Atlantic Coast tour: Porto – Lisbon

15 days Atlantic Ocean

Begin your holiday in the north of Portugal, in Porto and follow the diversified Atlantic coast to Lisbon. Porto is idyllically situated at the Douro River and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996 with its historic buildings, baroque churches and port wine cellars. The beautiful bike paths leads along the wide, dunes-lined sandy beaches to small seaside resorts such as Furadouro and Praia de Mira and through the lagoon of Aveiro into the picturesque "Venice of Portugal" and the fashionable seaside resort of Figueira da Foz. In the valley of the Mondego river you will reach Coimbra, which has many attractions to offer in its medieval streets. 

Further on you cycle on the bike track "Via Atlântica" through pine forests to the seaside resort Praia de Vieira and Nazaré with its beautiful old town, which has been the scene of filming several times. A lot of variety is offerd by sandy beaches, cliffs and lagoon landscapes on your way to Óbidos, the Portuguese "Rothenburg ob der Tauber". Between Peniche and Ericeira you will find the best surfing beaches in Europe and can spend hours here admiring the hustle and bustle in huge waves. In Sintra you will encounter ancient castles and magnificent palaces such as the Pena Palace. Between the  seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril you will cycle along the beautiful promenade before visiting the Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) in Belém. On the bike path you finally roll to the center of Lisbon where you can stroll through the old town streets, ascend to the fortress Castelo Sao Jorge and enjoy bars and restaurants in the bustling upper town.

1. day Porto arrival

In Porto is where the heart of the North beats. The picturesque Old Town with its Baroque church treasure is UNESCO World Heritage Site, the modern Porto shines with lively culture and nightlife, and the shore line presents itself in a Mediterranean style. On the opposite side of the river Port wine is aged in the cellars and uniquely spans the historic bridge of Gustave Eiffel deeply incised Douro. The closely nested old town is dominated by the Baroque Bishop's Palace and the cathedral and beautiful pedestrian streets invite you to stroll. Here you can go to right on the day of arrival to explore and indulge in the special atmosphere of the beautiful city. From many European airports, there are inexpensive direct flights to Porto and Lisbon is only a 3 hours train ride away.

2. day Porto – Furadouro 45 km

Today your cycling trip starts spectacular. You cycle to the picturesque Douro river, across the historic iron bridge to the famous port wine producers and follow the Douro to the wide estuary to the Atlantic. Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the picturesque old town. On a separate bicycle lane you bike along the beach promenade. Like this you can enjoy the gentle waves of the Atlantic and the wide white sand beaches. In the middle of the dune landscape, you follow the cycle path along wooden walkways. Look forward to Espinho, here you will find the most beautiful beaches south of Porto. Take a refreshing swim or relax in one of the numerous beach bars. In the afternoon you will cycle through the pine-tree forest to the former fishing village of Furadouro with its kilometers of sandy beaches. Take a stroll through the wide promenade and enjoy the day.

3. day Furadouro – Aveiro 56 km

The well-developed lagoon landscape of Aveiro, separated from the Atlantic by an extended dune strip, offers a unique biotope with wide shallow waters, small canals, diverse flora and fauna and lively fishing. Enjoy the beautiful fishing village of Aveiro with picturesque canals. In the Art Nauveau dominated old town, colorful traditional boats offer small canal cruises. Dive into this picture-book town, visit the cathedral and enjoy the evening in one of the numerous restaurants of the old town.

4. day Aveiro – Praia de Mira 46 km

In Ilhavo you can admire the museum and the historical factory area of the Vista-Alegre porcelain factory, where noble porcelains of world renown is produced. The Spanish and Belgian royal houses, the White House and many museums are among the customers. Take a break at the coast in the town of Costa Nova with its countless colorful painted houses (palheiros), which now houses pretty holiday houses, cafés, restaurants and nice shops. Kilometers of dunes, the foothills of the lagoon landscape and a variety of bathing facilities will accompany you all day. The seaside resort of Praia de Mira, with its fine beach promenade and typical small restaurants and fishermen's houses, can be reached on separate cycle paths away from any traffic.

5. day Praia de Mira – Figueira da Foz 56 km

Today quite different landscape impressions characterize your day. You cycle through the wide state forest with beautifully scented pine trees. A separate cycle path leads you along densely wooded streams to historic water mills and small lakes. Afterwards, you will cycle along small streets through dreamy villages, colorful fields and green forests. Enjoy the well wooded track, as just before your reach your destination you have to master 200 meters height. Reward yourself with a "stopover" and look forward to the deserved descent down to the coast to the wide dream beach of the fashionable seaside resort Figueira da Foz. Enjoy the end of the day at the beach or in one of the nice restaurants.

6. day Figueira da Foz - Coimbra 55 km/ 38 km + train ride

Today you will cycle on the new bike path along the river Mondego (optionally by train) to the impressive castle complex of Montemor-o-Velho. This widely visible fortification complex on the top of the hill will be reached by using three escalators in the narrow old town. Enjoy the fantastic panorama without effort. After leaving the town, you have to master 100 meter uphill before you will roll on small roads along the edge of the Mondego valley. Follow the river to the old town of the venerable university town of Coimbra, which is located majestic on a slope.

7. day Stay in Coimbra

Today you can spend your day in the lively old town of Coimbra, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. It is particularly worthwhile to visit the university with the historic Baroque library. Enjoy your day in the narrow streets of the old town with its numerous impressive Renaissance buildings and the pretty shops.

8. day Coimbra – Praia de Pedrogão 48 km + bus transfer

After a short bus transfer you hop on your bike in Verride - you cycle towards the coast! Initially dominated by the fertile plain of the Mondego River, the bike path "Via Atlantica" leads you through gently rolling pine forests to the wide sandy beach of Praia de Pedrogão with the hotel only 200 m away from the beach. In the evening, the sunset and typical beach bars and nice restaurants attract many guests. Enjoy the evening!

9. day Praia de Pedrogão – Nazaré 44 km

On the longest cycle path in Portugal we continue along the coast through the typical pine forests. First destination is the seaside resort of Sao Pedro de Moel with the lighthouse visible from afar, from which a phenomenal view over the rugged cliffs pays off. The sheltered bay invites you to take a break, but four more sandy beaches are on your way to the daily destination, including the famous beach, Praia do Norte ', where the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara 2012 surfed the 30m height of the largest wave in the world. Finally, enjoy the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré, whose historic center with the pilgrimage church is located on a rocky plateau above the town. Since 1889, a cable car has been very conveniently located there, so you can end the evening both on the beach and stroll through the old town.

10. day Nazaré – Óbidos 44 km

In the morning you cycle along the cliffs to the beautiful coastal town of São Martinho do Porto with its unique lagoon. Connected only by a narrow opening to the open sea, the lagoon's water is swimming and bathing suitable for most of the year. The adjacent huge sand dune is surrounded by steep cliffs - a real feast for the eyes. After another break in the seaside village of Foz do Arelho you cycle through a small wine growing area inland to Óbidos, the Portuguese "Rothenburg ob der Tauber". If the crowds of visitors have left the picturesque place in the evening, you can still enjoy all the highlights with leisure: the small decorated streets, the imposing castle complex, the idyllic mountain panorama and the preserved city wall, on which the historic city can be completely surrounded.

11. day Obidos – Peniche 51 km

After a short downhill ride you cycle on well-developed cycle paths directly on the shores of the wide lagoon landscape of Óbidos back to the cliffs. This is dominated by the spacious glammorous hotel complexes before the scene changes completely on the Baleal peninsula. Known as a Mecca for the international surfing scene, there are colorful VW Bullis with colorful surfboards on the beach and in all the cafes and shops there is only one topic. For hours you can watch the hustle and bustle on the water here and also on the way to Peniche this picture does not change, because everywhere it says: Surf is Up!

12. day Peniche – Ericeira 66 km

From one surf hotspot to the next: Along a magnificent cliff landscape today's day's stage leads through the hilly, coastal interior. This longest stage also holds the most climbs for you, so it is worth taking a cooling bath break on the white beach of Praia da Areira Branca, before following the river Rio Grande on side roads. Shortly before your destination of the day, the surfing and fishing village of Ericeira, you have to pedal hard again, then roll into the lively streets of the old town, which promises a relaxing evening with many bars and restaurants.

13. day Ericeira – Sintra 27 km

Today's stage is kept very short, leaving plenty of time for the enchanting Sintra, with its ancient castles and magnificent palaces that have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995. The absolute highlight is the vividly painted Pena Palace, one of Portugal's greatest attractions, with an impressive mix of North African influences and medieval Gothic. But the National Palace, the Moorish castle and other extravagant palaces with sophisticated parks are on every visitor list and let the day go by way too fast.

14. day Sintra – Lisbon 58 km

In the morning enjoy a great descent through the green mountains of the Serra de Sintra and along the shallow coast to the pretty town center of Cascais, the historic summer destination of the Portuguese kings. Right on the sea promenade you cycle to the fashionable seaside resort of Estoril with the first casino of Portugal, before you follow the coastal road (partially bike path) to Belém with the UNESCO World Heritage listed Jerónimos Monastery whose entire limestone facade is artistically designed. A short stop at the neighboring pastry shop to taste the famous Pastéis de Belém pudding tarts - and then quickly on the bike path right on the water into Lisbon. Alternatively you can shorten today's day's stage by train several times.

15. day Lisbon departure

Today your beautiful bike trip ends. Alternatively you can go on a discovery tour in Lisbon. We recommend to spend some extra days in this wonderful city.

Worth knowing about your bike trip Porto - Lisbon

Please find more information about the „Porto - Lisbon“ bike trip below. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421 - 886890.

Arrival by plane

The bike tour starts in Porto and ends in Lisbon. Both cities have an international airport, which is served by many airlines. It would be ideal to book the outward flight to Porto and the return flight from Lisbon. But it is also possible to book both flights from / to Porto or from / to Lisbon. Both cities are very well connected by express trains (aprx. 3 hours drive).

Condition of cycle paths

You cycle 90% on paved roads, bike paths or small roads. Short passages on the beach you cycle on the beautiful wooden stilts through the middle of the dunes. Only a few sections you have to cycle on busy roads or difficult gravel paths. Most stages have been consciously selected not too long, so you really have time on the road to enjoy the many natural beauties and to explore the worth seeing places of accommodation. Nice stopovers on the beach or on the cliffs are possible without having to rush. Overall the first 3 daily stages run flat. After that it gets increasing hilly. Flat sections at sea level alternate with climbs up to the cliffs or hilly routes in the hinterland through vineyards and wooded nature reserves.

Available rental bikes

We provide touring bikes (unisex), hybrid bikes (females/men's) an electric bikes (unisex) with a pannier and a lock. The bikes are available with freewheeel and in different frame sizes  Please specify your wishes with your booking.

Rental bikes

Your Velociped contact person at the location

In Porto we have an absolutely reliable all-round service for you as well. Our english- and german-speaking local partner, born in Porto, will be at your disposal every day, will welcome you, takes care of the bikes and knows every bicycle tour personally. He is looking forward to give you insider tips and common information.

Navigation with your mobile phone

You often cycle on small roads and paths with many branches in a very varied landscape. There are only a few bike path signs or information signs. Therefore we recommend to use our GPS files in addition to our tour book with maps. We are happy to send you the GPS files free of charge by email. You can save all day tours on your smartphone to follow them easily.

On request, we will also provide a GPS device with the files on site for a rental fee (100.00 EUR). GPS device is subject to availabilty, so please contact Velociped at least 1 week before your journey starts.

A short video for handling can be found here tutorial.

Travel seasons

In March daytime temperatures are well suited for cycling already and in April you can expect balmy evenings. High season starts in May and in June a shelter from the sun is already treasured. The bathing season is in July and August and you are going to meet many locals at the waterfront. As of September the temperatures are very pleasant for cycling again. Even October is still a good month for travelling but the Atlantic Ocean is way too fresh for a long bath at that time.

Extra costs which are not included in the price

The short train ride on the 6th day from Figueira da Foz cost approx. 6 EUR, payable on site. A possibly applicable city tax is not part of the price and has to be paid at the hotel locally.

7 day hotline service

Just in case the bike chain is broken, flooding makes it impossible to continue your tour or any other nasty surprise: you can reach us seven days a week and we will do anything to help you as fast as possible.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Old town of Porto

Known as the Ribeira the old town of Porto starts right on the river banks of the Douro and is since 1996 part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to numerous winding streets and alleys, there are especially many Baroque churches in the old town, that is why Porto is also known as the baroque city. The special feature of the old town is that it is less influenced by individual interest, but rather by their contiguous charm. This becomes clear especially from the other side of the riverbank, from where you have a beautiful view over the old town and thereby the overall pictures from buildings, roads and churches is shown. At the same time there are today many shopping streets and cafés in the old town, which invite you to a long stroll.

Ribeira

Bookstore Livraria Lello a Irmão

The Livraria Lello & Irmão is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores worldwide. The business is actually unique and also not bookworms, should have a look. Already in 1869 the bookstore was opened in order to allow the inhabitants of Porto access to both domestic and foreign literature. The building has two floors, each with large bookshelves. Both the ceiling and the bookshelves are worth seeing. The highlight is the sweeping staircase in the middle of the first floor, about which the elongated stained glass roof is. On the first floor there is a small bar with wines among others. Also striking is the bright exterior facade, which was built in neo-Gothic style.

Livraria Lello e Irmão

Bridge Ponte Dom Luis

The impressive Dom Luis Bridge with 172 m span is a filigree steel-arch bridge in two levels above the Douro and connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was built from 1881 until 1888, after plans of the engineer Théophile Seyrig. Seyrig already been completed along with Gustav Eiffel the 500 meters further upstream located bridge "Ponte Maria Pia". The bridge belongs to the territorially historic center of Porto, and therefore since 1996 to the "World Heritage Site". The upper part of the bridge is used by the Metro, cyclists and pedestrians, the part underneath is used by car traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

Ponte Dom Luis

Aveiro

Through the enchanting capital city of Aveiro, nicknamed the "Portuguese Venice", a shimmering Channel runs and the city is considered one of the most enchanting destinations in the country. That is because of the brightly patterned moliceiro boats, the numerous pastel colored buildings in the Art Nouveau style and its quiet, urban atmosphere - a picturesque backdrop. In the city center there are a variety of restaurants as well as a great selection of bars and shops. When you wander through the city, you should go in one of the typical cafes and sample the heavenly ovos moles, the sugary-based egg specialty of the district.

Aveiro

Coimbra

The historic city Coimbra is situated in the interior and on the beautiful river Mondego, approximately 100 km south of Porto and is domicile of Portugal’s oldest University. Would you like to get to know the real and authentic Portuguese Life? Coimbra is the right place.  You can feel the special flair especially in the narrow winding streets and alleys of the old town. Due to the city’s history you will find many places of interest as well – don’t miss it.

Coimbra

Nazaré

Nazaré, with its mild climate and natural beauty, has very ancient traditions and is known as a fishing and pilgrimage destination. In recent years, a natural phenomenon and one surfer guy have made the place world famous. This is the underwater phenomenon "Canhão da Nazaré", the largest underwater gorge in Europe, which is over 170 kilometers long and extends down to 5000 meters. It provduces gigantic and perfect waves conditions and one of the largest surfable waves in the world.

Nazaré

Obidos

This charming town is known for its historic center, which is completely surrounded by walkable walls and laced with flower-filled streets. From these walls you have a fantastic view over the roofs with their terracotta tiles and the whitewashed houses of the city. During your visit, you should not miss a tasting of the sweet "Ginja de Obidos", the cherry liqueur produced in the region of Obidos!

Obidos

Sintra

Sintra is considered to be a picturesque town amid a beautiful landscape of steep hills and lush green forests leading down to the fantastic coastline. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers a variety of colorful and historic buildings ranging from extravagant palaces and decadent houses to ancient castle ruins. The city center of Sintra impresses with beautiful cobbled streets, traditional houses, shops and cafés. Very worthwhile: a visit of the "Palácio Nacional da Pena".

Sintra

Pena Palast

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The 16th century "Mosteiro dos Jerónimos" is located in Belém, a suburb of Lisbon. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its unique architecture. Nowadays it houses the sarcophagi and tombs of important Portuguese personalities, including members of the royal family. It is one of the most beautiful sights in Portugal.

Monastery

Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal's stunning capital. The city is built on seven hills (not counting minor hills) and is considered to be one of the most charismatic and lively metropolises in Europe. Heritage, tradition and modernity coexist here. The old town impresses with its tile facades and medieval, narrow streets. The international airport is 6 km north of the center.

Lisbon