Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]

Rider

Suitable for beginners / intermediate riders who are comfortable with longer rides,
Mostly on rolling terrain with occasional stronger winds.

Traveller 

Looking to be close to the oceanside, getting in touch with nature and low key beaches.
The days finish with the possibility of exploring historical towns or a swim in the ocean!
This coast offers a variety of beaches and towns with characteristic heritage and culture!

Terrain

Mostly paved, includes options with hard packed gravel and plenty of Bike lanes along the way.
Predominant winds blow from NW, still occasionally winds might come from S (head winds).

Day by Day

Day 1
Explore Porto Center and waterfront

Day 2
Porto to Aveiro: 83 kms – 51 miles > Gain: 300 m – 984 ft

Day 3
Aveiro to Figueira da Foz: 80 kms – 50 miles > Gain: 320 m – 1050 ft

Day 4
Figueira da Foz to Nazare: 84 kms – 52 miles > Gain: 540 m – 1772 ft

Day 5
Nazaré to Obidos: 40 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 560 m – 1837 ft

Day 6
Obidos to Ericeira: 68 kms – 42 miles > Gain: 810 m – 2657 ft

Day 7
Ericeira to Sintra: 29 kms – 18 miles > Gain: 930 m – 3051 ft

Access

This tour starts in Porto, the second major city in Portugal and finishes in the fairy-tale village of Sintra, nearby Lisbon.
Closest international airports are Porto and Lisbon by the end.

Public Transport:

From Porto Airport, the city centre can be reached by subway taking around 35 minutes > more info on www.metrodoporto.pt
The train from Sintra to Lisbon takes around 40 minutes > more info in www.cp.pt

Private Transfer:

We can help you organize a private transfer with a third-party provider.

Weather and what to expect throughout the year

The weather on the Silver Coast has an Atlantic influence with mild temperatures in summer and with the rainy season during winter.

Spring:

Temperatures tend to be cool with lower chances of precipitation.
Forest and dunes will certainly be colourful with wildflowers blooms.

Summer:

Warmer temperatures are cooled down by the Atlantic Ocean breeze.
During this season, towns are lively with local summer beachgoers.

Autumn:

With mild temperatures during the day, nights can be quite cool.
There are more opportunities to quietly gaze at the ocean with only the sound of crashing waves!

Winter:

Temperatures are lower, days are windier and there is a higher chance of rain.
Fisherman will be ashore preparing for the upcoming fishing season.

Eat & Drink

Fresh fish and shellfish are the culinary basis of the coast, whether grilled, boiled, stewed or in a soup!
Popular fish include sardines, mackerel, swordfish and shrimp.

Try a Caldeirada de Peixe, a rich traditional fishermen’s stew. In addition to a variety of fish, this one-pot delight also features shellfish and potatoes.

The Arroz de Tamboril, a creamy tomato rice stew is similar to a Risotto and made with delicate and sweet monkfish.

For Petiscos, Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato, steamed clams coated with olive oil, garlic and cilantro, also made with mussels or small crabs!

As a dessert or for indulgence try the Ovos Moles de Aveiro. This sweet creamy paste is made with egg yolks and sugar and then encrusted within a small wafer shaped like seashells, fish, etc!

Across the Douro River you will find some world renown port wines such as Taylor or Sandeman, that come in Red, White and Rosé.

Once in Obidos, try the Ginja, a sweet yet sour cherry liqueur, often served in a small chocolate cup.

Why choose a Self-Guided Tour?

A Self-Guided Tour brings you the opportunity of an independent trip,
without having to spend numerous hours trying to figure out how to plan a great tour!
Additionally, there is no need to join groups or follow any schedules.

Ride and explore a thoughtfully planned itinerary, researched and tested by our local teams.
Therefore, enjoying the most suitable roads, ways and tracks.
You certainly won’t miss that great spot that so many have never heard of!
We choose hotels that cater for cyclists needs. Being so, we take in consideration their location, comfort and amenities.

You will ride great Bikes, along an amazing itinerary. Ultimately, all you need to do is to enjoy the ride!

Getting Bikes & Gear:

Your Bikes & Gear are delivered ahead to the first hotel and will be waiting for you!
Bikes will be ready to ride straight away, therefore, delivered fully assembled.

Navigating the itinerary:

The Tour tracks are uploaded into the Garmin® GPS unit.
It also includes waypoints along the route as well as the hotels where you will stay.
Being so, all you need to do is follow the tour track line!
To better help those with less experience, we provide instruction on how to use the GPS
You can also check online for some extra tips!

We supply a Region Map and a Tour Booklet with suggestions and info on points of interest along the way.
We do not offer turn by turn directions, GPS navigation is easier and highly effective!

Premium Tour option:

For the Daily Luggage transfer Service, you will need to drop off your luggage at the Front Desk by 10am.

On riding days, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotels
Including beverages, fruit and sweets.