22 - 73 km
100 - 800 m
12 Days & 11 Nights
Porto and Sintra, UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Tour Grade
- Distance
21 – 73 km / day
- Profile
First half flat, second half mostly moderately hilly with some short but steep ascents/descents
- Route
100% road
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Bikes
200 EUR
Included Equipment
Handle-bar bag, rear bag, rear rack, pedals, spare tubes, helmet, water bottle, tools and pump.
400 EUR
Included Equipment
Handle-bar bag, rear bag, rear rack, pedals, spare tubes, helmet, water bottle, tools and pump.
300 EUR
Included Equipment
Handle-bar bag, rear bag, rear rack, pedals, spare tubes, helmet, water bottle, tools and pump.
Itinerary
Arrival in Porto
Welcome to Porto!
Porto is an amazing city ,which has something mystical that is difficult to describe. Take the rest of the day off to experience the city, taste the food, reach the sightseeing spots and interact with the lovely people. This is where your journey begins!
Bike from Porto to Espinho
This first day starts from the old Porto crossing, the Don Luís Bridge, which has a spectacular view over the Douro River.
On the way, you will cross several small beaches like Valadares, Francelos and Miramar by cycling on a path near the coastline. Although the water might be too cold for some, these beaches are a great spot to take a bath and enjoy the sun (if the weather conditions allow it!). Miramar Beach is worth a stop to visit a small and intriguing little chapel that sits on the top of a boulder by the shore; the famous Capela do Senhor da Pedra.
Bike from Espinho to Aveiro
Another fresh day by the sea!
You will also have some magnificent pine tree forests to cross and enjoy some easy, flat roads leading you to Ria de Aveiro. The ria is a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. It's unique mesotidal wetland area has several branches forming islands and is an absolute pleasure to ride along to. You will then arrive at the dune system of São Jacinto, an incredible natural reserve home to many valuable species and perfect place to watch some wildlife! At last, this is where you will catch the ferry that will take you to our own little Portuguese Venice, Aveiro.
Bike from Aveiro to Praia de Mira
The path leaving Aveiro crosses a land of salt-harvesting ponds, offering interesting views of the ancestral work in the estuary.
The route ahead follows a dock, offering views of the harbour of Aveiro and some old codfish-catching boats. Soon you will cross the Ria de Aveiro on a bridge and arrive at Barra Village. Head south on the bicycle path which avoids the open road. You will be riding between Ria and Ocean, so feel the contrast between salty and sweet, between wild and calm. As you arrive at the end of the Ria, the scenery changes to small fields and vegetable gardens until you Mira Beach, today's destination.
Bike from Praia de Mira to Figueira da Foz
A day of solitude crossing one of the biggest dune systems which is covered by a pine tree forest.
Here you can feel the nature and listen to the silence while cycling through this immense green scenery. By the end, you'll go up Serra da Boa Viagem (Good Journey Hill), a massif made of Jurassic limestones with a great spot to view the Atlantic on its summit! You will finish by going down to the lighthouse of Cape Mondego and continue onto the touristic town of Figueira da Foz, known for its enormous beach front.
Bike from Figueira da Foz to São Pedro de Moel
The day starts crossing the bridge over de Mondego River.
Follow the road N109 until you reach Carriço, where you will enter the cycling path named the Atlantic Way. There, you will be once more surrounded by a pine forest and its pleasant scent. The forest is also a symbol of Portugal's history as it was planted in the 14th century to build a fleet for the adventurous Portuguese discoverers. As you make your way, you will pass by some small beaches, some of which are entirely deserted, making for a peaceful stop. Places such as Pedrogão, Vieira Beach and São Pedro de Moel are a sort of oasis in a countryside covered with pine forest dunes.
Bike from São Pedro de Moel to Óbidos
We are halfway through the tour, but the excitement never ceases or falters!
You will leave S. Pedro de Moel and ride along the coast until the epic cliff of Nazaré, which is a typical Portuguese fishing village where the daily catch is still dried off under the sun. You will then continue to Óbidos, the most beautiful and well-preserved village in Portugal, which has an incredible castle resting at its summit. Feel the middle-aged theme in the air as you let this place put a spell on you.
Bike from Óbidos to Peniche
This day will begin close to the lagoon of Óbidos, which eventually connects to the ocean, creating a wonderful place with a gorgeous beach.
As you continue heading south you will discover great rock formations, the Carvoeiro cape and the incredible town of Peniche, which rests on a peninsula. On this day, do not forget to enjoy the numerous restaurants located in Peniche as they serve and outstanding variety of fresh fish and seafood.
Bike from Peniche to Ericeira
Today, you will be starting by the sea. However, after a short ride, you will head back inland where an entirely different scenery presents itself.
Authentic and rustic Portuguese villages with white houses and red roofs surround by a beautiful countryside that will invigorate you. As you pass through incredible valleys of limestone and vibrant, green Mediterranean vegetation you will approach your destination - Ericeira, the Portuguese Mecca of surf. Ericeira is also one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Portugal and will be your home for the night.
Bike from Ericeira to Sintra
The Sintra Natural Park and its hills will be the set for today's adventures which will involve a route that is a constant up-and-down.
However, before, delight yourself with some of the beautiful places Sintra has to offer, such as Monserrate Palace. Here, you can stop and visit a unique and exquisite example of Romanticism. Once you arrive at the village of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage Site), you will have a whole free day to explore and discover its mystique. We recommend visiting the astonishing Pena Palace, a fairy-talish palace with a sequence of fantasy-like domes, towers, ramparts and walkways on one of the highest mountain peaks of Sintra.
Bike from Sintra to Cascais
On the last day of biking, you will cross the hills all the way to the top, close to the mystical Convento dos Capuchos.
As you continue, your ride will take you to the Atlantic Ocean where you will arrive at the westernmost point in continental Europe - Cape Roca, a promontory rising 150 meters above the ocean. Discover the impressive beaches nestling between the cliffs that have been artistically sculpted by the water and wind. Ride along the coast and finally arrive to Cascais, a lovely seaside town.
Departure
This is it! It went by so fast.
Today, it is time to gather all your memories, luggage, belongings and say goodbye to Portugal. It has been a great adventure and we would love for you to come and discover more of Portugal's Nature Trails.
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