Atlantic West Coast & Sintra
Portugal Bike Tours
A Bike Adventure to Where the Land Ends and the Sea Begins!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1150 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This cycling tour in Portugal is an incredible journey along the Atlantic west coast of Europe. You will visit typical fishing villages, including Nazaré, the place where the famous surfer Garrett McNamara surfed the biggest wave ever recorded! Óbidos, the best-preserved medieval village in Portugal, is included in your itinerary. Its ancient walls surround a wonderful historic town center and a labyrinth of cobblestone streets. You will feel the history as you stroll the alleyways.
Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also on the agenda and is a land of castles and palaces. Your cycling adventure finishes at the western-most point in Europe, Cabo da Roca, a fitting place to end this stunning Portugal bike tour.
Highlights
- Stunning coastal riding
- Medieval village of Óbidos, with its incredible castle
- Beautiful rock formations on the cliffs and the amazing Carvoeiro Cape
- Sintra, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Peniche Peninsula, a city full of fishing traditions
- Traditional food and fresh fish from the Atlantic Coast
- Roca Cape, the western-most point on the European mainland
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Lisbon, transfer to São Pedro Moel
Day 2: São Pedro Moel - Óbidos, 43 mi. (69 km)
Day 3: Óbidos - Peniche, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Peniche - Ericeira, 44 mi. (71 km)
Day 5: Ericeira - Sintra, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 6: Sintra - Cascais, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Welcome at the airport or hotel in Lisbon
Transfer from Lisbon to São Pedro Moel (approx. 2 hours). You will have a tour briefing on arrival.Preferred accommodation: Hotel Mar e Sol
Day 2: São Pedro Moel to Óbidos, 43 mi. (69 km)
Riding through pine forests, you will cycle along beautiful beaches, eventually reaching an incredible clifftop view of Nazaré, a typical and historical Portuguese fishing village. Here, the fish are still dried under the sun. Nazaré is also famous as the location where the pro-surfer Garret McNamara broke the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed at 100 feet! The tour continues along the coast with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. The final destination today is Óbidos, Portugal's most beautiful and best-preserved medieval village, with an incredible castle.Elevation gain: 900 m
Preferred accommodation: Josefa D’ÓbidosDay 3: Óbidos to Peniche, 37 mi. (60 km)
Today's ride is again along coastlines and also, a beautiful lagoon. Pedaling south, you will discover an incredible village on a very small peninsula that looks almost like an island. If the tide permits, you can cycle on the cobalt road around the village. The destination today is Peniche, a city full of fishing traditions, also located on a peninsula. The route will include a scenic road past dramatic cliffs and the beautiful Carvoeiro Cape. Don't forget, there are numerous restaurants located in the Peniche peninsula that serve an outstanding variety of seafood.Elevation gain: 600 m
Preferred accommodation: Star Inn PenicheDay 4: Peniche to Ericeira, 44 mi. (71 km)
You will pedal inland today, away from the sea, allowing you to experience another side of Portugal. Typical villages with white houses and red roofs and the beautiful countryside will inspire you. As you approach the sea once again, the route leads through an incredible valley of limestone with vibrant green Mediterranean vegetation. The path that will lead to Santa Cruz with its beautiful beach provides incredible ocean views. Ericeira, the Portuguese Mecca of Surf, is the day's destination.Elevation gain: 700 m
Preferred accommodation: Vila Galé EriceiraDay 5: Ericeira to Sintra, 32 mi. (51 km)
Today you will discover Sintra Natural Park and Hills, enjoying the varied landscape and terrain. At Monserrate, there will be an opportunity to stop and visit the palace and its impressive gardens, with its extraordinary botanical collection. The Palace, a unique and exquisite example of Romanticism, was recovered from the ruins of a neo-gothic mansion built by the British millionaire Francis Cook in the 19th century. As you wind along footpaths, you will cycle among ruins, pass small lakes and waterfalls. Sintra, set amidst the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra, is a UNESCO site. If you arrive early or if you have a free day, it is recommended to visit the incredible Moorish Castle dating back to the 8th Century. Also worthwhile is a visit to the outstanding Pena Palace with its domes, towers, ramparts, and walkways on one of the highest mountain peaks of Sintra.Elevation gain: 800 m
Preferred accommodation: Sintra Boutique HotelDay 6: Sintra to Cascais, 31 mi. (50 km)
On this last cycling day, leaving Sintra behind, you can first make a stop at the incredible Franciscan Capuchin Convent with its tiny cells. Installed in the rock and lined with cork, the convent is a telling example of the humble and austere existence of the Franciscan friars who lived there. Continuing on to the Atlantic Ocean, you will arrive at the westernmost point in Continental Europe, Cape Roca, a promontory rising 150 m from the sea. Discover impressive beaches nestling between cliffs artistically sculpted out by the sea - unique coastal scenery! This tour ends with a scenic and easy ride along the coast to Cascais, a beautiful city by the ocean.Elevation gain: 700 m
Preferred accommodation: Vila Galé CascaisDay 7: Departure
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred (including your bikes) from Cascais to Lisbon (approx. 30 minutes).**Elevation charts can be sent on request.
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Superior 4* hotels (see itinerary for sample hotels). If you cannot be accommodated in the preferred hotel, you will be informed and offered alternative accommodations. Price change may be incurred.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
All Tour Types Include:
- Accommodations for 6 nights in 4* hotels
- Breakfasts
- 24-speed hybrid bicycle rental with accessories
- Bike helmet
- Luggage transfer
- Transfer Day 1: Lisbon Airport/city center to hotel
- Transfer Day 7: Hotel to Lisbon Airport
- Transfers during the tour
- Welcome briefing & bike fitting at first hotel (English)
- Tour packet with start/departure maps
- GPS tracks (to download to your own device/phone)
- Liability & personal accident insurance
- 24-hour support telephone number
- Support vehicle
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
- Tour guide
- Support vehicle
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
Supported Tour Also Includes
Guided Tour Also Includes
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals not mentioned as included
- All beverages with included lunches or dinners
- City taxes (in some locations €0-3 per person per night)(payabe locally)
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 4 up to & including March 28 & October 29 up to & including December 15, 2023
Mid season: March 29 up to & including May 26, 2023 (except Easter)
Easter season: April 3 through April 9, 2023
High season: May 27 up to & including June 26 & September 27 up to & including October 28, 2023
Peak season: June 27 up to & including September 26, 2023Self-guided
Twin/double Single suppl. Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 1803 £ 1032 $ 1,714 € 1150 ₪ 4329 NZ$ 1976 NOK 12676 kr 13064 $ 1,281 $ 486 £ 278 $ 462 € 310 ₪ 1167 NZ$ 533 NOK 3417 kr 3521 $ 345 $ 408 £ 233 $ 388 € 260 ₪ 979 NZ$ 447 NOK 2866 kr 2954 $ 290 Mid season $ 2116 £ 1212 $ 2,012 € 1350 ₪ 5081 NZ$ 2320 NOK 14880 kr 15336 $ 1,504 $ 627 £ 359 $ 596 € 400 ₪ 1506 NZ$ 687 NOK 4409 kr 4544 $ 446 $ 408 £ 233 $ 388 € 260 ₪ 979 NZ$ 447 NOK 2866 kr 2954 $ 290 Easter season $ 2351 £ 1346 $ 2,236 € 1500 ₪ 5646 NZ$ 2578 NOK 16533 kr 17039 $ 1,671 $ 627 £ 359 $ 596 € 400 ₪ 1506 NZ$ 687 NOK 4409 kr 4544 $ 446 $ 408 £ 233 $ 388 € 260 ₪ 979 NZ$ 447 NOK 2866 kr 2954 $ 290 High season $ 2116 £ 1212 $ 2,012 € 1350 ₪ 5081 NZ$ 2320 NOK 14880 kr 15336 $ 1,504 $ 627 £ 359 $ 596 € 400 ₪ 1506 NZ$ 687 NOK 4409 kr 4544 $ 446 $ 408 £ 233 $ 388 € 260 ₪ 979 NZ$ 447 NOK 2866 kr 2954 $ 290 Peak season
$ 2351 £ 1346 $ 2,236 € 1500 ₪ 5646 NZ$ 2578 NOK 16533 kr 17039 $ 1,671 $ 705 £ 404 $ 671 € 450 ₪ 1694 NZ$ 773 NOK 4960 kr 5112 $ 501 $ 408 £ 233 $ 388 € 260 ₪ 979 NZ$ 447 NOK 2866 kr 2954 $ 290 Single supplement - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Guided
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Extra Options
Electric Bike Rental (Ghost Yamaha): $ 157 £ 90 $ 149 € 100 ₪ 376 NZ$ 172 NOK 1102 kr 1136 $ 111 Road Bike Rental (Scott Addict or similar): $ 118 £ 67 $ 112 € 75 ₪ 282 NZ$ 129 NOK 827 kr 852 $ 84 Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device: $ 78 £ 45 $ 75 € 50 ₪ 188 NZ$ 86 NOK 551 kr 568 $ 56
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This tour is a moderate to difficult hybrid or road bike tour. Mostly taking place on paved roads, with cycle lanes, gravel roads and some double-track roads. This route can also take place totally on asphalted roads when using road bikes. You will stay mainly along the sea with a few inland sections. There are some short but steep uphills, especially in the Sintra region. Distance ranges from 50 to 71 km per day. Expect some long days with climbs (3 to 6 hours per day). Be sure to check out the distances of each day’s route and elevation information below in the day-to-day details.
Airport Info
Fly to Lisbon International Airport (LIS) also known as Humberto Delgado Airport. It is located 7 km northeast of the city center of Lisbon.
Local Travel
Airport transfers are included in your tour price. If you are spending some time in Lisbon before your tour, there are many options for traveling from the airport to the city ranging from public transportation to taxi, to private transfer.
Climate
Your tour follows Portugal’s west coast from north to south. Typically, Portugal is characterized as having a Mediterranean climate that is marked by hot and dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The summer months of June, July, and Auguster have the least rainfall with the highest average daily temperatures. Typically, spring falls in April/May and autumn in September/October. The region is cooled down by sea breezes coming off the Atlantic Ocean. The weather can change, so you will need to take rain and wind gear regardless of what time of year you decide to travel. The weather is ideal between March and October, but also possible during the winter. Do check local conditions prior to your arrival. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Remarks
This tour can be combined with our Portugal Atlantic Route. Electric bikes are also available for rental.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
You can extend your stay before or after your tour or during the itinerary. Just ask.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Portugal Nature Trails.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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