By Dmytro Prudnikov
Guest Contributor
@99miles
“Breathe” is a 20-minute video from Dmytro Prudnikov that captures a north-to-south bikepacking journey across Portugal and into Spain. It’s a visually spectacular collection of moments from more than 1,300 kilometers through some of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes. Watch it here…
Additional photos by Simon Jones
Our journey encapsulated some 1,320 kilometers through Portugal, from Porto in the north to Sagres in the far south, then turning east and heading to Seville in Spain. Fog, sun, the ocean, tarmac, gravel roads, and endless stories. Moments of despair and happiness. Moments when I wanted to stop—and now, when I wish I could have gone on forever.
For years, Simon, Isabel, and I had a tradition: escaping northern Europe’s dark, grey winters. That winter, we decided to do something special. A few months prior, Simon had set an ambitious goal: to travel around the world by bike while working full-time as a data analyst for a remote software company. He had already begun his journey, crossing France and Spain, and we agreed to join him in Portugal, spending a few weeks pedaling from north to south with longer breaks in big cities. After an intense year, this trip was my way of unwinding, disconnecting from screens, and experiencing life beyond the daily grind. I expected a slow-living, digital detox adventure. I got so much more, and this video tells the story of our ride.
I arrived in Porto a few days early, using the time to explore while Simon wrapped up some work. The city charmed me with its beauty, vibrancy, and quiet December atmosphere. I strolled through its narrow streets, sipped coffee in cozy cafés, and watched the river glisten under soft winter sunlight. I could already tell I’d be back someday.
We set off from Porto, heading south. One thing to know about northern Portugal is that the roads are busy, packed with trucks, and not always cyclist-friendly. We did our best to take quieter routes, but the section between Porto and Coimbra was far from ideal. Things changed when we reached the coast: fewer cars, better roads, and stunning views.
From Coimbra, we continued on to Nazaré, expecting this to be one of the highlights of the trip, and wow, it was so worth it. Famous for its monstrous waves and fearless surfers, it had long been on our must-visit list. Just days before, the ocean had been in full rage, producing some of the biggest waves. By the time we arrived, it had settled, but the towering swells and breathtaking sunset were still awe-inspiring. Our plan was to snap a few photos and then head off for dinner, but we couldn’t tear ourselves away. We stayed until the very last rays of sunlight disappeared.
From Nazaré to Lisbon, the ride became easier and more enjoyable. We followed some of the EuroVelo 1 (EV1) route, weaving through national parks, gravel roads, and cliffside trails.
Preparing for the trip, I was ready for bad weather. Knowing that rain could last for days, I packed two rain jackets, waterproof pants, gloves, and even waterproof overshoes because nothing is worse than riding with soaked feet along Portugal’s windy coast. But luck was on our side, and the weather surprised us with bright, sunny days. Used to the harsh winters of northern Europe, we happily pedaled in short sleeves and shorts, much to the shock of local cyclists bundled up in long-sleeved winter gear.
Reaching Lisbon felt like stepping into another world. We settled into a cozy apartment, taking time to rest. But as magnificent as the city was, something inside me resisted. After days of solitude and open landscapes, I wasn’t ready for crowds. I wandered its streets, eager for the moment we could continue south.
And Portugal kept delivering. Beyond Lisbon, the country revealed its wildest and most breathtaking landscapes. Cliffs plunging into the ocean, remote gravel roads, and national parks untouched by mass tourism. One of my favorite moments was crossing the straits by ferry. There’s something deeply romantic about ferries on a bikepacking trip; maybe it’s the feeling of transition, the brief pause before the next adventure begins.
As we neared Lagos, the scenery grew wilder. Our last stretch before reaching the town took us through Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. It felt like another planet: vast, raw, and untamed. I’ve never been to Africa, but something about this landscape, the nature, and the zebras roaming in the distance reminded me of images I’d seen.
We arrived in Lagos on Christmas Eve, celebrating the holiday with Isabel and Cem. From there, our journey was about to take a more rugged turn as we veered east toward Spain, following sections of the European Divide Trail (EDT) in reverse. “Long-distance routes like this are made by maniacs who like to suffer,” Simon joked on his podcast, Tour de Everywhere. He wasn’t wrong. The trail was stunning, remote, and challenging. Fully loaded bikes meant plenty of hike-a-bike.
The area was incredibly isolated, and finding a hotel room was nearly impossible, so we had no choice but to wild camp in the forest. What might have seemed like an inconvenience turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. There was something special about setting up camp under the vast, starry sky, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature. Without city lights or distractions, we had time to reflect—not just on the adventure but on the essence of the holiday season itself. It wasn’t about presents or traditions; it was about being present, sharing laughter, and creating memories that would stay with us long after the journey ended.
One of the most breathtaking sections was cycling through the national parks of Castro Verde and Vale do Guadiana. There were rolling fields of wildflowers, white chamomile stretching like snow, and yellow blooms glowing like sunlight. It felt infinite, a sea of color spilling into the horizon. We rode through these flower fields all day; the area was almost flat, and it felt like an effortless day of joy.
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more surreal, we stumbled upon Mina São Domingos, an abandoned copper mine that looked like the most surreal place on Earth. Imagine being in the middle of a post-apocalyptic film or a computer game where the decorations were crafted by a psychotic props designer whose parents told them fairy tales about Mad Max and Duke Nukem before bed. Rusted ruins, deep craters filled with eerily colored water, and the kind of haunting silence that makes your skin tingle. As dusk fell, we joked about zombies until a lone figure, armed and moving toward us, sent us fleeing into the night.
Crossing into Spain, the adventure wasn’t over yet. The last days toward Seville were a mix of breathtaking landscapes and quiet reflection. Spain’s remote trails and occasional sections of the EDT kept the sense of adventure alive. The final stretch felt like both an ending and a beginning. Seville welcomed us with flamenco music, vibrant streets, and a celebration of everything we had experienced.
We ended our journey on New Year’s Eve, embracing the magic of Seville before Isabel, Cem, and I flew back to Germany. But for Simon, the adventure was only beginning. As we said our goodbyes, he pedaled on, chasing the horizon, ready for the next chapter in his ride around the world.
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