Cycling Portugal's Atlantic Coast

This easy cycling tour follows trails along the azure coastline of the Atlantic in north central Portugal and discovers the natural beauty of this area; São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve, the vast lagoon of the Ria de Aveiro and immense pine forests. The route begins in Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage City and takes you down the coastline past beautiful beach resorts, small towns and villages and Portugal's "Little Venice," Aveiro. Immersion in the Portuguese culture and way of life is one of the many highlights you’ll experience. Admire the small beachside chapel of Senhor da Pedra en route to Espinho, where you can pause and stroll through the sand dunes or along the beachfront promenade. A small local ferry takes you to Aveiro, the town of canals and small bridges and cycle into the village Praia da Mira where you can admire its brilliantly coloured fisherman’s chapel and large silken sandy beach. As you pedal down the Atlantic Way take your time and spend time at the many small beaches to have a drink and contemplate the immense roar and waves of the Atlantic ocean.