Silver Coast of Portugal
Portugal Bike Tours
Discovering the Costa de Prata
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–9 days
- Prices from€1357 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Portugal's Silver Coast, or Costa de Prata, is a stretch of spectacular coastline that runs north of Lisbon. On this unique bike tour, you will cycle one of the most important routes along that coast, between the city of Porto and the "capital" of the central region, Coimbra.
Renowned for its ancient towns, breathtaking beaches, and its rugged coastline, it also offers fairly easy and scenic cycling! Stunning views of inland hills and mountains will inspire you daily!
Begin your tour strolling the narrow cobbled streets of the ancient Ribeira district of Porto and end in riverside, Coimbra and enjoy Portuguese culture, history, and culinary delights along the way!
Highlights
- Historic (and BEAUTIFUL) towns and villages
- Miles of stunning beaches with incredible views
- World-class, inexpensive wine and food
- The hospitality of the Portuguese people
- PORT!
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Itinerary
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: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.
Day 1: Porto
Your first day will be spent in Porto, an ancient port city, once an outpost of the Roman Empire, steeped in history and tradition. 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 followed by an included guided walking tour of this beautiful city. Three tours are offered daily at 10 am, 3 pm, or 4 pm. 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.Preferred accommodation: Porto Trindade 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 then the city of Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern side of the Douro River. This town was originally 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 situated right on the shoreline of the Atlantic ocean, you will enjoy amazing views both out to sea and to the white sandy beach stretching in front of it.Upon arrival to the city of Espinho, famous for its fresh fish, you can sample for yourself the taste of the sea. As you cycle through Ovar next, be sure to taste the famous breadcake! Bread baking in Portugal is just as an important 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.
Preferred accommodation: Furadouro Hotel
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.
Preferred accommodation: Moliceiro Hotel
Day 4: Aveiro - Praia de Mira, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's route will lead through Ílhavo, the location of Vista Alegre, Portuguese porcelain manufacture, 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.Preferred accommodation: Maçarico Hotel
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.Preferred accommodation: Sweet Atlantic Hotel
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".Preferred accommodation: Tivoli Coimbra Hotel
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, 42 mi. (65 km) - Pedrógão e Praia da Vieira
Day 3: São Pedro de Moel - Nazaré, 18 mi. (29 km) - praia do norte- giant waves!
Day 4: Nazaré - Óbidos, 29 mi. (47 km) - São Martinho do Porto
Day 5: Óbidos - Peniche, 22 mi. (35 km) - Óbidos lagoon
Day 6: Peniche - Ericeira, 42 mi. (68 km) - Santa Cruz beach
Day 7: Ericeira - Sintra, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 8: Sintra - Cascais, 25 mi. (40 km) – natural park Sintra- Cascais
Day 9: DepartureWould you like to bike all the way to Lisbon? Check out our Porto to Lisbon tour!
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You will be accommodated in unique 4-star establishments such as the Furadouro Hotel, a sea front boutique spa hotel. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred accommodation. If the hotel indicated is fully booked and not available, you will be offered an establishment of equal standard.
Bicycles
Hybrid Bike
Kross Trans 5.0
- Aluminum touring frame (available in men's and women's frame)
- Front suspension
- Shimano Tourney and Deore gearing
- 24 speeds
- Schwalbe Silento tires
- Shimano disc brakes
- Selle Royal saddle
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Weight 17. 5 kg
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Trail Bike
Trek X- Caliber 7
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano Acera and Shimano Alivio gearing
- 18 speeds
- Bontrager tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Bontrager Arvada saddle
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Weight 13.97 kg
Specialized Women's Pitch Comp 27.5
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano TX800 gearing
- 24 speeds
- Ground Control sport tire (27.5)
- Radius mechanical disc brakes
- Myth sport saddle
- Specialized dirt pedals
- Rear rack
Accessories
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Electric Bike
KTM Macina
- Bosch motor
- 500 Wh battery
- Aluminum Frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano Deore gearing
- 9 speeds
- Schwalbe Energizer tires
- Shimano Piston brakes
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
Cube Acid
- Bosch Motor
- 500 Wh battery (frame design)
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano gearing
- 9 speeds
- Schwalbe Tough Tom tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Platform pedals
- Weight: 21.8 kg
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self Guided
- Accommodations for 6 or 8 nights in standard rooms.
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from Porto Airport (7 day tour) or Lisbon (9 day tour). Air travel details are needed to confirm.
- Hybrid bike rental with accessories
- GPS
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Guided walking tour of Porto (7 day tour)
- Return travel to Porto (7 day tour) or Lisbon (9 day tour). This can be by van or train, depending on the number of participants. Only included on official departure day.
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from Porto Airport (7 day tour) or Lisbon (9 day tour). Air travel details are needed to confirm.
- Hybrid bike rental with acessories
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer
- Cycling guide
- Guided walking tour of Porto (7 day tour)
- Return travel to Porto (7 day tour) or Lisbon (9 day tour). This can be by van or train, depending on the number of participants. Only included on official departure day.
- *Van support is added if there are 8 or more participants
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from Porto Airport (7 day tour) or Lisbon (9 day tour). Air travel details are needed to confirm.
- Hybrid rental bike with accessories
- Route descriptions &maps
- Luggage transfer
- Cycling guide
- Van support
- 5 lunches (7 lunches on the 9 day tour)
- 5 dinners (7 dinners on the 9 day tour)
- Guided walking tour of Porto (7 day tour)
- Return travel to Porto (7 day tour) or Lisbon (9 day tour). This can be by van or train, depending on the number of participants. Only included on official departure day.
Guided
Guided plus
What’s Not Included
Self Guided
- Beverages
- Cycling guide & support vehicle
- Meals other than breakfast
- Beverages
- Meals other than breakfast
- Support vehicle (will be added free of charge with groups of 8 or more)
- Gratuities
- Beverages
- 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- Gratuities
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Travel Insurance
- Bike protection
Guided
Guided plus
All versions:
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Daily departures are possible.
Please note that with the guided or guided plus tour, a minimum number of 4 participants is required to confirm. For groups less than 4, and you do not mind joining other cyclists, please contact us and we will check if there are any confirmed dates.
7 days / 6 nights
Self Guided*
Min. 2 participants requiredGuided**
Min. 4 participants requiredGuided plus
Min. 4 participants requiredSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 2128 £ 1216 $ 2,010 € 1357 ₪ 5199 NZ$ 2322 NOK 14986 kr 15615 $ 1,502 $ 2829 £ 1617 $ 2,672 € 1804 ₪ 6912 NZ$ 3087 NOK 19923 kr 20758 $ 1,997 $ 3850 £ 2200 $ 3,637 € 2455 ₪ 9406 NZ$ 4201 NOK 27112 kr 28249 $ 2,717 $ 612 £ 350 $ 578 € 390 ₪ 1494 NZ$ 667 NOK 4307 kr 4488 $ 432 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 and September 26 to October 31$ 2238 £ 1279 $ 2,114 € 1427 ₪ 5467 NZ$ 2442 NOK 15759 kr 16420 $ 1,579 $ 2939 £ 1679 $ 2,776 € 1874 ₪ 7180 NZ$ 3206 NOK 20696 kr 21564 $ 2,074 $ 3959 £ 2263 $ 3,740 € 2525 ₪ 9674 NZ$ 4320 NOK 27885 kr 29055 $ 2,795 $ 659 £ 376 $ 622 € 420 ₪ 1609 NZ$ 719 NOK 4638 kr 4833 $ 465 High Season
September 1 to September 25$ 2316 £ 1324 $ 2,188 € 1477 ₪ 5659 NZ$ 2527 NOK 16311 kr 16996 $ 1,635 $ 3017 £ 1724 $ 2,850 € 1924 ₪ 7372 NZ$ 3292 NOK 21248 kr 22139 $ 2,129 $ 4038 £ 2308 $ 3,814 € 2575 ₪ 9866 NZ$ 4406 NOK 28437 kr 29630 $ 2,850 $ 706 £ 403 $ 667 € 450 ₪ 1724 NZ$ 770 NOK 4970 kr 5178 $ 498 Summer Season
June 26 to August 30$ 2426 £ 1386 $ 2,292 € 1547 ₪ 5927 NZ$ 2647 NOK 17084 kr 17801 $ 1,712 $ 3127 £ 1787 $ 2,954 € 1994 ₪ 7640 NZ$ 3412 NOK 22021 kr 22945 $ 2,207 $ 4148 £ 2370 $ 3,918 € 2645 ₪ 10134 NZ$ 4526 NOK 29210 kr 30436 $ 2,927 $ 753 £ 430 $ 711 € 480 ₪ 1839 NZ$ 821 NOK 5301 kr 5523 $ 531 * Solo traveler supplement (in addition to single supplement): $ 314 £ 179 $ 296 € 200 ₪ 766 NZ$ 342 NOK 2209 kr 2301 $ 221 **Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
9 days / 8 nights
Self Guided*
Min. 2 participants requiredGuided**
Min. 4 participants requiredGuided plus
Min. 4 participants requiredSingle Supplement Low season
November 1 to March 25$ 2884 £ 1648 $ 2,724 € 1839 ₪ 7046 NZ$ 3147 NOK 20309 kr 21161 $ 2,035 $ 3994 £ 2283 $ 3,773 € 2547 ₪ 9759 NZ$ 4358 NOK 28128 kr 29308 $ 2,819 $ 5336 £ 3050 $ 5,041 € 3403 ₪ 13038 NZ$ 5823 NOK 37581 kr 39158 $ 3,766 $ 698 £ 399 $ 659 € 445 ₪ 1705 NZ$ 761 NOK 4914 kr 5121 $ 492 Regular season
March 26 to June 25 and September 26 to October 31$ 3040 £ 1738 $ 2,872 € 1939 ₪ 7429 NZ$ 3318 NOK 21414 kr 22312 $ 2,146 $ 4151 £ 2372 $ 3,921 € 2647 ₪ 10142 NZ$ 4529 NOK 29232 kr 30459 $ 2,930 $ 5493 £ 3139 $ 5,189 € 3503 ₪ 13422 NZ$ 5994 NOK 38686 kr 40309 $ 3,877 $ 745 £ 426 $ 704 € 475 ₪ 1820 NZ$ 813 NOK 5246 kr 5466 $ 526 High Season
September 1 to September 25$ 3197 £ 1827 $ 3,020 € 2039 ₪ 7812 NZ$ 3489 NOK 22518 kr 23463 $ 2,257 $ 4307 £ 2462 $ 4,069 € 2747 ₪ 10525 NZ$ 4700 NOK 30337 kr 31609 $ 3,040 $ 5650 £ 3229 $ 5,337 € 3603 ₪ 13805 NZ$ 6165 NOK 39790 kr 41459 $ 3,988 $ 792 £ 453 $ 748 € 505 ₪ 1935 NZ$ 864 NOK 5577 kr 5811 $ 559 Summer Season
June 26 to August 30$ 3276 £ 1872 $ 3,094 € 2089 ₪ 8004 NZ$ 3574 NOK 23070 kr 24038 $ 2,312 $ 4386 £ 2507 $ 4,143 € 2797 ₪ 10717 NZ$ 4786 NOK 30889 kr 32185 $ 3,096 $ 5728 £ 3274 $ 5,411 € 3653 ₪ 13996 NZ$ 6250 NOK 40342 kr 42035 $ 4,043 $ 839 £ 479 $ 793 € 535 ₪ 2050 NZ$ 915 NOK 5908 kr 6156 $ 592 * Solo traveler supplement (in addition to single supplement): $ 549 £ 314 $ 518 € 350 ₪ 1341 NZ$ 599 NOK 3865 kr 4027 $ 387 **Support vehicle added with a minimum of 8 participants at no extra charge
Extra Options
Electric bike
7 day tour $ 376 £ 215 $ 356 € 240 ₪ 920 NZ$ 411 NOK 2650 kr 2762 $ 266 9 day tour $ 423 £ 242 $ 400 € 270 ₪ 1034 NZ$ 462 NOK 2982 kr 3107 $ 299 Extra nights
On request 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 — Easy
You will cover approximately 243 km on a relatively flat route. There is one climb (4 km) on the 5th day. The route consists of 65 % bike lanes, 20% smooth dirt roads and occasionally in the farming region, 5 % paved roads with low traffic.
Airport Info
Fly to Porto Airport or Lisbon
Local Travel
Arrival to Porto Airport
Airport transfers from the airport are included in your tour price.
Arrival to Lisbon Airport
The airport is located quite close to Lisbon center. You can take a taxi or train into the city or the airport is now connected directly to Lisbon center (Saldahna) by underground metro.
If you are continuing onward from the airport to Porto, you can take the Airport metro to Orient station in Lisbon, and from there, train to Porto with 0 transfers.
Train:
The train service connecting Lisbon to Porto is fast, modern, and comparatively inexpensive. There are two different train services between Porto to Lisbon; the Intercidades and the Alfa Pendular. The Alfa Pendular service is faster and offers a high standard of comfort and facilities (free WIFI and more legroom) but is significantly more expensive than the older Intercidades trains. Both train services are direct and travel time is anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to three hours.
Bus:
If you prefer travel by bus, the main intercity coach company of Portugal is Rede Expressos and they provide multiple express coach services between Lisbon and Porto. There are two main bus routes operated by Rede Expressos between Lisbon and Porto, one faster at 3.5 hours, and the other slower with more stops at 4.5 hours.To return to Porto or Lisbon
Return travel is included from Coimbra back to Porto for bookings of 4 or more. This can be by van or train, depending on number of participants. Depending on departure flight, transfer can be provided on this same day to the airport or the next day if necessary.
For groups less than 4, for return travel from Coimbra to Porto, or for any group size to return to Lisbon, you can request the purchase of train tickets in advance and pay upon your arrival. You can also purchase these tickets on your own. Please visit: www.cp.pt.Climate
The climate in Portugal is temperate and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Porto is known for its warm sea climate. During the summer months, temperatures can be quite warm but the winds coming form the Atlantic add a cooling breeze. Do check local conditions before your arrival and pack accordingly.
Important to know
Airport transfers
Once your tour is confirmed, please send us your air travel details so that we can arrange your transfer.
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 visaTour types
Self-guided: You cycle on your own without a guide or van support and are provided maps, route descriptions, and pre-loaded GPS device or GPS tracks to upload to your own personal device. Assistance is a phone call away.
Guided: You cycle in a group with a guide. If you have 8 or more in your group, a support vehicle is provided with no extra charge that will also serve as luggage transfer vehicle.
Guided plus: You cycle in a group with a guide and support vehicle. Six lunches and six dinners are also included in your tour price.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.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Sergio Marques.
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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