The Atlantic coast by bike, along golden sandy beaches and fishing villages

Day 1Arrival in Porto airport. Transfer to Baiona

From Porto airport (Portugal) transfer at 2:00 pm to Baiona (in Galicia, Spain), a charming and lively harbour town, where a dish of fresh fish from the sea is an absolute must. Don’t forget to stroll around the harbour or the Monterreal Fort, famous for the Príncipe Tower.

Day 2Baiona – Caminha | 38 km or 67 km

The first half of the day on your bike you cycle in Spain, gently following the flat coastline.
You may enter Portugal by ferry, across the River Minho into the town of Caminha, or a bit further upriver, by crossing the Vila Nova de Cerveira bridge. In Caminha delight in the stately houses that set the scene as you enter the town, whose history dates as far back as pre-Roman times.

Day 3Caminha – Viana do Castelo | 29 km or 39 km

Cycle southwards on excellent asphalted cycle paths along the coast and fields close to the coastline, until you reach Viana do Castelo. Located on the River Lima estuary, Viana do Castelo, is a bustling city with a good night life.
Discover Viana’s impressive history sheltering numerous stately town houses built by the merchants who provisioned the ships that took part in the Portuguese discoveries during the 16th century.

Day 4Viana do Castelo – Vila do Conde | 54 km

Cycle through vineyards and across the Protected Landscape Area of the Esposende coast, a wild life and flora reserve. Speak with the fishermen and their wives. They are such beautiful people – always warm-hearted and with a friendly word for every passer-by. Enjoy a wonderful sardine or other fresh fish dinner in town.

Day 5Vila do Conde – Porto | 34 km or 48 km

Starting from the Atlantic, you will follow cycle paths until you reach the River Douro. Alongside this famous river, you will cycle into one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Porto is a World Heritage city. Ride gently past the famous Eiffel bridge; see how the proud Port Wine lodges rise uphill from the south bank of the River. It will be hard to choose where to dine tonight: Porto is famous for Port Wine and the diversity and quality for its cuisine.

Day 6Porto – Furadouro | 42 km

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for the peace and quiet of the Atlantic shore. Once again, you will have a lovely ride along the coast, partly through a pine woods. The day ends in Furadouro, a hospitable town renowned for its excellent fish.

Day 7Furadouro – Mira | 58 km

For this last stage, do not miss to visit the small city of Aveiro, with its picturesque town centre; if you’re lucky, you will catch sight of a Moliceiro, the colourful wooden boats used for gathering seaweed.
Visit the saltpans and ride through the Protected Natural Reserve of the São Jacinto dunes. In Mira, a small fishing village, you will certainly be inspired by the beautiful multi-coloured striped houses.

Day 8Transfer from Mira to Porto airport

The little extra with RandoVélo

• “Wine experiences” package featuring 2 wine tastings and visits including :

. 1 Local Wine tasting in Baiona
. 1 Port Wine visit and tasting at a historic Port Wine cellar in Porto

• Special Wine & Dine package with 2 dinners – Baiona & Porto – including :

. 1 Dinner at a typical restaurant, three courses menu & wines in Baiona
. 1 Gourmet dinner at Porto with four courses & three wines