Portugal's Atlantic coast by bike
The magnificent Silver Coast cycle route follows the coastline from the north to the centre of Portugal. The route starts in Porto, a historic and cultural city with a whole host of vibes.
Porto is famous for its port wine, its wine cellars and its beautiful historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cycle route crosses the São Jacinto dunes nature reserve and the Ria de Aveiro, on the Vouga river estuary to Aveiro. This is Portugal's little Venice, with its typical moliceiro boats.
Further south, you'll come across pine forests and dunes in a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.
The next destination will be Coimbra, best known for its university history, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
Highlights of the trip :
- Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ria de Aveiro nature reserve
- Aveiro, Portugal's Little Venice
- Crossing the dunes in the Quiaios region
- Coimbra
Day 1: Porto
Our guide will transfer you from the airport to your hotel in Porto. There's something mystical and hard to describe about this amazing city. It's up to you to discover it!
Take the rest of the day to sightsee, sample the cuisine, visit the sights and chat with the locals.
Night in Porto at the hotel.
Day 2: Porto to Furadouro by bike - 46 km
This first stage by bike begins with a crossing of the Dom Luís bridge, which offers spectacular views over the Douro river.
You'll cycle along quiet, serene roads, close to the sea. Along the way, you'll pass a number of small beaches such as Valadares, Francelos and Miramar along a path close to the coast.
These beautiful beaches are ideal for swimming and soaking up the sun (weather permitting!).
On Miramar beach, you can visit an intriguing little chapel that sits atop a rock on the shore; the Capela do Senhor da Pedra.
Day 3: Furadouro to Aveiro - 57 km
Here's another cycling stage by the sea!
You'll cycle through magnificent pine forests on easy, flat roads to the Ria de Aveiro. The Ria de Aveiro is a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Its unique mesotidal wetland has several branches forming islands.
Riding along this area is an exceptional experience. You will then arrive at the São Jacinto dunes, an incredible nature reserve home to many rare species and the ideal place to observe the flora and fauna!
You will then take the ferry to our little Portuguese Venice, Aveiro.
Day 4: Aveiro to Praia de Mira by bike - 42 km
Leaving Aveiro, you'll take a path through a land of ponds, where salt is extracted using an ancient traditional method handed down from generation to generation.
Continuing on by bike, you will come to a quay from where you can see the harbour and some old cod-fishing boats. Cross the main bridge to reach the village of Barra. From here, you follow the cycle path southwards.
You cycle through the landscape of the Ria itself. At the end of the track, the landscape begins to change into fields and vegetable gardens as far as Mira beach.
Day 5: Praia de Mira to Coimbra by bike - 62 km
You will leave Praia de Mira by bike to head inland towards Coimbra.
This day begins on gravel roads through villages and towns to the River Mondego, which will guide you into the heart of Coimbra. This charming city was Portugal's first capital and the first university was established here in 1537.
Many Portuguese writers, doctors, philosophers and scientists have studied here over the years. The University of Coimbra - Alta et Sofia was built in the royal palace of Alcáçova, a superb historic site.
You can also visit the 12th-century Santa Cruz cathedral, several 16th-century colleges, the Joanine library with its baroque decor, or the 18th-century botanical garden.
Take the time to see all the wonders around Coimbra.
Day 6: Coimbra to Figueira da Foz - 51 km
Between Coimbra and Figueira da Foz, you'll see an amazing castle!
After a delicious breakfast, you'll get back on your bike and cycle through farmland and villages, before arriving at the town of Montemor-o-Velho. The town of Montemor-o-Velho overlooks the river from its small hill known as Monte Maior, which has been fortified for at least 2000 years.
The Romans called it Montis Maioris and Roman stones can be found at the base of the keep, while many of the walls are built on Moorish foundations.
Admire the view from the top and then head back to Figueira da Foz for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Day 7: Return to Porto
The end of your cycling trip in Portugal. The day has come to bring back all the incredible souvenirs in your luggage.
Transfer between Figueira da Foz and Porto.
