Melres to Recarei Road Through Valongo National Park Along Rio Sousa

The Melres to Recarei road is situated in Portugal, within the Valongo municipality. It connects the towns of Melres and Recarei, with Melres located approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the road's starting point and Recarei less than 1 kilometer (0.5 miles) from the endpoint. The road traverses the Valongo National Park, a protected area known for its natural environment and biodiversity. The route also runs alongside the Rio Sousa river for a significant portion, providing a natural corridor that enhances the riding experience. The elevation along the road ranges from 46 meters (151 feet) to 148 meters (486 feet), indicating gentle elevation changes suitable for a comfortable ride. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The road extends for approximately 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles) and features an asphalt surface of very good quality, rated 4.7 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, offering a riding experience that balances technical turns with stretches of more straightforward riding. It predominantly consists of two lanes (about 86%), with a small portion of one-lane sections (6%). The width of the road is mostly wide (about 76%), with some middle-width sections (19%) and a few narrow parts (4%). The speed limit is set at 50 km/h (31 mph), reflecting the road's passage through inhabited areas and natural parkland. Approximately 22% of the road passes through inhabited zones, including the avenues Avenida de Santa Marta and Avenida Nossa Senhora do Salto, which are part of the route. The road's alignment along the Rio Sousa river covers about 62% of its length, offering riders views of the waterway and adjacent natural landscapes.

The Melres to Recarei road passes through the Valongo National Park, a designated protected area that preserves local flora and fauna. The park is part of the Natura 2000 network, which aims to safeguard Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Riders can appreciate the natural surroundings, including the river corridor of Rio Sousa, which flows into the larger Rio Douro. Along the route, there is at least one notable viewpoint that provides an opportunity to stop and observe the landscape. The proximity to the river and the park enhances the environmental value of this road section, making it an interesting choice for riders who appreciate nature and outdoor settings. More information about the park can be found on the Valongo National Park Natura 2000 site.

Motorcyclists planning to ride the Melres to Recarei road should note the moderate curviness and good surface quality, which make for a pleasant and manageable ride. The road width and lane distribution support safe overtaking and comfortable riding for most of the route. The speed limit of 50 km/h (31 mph) requires riders to maintain moderate speeds, especially when passing through inhabited areas. Since the road passes through a national park, riders should be mindful of environmental regulations and respect the natural surroundings. There are no known tolls or entrance fees for this road section, but riders should verify current conditions as these may change. The road is open year-round, with no reported seasonal closures or event-related restrictions. For more information on road tolls and fees in Portugal, riders can consult the official government transport website.

The Melres to Recarei road offers a moderately twisty, well-maintained asphalt route through a natural park and along a river, connecting two towns in Portugal. It is suitable for riders seeking a balance of natural scenery and manageable road conditions. The road's passage through Valongo National Park and adjacency to Rio Sousa provide environmental interest and opportunities for stops at viewpoints. Below is an interactive map showing the exact road section discussed in this article.