recommended route
Cycle from Vila do Conde to Porto
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Minho to PortoPhoto: Laura Paterson, Macs Adventure
Today is your final day in the saddle, and you'll follow a mostly flat route along the coast past large dunes.
Look out for more birds as you cross the nature reserve south of Vila do Conde. The coastline is varied and beautiful, with windmills on some of the beaches. Stop at the colourful fishing village of Angeiras to see the community at work before making your way past the port of Matosinhos and along the Douro River into Porto city centre. After you have freshened up, it's time to find out more about the famous port wine at one of the most prestigious port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. With another tasting, of course. The city's renowned for its vast port export, which is evident from the terracotta roofed storage warehouses on the banks of the Douro.
There are plenty of other sightseeing opportunities in Porto, including Lello Bookstore and the Stock Exchange Palace. Discover the botanical gardens and over 1500 UNESCO-listed monuments, off-set by striking modern architecture and edgey street art. A gastronomic paradise, Porto is home to a myriad of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants. Stroll the winding streets in the old quarters of Ribeira, Miragaia and Massarelos, seeking a rooftop bar with a view, and toast time well spent cycling through northern Portugal.
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Check for any damage to the frame, components or wheels. Ensure there are no loose cables and that the tyres are inflated and the brakes are working. Always wear a helmet when cycling.
If you are doubtful of the condition of your hire bike please call the office or the local bike hire on the number provided in your information pack.
Always be prepared to cycle through a change of weather conditions and do check for any local weather warnings before cycling.
Do remember to ride on the right-hand side of the road and whilst drivers in Portugal are respectful of the 'velo', please do be mindful of other road users at all times, obeying local road signs. The road does narrow in parts so please take on bends and when descending, do so with caution.
Always make sure to stay hydrated and carry plenty of water. It is also advised to wear skin-protecting clothing and use sun cream/screen. We recommend you inquire about the day’s forecasted weather before setting out on your walks. A useful website for climate information specific to towns and countries is www.weather2travel.com or www.yr.no
Tips and hints
Points of interest in Matosinhos:
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Angeiras Market - on the far north of Matosinhos, on the Angeiras beach, is one of the last artisanal fishing communities in the county. The humble homes and colourful beach houses, the shipments and fishnets over the sand, show the hard work of these people. The excellent food of these restaurants is no question, where grilled fish and fresh seafood are the speciality. You can get the freshest fish straight from the nets to the stalls of the Angeiras market.
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Casa da Arquitectura | Portuguese Centre for Architecture - a non-profit cultural association set in a former winery, dedicated to the affirmation and divulgation of architecture in Portugal and abroad. Guided tours of permanent & temporary exhibits are available.
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Conservas Pinhais | Pinhais & Cio Cannery - it represents one of the city's most elegant and historical structures, considered one of the rarest and most beautiful functional canneries in the world to visit. A ticket includes visiting the working sardine canning factory, where you wrap your own tin and taste the preserves.
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Besides cycling in the kit you are used too, we'd also suggest taking the essentials of water bottle(s), nutrition, an extra layer, cash/credit cards and mobile together with emergency telephone numbers.
Always wear a helmet and pack a spare tube, puncture repair kit, tyre levers and handpump. You may also like to take a multi-tool.
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