Trip Report: A Fascinating Week on Two Wheels from Porto to Lisbon

Portugal may not always be the first country people think of for cycling, often overlooked in favour of other European destinations, but cycling our Porto to Lisbon Bike Tour changed my perspective entirely. With well-maintained cycle paths, mouth-watering cuisine, sunshine-filled days and a rich cultural history, Portugal turned out to be a true cycling paradise.

Porto to Lisbon is a 7-night Hotel & Bike tour, with a 'Moderate' difficulty level. We found that the week offered incredible variety, with something for everyone from stunning beachside cycling to lively cities - every day brought a new highlight.

It's worth noting that this tour also has an 11-night version (Porto to Lisbon Extended Bike Tour), which tackles the hilliest parts of the coastline that this 7-night tour avoids.

After an easy flight from Gatwick, we landed in Porto - Portugal’s second-largest city - just as evening approached. A quick taxi transfer (about 30 minutes) brought us to our centrally located hotel. Porto is incredibly walkable, so after check-in we headed into the historic centre to stretch our legs and find a cosy dinner spot. We ended up at a lovely Mediterranean restaurant called Monteen and shared some delicious food: bread, hummus, labneh, padron peppers, sweet potato and fish shwarma.

The city has a charming, atmospheric vibe in the evenings - narrow cobbled streets, tiled buildings, and vibrant energy. As we walked through the centre, there were hundreds of young people dressed in black dancing and singing. We looked this up and, apparently, it’s Praxe - a Portuguese academic tradition.

Our day began with a warm welcome meeting at the hotel, where we received a route briefing and checked over our bikes. Before setting off, we took some extra time to explore more of Porto, including a scenic stop for our first pastel de nata (the iconic Portuguese custard tart), which would soon become a daily ritual. We crossed the magnificent double-decker Luís I Bridge and visited the Cálem Port Wine Cellars, complete with a tasting session.

We left the busy streets of Porto and headed south, the Atlantic coastline never far away. Cycling out of Porto was a joy: smooth, safe cycle lanes led us along the coast past golden beaches, waterfront cafés and crashing waves.  We spent the afternoon cycling on coastal wooden boardwalks and through large pine forests, before turning inland and reaching our overnight stop in Furadouro, a relaxed coastal town with a laid-back vibe.

Waking up to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the Atlantic set the tone for another perfect day. After breakfast, we rode south toward the town of Ovar, where we wandered through a small market and admired the town’s traditional azulejos (Portuguese tiles). The route meandered beside the beautiful Aveiro Lagoon, and we made a relaxed stop in Torreira for a coffee and (you guessed it) another pastel de nata. A ferry from São Jacinto took us across to the mainland again, and from there, a short ride delivered us to Aveiro.

Aveiro is often dubbed the Venice of Portugal for its canals and ribbon-decorated bridges. We spent some time exploring the town’s narrow streets and local shops before enjoying an incredible seafood lunch in a bustling café-lined street.

After fuelling up with a big buffet breakfast, we retraced our route slightly to visit Farol de Aveiro, the tallest lighthouse in Portugal. The rest of the day was cycling heaven: flat, traffic-free cycle paths hugged the coastline, with endless sandy beaches stretching to the horizon.

We stopped for coffee and pastries (of course) in Praia da Vagueira, passed flocks of flamingos over the lagoon, and rolled into Praia de Mira just in time for a relaxed lunch. The town is a popular summer destination, but in October it was quiet and peaceful. We ended the day watching the sun dip into the Atlantic from a beachfront bar - unbeatable.

A pre-breakfast beach walk started the day off perfectly, and the cycling didn’t disappoint either. Quiet and meditative, following a long, beautifully paved road that required little navigation. It gave us space to enjoy the sights and sounds of rural Portugal.

We stopped for coffee (if you can’t tell, the team here at Freedom Treks are big coffee fans!) in Quiaios, then approached our first hills of the trip along the clifftop cycle paths leading to Figueira da Foz. The climb was rewarded with sweeping ocean views. In town, we played a spontaneous game of pool with some locals before enjoying dinner and heading to bed early in preparation for our morning transfer.

Our driver collected us in the morning for a transfer to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the hills. The cycling began with a gentle climb to the famous Palácio Nacional da Pena, a brightly coloured fairy-tale palace perched high above the town. The views were breathtaking, and the palace gardens are well worth exploring (book tickets ahead to visit inside).

We continued through forested hills and rolling coastline, with a detour to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Eventually, we reached Cascais, a seaside town full of life, charm, and great food. Our seafront hotel was the perfect base to explore this stylish retreat popular with Lisbon residents.

Our final day started with a surprise: torrential rain. Luckily, by the time we finished breakfast, the skies had cleared, and we set off along the final stretch toward Lisbon.

The route followed a series of scenic coastal paths with stunning views of the Tagus River estuary. We paused to admire the Monument to the Discoveries and the towering Sanctuary of Christ the King across the river. These impressive monuments marked our arrival into Lisbon, where we rode right into the heart of the city, finishing at the grand Arco da Rua Augusta.

We spent our final evening enjoying a celebratory dinner at Tantura, a cosy Middle Eastern restaurant, followed by drinks in the buzzing Bairro Alto nightlife district. The next morning, after some final souvenir shopping, it was time to head to the airport and return home - satisfied, sun-kissed, and already dreaming of returning.

This week-long cycling adventure is the perfect blend of coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and laid-back charm. The Porto to Lisbon Bike Tour offers:

• Incredible variety: from forest trails and beachside cycle paths to historic towns and palaces.

• Delicious food: seafood, pastries, and local wine are part of the experience. Did I mention the pastries?

• Accessible riding: well-maintained, mostly flat paths with minimal traffic make it suitable for a wide range of cyclists.

• Unmissable highlights: Porto’s wine cellars, the Venice-like canals of Aveiro, the cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and Lisbon’s historic centre. This tour has it all.

Whether you're an experienced cyclist or a casual rider seeking sunshine and scenery, Portugal’s Atlantic coast is a route that ticks every box. We returned feeling relaxed, enriched, and with a deeper appreciation for one of Europe’s most underrated cycling destinations.

We cycled the same route that our customers love, so we're happy to offer our first-hand advice. If this tour sounds like it could be one for you, we're here to help answer any questions you may have. You can enquire online or call us on +44 (0)1273 224066 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm UK time). Alternatively, you can book our Porto to Lisbon Bike Tour online now.

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