How to plan a trip from Lisbon to Porto by Bike

Your Porto to Lisbon Bike Tour

Explore Europe’s sunny west coast on an easygoing ride from Porto to Lisbon. This flat, coastal route is made for leisurely days in the saddle as you cruise down the EuroVelo 1 – think gentle rides through royal pine forests, past golden beaches, and along breezy Atlantic roads. You’ll start in the UNESCO-listed city of Porto, where world-famous Port wine awaits, then follow oceanfront paths dotted with beach bars serving up strong coffees and grilled fresh fish. It’s a sun-soaked, smile-filled adventure that captures the very best of Portugal’s relaxed coastal charm.

Navigating the EuroVelo 1

Your route will start in Porto, a major city well served by flights and trains. That makes the route hugely accessible to most cyclists. One of the team will meet you in Porto and provide you with a great briefing and importantly, a brilliant app for you to navigate your trip. The EuroVelo 1 is well signposted but we will provide you with easy to follow routes, downloadable to a GPS device. The app is free to use and very intuitive.

The route is fairly flat and you'll ride south with the wild Atlantic Coast on your right pretty much all the way. The terrain is pretty much on bike paths for most of the ride allowing you to enjoy traffic free safe cycling whilst you gaze out over the Atlantic.

How Challenging is The Cycling?

The Porto to Lisbon ride is a predominantly flat route that weaves along coastal roads, wooden boardwalks, and quiet rural lanes, with well-paved surfaces and only the occasional gentle hill near coastal villages. It's therefore pretty easy cycling and so long as you are able to ride the daily distances (the maximum is 65km/40 miles), the ride is not difficult.

While the terrain is kind, a few factors can add a touch of challenge. Afternoon headwinds are a regular occurrence and the strong sun exposure mean it's wise to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and pack plenty of sunscreen.

Our Favorite Towns to Visit on Your Porto to Lisbon Cycle Trip

We love both Porto and Lisbon but en route, there's nothing quite like stopping at traditional Atlantic Coast towns. The iconic fishing town of Nazaré, famous not only for its traditional charm but also for the record-breaking waves at Praia do Norte is a huge highlight of the trip, whilst we also love the ride up to the Serra da Boa Viagem. You can soak in the sweeping views from the Miradouro da Vela. From this stunning vantage point, you can gaze out over the city, the glistening salt-pans of the River Mondego, and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of the distant Berlengas Islands shimmering on the horizon.

Day By Day Trip Notes

Day 1 Arrival in Porto: A City of Charm, Hills and History

Your Day's Riding No riding today. Just settle in and soak up the city vibes.

Summary & Highlights of the Day Welcome to Porto, a beautiful blend of old-world charm and vibrant culture. Spend your first day wandering its narrow streets, tasting world-famous Port wine and gazing out over the Douro River. This isn’t just your gateway to an unforgettable ride, it’s a cultural gem that’s as soulful as it is scenic. We highly recommend arriving a couple of days early to experience

Day 2: From the River to the Coast, Porto to Ovar

Your Day's Riding 51 km | 31.7 mi

Summary & Highlights of the Day Today’s ride begins riverside and finishes by the sea. You’ll follow the Douro to the Atlantic, then head south on coastal cycle paths. Expect golden beaches, pine forests and plenty of seaside cafés serving Portuguese favorites. It’s the perfect balance of easygoing riding and natural beauty.

Day 3: Ferry Crossings and Lagoon Trails, Ovar to the Mira Region

Your Day's Riding 65 km | 40.4 mi

Summary & Highlights of the Day Ride through serene lagoon landscapes and over to the sandy shores of Barra Beach via a local ferry. Today is rich in natural scenery, with quiet paths and tranquil surroundings leading you to the Mira Region. It’s a peaceful pedal through coastal Portugal at its finest.

Day 4: Ocean Breezes and Hilltop Views, Mira Region to Figueira da Foz

Your Day's Riding 55 km | 34.2 mi

Summary & Highlights of the Day Today brings variety, from coastal dunes to panoramic hilltop vistas. Climb through forested paths to the Miradouro da Vela, offering spectacular views over the ocean and saltpans. Then descend to the lighthouse at Cape Mondego before arriving in the lively beach town of Figueira da Foz.

Day 5: Forest Trails and Coastal Villages, Figueira da Foz to São Pedro de Moel

Your Day's Riding 65 km | 41 mi

Summary & Highlights of the Day Cycle over the Mondego River and into the vast Pinhal de Leiria forest. This historic woodland, once planted to build ships, is dotted with hidden beaches and quiet villages. From Pedrogão to São Pedro de Moel, it’s a day of nature, solitude and sandy paths.

Day 6: Big Waves and Calm Waters, São Pedro de Moel to Foz do Arelho

Your Day's Riding 55 km | 34.2 mi

Summary & Highlights of the Day Roll past the surf mecca of Nazaré, home to the world’s tallest waves, then cruise towards the calm of the Óbidos Lagoon. Today is a true coastal showcase, combining dramatic sea views with peaceful inland waters. The ride ends at the charming village of Foz do Arelho.

Day 7: Inland to Óbidos, Foz do Arelho to Óbidos

Your Day's Riding 15 km | 9.9 mi

Summary & Highlights of the Day A short, sweet ride inland takes you away from the coast and into the historic town of Óbidos. Whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes and flowering bougainvillaea greet you. It’s a perfect, peaceful finish to your coastal cycling adventure.

Day 8: Departure

Your Day's Riding No riding – time to head home or onward.

Summary & Highlights of the Day Whether you're off to Lisbon, Porto or beyond, take a moment to soak in the memories. From ocean rides to medieval towns, this trip delivers a slice of Portugal that’s impossible to forget.

Highlights of the Trip

Our highlight is undoubtedly being able to cycle alongside the wild Atlantic Ocean for most of the route. The golden beaches are spectacular and you'll be able to explore hidden coves, deserted sections of beach and traditional authentic fishing villages.

How Does the Trip Compare to The EuroVelo1 Along the Algarve's Coast?

While the EuroVelo 1 in the Algarve is known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sun-soaked beaches, it can be more rugged and hilly, especially around the western tip near Sagres. In contrast, the Porto to Lisbon route offers a gentler, flatter ride that hugs the Atlantic coast through pine forests, traditional fishing villages, and cultural gems like Nazaré and Óbidos. It’s perfect for riders seeking an easygoing adventure with fewer hills and a mix of wild beaches and historic towns. The Algarve boasts warmer weather year-round, but the Porto to Lisbon stretch gives you a more varied slice of authentic Portugal with less tourists.

What is the Best Time of The Year to Ride Porto to Lisbon Route?

Porto and Lisbon have slightly different climates with it being more typically Mediterranean the further south you go. The beauty of this route is that other than August which is just too hot to ride, you can explore this route pretty much all year round.

The best time to cycle from Porto to Lisbon is during spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, the roads are quieter, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. These shoulder seasons offer ideal riding conditions with comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and less coastal wind compared to the peak summer months. You’ll enjoy peaceful beach towns, easier accommodation, and a more relaxed vibe along the Atlantic coast. While summer can be tempting, July and August often bring intense heat and busy tourist spots, making spring and fall the sweet spot for this unforgettable ride.