Distance: 27 kms (17 miles) / Elevation Gain: 217 m (740 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5-3 hours

After picking up your two wheeled companion for the road ahead, we’ll see off Porto the right way with a Port Tasting at the legendary Cockburn’s Port Lodge. Leaving Porto behind, you pedal along the Atlantic coastline, where the sea breeze invigorates your senses. The cycling path hugs golden beaches, and you pause to watch fishermen casting their nets. Coastal villages like Vila Nova de Gaia offer picturesque stops for fresh seafood or a quiet coffee. Arriving in Espinho, you’re greeted by its wide beaches and the lively buzz of the town. As the waves crash nearby, you reflect on your first day on the road, where ocean views accompany your every turn.

Distance: 24 kms (15 miles) / Elevation Gain: 97 m (327 feet) / Saddle Time: 1-2.5 hours

Today’s ride leads you further south, through serene pine forests and past tranquil lagoons. The route is peaceful, with stretches where it feels like the world belongs only to you and your bike. In Ovar, you’re welcomed by a town famed for its azulejos, stunning ceramic tiles that adorn walls in vibrant patterns. The scent of freshly baked pão-de-ló, a traditional sponge cake, tempts you to pause and indulge. As you rest, the calm beauty of Ovar’s old streets envelops you.

Distance: 38 kms (24 miles) / Elevation Gain: 56 m (189 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours

This leg of your journey takes you toward Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal.” Your path weaves through marshlands and salt pans, where you spot herons and flamingos wading in still waters. In Aveiro, canals lined with colorful moliceiro boats await, their ornate designs telling stories of the sea. Wander through the Art Nouveau architecture and sample ovos moles, a sweet delicacy unique to the city. The tranquil blend of water and artistry feels like a moment of timeless grace.

Distance: 33 kms (20 miles) / Elevation Gain: 96 m (324 feet) / Saddle Time: 1.5-3.5 hours

You venture into nature today, cycling through the Ria de Aveiro’s protected lagoons, where birds sing in the stillness. The route leads you to Praia da Mira, a quaint fishing village with sandy shores that stretch endlessly. Traditional wooden palheiros, colorful beach houses on stilts, dot the landscape. Here, the rhythm of the ocean matches your own calm pace, and you relax as fishermen haul in the day’s catch. The simple charm of Praia da Mira feels like a gentle embrace.

Distance: 43 kms (27 miles) / Elevation Gain: 164 m (550 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours

Your penultimate day takes you along a scenic route where the sound of the waves is a constant companion. You ride through quiet forests of pine and eucalyptus, their scent lingering in the fresh coastal air. Villages along the way offer glimpses of local life, with fishermen tending to their boats and friendly faces waving as you pass. Approaching Figueira da Foz, the landscape opens up to reveal its expansive beach, one of the widest in Europe. The lively marina and charming promenade beckon you to explore, while the iconic Santa Catarina Fortress provides a dramatic viewpoint over the Atlantic. The day ends with the town’s vibrant energy and the soothing rhythm of the sea. 

Your journey concludes in Figueira da Foz, where you can savor the town’s unique blend of history and seaside charm. Spend the morning wandering its elegant streets, visiting landmarks like the fortresses and the impressive Casino Figueira. The sweeping sands of Praia da Claridade offer the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the week’s adventures. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade captures the town’s vibrant spirit. As you prepare to depart, the ocean’s vast horizon seems to echo the memories of your incredible journey through Portugal’s landscapes and culture.