Silver Coast of Portugal

Day 1: Porto 
Day 2: Porto - Furadouro, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Furadouro - Aveiro, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Aveiro - Praia de Mira, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Praia de Mira - Figueira da Foz, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Figueira da Foz - Coimbra, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Departure

Day 1: Porto
Your first day will be spent in Porto, an ancient port city, once an outpost of the Roman Empire. Located along the Douro River Valley in Northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European cities and its historical center was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.  Once you settle into your tour hotel, you can make your way to our partner's bike shop for a bike fitting. This will lead you through the art and tradition, such as the blue and white tiled churches, as well as some contemporary highlights including the bookstore that influenced J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the magnificent Stock Exchange Market. 

 Sample accommodations

•      Standard: Porto Trindade Hotel
•      Premium: Porto Infante Sagres Hotel

Day 2: Porto - Furadouro, 29 mi. (47 km)​ 
You exit Porto cycling over one of the most famous bridges in Portugal, the Don Luis I Bridge, entering the city of Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern side of the Douro River. This town was initially founded as the Roman settlement, Cale. Here you can visit the world-famous Porto wine cellars. Another highlight is the chapel of Senhor da Pedra located in Miramar Beach.  Built on the top of a rock on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, you will enjoy amazing views out to sea and the white sandy beach stretching in front of it. 

Upon arrival to the city of Espinho, famous for its fresh fish, you can sample the taste of the sea.  As you cycle through the town of Ovar, taste the famous breadcake! Bread baking in Portugal is just as an essential part of the culture as is wine, cheese, and pastries. You will also have the opportunity to see the famous Chapel of the Steps, which is classified as a National Interest Monument, and many examples of the typical Portuguese tiles “azulejos”, not only on the facades of public buildings but on privately owned houses.

Sample accommodations

• Standard: Furadouro Hotel
• Premium: Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center

Day 3: Furadouro - Aveiro, 28 mi. (45 km)​ 
Following a coastal route, you will cycle on a secondary road, through several fishing villages including, Torreira, with its long stretch of beautiful beach. You will also cycle through the famous nature reserve of the São Jacinto Dunes, a peaceful 6.7 square kilometer wooded nature reserve, equipped with trails and birdwatching areas. 

Via ferry, you will cross to Aveira where you can visit the Monastery of Jesus, observe the tiles of the train station, and take a boat tour of the Ria de Aveiro.

Sample accommodation

• Standard: Moliceiro Hotel
• Premium: Moliceiro Hotel in premium room

Day 4: Aveiro - Praia de Mira, 25 mi. (40 km)​
Today's route will lead through Ílhavo, the location of Vista Alegre, a Portuguese porcelain manufacturer, founded in 1815. You will enjoy the fantastic scenery of the famous Costa Nova do Prado where the beaches are intertwined with the rural farms, creating a unique environment. The enchanting haystack houses splash the waterfront with their vertical multicolored bands. 

Sample accommodation

• Standard: Maçarico Hotel
• Premium: Maçarico Hotel in premium room

Day 5: Praia de Mira- Figueira da Foz Route, 31 mi. (50 km)
On your ride today you can visit the little-known and beautiful Barrinha Lagoon. The landscape progresses from that of the oceanfront and the wide expanse of sand dunes to the lagoon and aromatic pine forests. The Queen of the Silver Coast,  Figueira da Foz,  is the day's destination. It is here that the beautiful River Mondego meets the Ocean.

Sample accommodation

• Standard: Sweet Atlantic Hotel
• Premium: Sweet Atlantic Hotel in premium room

Day 6: Figueira da Foz - Coimbra, 34 mi. (55 km)​
The final cycling route leads away from the sea, but continues along the Mondego River to end in Coimbra, famous for its University, the oldest in Portugal, and one of the oldest in Europe, which over time has shaped its image to become "the city of students". 

Sample accommodations

• Standard: Tivoli Coimbra Hotel
• Premium: Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas

Day 7: Departure
Included in your tour price is transportation back to Porto from Coimbra. This will be by van or train, depending on the number of participants. 

Day 1: Figueira da Foz
Day 2: Figueira da Foz - São Pedro de Moel - Pedrógão e Praia da Vieira, 42 mi. (65 km)
Day 3: São Pedro de Moel - Nazaré, 18 mi. (29 km) 
Day 4: Nazaré - Óbidos, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 5: Óbidos - Peniche - Óbidos lagoon, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Peniche - Ericeira - Santa Cruz Beach, 42 mi. (68 km) 
Day 7: Ericeira - Sintra, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 8: Sintra - Cascais, 25 mi. (40 km) 
Day 9: Departure

Day 1: Figueira da Foz
Welcome to Figueira da Foz!

Sample accommodation

•      Standard: Sweet Atlantic Hotel, 
•      Premium: Sweet Atlantic Hotel (superior room)

Day 2: Figueira da Foz - São Pedro de Moel, 42 mi. (65 km) 
Begin your journey along the Atlantic Ocean, exploring the captivating beaches of Figueira da Foz, known as the "Queen"  of the Portuguese beaches. As you pass through Pedrogão, you will hopefully glimpse the traditional "Xávega" fishing methods. São Pedro de Moel, your destination for today, is surrounded by vast pine forests, offering a 7 km course, "Volta dos Sete," blending sea, woods, and beach. Your accommodation will be at the 4-star Hotel Mar e Sol, or choose the "Premium" option for a superior room.

Sample accommodation

• Standard: Mar e Sol
• Premium: Mar e Sol (superior room)

Day 3: São Pedro de Moel - Nazaré, 18 mi. (29 km)
The serene seaside town of Nazaré is first on the agenda,  known for its stunning cliff views and famous waves. The "Cannon of Nazaré" is geological phenomenon that creates enormous and perfect waves, known worldwide in the surfing community.

Sample accommodation

• Standard: Hotel Praia
• Premium: Hotel Praia (superior room)

Day 4: Nazaré - Óbidos, 29 mi. (47 km)
Your route leads through São Martinho do Porto, considered the best family beach in 2015. Óbidos is a classic walled settlement with picturesque views of windmills and vineyards. You will enjoy wandering the narrow cobblestone streets..

Sample accommodations

• Standard: Josefa de Óbidos
• Premium: Hotel Real de Óbidos

Day 5: Óbidos - Peniche, 22 mi. (35 km)
As you return to the coastal region, your cycling journey will lead you to the city of Peniche. Built on a rocky peninsula, this locale is considered by geologists as a unique example of the Toarcian turnover during the global Early Jurassic extinction. Peniche is renowned for its expansive beaches, attracting enthusiasts of recreational activities and water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, and kite surfing. The consistently windy conditions contribute to excellent surfing experiences, featuring decent waves and supertubes.

Offshore from the peninsula lie the Berlengas Islands, situated approximately 10 kilometers (6 mi) away. These islands are integral to the municipality and constitute one of the world's earliest nature reserves. During your journey, you'll also have the opportunity to pause at "Lagoa de Óbidos," a lagoon stretching between the municipalities of Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha. Serving as a natural barrier, it separates the Atlantic Ocean and marine biome from the river ecosystem of "Foz do Arelho," characterized by lateral dunes.

Sample accommodations

• Standard: Star Inn Peniche
• Premium: MH Peniche

Day 6: Peniche - Ericeira, 42 mi. (68 km)
Departing from Peniche and continuing along the coastline, the next destination is Ericeira. Situated in the municipality of Mafra, approximately 35 kilometers (22 mi) northwest of Lisbon, Ericeira is a civil parish and a seaside resort/fishing community. In the 1940s and 1950s, it was a favored summer retreat for many families from Lisbon. Today, Ericeira remains a sought-after spot for both local and international tourists, drawing surfers from around the globe.

The town also holds a deep appreciation for its musical culture. The Filarmónica Cultural Ericeira, the local philharmonic established in 1849, contributes significantly to the village's musical heritage. It actively supports this cultural tradition through a permanent, free musical school open to all enthusiasts.

During this leg of your journey, you'll pass by the beach of Santa Cruz, a hub for various wave sports. Notably, Santa Cruz hosts the annual "Ocean Spirit" festival of wave sports, featuring international competitions in diverse categories.

Sample accommodation

• Standard: Vila Galé Ericeira
• Premium: Vila Galé Ericeira (superior room)

Day 7: Ericeira - Sintra, 17 mi. (27 km)
On this day, the route diverges from the coastline and heads towards the city of Sintra. This locale is renowned for its plethora of 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments, leading to Sintra's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evolving into a prominent tourist hub, it attracts numerous day-trippers journeying from the capital, Lisbon.

Apart from the Sintra Mountains and the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, the town's parishes boast royal retreats, estates, castles, and other remarkable structures. Notable among them are the medieval Castelo dos Mouros, the Pena National Palace, and the Sintra National Palace.

Sample accommodations

• Standard: Sintra Boutique Hotel
• Premium:  Tivoli Palácio de Seteais Sintra Hotel

Day 8: Sintra - Cascais, 25 mi. (40 km) 
Continuing through the heart of the region, this cycling tour culminates in the coastal city of Cascais. Positioned to the west of Lisbon, Cascais is a sophisticated suburb of the Portuguese capital and stands among the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal. Once a humble fishing village, it rose to prominence as a favored retreat for Portugal's royal family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it has evolved into a sought-after vacation destination for both local and international tourists.

Cascais is embraced by renowned beaches like "Praia do Guincho" to the west, while the lush Sintra mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the north. Its picturesque shoreline features cliffs that captivate tourists seeking panoramic views of the sea and other natural wonders. The city is also establishing itself as a prominent golf destination, boasting over 10 golf courses in close proximity.

A must-visit is the Sintra – Cascais Natural Park, one of Portugal's 13 Natural Parks. Encompassing the "Serra de Sintra," it extends seamlessly to the coastline, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty and preserved landscapes.

Sample accommodations

• Standard: Pestana Cascais
• Premium: Hotel Cidadela Cascais

Day 9: Departure
The official end of the tour and transfer to Lisbon.

Would you like to bike to Lisbon? Check out our Porto to Lisbon tour!

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