Portugal Atlantic Route
Portugal Bike Tours
Cycling the Coastline of North Central Portugal
-
Tour Type
-
Skill Level
-
Length7 days
-
Prices from€1049 Rates
-
Overview
This cycling tour in Portugal follows the coastline of north-central Portugal, known as the Atlantic Way. Discover some of the cultural and natural beauties of this land.
The route starts at Porto, a renowned place for its Port wine and wine cellars. It is a vibrant city full of history and cultural sites to unveil. The town of Porto is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. From the narrow streets and alleys of the old town, the route crosses along the coastline past beautiful beach resorts and small towns which give an insight to Portuguese culture. The route crosses the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve and the Ria de Aveiro, the estuary of the Vouga River. Aveiro City, Portugal's little Venice, is another highlight of the tour.
Highlights
- Porto, a World Heritage UNESCO site and its wine cellars
- Douro River
- Ria de Aveiro with its natural reserve and canals
- Aveiro City, the Portugal Venice
- Cape Mondego and its lighthouse
- Crossing the dunes of Quiaio
- Coimbra City
See a complete list of our bike tours in Portugal here.
-
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Day 2: Porto - Furadouro, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 3: Furadouro - Aveiro, 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 4: Aveiro - Praia da Mira, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 5: Praia de Mira - Coimbra, 38 mi. (62 km)
Day 6: Coimbra - Figueira da Foz, 32 mi. (51 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: Arrival in Porto
Our local guide will transfer you from Porto airport to your hotel (approximately 30 mins). Enjoy the day exploring the vibrant city of Porto and all that it offers! Taste the delicious food, explore the sights, and interact with the friendly locals.Preferred accommodation: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Day 2: Porto - Furadouro, 29 mi. (46 km)
Starting out from old Porto, enjoy the view as you cross the Douro River via the Don Luís Bridge, designed by French civil engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel. Following a cycling path along the coastline, you will pass numerous small beaches including Valadares, Francelos, and Miramar; all good spots to take a swim and enjoy the sun. Miramar Beach is worth a stop to visit the charming little chapel that sits on top of a boulder by the sea, the famous Capela do Senhor da Pedra.Elevation gain: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Furadouro Boutique HotelDay 3: Furadouro - Aveiro, 35 mi. (57 km)
Today's route is easy and enjoyable along the sea and through pine tree forests. The path leads you to Ria de Aveiro, a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean; a favorite place to catch shellfish and enjoy water sports. Its unique mesotidal wetland area has several branches, forming islands, and is an absolute pleasure to cycle along. The dune system of São Jacinto is a natural reserve and home to many unique bird species, proving a perfect opportunity to watch wildlife. In São Jacinto, you will catch the ferry to Aveiro, also known as the Portuguese Venice.Elevation gain: 200 m
Preferred accommodation: Moliceiro HotelDay 4: Aveiro - Praia de Mira, 26 mi. (42 km)
Leaving Aveiro, you will follow a path through an area of ponds where salt is harvested by traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. As you continue, you will arrive at a dock where you can enjoy views of the harbor. Soon you’ll cross a bridge and arrive in Barra Village and cycle south along a bicycle path which avoids the open road. As you cycle, the scenery changes to small fields and vegetable gardens until you reach Mira Beach.Elevation gain: 200 m
Preferred accommodation: Maçarico Beach HotelDay 5: Praia de Mira - Coimbra, 38 mi. (62 km)
You’ll leave Praia de Mira and head inland to Coimbra. This day starts on gravel roads, taking you through villages, towns until reaching the Mondego river, which will guide you to the heart of Coimbra.
This charming city was the first capital of Portugal and the first University was placed there in 1537, where many Portuguese writers, doctors, philosophers, or scientists studied throughout the times. University of Coimbra - Alta, and Sofia was built in the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a historical place full of charm, beauty, and heritage, as the 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Cruz, several 16th-century colleges, the Joanine Library with a baroque decor, or the 18th-century Botanical Garden. There is a lot to see and explore around Coimbra!Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Sapientia Boutique HotelDay 6: Coimbra - Figueira da Foz, 32 mi. (51 km)
From Coimbra to Figueira da Foz you will see an amazing Castle! After a delicious breakfast, get back to your bike and cycle through agricultural lands and villages, to later arrive in Montemor-o-Velho town.
Overlook the river from its little hill known as Monte Maior, which has been fortified for at least 2000 years. The Romans called it Montis Maioris and Roman stonework may be found in the base of the keep, while many walls are built on Moorish foundations. Enjoy the view from the top, take a deep breath and ride towards Figueira da Foz, to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the seaside.Elevation gain: 100 m
Preferred accommodation: Fonte da FozDay 7: Departure
Transfer to Porto Airport (approx 1.5 hours drive).You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
-
Map
-
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:
- 6 nights accommodations in 4* hotels
- Breakfasts
- 24-speed standard bicycle rental with accessories
- Bike helmet
- Transfer Day 1: Porto Airport/Porto city center to hotel
- Transfer Day 7: Hotel to Porto Airport
- Transfers during the tour
- Luggage transfer
- 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
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
-
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 1 up to & including February 24; October 29 up to & including December 15, 2022
Mid season: February 25 up to & including April 10; April 18 up to & including April 26, 2022
High season: April 11 up to & including April 17 (Easter); April 27 up to & including June 26; September 27 up to & including October 28, 2022
Peak season: June 27 up to & Including September 26, 2022Self-guided
Twin/double Single suppl. Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 1889 £ 947 $ 1,710 € 1120 Ft 472880 kr 166500 ₪ 4326 ¥ 181106 Mex$ 24384 NZ$ 2071 kr 13471 zł 4874 S$ 1620 kr 13206 CHF 1062 $ 1,208 $ 624 £ 313 $ 565 € 370 Ft 156219 kr 55005 ₪ 1429 ¥ 59830 Mex$ 8056 NZ$ 684 kr 4450 zł 1610 S$ 535 kr 4363 CHF 351 $ 399 $ 422 £ 211 $ 382 € 250 Ft 105554 kr 37165 ₪ 966 ¥ 40425 Mex$ 5443 NZ$ 462 kr 3007 zł 1088 S$ 362 kr 2948 CHF 237 $ 270 Mid season $ 1974 £ 990 $ 1,786 € 1170 Ft 493991 kr 173933 ₪ 4519 ¥ 189191 Mex$ 25473 NZ$ 2163 kr 14073 zł 5092 S$ 1693 kr 13796 CHF 1110 $ 1,261 $ 725 £ 364 $ 657 € 430 Ft 181552 kr 63924 ₪ 1661 ¥ 69532 Mex$ 9362 NZ$ 795 kr 5172 zł 1871 S$ 622 kr 5070 CHF 408 $ 464 $ 422 £ 211 $ 382 € 250 Ft 105554 kr 37165 ₪ 966 ¥ 40425 Mex$ 5443 NZ$ 462 kr 3007 zł 1088 S$ 362 kr 2948 CHF 237 $ 270 High season $ 2058 £ 1032 $ 1,863 € 1220 Ft 515101 kr 181366 ₪ 4712 ¥ 197276 Mex$ 26561 NZ$ 2256 kr 14674 zł 5309 S$ 1765 kr 14385 CHF 1157 $ 1,315 $ 793 £ 398 $ 718 € 470 Ft 198441 kr 69871 ₪ 1815 ¥ 76000 Mex$ 10233 NZ$ 869 kr 5653 zł 2045 S$ 680 kr 5542 CHF 446 $ 507 $ 422 £ 211 $ 382 € 250 Ft 105554 kr 37165 ₪ 966 ¥ 40425 Mex$ 5443 NZ$ 462 kr 3007 zł 1088 S$ 362 kr 2948 CHF 237 $ 270 Peak season
$ 2142 £ 1074 $ 1,939 € 1270 Ft 536212 kr 188799 ₪ 4906 ¥ 205361 Mex$ 27650 NZ$ 2348 kr 15275 zł 5527 S$ 1837 kr 14975 CHF 1205 $ 1,369 $ 843 £ 423 $ 763 € 500 Ft 211107 kr 74330 ₪ 1931 ¥ 80851 Mex$ 10886 NZ$ 925 kr 6014 zł 2176 S$ 723 kr 5896 CHF 474 $ 539 $ 422 £ 211 $ 382 € 250 Ft 105554 kr 37165 ₪ 966 ¥ 40425 Mex$ 5443 NZ$ 462 kr 3007 zł 1088 S$ 362 kr 2948 CHF 237 $ 270 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 (Focus Aventura): $ 169 £ 85 $ 153 € 100 Ft 42221 kr 14866 ₪ 386 ¥ 16170 Mex$ 2177 NZ$ 185 kr 1203 zł 435 S$ 145 kr 1179 CHF 95 $ 108 Road Bike Rental (Focus Paralane): $ 127 £ 63 $ 115 € 75 Ft 31666 kr 11150 ₪ 290 ¥ 12128 Mex$ 1633 NZ$ 139 kr 902 zł 326 S$ 109 kr 884 CHF 71 $ 81 Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device: $ 84 £ 42 $ 76 € 50 Ft 21111 kr 7433 ₪ 193 ¥ 8085 Mex$ 1089 NZ$ 92 kr 601 zł 218 S$ 72 kr 590 CHF 47 $ 54 *Transfer Lisbon Airport to Porto (1-3 pax): Price on request
Transfer Lisbon Airport to Porto (additional pax/per person): Price on request
Transfer São Pedro de Moel to Lisbon Airport: Price on request*Total price for 1-3 pax
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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 — Easy–Moderate
This tour is rated easy to moderate, with daily cycling distances of between 22-65 km per day. 100% of the route is on paved roads. See each day’s description in the itinerary for change in elevation.
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. You can also fly into Porto Airport (OPO) also know as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
Local Travel
The transfer from Porto Airport to the starting point of your tour is included. From Lisbon, take a train to Porto (approximately 3 hours).
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 May 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 Atlantic West Coast Tour!
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.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?
-
Photos
-
Reviews
Rony L.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Gregory F.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Elisa N.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Richard J.
6 years agoVerified Reviewer
Jeanette A.
7 years agoVerified Reviewer
Jill P.
7 years agoVerified Reviewer
Marvin R.
9 years agoVerified Reviewer
Hank Robison
9 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Rony L.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Elisa N.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer