The Portuguese coast from Porto to Lisbon by bike

PORTO

Arrival at Porto.

From PORTO to OVAR 51km 300m

The stage begins by crossing Porto’s old town. Enjoy the Dom Luís Bridge, with its breathtaking views over the Douro. Then pedal along quiet, serene roads, mostly close to the sea. Along the way, cross several small beaches such as Valadares, Francelos and Miramar, wind your way along a path close to the shore. Although the water may be too cold for some, these beaches are an ideal place to take a dip and soak up the sun. Miramar beach is worth a stop to visit a small, intriguing chapel that sits atop a rock on the shoreline; the famous Capela do Senhor da Pedra. Overnight stay in Ovar near Furadouro.

From OVAR to AVEIRO 57km 200m

You pass through beautiful pine forests and enjoy easy, flat roads to the Ria de Aveiro. The Ria de Aveiro is a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. This unique wetland forms small clusters of islets. It’s a pleasure to pedal while admiring the scenery. After the lagoon, it’s on to the dunes of São Jacinto, an incredible nature reserve, home to many valuable species and the ideal place to observe wildlife! Finally, catch the ferry to Aveiro, nicknamed Portugal’s Little Venice.

From AVEIRO to PRAIA DE MIRA 49km 200m

As you leave Aveiro, you head down a path that crosses a land of ponds, where salt is extracted by an old traditional method passed down through generations. As you head-on, you arrive at a dock where you can view the harbor and some old codfish boats. After crossing the main bridge you arrive in Barra Village, a typical village settled down in a narrow stretch of a sand dune between the sea and the Ria. As the day goes on, you ride along the Costa Nova. You discover the “palheiros”, the colorful striped houses of the Costa Nova! A day rich in beautiful landscapes that ends in Praia de Mira.

From PRAIA DE MIRA to COIMBRA 62km 500m

This day starts on gravel roads, taking you through villages, towns until reaching the Mondego river, which guides you to the heart of Coimbra. This charming city was the first capital of Portugal, and the first University was placed there in 1537, where many Portuguese writers, doctors, philosophers, or scientists studied throughout the times. University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia was built in the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a historical place full of charm, beauty, and heritage, as the 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Cruz, several 16th-century colleges, the Joanine Library with a baroque decor, or the 18th-century Botanical Garden. There is a lot to see and explore around Coimbra!

From COIMBRA to MAIORCA 66km 300m

After visiting the amazing city of Coimbra, it’s time to continue your adventure through Portugal. Today, you cycle along the Mondego River, the longest river located exclusively on Portuguese territory. When you reach Montemor-o-Velho, an imposing castle comes into view. It’s one of Portugal’s oldest castles. As well as the castle and other important monuments, there’s nothing better than sampling the local “espigas doces” (typical Montemor cakes).

From MAIORCA to SÃO PEDRO DE MOEL 71km 400m

Today, you ride to São Pedro de Moel along the Atlantic Route cycle path, the largest in the country. One-on-one with the ocean! Breathe in the fresh air of the pine forests and feel the coastal breeze. Along the way, you’ll pass Pedrogão and Viera beach, two charming places where, to this day, locals still fish in the traditional way. Once in São Pedro de Moel, a picturesque seaside village, enjoy the fish dish of your choice overlooking the ocean.

From SÃO PEDRO DE MOEL to OBIDOS 68km 900m

You leave São Pedro de Moel along the wild coast. The village of Nazaré is the first highlight of the stage Typical fishing village, it is sublimated by a festival of color which can be seen in the houses and the boats. Nazaré is also known for its huge waves that delight experienced surfers. You continue pedaling near the sea to the beautiful bay of Foz do Arelho. Then you head inland and drive to the medieval town of Óbidos. In Óbidos, you discover one of the most picturesque and best preserved castles in Portugal. Once in Obidos, don’t forget to drink the bright red Ginja from the little dark chocolate cup, a delicious tradition not to be missed.

From OBIDOS to PENICHE 59km 600m

This day begins close to the lagoon of Óbidos, which is considered the most extensive coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast. As you continue heading south, you cycle inland through an area where dinosaurs once roamed. Almost at the end of the day, you discover an incredible place on a very small peninsula that looks like an island. Peniche is a city of fishing traditions. So, as you might expect, here you can find many seafood restaurants serving up tasty sea bass, seafood rice, and charcoal-grilled sardines, among others. Besides the sea and the local cuisine, Peniche is also known for the art of bobbin lacework and its incredible bays and beaches, popular among surfers.

From PENICHE to ERICEIRA 71km 800m

The day starts with some small rolling hills, through tiny Portuguese villages. Always not far away from the ocean, you pass by incredible valleys of limestone and vibrant green Mediterranean vegetation. An incredible coastal scenario that leads you to Ericeira through some of the most amazing beaches and cliffs of the region. Ericeira, known as the Portuguese Mecca of Surf, is one of the most beautiful and popular fishermen villages in Portugal. Picturesquely draped above the blue ocean, it also offers you the perfect place for an excellent seafood dinner. Enjoy the free time walking along the town’s old center and admiring the great vistas.

From ERICEIRA to SINTRA 50km 800m

Departing from Ericeira, you reach the natural park and the hills of Sintra. The profile is steep but the landscapes are well worth the pedal strokes. Enjoy the beauty of Monserrate Palace for a well-deserved break and visit the gardens and its exotic palace built in 1858. At the end of the day, you arrive at the beautiful UNESCO-listed village of Sintra. Enjoy free time to climb the mountain and discover the incredible Moorish castle dating back to the 8th century.

From SINTRA to CASCAIS 51km 700m

Your cycling day first immerses you in the mystical surroundings of the Franciscan Capuchin Convent. You then continue your journey along the Atlantic Ocean and arrive at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cape Roca, a promontory rising 150m above sea level. Discover impressive beaches nestled between cliffs, artistically sculpted by the power of nature and end with a scenic walk along the coast.

The stage ends in Cascais, a charming seaside town.

Transfer to Lisbon

After a transfer from Cascais to Lisbon explore the capital!
Prepare yourself to get lost while exploring the old
neighborhoods of Lisbon like Alfama, Graça, and Chiado,
discover the many viewpoints offering a magnificent view of
Lisbon. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa
district that opens on to the Tagus in Praça do Comércio, then
follow the river to discover some of the city’s most beautiful parts,
like the monumental area of Belém with its World Heritage
monuments, the medieval quarters and the latest contemporary
leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Nações.