Cycle the picturesque Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal
Wild coast, golden beaches, and energetic cities are beckoning, and the Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and Spain tour is the perfect way to see it all! This self-guided cycling tour is an ideal adventure, combining exhilarating rides along the Atlantic with nights spent soaking up all that renowned towns and cities have to offer.
Start your trip in the Galician region of southern Spain, in the foothills of the mountains. Follow the trail down the winding river into Portugal, where you’ll cycle through the natural wilderness. Explore charming fishing villages and stunning historic cities along your route, including standouts like Porto and Viana do Costello. Let the friendly locals point you in the direction of the catch of the day, and enjoy the abundance of fresh seafood. Don’t forget to make time to indulge in the famous wine from the region at the end of your ride!
With so much to appreciate in Portugal and Spain, it’s time to hop on the bike!
Highlights of the Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and Spain
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Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and Spain Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Baiona
Arrive in Baiona, the official starting point of your tour. The afternoon is yours to explore the harbour town. Might we suggest finding an oceanfront patio and dining on the catch of the day?
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baiona
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride from Spain into Caminha
You’ll begin your cycling holiday in the Galician region of Spain, cycling along the foothills of the mountains towards Portugal.
You may cross the border by ferry, or further up the river at the Vila Nova de Cerveira bridge. Explore Caminha for the evening, perhaps adding the optional wine tasting and dinner package for tonight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Caminha
Distance: Easy option: 2.5 hours, 37.8 km, 293m of total ascent
Medium option: 4.5 hours, 66.65 km, 461m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Viana do Castelo
Today you’ll ride through fields along the coastline all the way to Viana do Castelo. Spend the afternoon admiring the homes and architecture in this city that was established in Roman times. Learn about its shipbuilding history and take in the convivial atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance: Easy option: 2 hours, 28.8 km, 88m of total ascent
Medium option: 2.5 hours, 39.5 km, 295m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Vineyards and Coastline to Vila do Conde
Your trail today will take you through the lush green vineyards as you journey south. You’ll also be able to enjoy cycling through the protected area of the Esposende Coast, where you’ll see a variety of plants and animals. This stretch of coast is one of the most pleasant around, so feel free to hop off the bike and enjoy the sand for a bit.
Tonight, you’ll be staying in the harbour city of Vila do Conde, enjoy the fresh seafood and friendly people who live here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vila do Conde
Distance: 4 hours, 54.4 km, 139m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the River Douro into Porto
Take a leisurely ride down the coast until you reach the sparkling river Douro. You’ll follow the river right into beautiful Porto.
This UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its stunning buildings and bridges, as well as port wine. Stroll through the charming streets and choose one of its many amazing restaurants for dinner tonight- preferably with a taste of the aforementioned wine!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: Easy option: 2 hours, 34.4 km, 57m of total ascent
Medium option: 3 hours, 48.9 km, 209m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Ocean Ride to Furadouro
Today, your trail will lead you back to the shore for a peaceful ride down the coastline. You’ll ride through a lovely pine forest into the fishing town Furadouro.
Spend the evening enjoying local hospitality and the ocean.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Furadouro
Distance: 3 hours, 41.8 km, 58m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Dune biking to Mira
Soak in the splendour of the endless golden beaches as your ride along the coastline today. You’ll be going through the rolling dunes of São Jacinto, a protected natural reserve. The stark pale sand against the blue ocean is a captivating sight.
At the end of your ride, the fishing village of Mira awaits. Its brightly striped houses and little shops will charm you as you explore throughout the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mira
Distance: 4 hours, 58.1 km, 12m of total ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure day
After breakfast, your tour will conclude. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available every Monday, from March 1st to November 30th.
- Solo traveller: on request
- Single room (2+ travellers): from $1,850 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,350 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and Spain Tour
This tour is based on 3 and 4-star hotels. Many of the hotels feature gorgeous beachfront locations.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
The hotel list will be sent to you with your confirmation but will be reconfirmed 31 days prior to your arrival.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement. Solo travellers may have to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Bahia Bayona in Baiona ★★★
Relax in this simple but comfortable hotel with the stunning Atlantic Ocean right at its doorstep.
Design & Wine Hotel in Caminha ★★★★
Guests will enjoy this unique stay at this eco-friendly modern hotel that combines tradition and technology spectacularly.
Rali Hotel in Viana do Castelo ★★★
This city center hotel was recently renovated and has an indoor heated pool to enjoy. It is an easy walk to the train station and is just 3 kilometres from the beach.
Hotel Brazão in Vila do Conde ★★★
This hotel has clean and simple rooms. It’s in a charming fishing town with great restaurants and the beach is nearby.
Carris Porto Ribeira in Porto ★★★★
Soak in the history of Porto by staying in this Ribeira quarter hotel. It features modern, comfortable rooms.
Furadouro Boutique Hotel Beach & Spa in Ovar ★★★★
This beachfront hotel has stunning views of the Atlantic. Airy modern rooms and its beautiful spa will make you wish you never had to leave.
Maçarico Beach Hotel in Praia da Mira ★★★★
This hotel features brightly-coloured modern rooms and a sleek rooftop pool with ocean views. You’ll love its location at the beautiful Mira Beach!
What’s Included in Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and Spain Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. There are also optional meal or tasting packages that may be added to your tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
The transfer of your luggage from one hotel to the next is included.
Also Included
- Welcome meeting
- Standard touring bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag, bike lock (one per two bicycles), and helmet
- Tool kit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, spare inner tube
- Overnight storage of bicycles at the hotel
- Emergency support between 8 am and 8 pm
- Access to route maps on mobile app
Please note that it is advised that travellers bring their own helmets, however, previously used helmets are provided. You may also opt to purchase a new one. Please request this option at the time of booking.
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Porto
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for hotel staff, servers, or drivers
Optional Extras
- Upgrade tour to Premium services (private transfers at the start and end of your tour, full route briefing and 30-minutes bike fitting, on-call roadside assistance, private reception in Portugal, daily post-ride messages)
- Guide or support vehicle services
- Wine experiences (2 wine tastings)
- Wine & Dine Package with 2 dinners
- Picnic lunches
- E-Bike Supplement
- Extra transfers between Porto Airport and city center
- Prepaid mobile phone
- Shared airport transfers to and from the airport
Frequently Asked Questions about Cycling the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and Spain
VINITUR is a full-service tour operator providing fine customized programs about wine, food, and culture in Portugal and Spain. VINITUR has dedicated itself to special groups, corporate travellers, and gourmet and luxury-focused visitors for leisure travel since 1998. VINITUR’s innovative approach and unique services include wine, food, and culinary itineraries, gourmet experiences, meetings, and conferences. The company has provided self-guided bike tours since 2014 alongside other self-guided tours by car since 2005. VINITUR is the Portuguese travelling agency endorsed by the world-famous Great Wine Capitals network.
In 2014, Vinitur launched the Portugal Biking Experiences, a new offering linked to active tourism and nature. This new service was the result of an intense year of exploration of new concepts, selection of the best bicycle routes, new partnerships, and the creation of innovative cycling products. Relying on their many years of experience, Portugal Biking Experiences combines the best that nature has to offer in a beautiful, authentic experience.
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