Porto – Sagres sporty

Take a stroll along the Douro riverbank and make sure to try a glass of the famous port today.

Hotel (example): Hotel da Musica

In Porto, cross the Douro River and cycle past the famous port wine cellars, heading towards the stunning Atlantic coast. Travel through expansive pine forests and along breathtaking sandy beaches as you make your way south. Enjoy a delicious fish meal in Furadouro, then continue through the Aveiro Lagoon to the São Jacinto Nature Reserve. Watch the rich birdlife or observe the salt harvesting in the salt pans. A ferry will take you to Aveiro, Portugal's "Venice," with its charming canals and iconic Moliceiro boats.

Hotel example: Melia Aveiro

Cycle along the Rio Aveiro to Costa Nova, renowned for its colorful striped beach houses. Pedal south to the charming seaside town of Praia da Mira, where you can stroll along the lengthy sandy beach and relax at a café. Continue on gently rolling terrain through dune landscapes until you encounter your first dramatic cliffs. A spectacular coastal road with stunning views will lead you past the Cabo Mondego lighthouse to Figueira da Foz. This delightful small town impresses with its many restaurants, cozy cafés, and a beautiful beach.

Hotel example: Vila Gale Collection

The cycling stage meanders gently through the rural interior, soon winding through towering sand dunes towards the coast at Pedrogao. Former fishing villages with their long, fine sandy beaches have become charming seaside resorts. Continue through the sand dunes to São Pedro de Moel, where the dramatic cliffs are truly awe-inspiring. In Nazaré, the world’s largest waves attract the most skilled and daring surfers. The pace slows down in São Martinho or Foz do Arelho, both nestled in a sheltered bay with tranquil waters and numerous small boats.

Hotel example: Agua d'Alma

Pedal through picturesque lanes dotted with vineyards, apple, and pear trees on your way to Óbidos, a town celebrated for its majestic castle and charming, flower-filled alleyways. Glide along the scenic path around the lagoon to discover another breathtaking sandy beach. Relish the final panoramic ocean views before arriving in Peniche, where dramatic rock formations and stunning coastal vistas will captivate you.

Hotel example: Star Inn

The queen's stage of this sporty cycle tour takes you along the breathtaking cliffs with stunning panoramic views. As you venture inland, you’ll navigate around river estuaries where vineyards and vegetable farms thrive. Secluded coves invite you with crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. At the stage's end, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Sintra awaits with its array of monuments, majestic palaces, intriguing museums, and a fantastical old town.

Hotel example: NH Sintra Centro

From regal Sintra, after a brief climb through the nature park, you'll enjoy a thrilling descent back to the coast. Once by the sea, cycle along the coastal path to the sophisticated town of Cascais. Take a moment to pause at the beautiful promenade before continuing along the shore to Estoril. The Rio Tejo river will guide you past numerous landmarks of the Portuguese capital on the well-maintained bike path into the city center. You'll pass the iconic Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, the impressive suspension bridge, and the Praça do Comércio before reaching your hotel in the modern Oriente district.

Hotel example: Olissippo Oriente

A scenic bike path takes you along the Rio Tejo river, past the Alfama district and the harbor. After a short ferry ride, you'll reach Seixal and begin your ride southward. As you traverse the peninsula, you'll arrive at the Arrábida Natural Park. A spectacular coastal road offers breathtaking views and several beautiful bathing coves. Your destination for the day is Setúbal, where Lisbon’s nobility built their palaces and country houses as early as the 16th century.

Hotel example: Cristal Setúbal

In the morning, you'll take a ferry through the protected area at the mouth of the Sado River. Your cycling stage begins on the Troia Peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches and unique landscapes. You'll be treated to an unexpected view of rice fields in this region. The route takes you past stunning sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, lush green vineyards, and vibrant flower fields. Charming villages with whitewashed houses add to the area's appeal. In Sines, Vasco da Gama's birthplace, you can stroll along the promenade, take a refreshing dip in the sea before dinner, or simply enjoy the relaxed ambiance of the town.

Hotel example: Hotel AP Sines

The Costa Vicentina Natural Park will captivate you on this stage with its myriad of stunning sights. You'll encounter breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful beaches, quaint harbors, and authentic fishing villages that invite frequent stops. In the coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, another fantastic sandy beach awaits you. The refreshing Atlantic breeze guides you through this picturesque landscape, with its rich flora and fauna and strikingly high cliffs, all the way to Odeceixe.

Hotel example: Altinho B&B/ Casas do Moinho

Passing the stunning surf beach Praia de Odeceixe, you'll head inland toward Aljezur, where you'll discover the traditional rural architecture of the region's characteristic villages. Dominating the landscape, the historic castle of Aljezur offers beautiful views over the fertile land extending to the sea. After passing through the authentic village of Vila do Bispo, you'll cycle through a unique coastal landscape to Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of Europe, known for its famous lighthouse and the " Letzten Bratwurst vor Amerika" From here, it's just a short ride to Sagres, where the dramatic cliffs framing the idyllic sandy beaches provide a particularly spectacular backdrop.

Hotel example: Memmo Baleeira