Portugal – Coastal Highlights Bike Tour

Travel from the airport to Porto (20 min) center or 3 hrs by train from Lisbon to Porto. From Porto airport or rail station, arrive to your centrally located hotels on your own. (Taxi or by foot.) Your welcome orientation and bike set-up is at 5:00 PM this afternoon.

Porto is a vibrant city, and its narrow streets and alley make it a fantastic place to wander! From the old Middle Age quarter which is UNESCO classified, to the large avenues of early twentieth century, Porto has a lot to explore and enjoy!

Highlights: arrival, 5:00 PM welcome orientation
Overnight: Porto

Today you will cycle on calm and serene roads, with fresh ocean breezes and sea views. On the way, you will cross several small beaches, such as 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 dip and enjoy the sun (if the weather conditions allow it!) Miramar Beach is especially worth a stop to visit the little chapel that sits on the top of some rocks by the shore; the famous Capela do Senhor da Pedra.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 45 km / 28 mi, elev gain +200m
Overnight: Furadouro

After a great breakfast, get ready to ride around Furadouro! On this day you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of this town and stop for some visits and activities. The tile factory is an example of where you will see ceramics and tiles with typical paintings, such as arrastão or moliceiro boats, beaches, fishermen, and sardines, to name a few. On the way and in the area of Ovar, there is the church of Santa Maria de Válega, known for its beautiful, brightly colored tiles on the facade; it truly is a must see. After your ride, it is back to the hotel, where you can rest and enjoy its amenities.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 49 km / 30 mi, + 510m
Overnight: Furadouro

Another day with fresh air by the sea! Today you have some magnificent pine forests to ride through, as well as easy, flat roads that lead you to Ria de Aveiro. The Ria de Aveiro is a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. You will then arrive at the vegetation-rich dune system of São Jacinto, an incredible natural reserve that is home to many valuable species and is the perfect place to watch some wildlife! Then, you will catch the ferry to Portugal’s own “little Venice,” Aveiro.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 39 km / 24 mi, elev gain +150m
Overnight: Aveiro

As you leave Aveiro, you will head down a path that crosses an area of ponds. It is from here that salt is extracted by a very old and traditional method, one that is passed down through the generations. As you head on, you will arrive at a dock in which you can view the harbor and some old codfish boats. After, you will cross the main bridge and arrive in Barra Village. From here, you will head south on the bicycle path, which avoids the open road and traffic. As you arrive to the end of it, the landscape will begin to change into small fields and vegetable gardens, right up until Mira Beach.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 41 km / 25 mi, elev gain +150m
Overnight: Praia de Mira

Today you will leave Praia Mira by riding towards the inland way to Coimbra. Starting from your hotel, you will cross the river and follow some channels, agriculture fields and very little villages. During the first part of the day, you will pass the river beach of Fervença, which has a nice natural swimming pool and cafe. Stop to enjoy a swim and a refreshing drink! After, the path begins to approach the historical city of Coimbra. Perched on top of the hill you can see the “old quarter” and the University, one of the oldest in Europe and the second oldest on the Iberian Peninsula. From this point, you will soon reach the hotel, where you can enjoy time to explore and relax.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 59 km / 37 mi, elev gain +500m
Overnight: Coimbra

Today is your departure day. After breakfast, transfer to Porto is included at 10:00 AM or earlier. (2.5 hr to Porto). A transfer to Lisbon is possible for a supplement; please inquire. Trains are also an option to reach Lisbon. Please let us know if we can assist you in booking additional nights in Coimbra, or if you’d like to continue on another cycling tour in Europe!

Meals: breakfast