Porto to Lisbon self-guided bike tour

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for the tranquillity of the Atlantic coast. Cycle through the little villages that dot the coastline, passing through fragrant pine forests that offer shade and coolness along the way. The day culminates in Furadouro, a cosy seaside village renowned for its excellent fresh fish dishes. Here, the Atlantic turns every meal into a celebration of the true flavours of Portugal. Take a seat at the table, savour every moment and let the hospitality of this coastal refuge envelop you.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice. Board a moliceiro, the colourful hand-painted boats once used to harvest seaweed, and glide along the city's tranquil canals. Back on land, indulge in local flavours by taking part in a workshop on typical sweets, such as the famous Ovos Moles, and discover the secret of the region's sweetness. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the salt pans, where you can relax your feet in small tubs with the soothing properties of sea salt. The day also invites you to take a bike ride along the Ria de Aveiro, a route that combines landscapes and tradition.

Leave the enchanting Aveiro for Figueira da Foz, cycling along the canal and through green fields. When you get to Mira, you'll be blown away by the way the sun shines on the dunes, the sea and the vegetation. Take some time to explore the charming Praia de Mira, with its picturesque colourful wooden houses and traditional palheiros. Here, the freshness of the sea meets the table: try a local fish speciality and let the authentic flavours of the Portuguese coast envelop you. After this stretch, you'll be taken to Figueira da Foz by shared transfer. This city has long beaches and a cosmopolitan feel that harks back to the Belle Époque.

Start the day with a taxi boat ride (optional) to the other side of the river and embark on a journey along the Silver Coast. This route takes you through the Pinhal de Leiria, a vast forest planted in the 15th century to provide timber for the caravels that took Portuguese explorers to the four corners of the globe. Follow the Atlantic Highway, a cycle path that winds between the pine forest and the sea, passing through São Pedro de Moel until you reach Nazaré. This coastal is famous for its huge waves, which, depending on the season, attract the world's most daring surfers.

Today we've booked a visit to two of Portugal's most recognisable towns - Nazaré and Óbidos. In Nazaré, the country's most famous fishing village, discover a culture rich in unique traditions. The wooden fishing boats, with their high, curved prows, date back to Phoenician times. The fisherwomen, with their seven-layered skirts, wooden clogs and black headscarves, are the living embodiment of the past. Then travel to Óbidos, a walled medieval town. With its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses decorated with flowers and historic monuments, Óbidos is like something out of a fairy tale. The locals have preserved every detail to celebrate Portuguese history and heritage.

After saying goodbye to Óbidos, return your bikes and let us take you to the beating heart of Portugal: Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and architecture. See the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, iconic symbols of Portugal's maritime past. Wander the winding streets of Alfama, the city's oldest neighbourhood and climb to the top of Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views. As the sun sets, the city comes alive. Bairro Alto, once a working-class district, is now a bohemian haven with trendy bars, restaurants and traditional fado houses.