Accomodation
4 Star Hotel W/ Breakfast
Group Size
4-16
Distance
200 Km

Overview

A bicycle trip between Coimbra and Aveiro through the interior of Portugal is an incredible journey that combines the pleasure of cycling with stunning views over the Mondego and Vouga rivers and the cultural richness of the major cities of Central Portugal, Coimbra, Viseu and Aveiro. The route is ideal for nature lovers, almost entirely on cycle paths along the old railway lines, the Ecopista do Dão and the Ecopista do Vouga.

Distance and Duration

The total distance of the route is approximately 200 km Coimbra/Aveiro, the trip is done in 4 days by bicycle. Most of the way is on cycle paths and the rest on gentle national roads through the interior.

Day 1 :

Coimbra - Agueira (50 km)

Distance: 50 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Mixture of cycle paths, secondary roads and some sections with small climbs as you approach the Agueira dam. The bike ride between Coimbra and Aguieira, following the course of the Mondego River, is a peaceful route full of natural landscapes, ideal for those who enjoy cycling at the pace of nature. The route follows the Mondego River, the largest river entirely within Portugal, offering expansive views over the calm water, especially in areas further from the city.

Day 2 :

Agueira - Viseu (65 km)

The bicycle trip between Aguieira and Viseu is almost entirely along the Dão Ecotrail, considered one of the most beautiful greenways in Europe.

Distance: Approximately 65 km, almost all along the Dão cycle path.

Estimated Time: About 5 hours at a leisurely pace.

Difficulty: Low to moderate.

Surface: Fully paved with asphalt, varying in color (blue, green or red) depending on the municipality crossed.

The Dão Ecotrail is the largest ecotrail in Portugal, with approximately 49 km of extension, connecting the Santa Comba Dão station to Viseu. Inaugurated in 2011, it recovers the route of the old Viseu Branch Line (Dão Line), offering a safe and scenic route through the Viseu Dão Lafões region.

Day 3 :

Viseu - Oliveira de Frades (42 km)

The bicycle trip from Viseu to Oliveira de Frades is done via the Vouga Ecotrail. This route follows the old railway branch of the Vouga Line and crosses the municipalities of Viseu, São Pedro do Sul, Vouzela and Oliveira de Frades.

Route Description

Distance: Approximately 42 km

Difficulty: easy due to its railway origin (gentle inclines)

Points of Interest

Leaving Viseu, the path passes through rural and forested areas, including the famous São Pedro do Sul Thermal Baths, very popular for their miraculous waters. Immediately afterwards, we enter the section marked by the iconic Old Railway Bridge of Vouzela, one of the most photographed points of the route.

Along the way you will find several railway tunnels and bridges that offer privileged views over the Vouga Valley.

Day 4 :

Oliveira de Frades - Aveiro (70 km)

The bicycle trip between Oliveira de Frades and Aveiro is a route of approximately 70 km, using a large part of the Vouga Ecotrail, a well-established leisure corridor that connects the mountainous interior to the lagoon area of the Ria de Aveiro.

Route Description

Distance and Time: Approximately 70 km. The estimated time is 4 to 6 hours.

Difficulty: Low/Moderate. The route is predominantly downhill or flat, following the Vouga River valley.

Points of Interest

The route begins by crossing areas of dense forest and several restored railway tunnels, already in Sever do Vouga. It includes passing over the iconic Poço de Santiago Bridge (the highest stone masonry bridge in Portugal). From Sernada onwards, the route becomes almost entirely flat. Arrival in Aveiro is often via walkways that cross the wetlands and the Ria (estuary), providing a scenic entrance to the city.