Overview
Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal is a spectacular way to enjoy this country’s natural and cultural heritage, pedalling between the two gorgeous towns of Viana do Castelo and Aveiro, the latter famous for its wetlands and lagoons, navigable by traditional boats.
Stay in small, locally-owned hotels and guesthouses, with your luggage transferred for you every day, cycle along the River Lima, through traditional fishing villages, along coastal trails between Viana do Castelo and Ovar with the historic city of Porto in between. The finale in Aveiro is a heritage highlight, not only for the aquatic wonders of Aveiro’s lagoons, but also for its array of colourful boats and wetland life that still abounds here.
- Medieval towns and cities
- Porto
- Birdwatching
- Ria de Aveiro lagoons and wetlands
- Moliceiro boats
- Vista Alegre porcelain museum and factory
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Valença
Arrive in Valença, a fortress town overlooking the River Minho and the Spanish town of Tui. Explore the city’s many fascinating sights, especially the bulwarked fortress, and check the views of the surrounding countryside and neighbouring Galicia. You could pop across the International Bridge to explore Tui.
- Accommodation: Pousada de Valença or similar in Valença
Day 2: Valença – Viana do Castelo | 58km
From Valença, follow the River Minho towards the town of Caminha at the tip of Portugal, then continue south along the Atlantic coast. Your destination is the 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.
- Cycling for the day: 58km
- Accommodation: Hotel Melo Alvim or similar in Viana do Castelo
Day 3: Viana do Castelo – Vila do Conde | 58km
Head south, weaving between coast and countryside, including some nature reserves such as the one at Esposende. The day of cycling comes to a close in Vila do Conde, a town that has an impressive naval history but is also famous for its bobbin lace and embroidery.
- Cycling for the day: 58km
- Accommodation: Hotel Vila C or similar in Vila do Conde
Day 4: Vila do Conde – Porto | 35km
After leaving Vila do Conde, cross another nature reserve. Pass through the small fishing community of Angeiras, teaming with colourful boats. 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 city by visiting one of its port cellars or exploring the city’s ancient centre.
- Cycling for the day: 35km
- Accommodation: Hotel Neya Porto or similar in Porto
Day 5: Porto – Ovar | 48km
Chase Douro River back to the Atlantic Ocean to continue cycling south, through coastal towns and villages including Miramar, with its famous chapel on the beach. End the trail in the small town of Ovar, where you can try the famous Pão de Ló, a 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.
- Cycling for the day: 48km
- Accommodation: Aqua Hotel or similar in Ovar
Day 6: Ovar – Aveiro | 42km
Explore the Ria de Aveiro lagoons with many small quays lined with brightly painted fishing boats of varying shapes and sizes. Head to São Jacinto to take the ferry to Forte da Barra and Gafanha da Nazaré, known for the bacalhoeiro vessels once used for cod fishing. Continue by crossing the Aveiro saltpans, where traditional salt-harvesting methods can often be seen. End the day in the beautiful town of Aveiro, which is famous for its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture. It is also where moliceiros are now used to transport tourists along the canals.
- Cycling for the day: 42km
- Accommodation: Hotel Moliceiro or similar in Aveiro
Day 7: Aveiro and Costa Nova | 47km
Ride back to the coast for the first part of today’s route, passing some salt pans as you leave Aveiro. Pass Barra Fort and lighthouse and see the striped houses in Costa Nova. There are plenty of wading birds in Aveiro Lagoon, between here and the town of Ílhavo, which you 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 Aveiro for your last night.
- Cycling for the day: 47km
- Accommodation: Hotel Moliceiro or similar in Aveiro
Day 8: Departure
Departure day
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to natural adventures. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view our default hotels for this trip
- Pousada de Valença (Valença)
- Hotel Melo Alvim (Viana do Castelo)
- Hotel Villa C (Vila do Conde)
- Hotel Neya Porto (Porto)
- Aqua Hotel (Oval)
- Hotel Moliceiro (Aveiro)
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a property of equal standard. We will provide full accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
We rate the difficulty level as easy to moderate, with daily distances ranging between 35km and 62km, cycling on quiet coastal and forest asphalt paths with limited vehicle traffic with a few occasional climbs. (read more about difficulty grades). It is also possible to rent an electric bike on this tour.
We strongly advise you only to follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from March until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season. There is a higher chance of rain in spring and autumn, but the temperatures are cooler (nicer for cycling). For more information, see our blog on the Best time to go to Portugal.
Getting there
Click to view travel options and route planner
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Porto Airport (OPO).
By train or bus
Inclusions
Included
- Seven overnights with breakfast as detailed in the itinerary
- Six days bike rental, with pannier bags and helmet
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (one bag per person, up to 23kg/bag)
- Detailed route notes
- App with trail information for use on a smartphone
- Detailed route notes (one per room)
- In-person welcome briefing
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes
- Personal equipment
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a single room.
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Additional nights in Porto
- E-bike upgrade
Complimentary bike rental
We offer complimentary standard 29″ hard-tail mountain bikes that are most suitable for the paths you will be riding on. For cycling the Atlantic coast we selected the MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels, disc brakes and front suspension. The bike you will receive is regularly checked; still, basic knowledge on bike maintenance is highly recommended, as you will be cycling by yourself. E-bikes are also available at an extra charge.
