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Cycle Portugal’s Atlantic Coast

Cycle Portugal’s Atlantic Coast

From $ 4,195 AUD

Description

Cycle from Porto to Lisbon on this eight-day coastal adventure, following the prevailing winds along quiet roads and forest tracks through pine forests, lagoons, dunes and traditional fishing towns. Ride south via Ovar, Aveiro and Figueira da Foz, stopping for fresh seafood, sweet pasteis de nata and a glass of local ginginha. Continue through Vieira and Nazare before heading inland to medieval Obidos. Finish with along the Silver Coast, pausing in the surf village of Ericeira, Sintra and Mafra before arriving in Lisbon.

Trip Name
Cycle Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • Ride along Portugal’s excellent network of cycling paths, through verdant forests and to dramatic clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Discover the epic contrasts of Portugal, strolling like a local through the bustling streets of Lisbon and Porto and pausing in quiet seaside towns hugging the Atlantic shores.
  • Fuel up with some of Europe’s finest food and drink, perhaps some freshly caught seafood and sweet pasteis de nata washed down with a glass of local ginginha.
  • Marvel at the diverse history of Portugal with a visit to Sintra, home of 19th-century royal palaces and 8th-century Moorish castles.
  • Wander the canals of Aveiro, spot colourful moliceiro boats, admire Art Nouveau facades and taste ovos moles.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Porto
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your trip begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a walk along this romantic riverside city’s cobbled streets and old bridges. Maybe get the lay of the land from the top of the Baroque Clerigos Tower or wander the streets to Livraria Lello – a beautiful bookstore and architectural gem with Neo-Gothic interior, carved timber shelves and a stained-glass ceiling. Or try your hand at tile painting at a local studio, learning Portugal’s azulejo tradition. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group and get to know each other before you set off on two wheels tomorrow.
Day 2 - Ovar
Time to leave the city behind and get going along the scenic route from Porto to Ovar, hugging the Atlantic coastline and passing through seaside towns and pine forests on quiet coastal paths. Enjoy the rhythmic sound of the waves as you pedal south, taking in views of sandy beaches and traditional fishing villages along the way. Pause your ride in charming Furadouro, a relaxed beachside spot known for its laid-back atmosphere. Here, maybe reward the journey with a delicious seafood lunch, indulging in freshly caught fish, grilled shellfish and regional specialties while overlooking the ocean. Continue with a short 5km ride inland to the charming town off Ovar, famous for its azulejos, the colorful Portuguese ceramic tiles that adorn many buildings and churches. This is a great town to simply wander around, checking out the many churches - the Igreja de Válega is a must-see.
Day 3 - Aveiro
Continue your journey with a relaxed coastal cycle from Ovar to Aveiro. Pedal through stretches of fragrant pine forests and along peaceful lagoons, following flat, well-marked paths that make for an easy and enjoyable ride. Along the way, pass traditional fishing areas and salt pans, where the landscape opens into wetlands rich with birdlife. As you approach Aveiro, often called the ‘Venice of Portugal’, the scenery transforms into canals lined with colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau buildings. Arrive in the city with time to explore its waterside streets, sample local sweets like ovos moles and soak up the relaxed, maritime atmosphere.
Day 4 - Figueira da Foz
Cycle from Aveiro to Figueira da Foz today on a rewarding coastal ride that combines serene lagoon landscapes with expansive Atlantic views. Leaving Aveiro’s canals behind, you’ll follow quiet roads and dedicated cycling paths through dune systems, pine forests and seaside villages, with plenty of opportunities to take in the ocean air. As you approach Figueira da Foz, the scenery opens to wide, sandy beaches. Tonight, perhaps unwind with sunset drinks by the shore, watching the sky shift through warm hues over the Atlantic – the perfect relaxing end to a day of cycling.
Day 5 - Vieira
Ride from Figueira da Foz to Vieira today, following a scenic stretch of Portugal’s Atlantic shoreline. Weave through more pine forests, quiet dunes and wide sandy beaches that stretch along the coast. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the peaceful rhythm of the ride as you pass small fishing communities and wide natural landscapes. As you approach Vieira, known for its traditional fishing heritage and laid-back charm, it’s a good time to slow down, take in the ocean views and enjoy the simple beauty of the coast.
Day 6 - Obidos
Today you’ll make your way from Vieira to Obidos through some of Portugal’s most iconic coastal landscapes. Ride south toward Nazare, stopping to visit the famous Nazare Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs, wide sands and Atlantic views, to soak in the scenery. Continue inland to Caldas da Rainha, where you can sample cavacas (a traditional local sweet). From here, the journey will take you to the medieval town of Obidos, its castle walls and cobbled streets creating a fairytale atmosphere. End the day with a signature ginginha liqueur served in a chocolate cup and celebrate the ride.
Day 7 - Lisbon
Today, enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Obidos to Lisbon, with scenic stops along the Silver Coast. Travel first to Peniche – a coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views and an ideal place to stretch your legs. Continue to Ericeira – a seaside village famed for its surf culture and whitewashed houses above the sea, where you can grab a coffee or wander around. The journey then leads to Mafra, where you’ll see the Baroque Mafra National Palace. Your last stop before Lisbon is Sintra – home to royal palaces and Moorish castles. When you arrive at your destination, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate your journey.
Day 8 - Lisbon
There are no activities planned after breakfast today, and your adventure comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after checkout. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 4,195-
04-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 4,195-
18-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 4,195-
09-05-202716-05-2027AUD $ 4,195-
23-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 4,195-
13-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 4,195-
27-06-202704-07-2027AUD $ 4,195-
29-08-202705-09-2027AUD $ 4,195-
12-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 4,195-
26-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 4,195-
10-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 4,195-
24-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 4,195-
19-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 4,405-
02-04-202809-04-2028AUD $ 4,405-
16-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 4,405-
07-05-202814-05-2028AUD $ 4,405-
21-05-202828-05-2028AUD $ 4,405-
11-06-202818-06-2028AUD $ 4,405-
25-06-202802-07-2028AUD $ 4,405-
27-08-202803-09-2028AUD $ 4,405-
10-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 4,405-
24-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 4,405-
08-10-202815-10-2028AUD $ 4,405-
22-10-202829-10-2028AUD $ 4,405-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Minivan

Map