Portugal's west coast (1) XL

Take a stroll along the Douro riverbank and make sure to try a glass of the famous port today.

In the morning you will cross the Douro and cycle past the port cellars. After this, you will head away from the hustle and bustle of the city and towards the quiet Atlantic coast. Going past fine sandy beaches and through extensive pine forests you will head south. Today’s final destination is well known for its hospitality and excellent fish. Have a good time!

There is a lot of nature to be admired on today’s stage. You will cycle through the Aveiro lagoon and while doing so you will be surrounded by water. Do some bird watching at São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve or watch the salt extraction at the salt works. A ferry will then take you to Aveiro, a place considered as the “Portuguese Venice” due to its canals and its famous Moliceiro boats.

The bike path along the Aveiro lagoon will lead you to Costa Nova. The colourfully-striped beach houses are a popular backdrop for holiday photos. You continue cycling leisurely towards the South and soon you will reach today’s destination. Take a stroll along the kilometre-long sandy beach and enjoy the atmosphere at this peaceful seaside resort.

You cycle through a dune landscape on gentle hills. Crickets chirp in the pine forest and soon you will see the first cliff ahead of you. The road leads spectacularly towards the Cabo Mondego lighthouse and then further on towards Figueira da Foz, which is a charming little town with lots of restaurants, decorative alleys, slow-paced cafes and of course a beautiful beach.

You cycle gently uphill into the rural inland. But then it's off towards the coast again. The cycle path winds through dunes as high as houses to your overnight destination. Former fishing villages with kilometre-long, fine sandy beaches are now cosy seaside resorts.

Continue cycling through the sand dunes before the spectacular cliffs at Sao Pedro de Moel will amaze you. In Nazaré, the world's highest waves attract particularly courageous surfers. Sao Martinho or Foz do Arelho are more relaxing. Both places are located in a sheltered bay with many small boats in the calm waters.

Small roads lead past vines, apple and pear trees towards Obidos with its towering castle and charming, flower-filled alleys. On the cycle path along the Obidos lagoon, you pedal to a fantastic sandy beach. On the way to Peniche, you will once again enjoy the view of the sea before your stage destination delights you with spectacular rock formations.

The queen stage has a lot to offer. You cycle as close as possible to the cliffs and enjoy spectacular views. In the hinterland you cycle around the estuaries, in whose valleys wine and vegetables are grown. Lonely bays entice you with fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, and quaint fishing villages offer an opportunity to take a break.

Today's stage also offers wonderful views over the steep coast. You cycle along the typical stone walls through tranquil villages with often pastel-coloured houses. Directly on the coast, you cycle on to fashionable Cascais with its beautiful promenade and historic mansions.

The cycle path runs right along the shore to Estoril. After that you will soon reach the mouth of the River Tagus. The famous Belem Tower lies directly en route after which you will ride underneath Lisbon’s landmark, the mighty suspension bridge. Continue along the banks of the Tagus to your hotel in the modern district of Oriente.