10-day tour
Portugal's Eurovelo 1
Guided Bike Tour
Ride from the unique atmosphere and photogenic views of Porto to the noble and monumental architecture of Lisbon and Sintra. Taking the EuroVelo 1, a route supervised by the European Cyclist Association that goes along the coast of Portugal using bike paths and low traffic local roads, you discover wild beaches, fishing villages, coastal cliffs, lighthouses, surf spots and lovely monuments. Travel by bike in Portugal was never so easy and exciting!
Portugal's Eurovelo 1 Guided Bike Tour
Day One — Porto
Porto sits magnificently on the estuary of the Douro River and while it is mainly known internationally for its marvelous fortified wine*, *Port, the city itself offers much more than that. It's massively atmospheric, almost Dickensian, with its old quarter tumbling down the rocky north bank in tiers.
The area known as the Cais da Ribeira (riverfront) is where the flavor of Porto is best experienced. This was once the old dock area and still retains its ancient stone buildings most of which are restaurants - all good and inexpensive.
After you get settled in to your hotel, you can walk down to the Ribeira and across the river on the dizzyingly two-tiered Dom Luís I bridge* *built in 1886. It spans the Rio Douro and connects Porto to Vila Nova da Gaia where the port wine warehouses are with their names spelled out in huge letters across their roofs. It's worth stopping to visit one of the Port wine houses.
Day Two — Porto to Furadouro, 44km
Your ride will start right after you cross the D. Luis I metal bridge to the Douro south bank, where you will have amazing views over Porto and the Ribeira area.
Soon you will reach Afurada, a fishermen’s village between Douro and the Atlantic. From here you will cycle mostly through bike lanes along the coast and heading south.
At Miramar beach you'll see the impressive hexagonal Senhor da Pedra chapel was built on the ocean rocks thought to have once been a pagan temple until a mass 17thC Christian campaign sought to end heretic practices. Despite being battered by waves, this chapel is remarkable unscathed.
As you keep going south, you will arrive to Espinho, a big town with plenty of options for a coffee or lunch. After that break, you will cross wood boardwalks by an interesting coastal lagoon (please remember that pedestrians have priority) and then arriving to Esmoriz.
On the final part of the ride, you will use a lovely bike path surrounded by a pine forest till your destination, Furadouro.
Day Three — Furadouro to Costa Nova, 49km
Using bike lanes and paved trails, you will reach Torreira beach, and then the seven old docks where you can spot the traditional boats, called “Moliceiros”, painted in their typical lively colours.
These bright gondola style boats were originally developed in the 19thC to harvest the algae "moliço" for use as fertilizer. Algae was pulled aboard using a wooden rake. With the introduction of chemical fertilizers the moliçeiros became a tourist feature and trademark for Aveiro, often called the "Venice" of Portugal.
Back on the road you will cross a bridge and reach Torreira where the only alternative is to ride on the shared national road to São Jacinto. Once in São Jacinto you will have to take the ferry boat to Forte da Barra, home to Portugal's largest lighthouse, Farol da Barra. From there ride to your hotel for the night in the colorful town of Costa Nova.
The route involves taking a ferry almost at the end of the ride to cross from São Jacinto to Barra (near Costa Nova). Ferries run almost one per hour, check the info at aveirobus.pt
Day Four — Costa Nova to Figueira da Foz, 66km
Today you'll start riding parallel to the Aveiro Lagoon on a bike lane. After Praia da Vagueira it is best to cycle on the paved trail and passing Praia do Areão you will be back on a bike lane along a pine tree forest. The path will alternate between gravel and asphalt until you reach Lagoa de Mira, a beautiful and well preserved lagoon surrounded by a forested area. Further ahead you will reach Praia de Mira.
Then, the ride leads you through a long section of forest road with little or no traffic almost all the way, this will definitely be an introspective ride surrounded by pine trees and sand for a few kilometers that is sure to delight nature lovers.
After visiting Praia da Tocha you will pass near two beautiful lagoons, one of them hidden behind endemic vegetation. After coming back down to the ocean to Praia de Quiaios, you will pedal the hardest climb of the day: a hilly gravel road (650 meters long) that will take you through an abandoned quarry of cement stone extraction. This is an amazing natural open air museum, showing you several rock types and geological formations from the Miocene age.
After the lighthouse, you will start to see the city Figueira-da-Foz, your final destination for the day.
Day Five — Figueira da Foz to Monte Real, 69km
Start your day riding along the Mondego River and its rice fields, with a views to Montemor-o-Velho’s ancient castle. Crossing the Mondego River and heading south, you will ride through farming areas always using backroads. Right before the only big climb of the day, the route will take you near the abandoned Seiça Monastery. After Marinha das Ondas you will pass beneath the N109 road and enter on the Leiria National Pine Tree forest where there's you'll ride the longest bike lane in Portugal, 70 km long.
With some zig-zags to use back roads you will head to Monte Real, your destination. The main attraction in Monte Real is its thermal spa. The village is known for its therapeutic waters, which are believed to have healing properties.
Monte Real is also home to a medieval castle, known as Castelo de Monte Real. The castle dates back to the 14th century and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Day Six — Monte Real to São Martinho do Porto, 63km
Leaving Monte Real you will ride the cycle path heading south to Sitio da Nazaré and passing the entrances to the beaches of Pedra Do Ouro, Vale de Paredes, Vale Furado and Praia do Norte, made famous beach in 2012 when Hawaiian Garrett McNamara broke the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed, with 30 meters height.
Not long after you'll reach Sítio da Nazaré, a village perched on top of the cliffs that sit on the northern edge of the Nazaré beach with an amazing view over Nazaré, the beach and the ocean. This section will take you along the top edge of two small sierras giving you great perspectives over the Atlantic Ocean.
After exiting Nazaré you will tackle a hilly section climbing up from the rice fields and along the the ocean to the old windmill. After going down you will arrive at the amazing and unique São Martinho do Porto bay, an ocean lagoon cloistered by cliffs.
Day Seven — São Martinho do Porto to Peniche, via Óbidos, 64km
Leaving Sao Martinho you will enter in a hilly terrain till you go down again to Foz do Arelho beach and the amazing Óbidos lagoon, where you will cycle along the trails that surround it.
From there you will head to Óbidos where you will have lunch and spend time wandering around to visit the castle and the lovely streets of this town.
Then, enjoy a flat ride with no traffic along this beautiful lagoon that will take you to Bom Sucesso beach. Following Bom Sucesso beach you will encounter the only hilly road of this section, going past a stone quarry that leads to Praia d’El Rei beach resort.
After that you will ride on a gravel trail along the farming areas close to the ocean before reaching Baleal beach and its little and unique islet.
Your destination is Peniche, where we suggest you to take some time to enjoy the city and fort, not forgetting to try the fresh fish and seafood of this coast.
Day Eight — Boat ride and full day visiting the Berlengas Islands
The Berlengas Islands are a stunning archipelago located off the coast of Peniche, Portugal. This group of islands, comprising Berlenga Grande, Estelas, and Farilhões-Forcados, is a designated nature reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Known for their rugged beauty and abundant marine life, the Berlengas Islands attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Berlenga Grande, the largest island, is the main attraction. It features dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters that beckon visitors to explore its natural wonders. Carvoeiro Beach, with its unique limestone caves and rock formations, is particularly popular.
The island's highlight is the Fort of São João Baptista, a 17th-century fortress that stands majestically atop the cliffs. This historic fort, built to protect against pirate attacks, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The underwater world surrounding the Berlengas Islands is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters host diverse marine ecosystems, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and even shipwrecks.
For birdwatchers, the islands are a haven for seabirds and migratory species. The Berlengas Islands are an important nesting site for numerous bird species, including the iconic puffins.
Access to the Berlengas Islands is by boat, available from Peniche during the summer months. Due to the protected status of the islands, the number of daily visitors is limited, ensuring a more exclusive and immersive experience for those who make the journey.
With its rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and remarkable historical sites, the Berlengas Islands offer a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful escape amidst Portugal's coastal beauty.
Day Nine — Peniche to Ericeira, 69km
Today's ride will likely the most challenging. Leaving Peniche you will ride parallel to the ocean and go past many beaches such as Praia da Consolação, Praia do Paimogo with its old fortress and the famous Areia Branca beach. This area is most infamous by its successive up and downhill sections taking you across the existing valleys and beaches of this part of the coast.
In Praia de Porto Dinheiro take time to enjoy the dinosaurs tracks and history. Climbing from that beach you will reach the next point, the famous thermal village of Vimeiro. From here you will pedal along a private road parallel to the Alcabrichel River.
Next, from Praia de Porto Novo there is a bike lane that takes you to Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz enjoy the cliffside roads taking you to Praia Azul. This track takes you inland as there are no Atlantic roads that don't have heavy traffic. You can enjoy the backroad small sierras and valley villages on your way to Praia de São Lourenço, a river mouth and cliffy beach.
Right Before Ericeira you will spot Ribeira d’ilhas, a well known beach for surf competitions. From here there is a bike lane towards Ericeira, where your hotel is located. After the ride take some time to walk around the village.
Day Ten — Goodbye!
Today we say goodbye. Checkout of Hotel and transfer to Lisbon.
Book Your 2024 Tour
Portugal's Eurovelo 1
Guided Bike Tour
10 days/9 nights
$4,395/person
May 22 - May 31
Based on double occupancy.
Contact Us
We are here to help! If at anytime you can’t find an answer to your question on our website, please call Helen or one of us at Pedal and Sea Adventures. We are more than happy to help you plan and book your adventure.