Portugal's Atlantic Coast 11-Day Moderate

Portugal's Atlantic Coast
11-Day Moderate

(2 Reviews)

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Overview

  • Tour DifficultyModerate
  • Tour Duration11 Days / 10 Nights
  • Daily Saddle Time3-5 Hours
  • Daily Elevation345 m (1165 feet)
  • Daily Distance42 km (26 miles)
  • Total Distance420 kms (260 miles)
  • StartLisbon, Portugal
  • FinishPorto, Portugal
  • Local AirportsLisbon or Porto
  • Tour SeasonMar 1 - Oct 31
  • Food & DrinkYes
  • History & CultureYes
  • Sun & SeaYes
  • Electric BikeYes
  • Gravel BikingYes
  • Mountain BikingYes

Overview

  • Tour DifficultyModerate
  • Tour Duration11 Days / 10 Nights
  • Daily Saddle Time3-5 Hours
  • Daily Elevation345 m (1165 feet)
  • Daily Distance42 km (26 miles)
  • Total Distance420 kms (260 miles)
  • StartLisbon, Portugal
  • FinishPorto, Portugal

Highlights

  • Lisbon: Starting in Portugal's capital city, embrace the vibrant city streets and visit the iconic Jerónimos Monastery.
  • Sintra National Park: This UNESCO heritage site boasts 6 remarkable castles and palaces, including Pena Palace.
  • Obidos: Step back in time and experience one of Europe's best preserved medieval fortified towns.
  • Nazaré: A mecca for the world's surfing elite, with breathtaking golden sand beaches and the world's most dramatic waves.
  • Aveiro: Dubbed the "Venice of Portugal," is a picturesque city known for its charming canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture.
  • Porto: Finishing in Portugal's second city, a port tasting and stunning sunset over the river Douro awaits.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon, the most westerly capital city in continental Europe. This vibrant city, with its steep streets and colorful buildings, is steeped in over 750 years of history. Despite the devastating 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon, iconic landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral, São Vicente de Fora, and the hauntingly beautiful Carmo Convent still stand. Wander through Alfama, where narrow cobbled streets and bright facades charm at every turn. Climb its steep paths for a calf workout and a glimpse of the city’s soul.

No visit is complete without a ride on the iconic Tram 28, a rickety journey through Lisbon’s character-filled neighborhoods. End your day at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, where the sun sets over the city and the Tagus River, casting a golden glow across Lisbon’s timeless beauty.

Day 2: Lisbon - Sintra

Distance: 42 kms (26 miles) / Elevation Gain: 639 m (2153 feet) / Saddle Time: 3-5 hour

Pedal along the coastal path, the Atlantic Ocean to your left shimmering under the morning sun. Pause in Cascais, a charming seaside town, where colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor. The route climbs gently into the Sintra hills, shaded by lush forests. In Sintra, the enchanting town greets you with its fairy-tale charm. The whimsical Pena Palace peeks out from the mist, a beacon of romance and history. Rest well—tomorrow, more wonders await.

Day 3: Sintra - Santa Cruz

Distance: 54 kms (33 miles) / Elevation Gain: 513 m (1720 feet) / Saddle Time: 3-5 hours

Leaving Sintra’s magic behind, you follow tranquil country roads toward the coast. The air fills with the scent of pine trees and the sound of distant waves. As you approach Santa Cruz, wide sandy beaches and rugged cliffs dominate the landscape. Surfers ride the Atlantic waves, their silhouettes framed by a golden horizon. The quiet town offers a peaceful retreat, where you can relax and let the rhythm of the ocean soothe your soul.

Day 4: Santa Cruz - Obidos

Distance: 42 kms (26 miles) / Elevation Gain: 597 m (2010 feet) / Saddle Time: 2.5-4.5 hours

The route today takes you through rolling countryside dotted with whitewashed villages. The medieval town of Óbidos appears like a mirage, its walls and towers rising above the surrounding plains. Wander the narrow streets lined with vibrant bougainvillea and artisan shops. Sip a glass of ginjinha, the local cherry liqueur, served in a chocolate cup. The timeless charm of Óbidos makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Day 5: Obidos - Nazaré

Distance: 39 kms (24 miles) / Elevation Gain: 321 m (1010 feet) / Saddle Time: 2.5-4.5 hours

Today’s journey winds through vineyards and olive groves. A highlight awaits: Vinhos Cortem, where a wine tasting introduces you to the rich flavors of the region. Further along, the coastal town of Nazaré offers dramatic cliffs and golden beaches. Stand atop the famous headland of Sitio, where the Atlantic unleashes its raw power. This is a town of tradition, where fishing nets dry in the sun and tales of giant waves linger in the air.

Day 6: Nazaré - Figueira da Foz

Distance: 77 kms (48 miles) / Elevation Gain: 368 m (1240 feet) / Saddle Time: 3.5-5.5 hours

The route hugs the coastline, with the ocean as your constant companion. Fishing villages offer glimpses of local life, and the scent of salt and seaweed fills the air. Arriving in Figueira da Foz, you’re greeted by wide beaches and elegant promenades. The town is vibrant yet relaxed, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood while the waves lap gently on the shore

Day 7: Figueira Da Foz - Praia de Mira

Distance: 43 kms (27 miles) / Elevation Gain: 164 m (550 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours

Today’s ride is serene, with eucalyptus forests lining quiet paths. You’ll pass through tranquil lagoons, where herons and flamingos find sanctuary. Praia de Mira welcomes you with its laid-back charm and colorful fishing boats pulled onto the sand. The beach stretches endlessly, inviting you to dip your toes in the Atlantic after a rewarding day on the bike.

Day 8: Praia de Mira - Aveiro

Distance: 33 kms (20 miles) / Elevation Gain: 96 m (324 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours

As you cycle north, the landscape shifts to the unique beauty of the Aveiro region. Canals crisscross the “Venice of Portugal,” with traditional moliceiro boats gliding gracefully. Explore the town’s Art Nouveau architecture and savor ovos moles, a sweet delicacy. The blend of water, culture, and history creates an atmosphere that’s both tranquil and enchanting.

Day 9: Aveiro - Ovar

Distance: 39 kms (24 miles) / Elevation Gain: 56 m (189 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-3.5 hours

Today’s route meanders through wetlands and salt pans, where you might spot flamingos feeding in the shallows. In Ovar, the azulejos—the traditional blue and white tiles—adorn the town’s buildings, telling stories of Portugal’s past. Be sure to try pão-de-ló, a soft sponge cake that’s a regional specialty. The peaceful ambiance of this small town offers a perfect moment of calm before the grand finale of your journey.

Day 10: Ovar - Porto

Distance: 51 kms (32 miles) / Elevation Gain: 314 m (1050 feet) / Saddle Time: 3-4.5 hours

The final stretch takes you along the Douro River, its vineyards rolling down to the water. Porto emerges with its terracotta rooftops and vibrant riverside. Celebrate your achievement with a tour and tasting at Cockburn’s Port Lodge, where the rich, sweet wines of the Douro Valley reveal their secrets. As evening falls, the lights of Porto sparkle, mirroring the Douro below.

Day 11: Depart from Porto

Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia are enchanting cities, where every glance reveals a breathtaking, photo-worthy view. Begin your day at the stunning Capela das Almas, its exterior adorned with iconic Azulejo tiles. Nearby, the bustling Mercado do Bolhão invites you to explore over 80 stalls offering fresh produce and tempting snacks.

Stroll along the Vila Nova de Gaia Pier and browse the vibrant craft market before boarding a traditional Rabelo boat for a serene hour-long cruise under six historic bridges. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge back to Porto and wander through the steep, winding streets of the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district to the majestic Sé do Porto Cathedral.

End your day at Miradouro da Vitória, where the panoramic sunset view of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Douro River’s bridges is unforgettable. Reflect on the unforgettable moments of this incredible journey.

Map

Accommodation

All our accommodation selections are in-house reviewed. We partner with family-owned, charming guesthouses and hotels where you can relax and recharge. Below are some sample accommodations on our Portugal Atlantic Coast tours. Depending on availability, the accommodation you stay at may vary but will always be of a similar standard.

Lisbon: Ting's Lisbon

Tings Lisbon is a small oasis where travelers meet creatives in its shaded garden. The old, rebuilt protected house is located on Senhora Do Monte Miradouro in Graça w. the best cafes, bars, restaurants, street art and music venues only a few minutes away. All guests wake up to the smell of the home baked bread served for breakfast.

Sintra: Águamel Guest House

Obidos: Hotel Real

FAQ

What Is the cycle like?

This tour is in our Moderate difficulty grading. Consisting of a blend of cycle lanes, quiet country roads and some technical forest trails, it is recommended to be comfortable riding in all terrains. The opening half of the tour is more difficult with some big elevation gain and a lot of ground to cover. The closing half of the tour is much flatter and offers an opportunity to let the legs recover.

We only offer electric mountain bikes or gravel bikes on this tour due to terrain and daily distances.

Is this tour for me?

This is a tour of discovery and with it comes an ever evolving backdrop to enjoy during the cycle. If your idea of a perfect bike tour is a test of your fitness and skill, but with rewards of seeing parts lesser known, this tour is the one for you.

With incredible landmarks along the route as well as top tier food & wine stops, you’ll discover more about Portugal’s rich culture in 11 days than most would dream of in a month.

Tour includes

  • 10 nights accommodation in charming guesthouses and hotels.
  • A hearty breakfast each morning
  • Two visits to world class wineries, vineyards and port lodges
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations
  • Detailed itinerary, GPX files and printable maps of your route
  • Tips on local attractions, history & evening meals
  • On call support before and during your tour

Tour excludes

  • Flights and transfers to and from the trail heads
  • Lunches & Dinners
  • Insurance
  • Bike rental (Selected on checkout)

The Bikes

You have a choice of bringing your own bike or renting your tour bike through us during booking. For Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, the bikes available are robust electric mountain bikes or manual gravel bikes. If an electric bike is chosen, it will bring the daily saddle time down by approximately 1 hour.

We only partner with the best bike suppliers for all our destinations so you’ll be guaranteed well maintained, premium brand bikes such as Cube, Trek or KTM.

All bike rentals come with helmet, lock and repair kit. A network of mechanics are on call in case of any mechanical issues faced while on tour.

What Is The Climate Like?

We offer tours in Portugal from March – October. At the start and end of the tour season, the average temperatures in Lisbon are approximately 15 °C (50 °F). These are also the quietest times of the season to miss queues at famous landmarks. Temperatures peak average at 28 °C (83 °F) in July & August and are also the driest months. Temperatures as high as 35 °C (95 °F) have been recorded, but these are quite rare. Please see image below for reference.

As a lot of ground is covered on this tour, you may be exposed to different weather systems. For inland regions such as Coimbra, temperatures can rise as high as 40°C (104°F).

Is The Tour Easy To Navigate?

We include detailed navigation instructions and GPX files for your ride. Our navigation app is easy to use and we give a detailed instructional video on how to use it. If you are having any difficulty, we are on call at all times to assist you.

Portugal generally speaking has a high level of English fluency, so you are never far out of reach of a local’s wise words.

What If There Is An Issue On Tour?

Included in your tour, is 24/7 message and video support. If you have an issue with navigation, bike breakdown, accommodation, medical, etc, we are at the touch of a button away at all times.

We have an extensive network of suppliers along the route, who will resolve the problem as swiftly as possible.

 

More FAQ

If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for above, visit our general FAQ page for more information or simply reach out to us with the “Ask A Question” button on the side.

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Price

Portugal's Atlantic Coast 11-Day Moderate

From$1,838
(2 Reviews)
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Tour Includes


3* or 4* Accommodation Throughout

Breakfast Each Morning

Winery Tour & Tasting

Train Transfers While On Tour

Luggage Transfer

Itinerary & Navigation Documentation

Tips & Local Insights

24-Hour Support

From$1,838
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