Porto, Coimbra and Silver Coast — Guided Tour

Distance: 46 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

You will also have some magnificent pine tree forests to cross and enjoy some easy, flat roads leading you to Ria de Aveiro. 

The Ria de Aveiro is a shallow coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Its unique mesotidal wetland area has several branches forming islands and is an absolute pleasure to ride along. 

Then You will arrive at the dune system of São Jacinto, an incredible natural reserve home to many valuable species and the perfect place to watch some wildlife! 

At last, this is where you will catch the ferry that will take you to our own little Portuguese Venice, Aveiro.

Distance: 57 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Boat ride: 0:15 h.

As you leave Aveiro, you will head down a path that crosses a land of ponds, where salt is extracted by an old traditional method passed down through generations.

As you head-on, you will arrive at a dock in which you can view the harbor and some old codfish boats. After, you will cross the main bridge and arrive in Barra Village. 

From here, you will follow south through the bicycle path which avoids the open road and traffic. The scenery during this path will be from the Ria itself. However, as you arrive at the end of it the landscape will begin to change into small fields and vegetable gardens right up until Mira Beach.

Distance: 42 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

You’ll leave Praia de Mira and head inland to Coimbra.

This day starts on gravel roads, taking you through villages, towns until reaching the Mondego river, which will guide you to the heart of Coimbra. 

This charming city was the first capital of Portugal and the first University was placed there in 1537, where many Portuguese writers, doctors, philosophers, or scientists studied throughout the times. 

University of Coimbra - Alta, and Sofia was built in the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a historical place full of charm, beauty, and heritage, as the 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Cruz, several 16th-century colleges, the Joanine Library with a baroque decor, or the 18th-century Botanical Garden. 

There is a lot to see and explore around Coimbra!

Distance: 62 km.

Elevation Gain: 600 m.

From Coimbra to Figueira da Foz you will see an amazing Castle!

After a delicious breakfast, get back to your bike and cycle through agricultural lands and villages, to later arrive in Montemor-o-Velho town. 

Overlook the river from its little hill known as Monte Maior, which has been fortified for at least 2000 years. The Romans called it Montis Maioris and Roman stonework may be found in the base of the keep, while many walls are built on Moorish foundations. 

Enjoy the view from the top, take a deep breath and ride towards Figueira da Foz, to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the seaside.

Distance: 51 km.

Elevation Gain: 100 m.

This is it! The day has come to take back all the incredible memories you have made and new interesting things you discovered.

It has most definitely been a great adventure and we truly want you to come back and discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails.

Transfer to Porto: 1:30 h.