7 itineraries to explore Portugal by bicycle

Along the sea, along the rivers or in the mountains, it is possible to find, along the paths of Portugal, dozens of cycle paths, ecovias, ecopistas and other routes to discover the country on two wheels. Discover our suggestions, prepare your bikes and start pedaling. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

1. Ecopista do Minho

The railway branch that connected Valença to Monção has been deactivated and, in its place, an eco-path has been created, perfect for cycling. In total there are 15 kilometers to cycle along vineyards, cultivated fields and the built heritage of the region.

Along the way you will be able to enjoy panoramic points with a privileged view of the Minho River and the adjacent meadows. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to cool off and swim on the river beaches that you find along the way.

Don’t miss: The fortress of Valença, composed of more than five kilometers of walls, located on one of the hills on the left bank of the Minho River.

2. Ecovia del Rio Lima

As its name suggests, this ecoway extends along the banks of the Lima River, passing through the municipalities of Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez.

The Ecovia do Rio Lima is made up of five sections: the Vegas Itineraryor path of the barriersor Lagoas itineraryor Orange route and, finally, the Ermelo itinerary. In total, there are almost 40 kilometers to cover by bicycle and in which you can discover some of the most beautiful villages in Minho and enjoy nature.

Don’t miss: Bridge over the Lima river, in Ponte de Lima, made up of two distinct sections: one Roman and the other medieval.

3. Ecopista do Dão

With a length of 49.2 km, the Ecopista do Dão connects Santa Comba Dão to Viseu and is considered one of the largest and most beautiful ecopistas in Portugal. Where steam locomotives once circulated, today it is possible to enjoy the spectacular landscape by bicycle, which runs along the Dão and Mondego rivers and is surrounded by the Estrela and Caramulo mountains.

In addition to the natural beauty, one of the strong points of this route is the linear paving, therefore easily accessible for the whole family. The Ecopista do Dão is part of the National Ecopista Network and is equipped with support structures and signposted along the entire route.

Don’t miss: The old Ecopista stations and stops, especially the Torredeita station, where an old steam locomotive is located.

Drive safely! Protect your health and your wallet with Bicycle Insurance, which guarantees you protection while you pedal. Coverage includes roadside assistance, driver protection in the event of a road accident involving the use of a bicycle and civil liability for damage that could be caused to other vehicles or people, depending on the option chosen, in accidents that occurred in Portugal and Spain.

4. Estrada Atlantica Cycle Path

In the center of Portugal there is the largest cycle path in the country, made up of several routes which, in total, cover around 62 kilometres. The Estrada Atlântica cycle path passes through four municipalities in the Leiria district: Marinha Grande, Alcobaça, Pombal and Nazaré.

Don’t miss: The Fisherman’s Chapel, in Praia da Vieira, one of the few examples of wooden religious buildings.

5. Guincho – Cascais cycle path

In Cascais, one of the most beautiful and scenic areas on the outskirts of Lisbon, you will find the Guincho cycle path. It is the oldest cycle path in this municipality and also the most frequented by cyclists.

They are approximately nine kilometres, starting from Cascais Marina and ending at Guincho beach, which can be traveled almost exclusively parallel to the sea. The setting could not be more pleasant: on the one hand, the ocean, the beach and the cliffs and, on the other, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Don’t miss: Guia Lighthouse, one of the most iconic lighthouses in Portugal, from which you can enjoy a privileged view of the ocean.

6. Mora Ecopista Branch

Another railway line closed several years ago and transformed into a pedestrian and cycle path. The Ramal de Mora greenway is approximately 40 kilometers long and connects Évora to Arraiolos, at the ancient Vale de Paio stop.

Don’t miss: Solar do Monte da Semper Noiva, classified as a National Monument, one of the few Manueline style houses that has not disappeared.

7. Ecovia do Litoral

In total there are approximately 214 kilometres, ranging from Cabo de S. Vicente, to Sagres, to Vila Real de Santo António, along paths close to the sea and crossing twelve municipalities on the Algarve coast. The ecoway consists of existing cycle paths, rural roads and paths parallel to Estrada Nacional 125.

Ecovia do Litoral is part of the Eurovélo European Network, the network of cycle paths on the European continent. It is a section of the Atlantic Coast Route (Route nº 1) that connects Sagres, in the far south-west of Europe, to Cape Norte, in Scandinavia.

Don’t miss: They are 214 kilometres, almost all along the sea. How about a swim at one of the beaches you’ll pass?