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This cycling holiday in Portugal leads you from the city of Porto, southwards along the Atlantic coast, unveiling some of the country’s most beautiful and rugged scenery along the way. Besides some truly charming villages you’ll also pass huge sand dunes, pine forests and some amazing unspoilt beaches.
Porto is a great place to start, from the UNESCO World Heritage old town to its elegant, wide boulevards – and let’s not forget its famous port wine. Heading out from the city you’ll soon discover countless hidden coves and idyllic sandy beaches as you make your way southwards along the coast.
Aveiro
Cross the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve and the nature-filled Vouga River estuary as you approach Aveiro, a quaint city of canals and boats. As you continue your journey you’ll also stop off at memorable small, beach towns like Praia da Mira and Figueira da Foz, your eventual destination. The route will also lead you inland to the charming, cultural city of Coimbra - once the capital of Portugal
You’ll be riding on smooth, flat roads, lanes and pathways and will averaging between 42 and 62 kms per day. This Portuguese cycling holiday is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and e-bikes are an available option. This tour is pleasant, even during the height of summer as Atlantic sea breezes keep you cool.
Arrive at Porto Airport and be transferred to your first hotel. This vibrant coastal city is a great place to explore on foot, from its UNESCO designated medieval core to its wide, more modern boulevards.
After making your way through Porto’s old town you’ll cross the Douro River on the famous Don Luís Bridge and start to follow the coastal cycling path south. Along the way you'll pass several lovely beaches like Valadores, Francelos and Miramar. The water temperature might put off some but if it's hot you might be tempted to stop for dip. In Miramar we recommend a stop to admire the little chapel on the beach (Capela do Senhor da Pedra). The idyllic coastal leads you on down the coast and after a ride through a shady pine forest you arrive in the charming little beach resort of Furadouro where you will spend the night.
Continue cycling south along the idyllic Portuguese coast on lanes and cycle paths through pine forests to the Aveira Lagoon, a shallow coastal lagoon that is part of the Vouga river delta. These wetlands are a haven for wildlife and a pleasure to cycle though. Arrive at the São Jacinto dunes, here we recommend a walk on the lovely beach which is also a nature reserve to admire the many species of birds that gravitate here. You then take the ferry across the mouth of the River Aveiro to the town of Aveiro, where you’ll spend the night (Ferry at Sao Jacinto, to be paid locally, approximate cost €5 per person). Take a wander through the historic old town admiring the brightly painted fisher-men’s houses.
Heading out from Aveiro you’ll pass the salt pans where this precious mineral has been harvested using the same techniques for centuries. You then cross the bridge and pedal beside lower section of the Aveiro Lagoon southwards. The pleasant and easy route alternates between the lagoon and the beach along this narrow strip of land, offering eventually delivering you to the quaint village of Praia da Mira. The town's fabulous beach is considered by many to be one of the finest in the country.
Today the route leaves the coast and leads you inland. You 'll pass through small villages and towns as well as pine forests as you gently ascend. Finally, a cycle path beside the Mondego River brings you to the fascinating and unique town of Coimbra. The original capital of Portugal, this beautiful old city has a rich history, stunning architecture and is overflowing with culture. All that said it also has a hip and trendy vibe, probably due to it being home to one of Europe's oldest universities. You're bound to enjoy you night in this fascinating place.
The Mondego River will be your guide today as you follow the idyllic riverside path back to the Atlantic Coast. Along the way you will leave the river briefly to visit the small fortified town of Montemar-o-Velhoi. Perched on a small hill overlooking the river, the town originates from Roman times and has stood here, in one form or another, for at least 2000 years. You then continue to follow the river back to the coast and after a while you reach journey's end in the pleasant ocean-side town of Figueira da Foz. Here you will fond a fabulous beach as well as plenty of cosy bars and restaurants to celebrate completing your ATlantic Coast cycling adventure.
After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure. A transfer is included to take you to Porto Airport.
On this tour you can choose between a regular trekking bike or an e-bike.
Regular bike: A great quality Shimano rear derailleur, SR Suntour suspensions, a softer saddle, and ergonomic non-slip rubber handles provide a smooth and comfortable ride on every surface. Schwalbe tires, ensuring grip and enhanced resistance to punctures, good Shimano brakes, and a stiff aluminum frame, will assure a safe and worry-free journey.
E-bike: A great quality Shimano rear derailleur, SR Suntour suspensions, a softer saddle, and ergonomic non-slip rubber handles provide a smooth and comfortable ride on every surface. Schwalbe tires, ensuring grip and enhanced resistance to punctures, good hydraulic Shimano brakes, and a stiff aluminum frame, will assure a safe and worry-free journey. Yamaha or Bosch Power Tube 500Wh battery will be the boost you’ll need to get the most out of your tour.
All bikes come with helmet, handlebar bag, rear rack and bag
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Charming Superior hotels.
Porto: NH Porto Jardim
Furadouro: Furadouro Boutique Hotel
Aveiro: Turim Aveiro Palace
Praia da Mira: Hotel Maçarico
Coimbra: NH Coimbra Dona Inês
Figueira da Foz: Fonte da Foz
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Porto Airport where you will be picked up and dropped off at either end of your holiday.
Research flights from the UK here
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