Duration
8 days/7 nights/6 stages
Trip type
Biking
Accomodation
Selected
Premium
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Levels
Easy to Moderate
We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.
Route
From 258 km/161 mi to 313 km/194 mi
Recommended airport
Porto Airport
Recommended season
All year
Overview
This bike tour takes you through part of the Galicia, in Spain, to northern Portugal. Pedal along a remarkable coastline, passing golden beaches, lush forests, and tranquil lagoons. Along the way, visit traditional fishing villages where ancient techniques still thrive, and enjoy the freshest seafood, a true highlight of the region's cuisine. Explore nature reserves such as the São Jacinto Dunes, a sanctuary of biodiversity. Visit coastal towns where life revolves around the sea and meet fishermen who preserve timeless traditions.
Wander through Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its exceptional architecture and cultural richness. Walk across the iconic Luís I Bridge and visit the Ribeira, where you can learn about the history of its famous Port wine. Your journey ends in Mira, a peaceful coastal town, marking the conclusion of your memorable adventure. Choose your route—shorter for ease or longer for a challenge. Feeling strong on your calves? Take the longer path and uncover more of this extraordinary region. After all, it’s your way!
Itinerary & tour plan
After your transfer from Porto airport, you'll arrive in Baiona, a charming coastal town in Galicia, Spain. Known for its well-preserved historic centre, Baiona is a place where narrow cobbled streets meet the Atlantic coast. Visit the Monterreal Fort, which offers breathtaking views over the bay, especially at sunset. Check the 'Special Dates' section of the tour to be there for the Festa da Arribada, a celebration of the first arrival of Columbus' ships in 1493. The city is also famous for its fresh seafood, making it the perfect place to start your coastal adventure.
Feel the charm of the Rías Baixas region as you cycle along the Spanish coast, surrounded by the lush foothills of the Sierra de la Grova and Sierra de Argalo. Prepare to enter O Rosal, a prestigious wine sub-region of Rías Baixas, known for its Albariño grape variety - widely recognised for its Albariño wines. You can cross into Portugal by ferry across the Minho River to Caminha, or upstream via the Vila Nova de Cerveira bridge. Once in Caminha, admire the stately houses that line the town, rich in history dating back to Roman times. Known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Igreja Matriz de Caminha, the town offers a peaceful atmosphere and centuries of cultural heritage.
Heading along the coast, the route alternates between coastal areas, countryside, and views to the mountain. At the mouth of the river lies Viana do Castelo, a town shaped by centuries of maritime achievement. Known as the City of Navigators, Viana played a crucial role during the Age of Discovery, a legacy preserved in landmarks such as the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship, now a floating museum. The city's architecture reflects Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance influences, including the Basilica of Santa Luzia. Viana is also a centre of Minho folklore, with traditional costumes, dances such as the "vira" and festivals such as the Romaria da Senhora da Agonia, celebrated with music and intricate filigree jewellery.
Picture yourself cycling south, crossing the Sebastião Bridge over the Neiva River, a key part of the Camino de Santiago. Want to take in more of the landscape? A short detour leads to the Panoramic Observation Tower in Belinho, a 12-metre-high viewpoint offering expansive views of agricultural fields, dunes, and the ocean. The route continues through the Litoral Norte Natural Park, where the Cávado and Neiva estuaries feature diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for over 155 bird species, as well as 240 plant species and 19 mammal species catalogued in the park. After this immersion in nature, the ride concludes in Vila do Conde, a town with a relaxed, timeless charm. Walk through narrow streets, admire traditional houses, learn about intricate rendas de bilros (bobbin lace), and taste local treats like toucinho do céu, a traditional conventual sweet.
Heading south from Vila do Conde, the route takes you through tiny fishing villages and Matosinhos, a charming coastal town famous for its beautiful beach and exceptional seafood restaurants. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch of fresh grilled fish or traditional bacalhau. Continuing along the Douro River, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Porto's iconic Luis I Bridge. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto is home to over 150 listed monuments and offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the famous Port wine cellars, stroll through picturesque streets, and admire architectural gems such as the Casa da Música.
Leaving the vibrant city of Porto behind, the ride along the Atlantic coast offers a refreshing change of pace, with a fresh sea breeze and the scent of pine forests accompanying you. Heading south, the journey takes you through charming coastal towns where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and captivating views of the sea. Furadouro, your destination, is famous for its beautiful beach, ideal for water sports, especially surfing. It's also renowned for its fresh seafood, with local restaurants serving excellent fish dishes. Don't forget to try the Pão de Ló de Ovar, a traditional Portuguese sponge cake often found in local bakeries. The relaxed pace of life and natural beauty of Furadouro make it a perfect stop on your cycling adventure.
You’ll pass the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve, home to rare plant species and an important habitat for migratory birds, a unique area of sand dunes valued for its biodiversity and role in the Ria de Aveiro ecosystem. Then, take the São Jacinto ferry, the best way to cross the river, connecting Aveiro, Gafanha, and São Jacinto. The 15-minute crossing offers pleasant views. Arriving at Praia da Barra, you’ll spot the highest lighthouse in Portugal, with 288 steps leading to stunning views. Will you be brave enough to climb to the top for the breathtaking panorama? The lighthouse is open to the public every Wednesday. Continue towards Costa Nova, famous for its colourful striped houses. Your overnight stop is in Mira, a peaceful fishing village. Don’t forget to visit local shops for handmade carpets and other traditional crafts.
At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
What is included?
What you get on this adventure
- Transfers from/to Porto Airport
- Accommodation 7 nights BB, in double standard room
- Daily luggage transfer (one piece per person up to 23kg)
- City taxes
- Daily post-ride messages
- Access to the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Meals and wine tastings (optional)
- Guide and support vehicle (price on request)
- Helmet
- Standard touring bicycle with cargo rack, a pannier bike bag, a spare inner tub, toolkit, puncture repair kit, pump, lock (one per two bikes)
- Extra Material: GPS with loaded tracks, GPS holder, batteries, batteries charger, a handlebar bag and first aid kit
- E-Bike supplement (optional)
- São Jacinto ferry ticket
- Mechanical bike interventions made on the bikes without Authentic Trails permission
- Personal expenses and other items not mentioned
Special Dates
Essência do Vinho (Wine Event), Porto, 20th to 23rd February 2025
- Join this event and indulge in over 4,000 wines from 400+ producers! Explore 40+ tastings, guided by experts, and discover the Top 10 Portuguese wines. A must-visit for wine lovers!
- https://www.essenciadovinho.com/
- In Baiona, the first European city to learn of America's discovery, locals mark the event annually with parades, markets, crafts and cuisine.
- https://www.spain.info/pt_BR/agenda/festa-chegada-caravela-pinta/
- Since 2012, Primavera Sound has transformed Porto into a global music hub, featuring legends, rising stars and cutting-edge sounds. It's an unmissable event!
- https://www.primaverasound.com/pt/porto
- Savour sardines, caldo verde, and port wine as the streets come alive with laughter, music, playful plastic hammers, fireworks, and balloons to celebrate St. John!
Caminha Medieval, Caminha, end of July
The oldest music festival in Portugal, it hosts renowned national and international bands and artists, with a focus on rock performances.
https://www.festivalvilardemouros.pt/
- Step back in time at this medieval fair with artisans, medieval trade, traditional dancing and delicious period food - a true historical experience!
- A genuine showcase of Portuguese handicrafts, cuisine and music. Celebrating tradition for over four decades.
The oldest music festival in Portugal, it hosts renowned national and international bands and artists, with a focus on rock performances.
https://www.festivalvilardemouros.pt/
Tour facts
- Baiona, a charming Spanish town with a rich maritime heritage, cycling through its historic port, where the Atlantic meets centuries of seafaring tradition
- Cross into Portugal by ferry or bridge, entering a new country with expansive beaches, rolling hills, and the distinct character of the Portuguese coastline
- Wander around Viana do Castelo, a town rich in heritage and landmarks, framed by the coast
- Visit Vila do Conde, a town steeped in history, featuring the Santa Clara Convent and a quiet marina, ideal for a relaxing stroll
- Ride past Porto's iconic iron Luis I bridge for views of the city centre and riverside life—an excellent way to experience Porto from the saddle
- Furadouro, a village known for its wide sandy beaches, where the scent of pinewood enhances the tranquil atmosphere
- Mira, a quiet fishing village, celebrated for its calm coastline, offering a peaceful end to your journey