Recommended

Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Name: Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (75 reviews)

75 reviews

Activity

Cycling

Overview

Follow scenic forest and ocean-side paths as you cycle the Atlantic coast of Portugal

Blessed with sun-kissed beaches, colourful fishing villages, and scenic routes, the Atlantic coast of Portugal offers fantastic cycling holiday opportunities. This tour starts in Porto, a Unesco World Heritage city, and the itinerary follows relatively easy flat or rolling cycling trails through a variety of landscapes and along the stunning coastline, with stops in different villages and towns for a full immersion in the relaxed Portuguese way of life. Highlights include a scenic ride through the dunes of the São Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight stay in the picture-perfect fortified village of Óbidos. After a week of cycling along some of the best coastline in Portugal, enjoy the delights of Lisbon, one of the most charming capital cities in the world.

One of Our Top Recommended Trips for 2026… Here’s Why
Our most recent Tour Leader of the Year winner, João Colaço, hails from this very route, born in the small coastal town of Marinha Grande. The chance to experience this adventure, perhaps with João himself, means you’re getting an unrivalled experience with the best in the business − Danny Bell, destination expert

Key Information

Trip Code: MEO
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Portugal
Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 1 Premium night (hotels), 5 Superior nights (hotels), 1 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, one dinner, one ginjinha tasting
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Trek Dual Sports 3 (touring/hybrid) bike

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip local taxes (approx. €10) are not included. If you want to upgrade to an e-bike, these are available for an additional cost.

5 days of Cycling

Pace:

Leisurely: 5mi-8mi (9km-13km) an hour

Terrain:

A mix of flat riding and some hills throughout
90 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 10 percent unpaved trails

Day 2: 48 km / 29.8 miles
Day 3: 57 km / 35.4 miles
Day 4: 63 km / 39.1 miles
Day 5: 62 km / 38.5 miles
Day 6: 64 km / 39.8 miles

Highlights

Cycle past sandy beaches and fishing villages along Portugal’s Atlantic coast

Begin in historic Porto, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Coast

Ride a scenic trail through the untouched dunes of São Jacinto Natural Reserve

Stay in white-washed Óbidos, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns

Itinerary

First Destination: Porto
Next Destination: Lisbon

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Porto
Next Destination: Lisbon

Begin your adventure in Porto, the UNESCO-listed city where the River Douro meets the Atlantic and port wine was born.

Around 6pm, say olá to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Portuguese welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want to explore Porto further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Neya Hotel/Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira (or similar)
Upgrade to a river-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Dinner

This morning, leave the city bustle behind and immerse ourselves in the more peaceful atmosphere of the Atlantic shore. Starting from Porto, we ride along the Douro River until its estuary. We then follow the coast, mostly on cycling paths, enjoying inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. During this ride there will be opportunities to stop for drinks or snacks in traditional Portuguese cafes, right by the Atlantic Ocean. After following a cycling path that crosses a pine tree forest, we reach lively Furadouro, a seaside town renowned for excellent fish. Enjoy free time for a swim (seasonal), before riding to historic Ovar. The pretty town is best-known for the glazed tiles known as azulejos, which adorn many of the local houses in the old part of the town.

Route: After leaving Porto, mostly flat riding along cycle paths until Furadouro region, then short ride to Ovar with slight climb. Terrain: 80% paved cycle paths, 20% paved roads.

Accommodation: Aqua Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Today’s ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of São Jacinto, one of Europe’s last remaining untouched coastal marshland and habitat of numerous bird species. We pedal through a scenery of sandy beaches, marshland and rolling dunes peppered with grasses and creepers. This is home to a plethora of birds, insects, small animals and unusual flowers and plants. After a short transfer by ferry, we leave the lagoon and continue cycling to the small town of Costa Nova, a picturesque village characterised by multi-coloured striped houses. Our ride ends in the seaside town of Mira, known for its long beach rated as one of the best in Portugal.

Route: Flat day starting with cycling to São Jacinto, ferry crossing from São Jacinto to Aveiro. Slight climb for bridge crossing, continue flat to Mira. Terrain: 65% paved cycle paths, including 0.6mi (1km) of dirt road, 35% paved roads.

Accommodation: Maçarico Beach Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast

Today’s ride takes us through one of the biggest dune systems in the area covered in pine tree forest. The route is mainly flat or rolling and the roads are peaceful making the cycling very pleasant. There is a final short but relatively steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem before reaching the lively town of Figueira da Foz. The rest of the day is free to explore the town of Figueira da Foz and its extensive beach nicknamed Rainha das Praias (Queen of Beaches). There are lots of lovely cafes and bars in which you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink, and some excellent restaurants.

Route: Mostly flat ride along cycle paths and secondary roads to Quiaios, short, steep climb to Serra da Boa Viagem. Descent and flat ride to Figueira da Foz. Terrain: 55% paved cycle paths, including 2mi (3km) of dirt road, 45% paved roads.

Accommodation: Universal Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Today we enter the Portuguese Silver Coast and ride a cycleway that follows the Estrada Atlântica (Atlantic Road). We’ll be riding mainly through pastoral land and the remains of vast pine forest, the Pinhal de Leiria (Leiria Pine Forest), which was originally planted in the 15th century to provide timber for the construction of the Portuguese shipbuilding industry during the Portuguese Discoveries. Unfortunately, vast areas of the forest were destroyed in 2017 by one of the fiercest forest fires in a century. Little more than 3,700 acres (1,500ha) remain from a total of 27,200 acres (11,000ha). Although maritime pine is considered a fast-growing tree, it will take many more years for the forest to regenerate. Exodus is supporting the regeneration of the forests, working with local schools and communities to replant trees.

On our exit from the forest, we take a coastal route in the afternoon to reach the picturesque town of São Pedro de Moel and enjoy time to relax at the beach or at the hotel with a sea view.

Route: Undulating ride on backroads to the Atlantic Road Cyclepath. Continue along the undulating route to São Pedro de Moel on the cycle path. Terrain: 70% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads.

Accommodation: Mar & Sol Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast

This morning you can opt to either transfer or cycle (reducing approximately 12mi/20km to today’s ride if taking the transfer) to Nazaré, one of the most famous fishing towns in Portugal. Here fisherwomen still wear seven colourful layers of skirts, as well as wooden clogs and a traditional black headscarf. There will be the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular ocean views from the popular panoramic terrace. It was in Nazaré’s Praia Norte that the world record for the largest wave ever surfed was set, an estimated 86ft (26.2m) high.

From Nazaré we ride to Óbidos, a small fortified town resembling a medieval film set. Here, we visit a tavern belonging to one of Óbidos’s oldest producers of ginjinha (a sour cherry liqueur). Led by the owner, enjoy a guided tour of the courtyard and old wine cellars, ending with a ginjinha tasting.

Route: Undulating ride to Sítio da Nazaré followed by a descent to Nazaré beach; after lunch a series of short, steep climbs followed by similar descents before arriving at Óbidos. Terrain: 60% paved cycle paths, 30% paved roads.

Accommodation: Josefa D’Óbidos Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

After a relaxing start to the day, we depart Óbidos mid-morning and transfer (approximately one hour) to the great capital city of Lisbon. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and later we have an orientation walk through the historic core, observing beautiful architecture. Why not find a location after dinner to sample the traditional Fado music made famous from Lisbon?

Accommodation: Marquês de Pombal (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

This morning marks the final breakfast of the adventure; an excellent opportunity to reflect on some of the many wonderful experiences you’ve enjoyed during this cycling holiday in Portugal. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Lisbon hotel and discover this culturally rich capital a little more.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 260 1517

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Window or aisle? Premium seat with extra legroom? Adding a stopover en route? We’ll sort the flights that fit your plans. With access to thousands of routes - major airlines and regional gems alike, we’ll help you fly from your preferred airport, at times that suit you. Secure your flights and trip together and enjoy peace of mind knowing everything's organized with one team here to help if plans change.

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Accommodation

Four-star hotels, on the coast or in the city

We use a selection of four-star hotels, chosen for their location, comfort and character. Some have a swimming pool or are directly on the coast with exceptional sea views.

The hotels typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.

Upgrade to a river-view room on Day 1 of the itinerary and a sea-view room on Day 3 and Day 5 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Porto: Neya Hotel (night 1)

Neya Hotel, Porto

Begin this cycling adventure in a converted convent on the banks of the Douro River. Many of the original features were preserved during the restoration, plus there are plenty of modern conveniences, including a day spa and restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Enjoy a glass of something at the Último rooftop bar with a view of the Douro. On some departures, we stay at the equally welcoming Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira.

Figueira da Foz: Universal Boutique Hotel (night 4)

Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Stay just one block from the beach at this stylish four-star hotel in the trendy Bairro Novo area of Figueira da Foz. There are 29 themed rooms and each floor of the hotel showcases a different aspect of a city once called the Queen of the Beaches of Portugal. When it’s time to relax, head to the sophisticated lounge bar or there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to try nearby.

São Pedro do Moel: Mar & Sol Hotel (night 5)

Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Enjoy a spot right by the North Atlantic Ocean with a stay at this four-star hotel. Some of the best sea views are found at the restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic vistas. The hotel also has a spa offering plenty of treatments and massages, plus a rooftop deck with sun loungers and more sea views.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

João Colaço

Expert Leader: Portugal

Introducing João Leading cycling and hiking tours across Portugal, João has earned glowing praise from countless travellers for his exceptional organisation, warmth, and dedication.

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Average daily distance: 34mi (55km)
Cycling days: Five
Maximum ascent: 2,126ft (648m) on Day 6

Route: We mainly use cycle paths and quiet roads where possible. Occasionally, we cross or ride along some busier roads. The first three rides are shorter, mainly flat and easy; on Day 4 the ride is longer and ends with a moderately challenging hill. The ride on Day 6 has the most ascent as the terrain changes, but the pace will be slow, and with plenty of coffee and cake stops.

Support: A support vehicle (with limited seats) follows the group for approximately 25 percent of the cycling (at points known to be more challenging). For the rest of the time, the support driver undertakes other tasks to ensure the group’s comfort and safety, for example, delivering luggage to the next hotel before the group’s arrival.

Fitness levels: You need reasonably good fitness levels for this trip, which sits at the harder end of our Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) grading.

Typically, we ride with the wind behind us. However, this can change which can make the rides more challenging.
Some rides are on rolling routes with occasional steep ascents for up to 2.5mi (4km).
We strongly encourage you to request an electric bike prior to departure (available for a supplement) if you have limited cycling experience. This would improve your experience and ensure the trip is led at a comfortable pace for everyone in the group.

Key information

Recommended arrival time: The welcome meeting and main briefing will be held at 6pm in the reception of the start hotel
Airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take a transfer

We provide one arrival transfer from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer time or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily by taxi. A cab from the airport costs €20-€30. For more information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Lisbon Airport (LIS) that’s scheduled to align with a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam, or honey, cheese and ham, served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt. Eggs are usually available and there are frequently other cooked options; the breakfasts on this trip are always plentiful and perfect to set us up for a day of cycling.

Portuguese people are very proud of their cuisine, and the deliciously fresh seafood is a real highlight. You will find fresh fish on most menus, usually sardines, sea bream, hake, sea bass and sole, cooked in a variety of ways.

Bacalhau (cured codfish) is a national dish although it can vary depending on the region – there are up to 365 recipes to cook it. Caldo verde (green soup) is made with potatoes, olive oil and salt, sometimes with garlic and onion, and is typical in the northern region of Portugal.

For meat lovers, the barrosã meat (steak) is often served grilled and roasted to showcase its naturally delicious flavour. Francesinha is an iconic dish originating from Porto and involves layers of different meats (usually beef, ham, grilled pork, linguiça [smoke-cured pork sausage] and sausage), between two slices of bread, covered by melted cheese and immersed in a spicy beer and tomato sauce, often topped with a fried egg and surrounded by chips. It is not for the faint-hearted.

To drink you will find plenty of the local Sagres and Super Bock beer. Vinho verde is available from the supermarket and directly from the producers. It is a young, medium-strength white wine with an almost carbonated quality. Port needs no introduction and a glass (or two) of the fortified wine will generally follow a hearty Portuguese meal.

There are an incredible number of different desserts available and if you have a sweet tooth it will be possible to try a different one each day! Local favourites include bolo de bolacha (cookie cake), leite-creme (cream eggs and sugar), pão de ló (sponge cake made with lots of eggs), arroz doce (a traditional rice pudding) and of course, pastel de nata, which you will find at most cafes on your route.

Porto and Lisbon have a temperate maritime climate with a strong Mediterranean influence. The climate features long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer, and in the autumn. Heatwaves can push up temperatures between mid-June and September.

Coastal areas of Portugal can be known to be quite windy, but we are fortunate that this tends to be from north to south; which gives us an extra push while cycling.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Explore the Leiria Pine Forest and experience a Thriving Nature moment in the making. Here, local schools and communities, supported by the Exodus Travel Foundations, are replanting trees after a devastating fire in 2017, so future generations can see nature flourish.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This ride is easy for the first 2 1/2 days, then tougher for the next 2 1/2 days. The final day is the longest with the most steep hills

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8 Days Excluding Flights

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Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Follow scenic forest and ocean-side paths as you cycle the Atlantic coast of Portugal

Key Information

What's Included

Don't Forget To

5 days of Cycling

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Four-star hotels, on the coast or in the city

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Portugal