A 12 day bike tour along the beautiful western coast of Portugal, from Porto to Lisbon discovering everything these two cities and the ones in-between have to offer. Starting at
$1,209 per trip pp
Porto to Lisbon by the Atlantic Road is a cycling tour that follows the coastline of north central Portugal discovering some of the cultural and natural beauties of this land. The route starts at Porto city, renowned place for its Port wine and cellars of this wonderful wine and a vibrant city full of history and cultural site to unveil, is also a classified by the UNESCO as a World Heritage site. From the narrows streets and alleys of the old town the route crosses along the coast line beautiful beach resorts and small towns giving an insight over the Portuguese culture and live. On the way you'll cross the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve and the Ria de Aveiro, the estuary of the Vouga river which characterize part of the region arriving at Aveiro City, our little Venice with its channels and moliceiros boats. To the south the way crosses immense forest of pine trees, making solitude crossing the dunes system a big part of the day, stopping in small beaches to have a drink and watch the sea and contemplate. Continuing you trip you will visit typical fisherman villages and the most well preserved medieval village in Portugal, Ã"bidos. Discover Sintra - UNESCO World Heritage, a land of castles and palaces. The trip finishes passing by the most western point in Europe "Roca" Cape, an epic end for this wonderful trip.
Day 2: Bike Porto to Espinho (21km, +100m, Road) The day starts from Porto through the old town, to cross the Don Luis Bridge, designed and planed by Gustave Eiffel. Almost all the way to Espinho will follow a cycling path near the coastline, crossing numerous small beaches. Praia de Valadares, Francelos and Miramar are good spots to take a bath and enjoy the sun. Praia de Miramar is worth a stop to visit a small chapel by the sea, just off the waves, the Church os Senhor da Pedra.
Day 3: Bike Espinho to Aveiro (63km, +200m, Road) An easy and enjoyable day by the sea, riding flat. Pine forest trees and the Ria the Aveiro are sceneries that make the day prior to get to Aveiro. The river Vouga Delta (Ria de Aveiro) was formed from de 15th century, with the sea retreat. And nowadays it's a favourite place to catch shellfish and to enjoy water sports. The dune system of São Jacinto is a Natural Reserve, walks along the beach in the sea front are excellent and bird lovers are in a good area to watch wildlife. It's at São Jacinto that you catch the ferry to Aveiro.
Day 4: Bike Aveiro to Praia do Mira (40km, +150m, Road) The days starts going out of Aveiro and its canals to cross to a dune system that's close the Ria the Aveiro. Following this huge dune by the inner road you'll cross small villages looking inland to the calm water of the Ria. Why not stop along the way and climb the dunes to take a look to the more lively scenery of the sea, just a few meters from the road? By the end of the water arm of the Ria the way enters a small field and vegetable gardens to enter the Praia da Mira village.
Day 5: Bike Praia de Mira to Figueira da Foz (57km, +400m, Road) One day of solitude crossing one of the biggest dune systems covered in a pine tree forest. Here you can feel loneliness while cycling through this immense green scenary, roads are empty and distances between points are much bigger than previous days. Near Figueira da Foz, the big climb of the day. Cycling up to the Serra da Boa Viagem and then down to the lighthouse of Cape Mondego. Then follow the slopes of the hill into Figueira da Foz and its huge sandy beach.
Day 6: Bike Figueira da Foz to São Pedro de Moel (67km, +500m, Road) The day starts crossing the bridge over de Mondego River and for some kilometres follow a once important road. Arriving near Carrico you will enter in a cycling path, the Atlantic way, that leads you through the Pinhal de Leiria. A pine tree forest which is told to have been ordered by a king of the XIV century to be planted. And all of this to have timber to build the fleet, the one that would discover the world and the maritime way to India (hundreds of years later). A cycling path that crosses this immense pine forest and visits on the way numerous small beaches. In some places the felling of being alone is huge, but distances are not as big as the day before.Places like Praia do Pedrogão, da Vieira and São Pedro de Moel are like an oasis in the countryside of covered pine forest dunes.
Day 8: Ã"bidos to Peniche (52km, +550m, Road) Ride to the coast passing a beautiful lagoon. Discover Peniche Peninsula, a city full of fishing traditions. Discover and admire incredible rock formations on the cliffs and the beautiful Carvoeiro Cape (52km).
Day 9: Peniche to Ericeira (73km, +900m, Road) Ride along the sea and sometimes inland on a hillier region along agrarian fields with different crops and different colours. Pass by famous Surf beaches (73km).
Day 10: Ericeira to Sintra (38km, +900m, Road) Ride passing some beautiful beaches and small villages by the sea. Enter in Sintra region cycling on a constantly up and down along the Sierra. Visit an Incredible Palace (38km).
Day 11: Sintra to Cascais (41km, +1.100m, Road)
Day 12: Departure - Farewell at Lisbon Airport Transfer from Cascais to Lisbon (00h30).
Price Includes: - 11 Nights Lodging on Superior Accommodation. Breakfast included - Transfer on day of arrival from Airport OPO to the Hotel, followed by Tour briefing - Transfer from last Hotel to Airport LIS - Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel every day of the Tour - Pre Departure Information Pack - Tour Information - Information Book (includes Maps, Daily Information, Daily Maps, GPS Device Quick Manual) delivered at departure day at location - GPS Track and Device - Mobile Telephone (free to call us 24h / day) - Liability and Personal Accidents Insurance
Optional: - Luggage Transfer During Tour (up to 4 people): +720€ - GPS Rental for Tour: +95€ - Guided Tour (please inquire)
Bike Rental: - Hybrid Bike: +200€ - Road Bike: +300€ - Electric Bike: +400€ (per person, bike equipment included)
Antonio Gavinho
Discover, feel and taste Portugal! Hiking or Cycling? Self-Guided or Guided Tour? No matter what you are looking for, Portugal Nature Trails will organize your dream holiday! Check our tours or ask us for a tailor made itinerary! Portugal Nature Trails is a company targeting the foreign market an...
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