Explore Northern Portugal’s wild Atlantic Coast on this 7-day self-guided cycling tour
Captivating Portuguese towns, exquisite wine counties, and the wild Atlantic Coast are yours to discover on two wheels on the mesmerizing 7-day Northern Portugal Cycling Tour.
From Monçao to Viana do Castelo, this pleasant and approachable route unfolds on the Minho and Lima riverbanks, peaceful country roads, and gorgeous coastal paths tracing the Atlantic Ocean. Cyclists are invited to experience the majestic natural beauty of Northern Portugal and revel in its vibrant culture and sensational food and wine.
Days spent on your bike, navigating rolling hills, lovely beaches, and fascinating fortified towns are accompanied by wonderful evenings spent enjoying this region's high-quality white wines. Unwind after an exhilarating day on the bike as you sip a crisp cold glass of local vinho, dining on spectacular local cuisine before retiring for the evening at historical accommodations in enchanting towns.
Explore the fortified towns of Monçao and Valença on the Spanish-Portuguese border, and visit Caminha, Viana do Castelo, and more to fill you with romantic memories.
This cycling tour allows you to experience the best of this region, ensuring your adventure strikes the perfect balance of thrilling days on your bike, authentic cultural experiences, fantastic food and wine, and endless breathtaking natural landscapes. Don't miss out on this epic Portuguese cycling holiday—book the Northern Portugal Cycling Tour today!
Highlights of the Northern Portugal Cycling Tour
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Northern Portugal and Coast Cycling Tour
Day 1 Arrive
Valença, the well-preserved star-shaped fortified town, is a fitting introduction to Northern Portugal and where your cycling adventure begins.
Tomorrow, your journey on two wheels commences. In the meantime, head out on foot and explore the sights and sounds of Valença.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Valença
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle a Scenic Loop from Valença via Tui and Monçao (Spain)
Setting out along the Ecovía, you’ll follow the converted railway track across the old bridge into Spain.
Further on, cruising through the beautiful old town of Tui, you can stop to enjoy a coffee and some fascinating people-watching.
Continuing the route, you’ll cruise along the River Minho, enjoying a flat and pleasant ride, leading you to the bridge at Salvaterre. Back on the Portuguese side, a visit to the enchanting historic town of Monçao is up next, before a final stretch following the Ecovía along the river banks back to Valença.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Valença
Distance: 37.5km, 80m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle Vilanova de Cervera, River Coura, and Caminha
Your second day on the bike begins on the Portuguese side as you ride along the riverbank to your next fortified town of Vilanova de Cervera, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a refreshment.
Following Seixes, you’ll cross the River Coura via an ancient steel bridge, continuing the route to Caminha, located on the scenic River Minho.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Caminha
Distance: 32km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle a Scenic Loop Via A Guarda
At Caminha, a short ferry will provide a helping hand to get you across the River Minho (only possible when the tide is high). After crossing the river, you’ll embark on a lovely circuit along the coast as you ride to the sandy shores of A Guarda. Here, you’ll find an electric atmosphere paired with pristine beaches and breathtaking natural beauty in every direction.
Enjoy the town by bike and on foot before continuing the loop back to Caminha.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Caminha
Distance: 17.5km, 180m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Coast from Caminha to Viana do Castelo
Today has an easy but beautiful route in store as you make your way south along the Atlantic Coast, pedalling surfaced lanes, wooden walkways, and tractor ruts. Sandy shores will accompany you most of the ride, and a refreshing dip (or two!) along the way comes highly recommended.
As the route wraps up, you’ll cross the harbour at Viana do Castelo, entering the old town center. Viana do Castelo is the largest and liveliest town on the route, providing endless opportunities to explore, dine, sip, and enjoy!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance: 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle the Lima Riverbanks
Setting out from Viana do Castelo this morning, you’ll depart via the old bridge, crossing the River Lima. A serene route then unfolds along the riverbanks, guiding you alongside vegetable gardens and the famous vineyards that produce the well-loved Vinho Verde.
Ponte de Lima (the oldest town in Portugal), founded in 1125, marks the halfway point on today’s route. You’ll then continue the trail back to Viana.
Spend your final evening soaking up the magic of this remarkable region, savouring those last delightful glasses of Albarinho and Vinho Verde!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance: 36km, 255m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Depart
This morning after breakfast, your cycling tour in Northern Portugal comes to an end. Check out and depart for the airport, taking with you a week’s worth of unforgettable cycling memories.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on January 1st – February 5th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,295 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,225 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $725 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $625 USD
Departure on February 13th – March 17th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,295 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,225 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $725 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $625 USD
Departure on March 18th – 24th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,350 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,295 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $650 USD
Departure on March 30th – April 29th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,525 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $825 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on April 30th – May 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,525 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $850 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on May 21st – July 21st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,675 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $750 USD
Departure on September 1st – 24th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,675 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $750 USD
Departure on September 25th – October 2nd, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,525 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $850 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on October 3rd – 28th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,525 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $825 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $695 USD
Departure on November 1st – December 16th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,350 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,295 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $650 USD
Accommodation on the Northern Portugal Cycling Tour
This tour is based on 3-star and 4-star Hotels. The hotels are well located, offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities. Rooms are double or triple occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Please refer to Dates and Prices, where the pricing includes all the supplements necessary.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Pousada de Valença in Valença ★★★
This superb hotel is located in the interior of the old fortress and boasts spectacular views of the river and Tui.
Design & Wine Hotel in Caminha ★★★★
Guests will enjoy this unique stay at this eco-friendly modern hotel that combines tradition and technology spectacularly.
Hotel Casa Melo Alvim in Viana do Castelo ★★★★★
This hotel holds the title of the oldest urban manor in the city and is located in the beautiful historic center of Viana do Castelo.
What’s included in the Northern Portugal Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation between hotels on Day 3 and Day 5 are included on this tour. Your bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route notes and maps
- Routes in digital format (GPS and mobile)
- 24/7 mobile assistance
Not included
- Bike rental
- International flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Personal equipment (GPS/side bags/helmet)
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Airport transfers
- Activities and excursions
- Single room supplements
- Any additional nights before or after tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Portugal Cycling Tour
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