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Cycle Portugal's Atlantic Coast





Experience the stunning contrasts of Portugal's Atlantic coast by bike
Cycle from Porto to Lisbon on this eight-day coastal adventure, following the prevailing winds along quiet roads and forest tracks through pine forests, lagoons, dunes and traditional fishing towns. Ride south via Ovar, Aveiro and Figueira da Foz, stopping for fresh seafood, sweet pasteis de nata and a glass of local ginginha. Continue through Vieira and Nazare before heading inland to medieval Obidos. Finish with along the Silver Coast, pausing in the surf village of Ericeira, Sintra and Mafra before arriving in Lisbon.
Start: Porto, Portugal
End: Lisbon, Portugal
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 15
- Minimum age
- 12 years old
- Style
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Cycling
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Ride along Portugal’s excellent network of cycling paths, through verdant forests and to dramatic clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Discover the epic contrasts of Portugal, strolling like a local through the bustling streets of Lisbon and Porto and pausing in quiet seaside towns hugging the Atlantic shores.
- Fuel up with some of Europe’s finest food and drink, perhaps some freshly caught seafood and sweet pasteis de nata washed down with a glass of local ginginha.
- Marvel at the diverse history of Portugal with a visit to Sintra, home of 19th-century royal palaces and 8th-century Moorish castles.
- Wander the canals of Aveiro, spot colourful moliceiro boats, admire Art Nouveau facades and taste ovos moles.
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your trip begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a walk along this romantic riverside city’s cobbled streets and old bridges. Maybe get the lay of the land from the top of the Baroque Clerigos Tower or wander the streets to Livraria Lello – a beautiful bookstore and architectural gem with Neo-Gothic interior, carved timber shelves and a stained-glass ceiling. Or try your hand at tile painting at a local studio, learning Portugal’s azulejo tradition. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group and get to know each other before you set off on two wheels tomorrow.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bike Hire Included
- Livraria Lello Bookstore - EUR16
- Tile-Painting Workshop - EUR45
- Matosinhos day trip - EUR4
- Clerigos Tower - EUR10
- Serralves Foundation visit - EUR24
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Time to leave the city behind and get going along the scenic route from Porto to Ovar, hugging the Atlantic coastline and passing through seaside towns and pine forests on quiet coastal paths. Enjoy the rhythmic sound of the waves as you pedal south, taking in views of sandy beaches and traditional fishing villages along the way. Pause your ride in charming Furadouro, a relaxed beachside spot known for its laid-back atmosphere. Here, maybe reward the journey with a delicious seafood lunch, indulging in freshly caught fish, grilled shellfish and regional specialties while overlooking the ocean. Continue with a short 5km ride inland to the charming town off Ovar, famous for its azulejos, the colorful Portuguese ceramic tiles that adorn many buildings and churches. This is a great town to simply wander around, checking out the many churches - the Igreja de Válega is a must-see.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Guided Cycling from Porto to Ovar
Your cycling distance will be approximately 55 km (34 mi) mainly on dedicated cycling paths or quiet secondary roads with some boardwalks with about 250 m (820 ft) of elevation gain.
Continue your journey with a relaxed coastal cycle from Ovar to Aveiro. Pedal through stretches of fragrant pine forests and along peaceful lagoons, following flat, well-marked paths that make for an easy and enjoyable ride. Along the way, pass traditional fishing areas and salt pans, where the landscape opens into wetlands rich with birdlife. As you approach Aveiro, often called the ‘Venice of Portugal’, the scenery transforms into canals lined with colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau buildings. Arrive in the city with time to explore its waterside streets, sample local sweets like ovos moles and soak up the relaxed, maritime atmosphere.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Guided Cycling from Ovar to Aveiro
Your cycling distance will be approximately 40 km (25 mi) on country roads, cycling paths and some gravel sections with about 100 m (330 ft) of elevation gain.
Cycle from Aveiro to Figueira da Foz today on a rewarding coastal ride that combines serene lagoon landscapes with expansive Atlantic views. Leaving Aveiro’s canals behind, you’ll follow quiet roads and dedicated cycling paths through dune systems, pine forests and seaside villages, with plenty of opportunities to take in the ocean air. As you approach Figueira da Foz, the scenery opens to wide, sandy beaches. Tonight, perhaps unwind with sunset drinks by the shore, watching the sky shift through warm hues over the Atlantic – the perfect relaxing end to a day of cycling.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Guided Cycling Aveiro to to Figueira da Foz
Your cycling distance will be approximately 75 km (46.5 mi) on country roads, forest paths and gravel sections with about 350 m (1150 ft) of elevation gain.
Ride from Figueira da Foz to Vieira today, following a scenic stretch of Portugal’s Atlantic shoreline. Weave through more pine forests, quiet dunes and wide sandy beaches that stretch along the coast. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the peaceful rhythm of the ride as you pass small fishing communities and wide natural landscapes. As you approach Vieira, known for its traditional fishing heritage and laid-back charm, it’s a good time to slow down, take in the ocean views and enjoy the simple beauty of the coast.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Guided Cycling Figueira da Foz to Vieira
Your cycling distance will be approximately 55 km (34 mi) on coastal roads and gravel sections with about 300 m (985 ft) of elevation gain.
Today you’ll make your way from Vieira to Obidos through some of Portugal’s most iconic coastal landscapes. Ride south toward Nazare, stopping to visit the famous Nazare Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs, wide sands and Atlantic views, to soak in the scenery. Continue inland to Caldas da Rainha, where you can sample cavacas (a traditional local sweet). From here, the journey will take you to the medieval town of Obidos, its castle walls and cobbled streets creating a fairytale atmosphere. End the day with a signature ginginha liqueur served in a chocolate cup and celebrate the ride.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Caldas da Reinha cavacas (local snack)
- Ginginha tasting from a chocolate cup
- Guided Cycling Vieira to Obidos (via Nazarre)
- Nazarre Beach visit
Your cycling distance will be approximately 80 km (50 mi) on paved roads and cycle paths with occasional gravel sections with about 900 m (2950 ft) of elevation gain.
Today, enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Obidos to Lisbon, with scenic stops along the Silver Coast. Travel first to Peniche – a coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views and an ideal place to stretch your legs. Continue to Ericeira – a seaside village famed for its surf culture and whitewashed houses above the sea, where you can grab a coffee or wander around. The journey then leads to Mafra, where you’ll see the Baroque Mafra National Palace. Your last stop before Lisbon is Sintra – home to royal palaces and Moorish castles. When you arrive at your destination, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate your journey.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Lisbon - Castelo de Sao Jorge
- Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
- Lisbon - Jeronimos Monastery - EUR20
- Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR8
- Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR16
- Lisbon - Traditional Boat Tour - EUR15
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
There are no activities planned after breakfast today, and your adventure comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after checkout. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
There are no meals included on this day.
What's included
Accommodation
- Hotel (4 nights)
- Guesthouse (3 nights)
- Bike Hire Included
- Guided Cycling from Porto to Ovar
- Guided Cycling from Ovar to Aveiro
- Guided Cycling Aveiro to to Figueira da Foz
- Guided Cycling Figueira da Foz to Vieira
- Caldas da Reinha cavacas (local snack)
- Ginginha tasting from a chocolate cup
- Guided Cycling Vieira to Obidos (via Nazarre)
- Nazarre Beach visit
- Lisbon - Castelo de Sao Jorge
- Livraria Lello Bookstore - EUR16
- Tile-Painting Workshop - EUR45
- Matosinhos day trip - EUR4
- Clerigos Tower - EUR10
- Serralves Foundation visit - EUR24
- Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
- Lisbon - Jeronimos Monastery - EUR20
- Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR8
- Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR16
- Lisbon - Traditional Boat Tour - EUR15
Flights to and from trip
Flights to and from the trip need to be booked separately from your trip, but if you'd like, we can help arrange them for you.
Request a flight quote when you book or contact us to talk through options.
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Before you book you should know
- To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
- While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short, the stunning terrain of coastal Portugal is at times quite hilly, so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip.
- On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed).
- As our riding is done mostly on bike paths, sealed roads with the occasional gravel cycle path, there are no technical cycling skills required – but given the hills involved, we do suggest practicing riding downhill so you’re comfortable with this once the trip begins.
- If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip.
- Portugal’s Atlantic coast is usually windy at all times of year, but it is predominantly a northerly wind so you can expect a tailwind at most times of the year.
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
6. As space in the support vehicle is very limited we request that travelers bring only a small bag, no more than 20kgs with them.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel Moov Porto Centro
Praça da Batalha 32, 4000-101
Porto
PORTUGAL
Description
Situated in a historical Art Deco building from 1839, formerly housing the cinema Águia D’Ouro, Moov Hotel Porto Centro offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are decorated with cinematic photography and each has a desk and a private bathroom.
Instructions
If you arrive at Porto International Airport (airport code OPO) your best way to arrive at our hotel is by metro line E. The ride takes about 25 minutes. Exit the metro at Trindade station, from where it is another 15 minutes by foot to the hotel. Alternatively taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall and the drive should take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Porto airport: If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on Intrepid Operator Number: +49 8024 467 9540 and dial 1 for Transfers.
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