Porto to Coimbra Cycling

Arrive at your hotel in Porto. After a briefing with our agent you can enjoy dinner on the Douro riverfront, choosing from a wide range of restaurants.

Today you could opt for a return cycle ride, taking you north of Porto and along both the Douro River and the ocean front, passing glorious beaches, the 16th century castle of Sao Joao da Foz, Matosinhos – with some great seafood restaurants – and the Boa Nova Tea House which belongs to the Portuguese Masterchef’s Rui Paula. If you’d rather spend the day exploring Porto, why not enjoy a stroll along the riverfront, wander the narrow, winding streets or explore the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This morning, enjoy a relaxed ride along the Douro River’s south bank, full of brightly coloured rabelo boats. You could stop for a tasting in one of the famous port wine caves before following an idyllic waterfront path from the Natural Reserve of the Douro Estuary – a great spot for birdwatching – to the Atlantic coast. Heading onwards, you’ll pass some beautiful sandy beaches – perhaps stop for lunch in one of the seafront restaurants and relax on Espinho’s gorgeous golden sands – before following a cycle path through pine forest to your beachfront hotel in Furadouro.

Head south from Furadouro along the protected Aveiro Lagoon, one of Europe’s last pristine coastal marshes and a haven for many bird species including plover and sandpiper – you can discover more about the area by joining the canal and paying a visit to the BioRia Interpretation Centre. It’s then on to Salreu where you’ll take a short train journey (10 mins – pay locally) to Aveiro, your home for the next two nights. There are plenty of good fish restaurants to choose from for dinner, within easy reach of your luxury hotel.

Aveiro is known as ‘Portugal’s Venice’, with a picturesque network of canals weaving their way through the city, lined with grand buildings and former fishermen’s houses and filled with gondola-style boats making their way leisurely along the water. Charming alleyways are lined with churrasquerias for lunch, while a bustling fish market takes place every day. Visit the impressive Jesus Monastery and Aveiro Museum, along with the beautiful cathedral which dominates the town square.

Cycle southwards today and visit the factory and museum of Vista Alegre, Portugal’s oldest fine porcelain producer, based in Ilhavo, before crossing the Aveiro Lagoon to meet the ocean again in Vagueira. From here you head north to Costa Nova, home to a lovely sandy beach lined by colourful candy-striped houses, before cycling back to Vagueira and along the coast. Turning inland, you’ll make your way to your 4 star beachfront hotel at Praia de Mira, passing fields of pears, lemons and strawberries en route.

Today’s ride continues along the Silver Coast, through one of the biggest dune systems in the area, covered in pine tree forest. There is a final short but fairly steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem shortly before reaching the seaside town of Figueira da Foz.

Your final ride takes you inland along the fertile valley of the Mondego River. Stop at Montemor o Velho, midway along your route to explore the ancient castle, a monument dating back to 1088. Continue on to the UNESCO city of Coimbra and head out in the evening to enjoy a range of restaurants and lively fado bars!

Explore Coimbra at your leisure. There’s so much to discover in this beautiful riverfront city, including the historic university with its spectacular Baroque library, the Museo de Castro, whose art collection in the Bishop’s Palace is one of the finest in Portugal, not to mention the interest-packed streets and leafy plazas just perfect for exploring.