Cycling Portugal's Atlantic Coast

Arrival in Porto, a vibrant city set on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Douro River. Explore its old quarter, the Ribeira and its maze of narrow cobbled streets and beautiful plazas. From its UNESCO World Heritage Site medieval quarter to its large avenues of the early 20th century, Porto has so much to offer.

A transfer from Porto Airport brings you to your Porto Hotel.

This well-located, family-run hotel is in the heart of Porto and has 50 air-conditioned and beautifully decorated rooms with vintage furnishings. Guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace and relax in the library with a good book.

Your first day of cycling starts in Porto and you will make your way through the old town and cross Don Luis Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Almost all the way to Espinho you’ll follow a cycle path near the coastline, crossing numerous small beaches. Praia de Valadares, Francelos and Miramar are good spots to take a dip and enjoy the sunshine. Praia de Miramar is worth a stop to visit a small chapel by the sea, just beyond the beach, the Church of Senhor da Pedra. Not far from here is Espinho, where it is possible to take a break and either walk down the gangway that takes you through sand dunes to views over the Atlantic or down the mile-long beachfront promenade. If you are lucky you may see fishermen pulling in their nets or catch a beach volleyball match.

With its nice outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and the possibility of booking a massage this hotel is sure to allow some relaxation after your day’s cycling endeavours. There is also free WiFi.

105m elevation gain

This is an easy and enjoyable day of flat riding alongside the sea. Enjoy scenes and cycles through the Ria de Aveiro and through pine forests. This lagoon is 45km long and one of  Europes last remaining untouched coastal marshland. It is also a great haven for numerous bird species.

Today you will see also the incredible dune system of São Jacinto which is a nature reserve. Take the time to walk along the beach so that you can view the birds and wildlife.

Here in São Jacinto you will catch a local ferry to Aveiro and to your next accommodation.  Aveiro is a beautiful city, nick-named the ‘Venice of Portugal’ due to its network of picturesque canals and little humped-back bridges.

This hotel is situated in a 1930’s townhouse and offers 49 spacious rooms with plenty of modern amenities and some have a balcony. Even though it is centrally located, there is also a quiet garden where you can sit and relax.

170m elevation gain

Cycle out of Aveiro and across its canals and through the dune system that is close to the Ria de Aveiro. Following this huge dune by the inner road you’ll cross small villages looking inland to the calm waters of the Ria. Why not stop along the way and climb the dunes to take a look at the scenes over the Atlantic, just a few metres away. Next ride by small fields and vegetable gardens before entering Praia da Mira village, known for its silky sand beach and brilliantly coloured blue and white striped fishermen’s chapel.

This modern and spacious hotel, set in pine woods, allows for a relaxing stay with a lovely outdoor pool and beguiling rooms and public spaces. There are 30 accommodation units, a tennis court, WiFi and a reading garden.

155 m elevation gain

Today you will cycle across one of the biggest dune systems in the area which is covered in a pine tree forest. While cycling through this immense green expanse you will feel a sense of solitude as the roads are empty and distances between points are much longer than in previous days. Near Figueira da Foz begin to ascend and cycle up to the Serra da Boa Viagem from where you can catch views of rare  beauty such as countless beaches and the glittering Atlantic Ocean in the distance. Then head down to Cape Mondego lighthouse following the hills slopes into Figueira da Foz and its huge sandy beach.

This evening why not amble through this town’s  tight grid of central old town streets and find a local restaurant in which to eat dinner.

Located only 100m from the superb beach this hotel offers 32 rooms of an excellent standard and all tastefully decorated. Enjoy a drink in the bar and enjoy the use of free Wifi in your room.

420m elevation gain

Cross the bridge over the Mondego River and close to Carriço you’ll enter a cycling path, the Atlantic Way. This trail leads you through the Pinhal de Leiria, a pine tree forest which was apparently planted by a 15th century king in order to provide timber for the shipping fleet that made many discoveries and established the sea route to India. The cycling path also passes numerous small and pretty beaches where, if you wish, you can stop for a refreshing swim.

With a gorgeous cliff-top location, this hotel also boasts a panoramic restaurant from which you can watch amazing and colourful sunsets. It has elegantly decorated rooms and a spa.

380m elevation gain

The tour finishes after breakfast. A transfer will take to either Porto or Lisbon Airport for your onward journeys.