- The expert leader for the trip is Armando Nava
- Enjoy one night at The Literary Man, a dream hotel for book aficionados in the whitewashed medieval village of Óbidos
- Our included experiences encompass a guided tour of revered wines cellars in Porto and a guided tour of the charismatic city of Lisbon
- Feel invigorated as you pedal into Nazaré fishing village, home to some of the biggest surfed waves ever recorded
- Cycle through the wildlife-rich dunes of São Jacinto Natural Reserve

Cycling Portugal's Atlantic Coast - Premium Adventure





Discover sunny beaches, medieval villages and the freshest seafood as you take to two wheels along the Atlantic coast of Portugal
Blessed with sun-kissed beaches, colourful fishing villages and scenic routes, the Atlantic coast of Portugal offers fantastic cycling opportunities. Your premium adventure starts in Porto, a Unesco World Heritage city, with the route following relatively easy flat or undulating cycling trails through a variety of landscapes. Riding along the Silver Coast – a beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline between Lisbon and Porto – you’ll stop in different medieval walled villages and towns for full immersion into the relaxed Portuguese way of life.
Notable highlights include a memorable ride through the dunes of the São Jacinto Natural Reserve, fascinating port wine cellar tours and an overnight stay in the fortified village of Óbidos. After a week cycling along some of the most outstanding coastlines in Portugal, a full day is dedicated to exploring Lisbon, with a guided experience to soak up one of the most enchanting capital cities in the world.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
Highlights
Key Information
- Eight nights staying in premium hotels
- Five days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
- 90 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 10 percent unpaved trails
- A mix of flat riding and some hills throughout
- E-bikes available to hire
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
- Countries visited: Portugal
What's Included
- Eight breakfasts, six picnic lunches, two wine tastings, two dinners
- Premium accommodation throughout
- Tips for all hotel staff, drivers and local staff
- Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise
- All transport and listed activities
- Local bike hire
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Tip for the tour leader
- Travel insurance: information is available here
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas and vaccinations
- Local city taxes (approximately €10)
- E-bike hire
5 Days of Premium Adventures
Leisurely: 6mph-8mph (9kph-13kph)
90 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 10 percent unpaved trails
40 km / 24.9 miles
60 km / 37.3 miles
61 km / 37.9 miles
38 km / 23.6 miles
29 km / 18 miles
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People: How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- As much as possible, we use hotels that are locally owned and employ local staff.
- Cycling tours actively encourages the group to chat with the locals to discover what life is like in this part of Portugal and purchase local produce, gifts and crafts.
Places: How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- This trip uses established cycling routes that have been created with the conservation of local landscapes in mind.
- Our philosophy is to show you authentic Portugal in the most sustainable way possible, helping to conserve rural lifestyle and contributing to the overall sustainable development of the area.
- We are dedicated to promoting authentic experiences and supporting the enjoyment of Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage while simultaneously encouraging their protection through raising awareness of environmental issues.
- We only work with small groups of travellers and promote the maintenance of a social, economic, and environmental system that meets the needs of the current generation, without compromising the resources of future generations. Furthermore, local people (be it from restaurants, accommodations or residents) teach us how to care for and protect these destinations, knowledge that is useful not only in this context but globally.
Planet: How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- When meals are provided, ingredients used are locally sourced wherever possible. When meals are not provided, our local guides will recommend and encourage clients to visit local restaurants and cafés to try specialties from the area.
- Cycling trips have very little detrimental impact on the environment. Rides on this trip are point to point, hence transport is barely needed during the week, further reducing our carbon footprint.
- We encourage people to bring a reusable water bottle and drink tap water on this trip.
- Our partners take active steps to ensure our groups have a minimal environmental impact, such as sticking to established trails, not leaving rubbish behind and not removing any plants. Our operator also aims to minimise environmental damage by using eco engines on vehicles.
- After the 2017 fires, reforestation and protection projects were implemented in the Centre of Portugal. Municipalities are still developing the best ways to protect and reforest these affected areas, and we believe we have an important role in spreading this information to tourists. These reforestation and protection projects are based on “firefighting trees”, native trees such as chestnut and cork oak trees, as opposed to the eucalyptus that was previously planted. We aim to allow each client to help in these reforestation efforts, as an effective and useful way of increasing awareness of the importance of native species in maintaining the local ecosystem.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
- Take the train: Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday vs. flying, it also extends your adventure! Read more about which train journeys we can book, or how to book your own, here.
Itinerary
Those arriving on the group flight will be met by the tour leader at the airport and transferred to the start hotel by private minibus. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your accommodation or explore the city, before enjoying a welcome dinner with the group.
Porto is a Unesco World Heritage city and a real historic jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. Continuously inhabited since the fourth century, the hilly city is a melting pot of architectural styles.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel, Porto (four-star)
Meals Included: Dinner
We begin this cycling adventure in Porto. The day is free for you to settle into your accommodation or explore the city, before a welcome dinner with the group.
Porto is a Unesco World Heritage city with more than 150 listed monuments. Continuously inhabited since the fourth century, the hilly city is a melting pot of architectural styles.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel, Porto (four-star)
Meals Included: Dinner
Porto is renowned all over the world for its delicious, fortified wine, and no trip to the city would be complete without taking part in a port wine cellar tour. Port wine is specific to the region and refers to grapes cultivated and harvested on the designated banks of the Douro River valley and transformed into this delicious nectar at one of the many port wine estates here.
Embark on a guided walking tour through the historic centre of Porto, ending with a wine tasting in a port wine cellar. Afterwards, we have lunch together at a local restaurant. Then take a scenic ride on the Douro River in a traditional rabelo boat, a vessel once used to carry port wine barrels from the heart of the Douro Valley to Gaia. The remainder of the day is free for extra sightseeing.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel, Porto (four-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we 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 we meet the estuary. We then follow the coast south, mostly on cycling paths, while enjoying views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. During this ride, there will be opportunities to stop for drinks or local snacks such as pão com chouriço (pork sausage and bread rolls) or pastel de feijão (a sweet pastry tart filled with white beans and ground almonds) in traditional Portuguese cafes, right by the Atlantic Ocean.
At Miramar, we can see an intriguing little chapel built on the top of a rock, situated right on the shoreline. This chapel has amazing views both out to sea and to the white sandy beach in front of it. The chapel has a distinctive hexagonal design and is known as Senhor da Pedra (Lord of the Rock). It was built in 1686 and restored in 1996.
At Espinho, a cosmopolitan holiday resort with beaches and a casino, we continue on a cycling path through a pine forest to Furadouro beach, cycling the final 12mi (21km).
Total ascent: 817ft (249m); total descent: 781ft (238m)
Premium accommodation: Furadouro Boutique Hotel, Furadouro (four-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's ride follows the Aveiro lagoon and the nature reserve of São Jacinto, one of the last remaining untouched coastal marshlands in Europe and a habitat for numerous bird species, including the diving duck and crested tit. 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 of multi-coloured striped houses. Our ride ends in the seaside town of Mira, home to a seemingly endless beach that’s ranked among the best in Portugal.
Premium accommodation: Maçarico Beach Hotel, Mira (four-star)
Total ascent: 640ft (195m); total descent: 640ft (195m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s ride takes us through one of the biggest dune systems in the area covered in pine forest. The route is mainly flat or undulating and the roads quiet and peaceful, making the cycling very pleasant. There is a final short but relatively steep climb up the beautiful Serra da Boa Viagem for panoramic views from the Miradouro da Vela, before descending to the lighthouse of Cape Mondego. In Figueira da Foz, there is free time to enjoy this lively seaside town.
Premium accommodation: Universal Boutique Hotel, Figueira da Foz (four-star)
Total ascent: 1,581ft (482m); total descent: 1,542ft (470m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we take a transfer (approximately one hour) to the picturesque beaches of São Pedro de Moel and Praia da Vieira. Backed by dunes covered in pine forests, the large beach at São Pedro de Moel is sheltered from the wind, making it ideal for watersports including diving and windsurfing.
Getting back in the saddle, we continue the journey south to Nazaré, a traditional fishing village and perfect spot to try fresh seafood. The cycle path to Nazaré hugs the Atlantic coastline and takes in some of the most impressive beaches in Portugal. It is also along this stretch of water that Sebastian Steudtner broke the record for the largest wave ever surfed (86ft/26m) in 2020. While in Nazaré, there will be time to visit the lighthouse, which offers the best views of the waves crashing to shore, and the interesting surf museum to learn about the underwater Nazaré Canyon, which produces such dramatic waves.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Praia, Nazaré (four-star)
Total ascent: 932ft (284m); total descent: 935ft (285m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we ride to Foz do Arelho, on the confluence between the Óbidos Lagoon and the sea. After lunch, we will enjoy a wine tasting with a local organic producer, then we take a transfer to Óbidos, a medieval town seemingly frozen in time. It has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants who take real pride in maintaining the architectural image of the village and is characterised by narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses and trailing bougainvillea and honeysuckle. This evening, we share a farewell dinner then stay at the quirky, characterful hotel, The Literary Man, next to Óbidos Castle. This premium accommodation was once a convent and is now one of the biggest literary hotels in the world. The hotel currently holds more than 45,000 books, according to the owner.
Premium accommodation: The Literary Man, Óbidos (four-star)
Total ascent: 974ft (297m); total descent: 991ft (302m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning private transfer (approximately one hour) takes us to the great capital city of Lisbon, our final stop on this Atlantic coast tour. A guided city tour will take you to some of the most recognisable locations and monuments in the city, while you have free time in the afternoon for individual exploration. Please note, your leader will depart after the guided tour and the remainder of the trip will be self-guided, but you will be provided with plenty of tips, maps and directions to make the most of your time in Lisbon.
Premium accommodation: Marquês de Pombal, Lisbon (four-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast in Lisbon. If you want more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Visa
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
Vaccination
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Eating and Drinking
Eight breakfasts, six picnic lunches, two wine tastings and two dinners are included.
A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam or honey, cheese, ham, 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 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. 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 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 Superbock 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 is an incredible range of 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 lo (sponge cake made with lots of eggs), arroz doce (a traditional rice pudding) and the famous pastel de nata, which you will find at most cafes on your route.
Weather
Porto and Lisbon have a temperate maritime climate with a strong Mediterranean influence. The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in winter, but possible in all months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can increase temperatures between mid-June and September.
Coastal areas of Portugal can be quite windy, but we are fortunate this tends to be from north to south; which gives us an extra push while cycling.
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and classified as Road.
Please see our website for more important information on classification and grading. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to call us.
- Average daily distance: 31mi (50km)
- Number of days cycling: Five
We mainly use cycle paths and quiet roads and occasionally cross or ride along busier roads. The first two rides are shorter and easier, through mainly flat terrain. Day 5 has a slightly longer ride and one challenging hill – worth it for the exquisite views over the Atlantic Ocean. On Day 6, after a short transfer, the ride starts on cycle paths by the ocean with a slow pace and plenty of possible stops, ending in the well-known fishing village of Nazaré.
A support vehicle (with limited seats) will follow 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 will undertake other tasks to ensure the group’s comfort and safety, for example, going ahead of the group to deliver luggage to the next hotel prior to the group’s arrival.
This tour will require a good level of fitness but was designed so you can take time to enjoy this special part of Portugal, combining magnificent rides with good food and outstanding landscapes.
Part of this tour includes occasional steep but short ascents – if you have limited cycling experience, we encourage you to request an electric bike before departure (available for a supplement) to improve your experience and ensure the trip is led at a comfortable pace for the group.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Premium Hotels
This tour uses a collection of carefully selected properties in key locations along our route, many offering quick access to a beach or the local cafes and restaurants. Each has its own style and character to offer something a little different for your stay in Portugal.
The Literary Man (four-star), Óbidos. One night
- Enjoy a stay at a former convent just outside the impressive city walls of medieval Óbidos
- In the eco-chic rooms, the furnishings are made from reused materials including iron beds, plus rooms in the old wing, known as the nuns’ cells
- This hotel is perfect for bibliophiles, as it houses more than 45,000 books from floor to ceiling, with each room featuring different novels from across the world
Maçarico Beach Hotel (four-star), Mira. One night
- Enjoy a relaxing stay at this contemporary seafront hotel
- Unwind for the evening with a refreshing drink at the Bik Bik Bar
- Take advantage of the fantastic spa and fitness centre, or head upstairs to the top-floor Jacuzzi and pool to admire the spectacular sea views
Furadouro Boutique Hotel, Ovar (four-star). One night
- Situated just in front of Furadouro beach in Ovar, you can enjoy sunset walks on the beach
- With a light, spacious and contemporary design, your accommodation also comes with an indoor heated swimming pool and relaxing spa area
- The sophisticated hotel offers beautiful sea-view rooms
The full hotel list comprises:
- Neya Hotel, Porto (two nights)
- Furadouro Boutique Hotel, Ovar (one night)
- Maçarico Beah Hotel, Mira (one night)
- Universal Boutique Hotel, Figueira da Foz (one night)
- Miramar Hotel & Spa or Hotel Praia, Nazaré (one night)
- The Literary Man, Óbidos (one night)
- Marquês de Pombal, Lisbon (one night)
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to change to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Bookings within 30 days are subject to availability and may incur a supplement of approximately €192 / £165 / US$265 per person.
Covid-19 refund commitment
You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
15 Apr 2023 15 Apr 2023
Sunday Sunday
23 Apr 2023 23 Apr 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From USD 4,479USD 4,399 USD 5,044
Optional Single Supplement +USD 608
Named Leader - Ruben Lopes
Named Leader - Ruben Lopes
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Sep 2023 09 Sep 2023
Sunday Sunday
17 Sep 2023 17 Sep 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 5,149
Optional Single Supplement +USD 824
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 May 2024 04 May 2024
Sunday Sunday
12 May 2024 12 May 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 5,449
Optional Single Supplement +USD 688
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024
Sunday Sunday
15 Sep 2024 15 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 5,679
Optional Single Supplement +USD 1,117
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesNo departures found.
Would you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?
Then why not try our Self-Guided holidays that put you in control

Private Adventures
Not found the date you’re looking for? We can organise this itinerary as a Private Adventure – just click on the tab above the list of dates and prices, let us know your preferred dates of travel and how many people are travelling, and we’ll do the rest!
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