the serenity of the São Pedro do Sul thermal baths before heading to the Castelo de Aire, a medieval fortress surrounded by a picturesque village. The next stop was Porto. Coming back to Belmonte, I travelled along the renowned National 222, a road beloved by Portuguese motorcyclists for its curves and spectacular landscapes.
Day 4 – Castles and Medieval Villages
I left Belmonte again, this time heading to Vila Velha de Ródão, known for its unique views and imposing rock formations. I reached Nisa, and then I travelled to Castelo de Vide, and then to Marvão, a village surrounded by walls, with an imposing castle. This was one of the highlights of the day, with the welcoming atmosphere enhancing the experience. To close the day, I headed back to Lisbon.
Day 5 – By the Sea
The final day of the trip began in Lisbon, with the first destination: Comporta, a coastal area known for its peaceful beaches. From there, I continued to Troia, a peninsula with stunning landscapes. I took the ferry to Setúbal.
After this break from riding, I headed to the Arrábida Natural Park. The winding roads and coastal landscapes made this route unforgettable. The journey ended with the return of the Multistrada V4 Rally to Ducati Lisbon.
With the return of the bike, there was a feeling of mission accomplished. Portugal may be a small country in size, but it has so much to offer that it was impossible to visit all the spots. So, consider this as an invitation to explore this magnificent country and experience a little bit of everything from the north to the south, both on and off the road!
The best part of it all was being selected to participate in the event. It was an opportunity to test another bike along various roads in Portugal and Spain. One funny part of the trip was dealing with people who, after seeing an Italian bike in Portugal, would approach me thinking I was Italian and were surprised to hear about the event.
The weather challenges in some parts were undoubtedly made manageable thanks to the Multistrada and its features. Covering over 2,172 kilometres, I became accustomed to the bike and I quickly forgot it wasn’t mine, along with the smile it brought to my face at every curve. It’s is something I’ll never forget. If you ask me which moment of the trip I’d choose to relive, it would undoubtedly be the Serra da Estrela and the climb to the Torre!
It has been a unique and unforgettable experience, starting with the Multistrada V4 Rally. From the first few kilometres, the bike impressed with its stability. The neutral point warning system in the mirrors proved practical and quickly became a must have, a feature I believe should be standard on all motorcycles. The bike was extremely agile in corners, maintaining the sporty spirit characteristic of the Ducati brand. Another highlight was the wind protection provided by the large adjustable screen and the 30-liter tank. The heated grips turned out to be the best I’ve ever tested. Additionally, the heated seat was a true luxury on cold days. Switching riding modes was intuitive and practical, as the menu operates identically to that of my Desert X.
The stages
Find day after day the different stages and especially the GPX tracks that you can download