Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Adventure begins in Porto

   Begin your adventure in Porto, the UNESCO-listed city where the River Douro meets the Atlantic and port wine was born.
   
   Around 6pm, say olá to your tour leader and fellow travelers as you gather for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
   
   Your tour leader then ensures you receive a big Portuguese welcome by arranging a group dinner.

   • Neya Hotel or similar
   • Dinner

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     The UNESCO heritage city of Porto

     Discover this historic city on day 1 of the tour

2. Day 2Gentle coastal ride to historic Ovar via the lively seaside town of Furadouro

   Route: After leaving Porto, mostly flat riding along cycle paths until Furadouro region, then short ride to Ovar with slight climb. Terrain: 80% paved cycle paths, 20% paved roads.This morning you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in the more peaceful atmosphere of the Atlantic shore. Starting from Porto, you will ride along the Douro River until its estuary. You then follow the coast, mostly on cycling paths, enjoying some inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way.
   
   During this ride, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for drinks or snacks in traditional Portuguese cafes, right by the Atlantic Ocean! After following a cycling path which crosses a pine tree forest, you will reach lively Furadouro, a seaside town renowned for its excellent fish. Free time for a swim (seasonal), before riding to historic Ovar. The pretty town is best-known for the glazed tiles known as azulejos, which adorn many of the local houses in the old part of the town. Overnight in Ovar.

   Route: After leaving Porto, mostly flat riding along cycle paths until Furadouro region, then short ride to Ovar with slight climb. Terrain: 80% paved cycle paths, 20% paved roads

   • 26.7 miles
   • 524.9 ft
     524.9 ft
   • Aqua Hotel or similar
   • Breakfast

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     Aqua Hotel

     Stay in this lovely 4-star hotel with a contemporary design on day 2 that's centrally located in town

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     Aqua Hotel

     Stay in this lovely 4-star hotel with a contemporary design on day 2 that's centrally located in town

3. Day 3Cycle to Mira via the protected Natural Reserve of the São Jacinto dunes; visit to the pretty coastal town of Costa Nova

   Today's ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of Sao Jacinto, one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshland and habitat of numerous bird species. You will pedal through scenery of sandy beaches, marshland and rolling dunes peppered with grasses and creepers. This is home to a plethora of birds, insects, small animals and unusual flowers and plants. After a short transfer by ferry, you will leave the lagoon and continue cycling to the small town of Costa Nova, a picturesque village characterised by multi-coloured striped houses. The ride ends in the seaside town of Mira, known for its infinitely long beach rated as one of the best in Portugal.
   

   Route: Flat day starting with cycling to São Jacinto, ferry crossing from São Jacinto to Aveiro. Slight climb for bridge crossing, continue flat to Mira.
   Terrain: 65% paved cycle paths, including 0.6mi (1km) of dirt road, 35% paved roads.

   • 35.4 miles
   • Macarico Beach Hotel or similar, Mira
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Costa Nova

     Arrive in this picturesque village on day 3 with the unique multi-coloured striped houses

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     Maçarico Beach Hotel, Praia de Mira

     Fantastic 4-star hotel, located in front of the Mira beach with a contemporary design and an incredible rooftop pool

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     Maçarico Beach Hotel, Praia de Mira

     Fantastic 4-star hotel, located in front of the Mira beach with a contemporary design and an incredible rooftop pool

4. Day 4Follow the Portuguese Silver Coast and ride to Figuera da Foz

   Today's ride takes you through one of the biggest dune systems in the area covered in a scenic pine tree forest. The route is mainly flat and the roads quiet and peaceful making the cycling very pleasant and relaxing. The tour operator aims for you to arrive in the lively town of Figuera da Foz in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Figuera da Foz and its extensive beach (nicknamed 'Rainha das Praias' - Queen of beaches) - there are lots of lovely cafes and bars to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and some excellent restaurants.

   Route: Mostly flat ride along cycle paths and secondary roads to Quiaios, short, steep climb to Serra da Boa Viagem. Descent and flat ride to Figueira da Foz.

   Terrain: 55% paved cycle paths, including 2mi (3km) of dirt road, 45% paved roads.

   • 39.1 miles
   • Universal Boutique Hotel or similar, Figuera da Foz
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Figuera da Foz

     Arrive in this delightful town with the queen of beaches waiting for you

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     Universal Boutique Hotel, Figuera da Foz

     A 4-star, charming hotel with character and style set in a central and beachside location

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     Universal Boutique Hotel, Figuera da Foz

     A 4-star, charming hotel with character and style set in a central and beachside location

5. Day 5Forest and coastal ride to the village of Sao Pedro do Moel; free time to relax by the beach or explore the town

   Today, you enter Portugal’s Silver Coast and ride along a cycleway that follows the Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road). Your route takes you mainly through pastoral land and the remains of the vast Pinhal de Leiria (Leiria Pine Forest), originally planted in the 15th century to provide timber for Portugal’s shipbuilding industry during the Age of Discovery.
   
   Unfortunately, vast areas of the forest were destroyed in 2017 by one of the fiercest forest fires in a century. Little more than 3,700 acres (1,500ha) remain of the original 27,200 acres (11,000ha). Although maritime pine is a fast-growing tree, the forest will take many more years to regenerate. You’ll also be supporting forest regeneration efforts, which work with local schools and communities to replant trees.
   
   Leaving the forest behind, you follow a coastal route in the afternoon to reach the picturesque town of São Pedro de Moel. Here, enjoy some free time to relax at the beach or unwind at your hotel overlooking the sea.

   • 38.5 miles
   • Mar & Sol Hotel or similar, Sao Pedro do Moel
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Mar & Sol Hotel, Sao Pedro do Moel

     A modern, 4-star hotel located on the seafront with a spa and rooftop deck

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     Mar & Sol Hotel, Sao Pedro do Moel

     A modern, 4-star hotel located on the seafront with a spa and rooftop deck

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     Mar & Sol Hotel, Sao Pedro do Moel

     A modern, 4-star hotel located on the seafront with a spa and rooftop deck

6. Day 6Cycle to the world famous surf town of Nazaré; pedal to the medieval village of Óbidos

   Cycle to Nazaré this morning, one of Portugal’s most famous fishing towns. Here, fisherwomen still wear seven colourful layers of skirts, along with wooden clogs and a traditional black headscarf. Take in spectacular ocean views from the popular panoramic terrace, and discover Praia do Norte, where the world record for the largest wave ever surfed was set, at an estimated 86ft (26.2m) high.
   
   From Nazaré, continue cycling to Óbidos, a small fortified town that looks like a medieval film set. Here, visit a tavern run by one of the town’s oldest ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) producers. The owner leads you on a guided tour of the courtyard and old wine cellars, followed by a tasting of this traditional Portuguese liqueur.
   
   Route: Today is one of the more challenging rides, with a total ascent of 2,126ft (648m). Take your time, as the pace is relaxed and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee and cake. Your route undulates towards Sítio da Nazaré before descending to Nazaré beach. After lunch, tackle a series of short, steep climbs followed by equally steep descents before arriving in Óbidos.

   Terrain: 60% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads.

   • 39.8 miles
   • Josefa D’Óbidos Hotel or similar
   • Breakfast

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     Nazare beach

     Discover the fishing town of Nazare and it's amazing beach

7. Day 7To Lisbon; Orientation walk through the historic core

   After a relaxing start to the day, you depart Óbidos mid-morning and transfer (approximately one hour) to Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before joining an orientation walk through the historic city center, taking in its beautiful architecture. After dinner, why not find a local venue to experience traditional Fado music, the soulful sound that Lisbon is famous for?

   • Marquês de Pombal or similar
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8Adventure ends in Lisbon

   This morning marks the final breakfast of the adventure; an excellent opportunity to reflect on some of the many wonderful experiences you’ve enjoyed during this cycling holiday in Portugal.

   • Breakfast