Porto to Nazaré

Welcome to a major urban area and ancient city in western Portugal. 

The famous Portwine, one of Portugal's largest exports, was named after Porto. Maybe that's why Porto was elected The Best European Destination  :)

Think about an extra night here, as plenty of landmarks are worthy of your attention. In addition to this, you'll be provided with tips for Porto visits.

Besides wine, Porto is known for its bridges, contemporary and ancient architecture and its magnificent historic center, classified as a world heritage by UNESCO.

Time to study the northwest coast, starting at the bank of Douro River, going through cycle tracks to one of the most ancient and typical places of the city, called Ribeirinha (Riverside). 

Crossing by the huge  2-deck bridge "D. Luis I" we cycle to Vila Nova de Gaia, where all the port wine in the world originates, and has done since the 17th century.

Three hundred years on and port wine is still Vila Nova de Gaia's biggest attraction. Sample a glass or two at one of the numerous port lodges.

Take some time to explore the area and admire the view to the city of Porto from the other side of the river. The way to Espinho will present you the gorgeous views to the Atlantic Ocean. 

We also recommend seeing  the chapel "Senhor da Pedra", built on a rock by the sea in 1686.

This place is worth visiting as much for its unique location and gorgeous vistas, as its embodiment of a culture mix, which remain traceable to these days.

A relaxing day full of nature. Cycle mostly through green areas, involved by the coast discovering, including the beautiful lagoon of Paramos, where

you can observe fascinating birdlife, the beaches of Esmoriz and Furadouro. 

The overnight will be in Ovar, a city that is known as "Cidade Museu do Azulejo" (City Museum of Tiles). It’s a place where the traditional Portuguese tile is coating the walls of churches, chapels and homes, and even the pavement of the central square.

A day with plenty to see and feel. 

Cycling by flat off road paths and secondary roads. 

The sightseeing of a day is the wonderful Aveiro lagoon,  a coastal wetland, a haven for numerous bird species.

Passing the S. Jacinto dunes, a ferry boat will take you to the other side of the lagoon. Reaching the city center of Aveiro you are welcome by the moliceiro - elegant boats, decorated with paintings that reflect  everyday situations. 

 If it is almost lunch time, you can taste a caldeirada de enguias (eel stew) or a carneiro à lampantana (lampantana lamb) and regional pastries.

The feeling of Venice will not leave you this day. Get on board a moliceiro and use the canals of the lagoon like water roads, leading you through the city.

But, let's pedal south to Praia de Mira.

This relatively new  tourist destination mainly consists of one very long main street, finishing at a white sandy beach, backed by dunes and stretching as far as the eye can see.

Here find yourself surrounded by modern apartment buildings, bars, cafes and restaurants, offering not so expensive seafood. 

Later, pay attention  to the beach of Vagueira, which is still used today by fisherman who continue  their old craft traditions.

 Only pure nature today. 

 Forest and a dune landscape environment involves you to cycle through quiet roads and trails. 

Observe stunning views to the north and to the south side of the Atlantic coast, while pedaling on the cycle track on the beach you will arrive at your destination.

Figueira da Foz is a resort city with a casino, bars, restaurants and an enormous beach. It’s a destination for swimming and chilling  by day and partying by night. 

Cycling through a cycle track and secondary roads you will move along the fertile Mondego River. Rice, grapes, and many other crops are cultivated in the river’s basin.

On your way to the coast, you will pass some hills and small villages where you can have a nice lunch. 

On a cycle track between the river Lis and the ancient pine forest of Pinhal de Leiria, you will find the resort of Praia da Vieira. There are plenty of things to do along the beachfront including the Mariparque water park. To the south, you'll find a wide beach with a backdrop of low dunes and pine forests. 

If you want to reduce some distance today, you have two options:

Option 1: use a train in Figueira da Foz (skipping the track on the north bank of the Mondego River) and cycle 47 km.

Option 2: use a combination of 2 trains in Figueira da Foz (skipping the track on the north bank of the Mondego River and the hills) and cycle 29 km.

 Through many cycle paths and some secondary roads you will cycle along the coast and some coastal villages. Enjoy places like the lighthouse of Penedo da Saudade, the beach of S.Pedro de Moel and the beach of Paredes da Vitória for its great atmosphere.  The lighthouse of Nazaré where the big waves can be seen when the ocean allows, certainly will also mark your day.

 Tonight you may arrange a pleasant walk from Sítio across Pedralva Park, to Pederneira, a natural viewpoint with an unmissable view over the Nazaré coast.

It's time to say goodbye to the west coast of European continent and to the Athlantic ocean. 

Use this morning time for a refreshing swim, go to the long sandy half-moon shaped beach, which is also the town’s sea front. Enjoy its grandeur and the brightly-coloured awnings around the white sandy beaches, contrasting with the azure of the water.

That's how our Portugalian holiday program ends,  with optional transfer.

OPTIONAL: extra night/s available on request while booking a tour.