Portugal’s Atlantic Coast Cycling Trip

Explore the wonders of the Atlantic Coast, the Minho River and the Ria de Aveiro lagoons on this surprising 1-week self-guided cycling holiday in Portugal.

Starting in the fascinating small fortress town of Valença in the far north of Portugal, you’ll begin your leisurely two-wheeled adventure by cycling along the River Minho, which forms a natural border with Spain, towards Caminha and then following the Atlantic coast to the beautiful historical city of Viana do Castelo at the mouth of the River Lima.

Discover how the coastline shifts between rocky and sandy beaches between Viana do Castelo and Ovar and how the countryside is a glorious patchwork of fields, forests and hills. Once you get closer to Aveiro, the immersion in the natural wonders of the Ria de Aveiro lagoons and wetlands begins. These waterways are brimming with bird and aquatic life so look out for flamingos as well as colourful fishing boats.

Get to know local traditions and ways of life as you explore rural areas as well as more urban ones as you head south on a mixture of dirt tracks, quiet roads, boardwalks and cycle paths.

Itinerary – Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Valença

Arrive in this beautiful fortress town overlooking the River Minho and the Spanish town of Tui. When your bikes are delivered, a member of our team will give you a full briefing.

Enjoy exploring Valença’s many fascinating sights, especially the bulwarked fortress, and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside and neighbouring Galicia. You could pop across the International Bridge to explore Tui.

Accommodation: Valença, 4-star hotel

Day 2: Valença → Viana do Castelo

Distance: 58.3 km (36.2 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +359m / -373m

From Valença, you’ll follow the majestic River Minho towards the pretty town of Caminha at the tip of Portugal, where you’ll begin your journey south along the Atlantic coast.

Your destination is the fascinating small city of Viana do Castelo, known for its filigree jewellery, traditional embroidery and costumes, the hilltop Santa Luzia Basilica and other architectural and cultural treats. The many squares offer opportunities to watch the world go by from an outdoor café or restaurant as you savour local cuisine.

Accommodation: Viana do Castelo, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Viana do Castelo → Vila do Conde

Distance: 57.8 km (35.8 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +355m / -362m

Today, you head south, weaving between stunning beaches and verdant countryside, including nature reserves such as the one at Esposende. As you traverse small villages, you’ll see local people tending their small crops and fisherfolk at work, usually preparing their nets and bait for the next catch. You’ll also spot windmills on the beach!

As you enter Vila do Conde, marvel at the replica 15th century ship that once set sail from there on voyages of discovery. Along with its impressive naval history, the town is famous for its bobbin lace and embroidery. You can learn more at the local Bobbin Lace Museum and see craftswomen at work.

Accommodation: Vila do Conde, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Vila do Conde → Porto

Distance: 34.8 km (21.6 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +269m / -267m

Enjoy the varied coastal scenery as you make your way to the city of Porto. Shortly after leaving Vila do Conde, you’ll cross another nature reserve so look out for birds. See the colourful boats and small fishing community at Angeiras, a stark contrast from the busy port at Matosinhos.

Follow the Douro River from its mouth into the heart of Porto city centre, which is where today’s route ends.

Make the most of your time in this beautiful city by visiting a port wine lodge or one of the many unique monuments, such as Clérigos Tower or Lello Bookstore. You can also simply unwind with a drink overlooking the river in the Ribeira district.

Accommodation: Porto, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Porto → Ovar

Distance: 47.6 km (29.6 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +286m / -284m

Today’s Cross the mighty Douro River and head back to the Atlantic Ocean to continue cycling south along the coast and through coastal towns and villages, including Miramar, where there’s a chapel on the beach. Before reaching the last of these villages, Furadouro, enjoy the shade and refreshing scent as you cycle through an extensive pine forest.

End the trail in the small town of Ovar, where you can try the famous Pão de Ló, an impossibly soft sponge cake that Portuguese people will travel miles for. This town is also known for its colourful tiles, which cover most of the buildings in the historical centre, making it an open-air tile museum.

Accommodation: Ovar, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Ovar → Aveiro

Distance: 41.9 km (26.0 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +161m / -168m

On your way to Aveiro, you’ll explore the vast blue waters of the Ria de Aveiro lagoons. There are many small quays lined with brightly-painted fishing boats of varying shapes and sizes as well as small shipyards where you may find construction or maintenance in progress.

The route leads through São Jacinto, where you’ll take the ferry across the lagoon to the Forte da Barra, and Gafanha da Nazaré, home to the historic bacalhoeiro vessels once used for cod fishing, before crossing the Aveiro saltpans, where traditional salt-harvesting methods can often be seen.

End the day in the city of Aveiro, where the Moliceiros are now used to transport tourists along the canals. You may wish to take a ride on one. This attractive city is also full of Art Nouveau buildings and patterned pavements, so once you’re refreshed, take a stroll around the historical centre.

Accommodation: Aveiro, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Aveiro loop via Costa Nova

Distance: 46.6 km (28.9 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +215m / -214m

Head back to the coast for the first part of today’s route, passing some salt pans as you leave Aveiro. You’ll pass Barra Fort and lighthouse and see the picturesque striped houses in Costa Nova.

There are plenty of wading birds in the Aveiro Lagoon, between here and the town of Ílhavo, which you will skirt on the way to the Vista Alegre Museum. This fascinating museum is housed in the original porcelain factory and explains the history of porcelain in Portugal as well as the story of Vista Alegre and the village that it developed to support the factory workers.

From here, make your way back into the city of Aveiro for your last night. If you’re curious about salt production, you can find out more at the Troncalhada Marine EcoMuseum.

Accommodation: Aveiro, 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, it’s time to prepare for your onward journey. If you have time, take a final stroll through the old town of Aveiro before you leave.

Meals: Breakfast

Like what you see but it’s not quite a perfect fit?

• Simply get in touch to tell us what you’re looking for. We’re happy to make changes to create your ideal holiday.

Looking for more cycling holiday inspiration?

• Explore our full range of self-guided biking and cycling holidays in Portugal and Spain, including other routes through northern Portugal and Galicia.

Map

Atlantic Coast Cycling Trip

General Conditions

• July and August
  • In double room occupancy: 1.290 Euros
  • Single room supplement: 580 Euros

What’s included

• 7 nights’ hand-picked accommodation with breakfast;
• 6 days bike rental (MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels + panniers + helmet);
• Luggage transfer between accommodations;
• Detailed route notes;
• App with trail information for use on a smartphone
• In-person welcome briefing;
• 24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking).

What’s not included

• Lunches and dinners; Insurance; Tourist taxes; Gratuities; Personal expenses; Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above.