Accomodation
4 Star Hotel W/ Breakfast
Group Size
4-16

Overview

The Porto to Coimbra coastal cycling trip is an incredible journey that combines the pleasure of cycling with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the cultural richness of two great Portuguese cities. The route is ideal for cycling and nature lovers, passing through picturesque villages, inviting beaches and stunning coastal landscapes. Almost the entire route is on a cycle path and usually with a tailwind. This trip also offers the unique opportunity to visit 5 Portuguese cities (Porto, Ovar, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz and Coimbra).

Day 1 :

Porto – Ovar

Start your journey by crossing the Ponte Luiz I, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Crossing this bridge offers incredible views of Porto and the Douro River. Once in Gaia, we continue along the riverfront, winding along the river until we reach the Atlantic Ocean.

From Gaia, we head south along the Ciclovia Atlântica, a road that follows the coastline. The journey is peaceful and offers excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

We arrive in Espinho, a city known for its beaches and casino, making it an excellent stop to rest and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Leaving Espinho, we continue along the seafront to Ovar, a city famous for its beaches and famous tiles. The route passes several beaches, making for a pleasant and peaceful journey. Ovar is also an excellent place to sample the local cuisine, such as the famous Pão de Ló de Ovar

Day 2 :

Ovar – Aveiro

The bike route from Ovar to Aveiro along the paths of the Ria is an excellent way to explore the region of the Aveiro estuary, taking advantage of the natural scenery, a great opportunity for bird lovers to experience animals in their natural habitat, with very little human influence.

We start in Ovar, a city known for its salt pans and architectural heritage (Azulejo). Here, the first thing we notice are the large agricultural plantations, entering a rural Portugal. The route to Aveiro winds through the canals of the estuary, in Pardilho, Murtosa, Estarreja and Cacia. Upon reaching the Vouga River Estuary, we walk along the Aveiro walkways, one of the country's attractions.

The city of Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice, is a city known for its canals, architecture and salt pans. Here we visit the city on foot.

Day 3 :

Aveiro - Mira

The start of this tour is to head south through the Aveiro salt flats towards the famous Barra de Aveiro beach, a very special place due to its typical wooden houses and white sand beach. After passing through Barra de Aveiro, always between the estuary and the sea, we head south towards Mira, a town known for its long beach and the tranquility of its environment. The end of the route is towards the ocean, with a refreshing feeling of being surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.

Day 4 :

Mira – Figueira da Foz

The first few kilometres of this stage are characterised by cycle paths that cross the Mira lagoons and connect to the Atlantic dune complex. In between, we pass through the small villages that define the Centre of Portugal, crossing the neighbouring municipality of Cantanhede and passing through places such as the Ethnographic Museum of Praia de Mira, the National Forests and the lagoons there, Cabo Mondego, Serra da Boa Viagem up to Figueira

Day 5 :

Figueira da Foz – Coimbra

The stage begins by climbing along the Mondego River, the largest Portuguese river. We pass by the largest rice plantations in Portugal and continue on to Coimbra, winding along the river and through the green fields, passing through picturesque villages that characterize central Portugal.

Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal, known for its rich cultural and academic heritage. It was one of the most important cities during the Middle Ages and was the capital of Portugal until the 13th century. The city is famous for the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290, and the Joanina Library, which is a landmark of cultural heritage.