Atlantic Coast self-guided - Along golden sandy beaches and fishing villages
Atlantic Coast self-guided - Along golden sandy beaches and fishing villages
Atlantic Coast self-guided - Along golden sandy beaches and fishing villages
8 Days Starting in Baiona, Pontevedra, Spain and ending in Aveiro, Portugal
Visiting: Baiona, Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Vila do Conde, Porto, Furadouro, Praia de Mira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AC
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Lactose-free Gluten free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Atlantic Coast biking holiday route represents a week in the freshest, lightly salty air imaginable. A boost to both body and mind. As you cycle southwards from the Galician coastal region in the north, the beauty of continuously changing views over the vast Atlantic will impress itself on your mind and soul. Taste both Galician and Portuguese seafood. Encounter latter-day pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, with whom you share a few kilometres. Meet the nicest fishermen and their wives who will welcome you and enjoy sharing their lifetime experiences and customs. Stroll through the fish markets and watch them as they work. Visit Porto, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, classified as a Unesco World Heritage. Learn about Port Wine and the unique culinary dimension associated with it. Dance on saltpans and bring back some excellent salt crystals from there. Taste, smell, meet and bask in the sun as you cycle gently along this beautiful coast and allow yourself to daydream. After a great day cycling, the night will cherish you with nothing less than the freshest air conceivable.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Baiona - Typically Seaside Houses By The Sea, Narrow Cobblestone Streets And A Beautiful Bay
Location: Baiona
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Porto airport (Portugal) where you will arrive, you will be taken to Baiona (in Galicia, Spain), a charming and lively harbour town, where a dish of fresh fish from the sea is an absolute must. Don’t forget to stroll around the harbour or the Monterreal Fort, famous for the PrÃncipe Tower.
Day 2 : Baiona To Caminha | The Perfect Town For Enjoying Beaches, Rivers, Mountains, Forests, Gothic, Renaissance And Baroque Architecture And Fabulous Food
Location: Caminha
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first half of the day on your bike you will cycle in Spain, gently following the flat coastline, along the foothills of the Sierra de la Grova mountains and further south, of the Sierra de Argalo. You may enter Portugal by ferry, across the River Minho into the town of Caminha, or further upriver, by crossing the Vila Nova de Cerveira bridge. In Caminha delight yourself in the stately houses that set the scene as you enter the town, whose history dates as far back as pre-Roman times. Your 40 kilometres stage ends here.
Stage 1 (short)
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 37.8
Routes: Paved 80% | Unpaved 20%
Stage 1 (long)
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 67.7
Routes: Paved 80% | Unpaved 20%
Day 3 : Caminha To Viana Do Castelo | Medieval City And Folklore Capital
Location: Viana do Castelo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycle southwards on excellent asphalted cycle paths along the coast and fields close to the coastline, until you reach Viana do Castelo, where you will spend the night. Seagulls will also enjoy your attention too, especially if you let them taste a few crumbs from your food. Viana do Castelo, located on the river Lima estuary, is a bustling city with an active student population and a good night life. Dating back to Roman times, Viana’s impressive history includes that of the merchants who provisioned the ships that took part in the Portuguese discoveries during the 16th century and later built the ships that sailed to Newfoundland for codfish. It is they who built the numerous stately town houses whose architectural beauty is a hallmark of the city.
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Stage 2 (short)
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 28.8
Routes: Paved 70% | Unpaved 30%
Stage 2 (long)
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 39.5
Routes: Paved 65% | Unpaved 35%
Day 4 : Viana Do Castelo To Vila Do Conde | Traditional Old Town That Retains Its Small Fishing Port And Historic Buildings
Location: Vila do Conde
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The third stage again offers a gentle ride southward, cycling through vineyards and across the Protected Landscape Area of the Esposende coast, a wildlife and flora reserve. Speak with the fishermen and their wives. They are such beautiful people - always warm-hearted and with a friendly word for every passer-by. The city centre is dominated by elegant manors and small stately homes. The importance of its harbour is not only evident at sea, as you will discover when you enjoy a wonderful sardine or other fresh fish dinner in town. Afterwards, relax with a leisurely stroll along the beach before you go to bed, refreshed by the sea air.
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Stage 3
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 54.4
Routes: Paved 80% | Unpaved 20%
Day 5 : Vila Do Conde To Porto | Unesco World Heritage City, World-Famous For Port Wine
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Visit and tasting in a Port wine cellar
On Stage 4 of your holiday, you will cycle to Porto, a short ride until the world-famous World Heritage city. Starting, naturally, at the Atlantic, you will follow cycle paths until you reach the river Douro. Alongside this famous river, you will cycle into one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Porto is a World Heritage city, a historic jewel with more than 150 listed monuments. Ride gently past the famous Eiffel bridge; see how the proud Port Wine lodges rise uphill from the south bank of the river Douro. An essential stop, of course, will be to admire the Casa da Música auditorium, designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Dutch architect. It will be hard to choose where to dine tonight: Porto is famous for Port Wine and the diversity and quality for its cuisine.
Stage 4 (short)
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 34.4
Routes: Paved 70% | Unpaved 30%
Stage 4 (long)
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance (km): 48.9
Routes: Paved 65% | Unpaved 35%
Day 6 : Porto To Furadouro | Unique Landscapes Facing The Sea, Surrounded By Pine Forests
Location: Furadouro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you exchange the hustle and bustle of the city for the peace and quiet of the Atlantic shore. Once
again, you will have a lovely ride along the coast, partly through a pine wood. The day ends in Furadouro, a
hospitable town renowned for its excellent fish. Enjoy your meal.
Stage 5
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 41.8
Routes: Paved 80% | Unpaved 20%
Day 7 : Furadouro To Mira | Traditional Portuguese Artisan Fishing And Blue Flag Awarded Beach
Location: Praia de Mira
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is a beautiful ride of 58 kms in all today, including through the Protected Natural Reserve of the São
Jacinto dunes. Mira, where you will sleep tonight, perhaps to dream, is a small fishing village. You will
certainly be inspired by the beautiful multi-coloured striped houses. Visit some of the little shops too; a
nice carpet can be bought at affordable prices.
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Stage 6
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance (km): 58.1
Routes: Paved 100% | Unpaved 0%
Day 8 : Transfer Out
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Porto airport or Porto city center.
End of the programme.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel BahÃa Bayona * * *, Baiona (Spain) (Beach-front hotel, with stunning views of the surrounding nature) The BahÃa Bayona hotel has a privileged location right in front of the beach and with great views of the ocean and natural landscape. The hotel has 89 rooms with a simple and modern decoration, all with private bath, Tv, heating and work table. At the hotel restaurant guests may taste the local Galician gastronomy, or relax at the terrace and garden.  Hotel Porta do Sol * * * *, Caminha (Great riverfront location, complete and comfortable hotel, spa) The Porta do Sol Hotel & Spa is located in Caminha, a small, charming town facing the estuary of the River Minho, at 90 km from Porto airport by motorway. It was recently refurbished and offer superb views over the river mouth. Galicia is just across the river and the town centre is at 10 minutes walking distance. The beach is at 1 km from the hotel. The hotel has 92 double rooms, 3 family suites, a junior suite with a large balcony and four master suites with Jacuzzi. All rooms have a balcony and are equipped with wireless Internet and 32-inch LCD’s. It includes a restaurant with panoramic views over the river, a bar, a living room and a large outdoor swimming pool, another for children, a Jacuzzi, a tennis court, a garden area and a spacious sun deck. The spa area is approx. 1500 sq meters, including a water circuit, sauna, Turkish bath, Scottish shower and treatment rooms.  Casa Melo Alvim Hotel * * * *, Viana do Castelo (Manueline-style manor house in the centre of Viana do Castelo) It is the oldest urban manor house in the city, having been built in the Manueline style in 1509. Faithfully restored, this manor house has been transformed into a comfortable and cosy hotel. The restoration of the house has not prevented solutions aimed at providing a service that respects the house and the past. Guests are welcomed in the "Francisco Melo Alvim Atrium", where they can begin their stay in a cosy atmosphere, with access to the floors via a baroque, balustraded staircase that also leads to the Library. Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels provides 20 air-conditioned rooms decorated in different styles. Ranging from neoclassical to baroque and rustic, each room is appointed with rich fabrics and original furniture. Hotel Brazão * * *, Vila do Conde (Historic building, centrally located in the town’s old quarter) The charming Brazao Hotel is located in a historic building of this fisherman’s town. The interior with its decoration and architectural details illustrates the town history. The hotel has 30 rooms, all with private bath, TV, air conditioning, mini bar and hair dryer. Relaxing at the hotel bar is an option or exploring the city, the beach and local restaurants specialized in fresh fish dishes.  NEYA Porto Hotel * * * *, Porto (Charm and both historical and modern environment, riverfront) Located in the privileged location of Porto’s ribeirinha area and 15 minutes away from the airport, NEYA Porto Hotel embraces the Douro River edge. Along with the stunning view, guests will find the perfect retreat to escape routine, enjoy family holidays, do business, or simply have a relaxed weekend. The hotel, which faces the Douro River, was a previously historical convent called the Madre Deus de Monchique convent. The building was refurbished while respecting the abbey’s original architecture and preserving historical artifacts. Among the 124 rooms, guests will find themed suites that reference icons of the Portuguese industry, such as the Bordallo Pinheiro Suite, the Delta Caffés suite, Amorim Cork suite, porcelain by Vista Alegre, along others aimed at surprising our guests.  Furadouro Boutique Hotel Beach & Spa * * * *, Ovar (Beach front hotel with a contemporary design) The Furadouro Boutique hotel is located front of the Beach of Furadouro, one of the most renowned in the centre region. The hotel has a contemporary design, with spacious areas and natural light. The hotel’s 27 rooms are elegantly decorated, and have air conditioning, TV, safe, wi-fi internet, mini bar, hair dryer, 15 of the rooms offer magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. For moments of relaxation and revigorating, guests may enjoy the Spa with heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, gym and treatment room. At the restaurant with an ocean view, the menu is o Mediterranean influence full of fresh local products.  Macarico Beach Hotel * * * *, Praia da Mira (Located in front of the Mira Beach with a contemporary design) The modern Macarico hotel is situated in one of the most popular beach destinations of the centre region of Portugal, the Mira Beach. The hotel has a contemporary design and the theme is allusive to the maritime traditions of Portugal. The hotel has 30 rooms, most with views of the beach and ocean and equipped with private bath, air conditioning, TV mini bar, wi-fi internet and hair dryer. For relaxing moments, enjoy the panoramic pool on the hotel roof top or a revigorating visit to the hotel Spa and health club. At the hotel restaurant, a varied choice of Portuguese gastronomy and international cuisine invite guests for a unique meal.
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Meals
All hotels with breakfast included
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Optional
Wine experiences featuring 2 visits and tastings: - Enhance your experience of the Atlantic Coast with a local wine tasting and an exclusive visit and tasting at a historic port wine cellar. Special Wine & Dine package with 2 dinners. Featuring: - We are delighted to offer you a truly special dining experience! You will have the opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of the region with a 2 course meal accompanied by carefully selected wines. You will also enjoy a delicious dessert and a glass of port wine. Picnic package. Featuring: - 6 light lunch meals to carry on bike in riding days E-Bike for 6 stages (subject to availability due to the limited number of E-Bikes) Note: All additional activities, including wine tastings, shall be scheduled to take place at the end of the day, after cyclists arrive at their destination.
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Transport
From: Porto airport - according to the departing flight To: Baiona - starting point Hour: 09h30 or according to the earliest departing flight From: accommodation in Mira To: Porto airport or Porto city center
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Bike
Standard Bike
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Fully Guided
Guide price on request
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Not Included
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Insurance
Not included
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Fully Guided
On request
Optional Extras
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E-Bike supplement
(subject to availability)
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Wine tasting
2 visits and tastings
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Picnic
6 light meals to carry on bike in riding days
Mode of Transport
- Standard Bike or Electric Bike
- Transfer to Baiona according to flight details
- Transfer from Mira hotel to Porto Airport according to flight details
- Luggage transfer included, 1 per person
Accommodation
Hotel BahÃa Bayona * * *, Baiona (Spain)
(Beach-front hotel, with stunning views of the surrounding nature)
The BahÃa Bayona hotel has a privileged location right in front of the beach and with great views of the ocean and natural landscape. The hotel has 89 rooms with a simple and modern decoration, all with private bath, Tv, heating and work table. At the hotel restaurant guests may taste the local Galician gastronomy, or relax at the terrace and garden.
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Hotel Porta do Sol * * * *, Caminha
(Great riverfront location, complete and comfortable hotel, spa)
The Porta do Sol Hotel & Spa is located in Caminha, a small, charming town facing the estuary of the River Minho, at 90 km from Porto airport by motorway. It was recently refurbished and offer superb views over the river mouth. Galicia is just across the river and the town centre is at 10 minutes walking distance. The beach is at 1 km from the hotel. The hotel has 92 double rooms, 3 family suites, a junior suite with a large balcony and four master suites with Jacuzzi. All rooms have a balcony and are equipped with wireless Internet and 32-inch LCD’s. It includes a restaurant with panoramic views over the river, a bar, a living room and a large outdoor swimming pool, another for children, a Jacuzzi, a tennis court, a garden area and a spacious sun deck. The spa area is approx. 1500 sq meters, including a water circuit, sauna, Turkish bath, Scottish shower and treatment rooms.
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Casa Melo Alvim Hotel * * * *, Viana do Castelo
(Manueline-style manor house in the centre of Viana do Castelo)
It is the oldest urban manor house in the city, having been built in the Manueline style in 1509. Faithfully restored, this manor house has been transformed into a comfortable and cosy hotel.
The restoration of the house has not prevented solutions aimed at providing a service that respects the house and the past. Guests are welcomed in the "Francisco Melo Alvim Atrium", where they can begin their stay in a cosy atmosphere, with access to the floors via a baroque, balustraded staircase that also leads to the Library.
Casa Melo Alvim - by Unlock Hotels provides 20 air-conditioned rooms decorated in different styles. Ranging from neoclassical to baroque and rustic, each room is appointed with rich fabrics and original furniture.
Hotel Brazão * * *, Vila do Conde
(Historic building, centrally located in the town’s old quarter)
The charming Brazao Hotel is located in a historic building of this fisherman’s town. The interior with its decoration and architectural details illustrates the town history.
The hotel has 30 rooms, all with private bath, TV, air conditioning, mini bar and hair dryer. Relaxing at the hotel bar is an option or exploring the city, the beach and local restaurants specialized in fresh fish dishes.
Â
NEYA Porto Hotel * * * *, Porto
(Charm and both historical and modern environment, riverfront)
Located in the privileged location of Porto’s ribeirinha area and 15 minutes away from the airport, NEYA Porto Hotel embraces the Douro River edge. Along with the stunning view, guests will find the perfect retreat to escape routine, enjoy family holidays, do business, or simply have a relaxed weekend.
The hotel, which faces the Douro River, was a previously historical convent called the Madre Deus de Monchique convent. The building was refurbished while respecting the abbey’s original architecture and preserving historical artifacts.
Among the 124 rooms, guests will find themed suites that reference icons of the Portuguese industry, such as the Bordallo Pinheiro Suite, the Delta Caffés suite, Amorim Cork suite, porcelain by Vista Alegre, along others aimed at surprising our guests.
Â
Furadouro Boutique Hotel Beach & Spa * * * *, Ovar
(Beach front hotel with a contemporary design)
The Furadouro Boutique hotel is located front of the Beach of Furadouro, one of the most renowned in the centre region. The hotel has a contemporary design, with spacious areas and natural light. The hotel’s 27 rooms are elegantly decorated, and have air conditioning, TV, safe, wi-fi internet, mini bar, hair dryer, 15 of the rooms offer magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. For moments of relaxation and revigorating, guests may enjoy the Spa with heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, gym and treatment room.
At the restaurant with an ocean view, the menu is o Mediterranean influence full of fresh local products.
Â
Macarico Beach Hotel * * * *, Praia da Mira
(Located in front of the Mira Beach with a contemporary design)
The modern Macarico hotel is situated in one of the most popular beach destinations of the centre region of Portugal, the Mira Beach. The hotel has a contemporary design and the theme is allusive to the maritime traditions of Portugal. The hotel has 30 rooms, most with views of the beach and ocean and equipped with private bath, air conditioning, TV mini bar, wi-fi internet and hair dryer. For relaxing moments, enjoy the panoramic pool on the hotel roof top or a revigorating visit to the hotel Spa and health club. At the hotel restaurant, a varied choice of Portuguese gastronomy and international cuisine invite guests for a unique meal.
Check out our Q&As
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The currency in use is the Euro
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
We recommend a 23kg suitcase per person.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, it's booked according to the flights.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes.
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Does the tour package includes bicycles and equipment?
Yes. The tour includes: Per person - Hybrid bicycle, cargo rack, pannier bike bag and helmet One for two bicycles - lock, handlebar bag Per group/reservation - Pre-paid mobile phone, toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, and spare inner tube, GPS device loaded with the trails and route notes with detailed information
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Authentic Trails, a company that has been on the tourism market for almost 10 years, prepares itineraries and accompanies tourists in Portugal.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you change the date, you will have to pay a fee of 100€.
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What kind of bicycles do you have available?
We have standard touring bicycles that are included in the package price, and e-bikes for a surcharge and subject to availability. Both types exist with low frame and are subject to availability.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Individual tours receive vouchers for hotels and everything included (e.g. dinners, tastings), as well as access to our app where you can find the stages and points of interest. Group tours don't receive anything as they have a guide who helps with everything.
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Why should I do a bike tour?
A bike tour provides a unique and exciting way to experience the country
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
As the start date is the same, the companions will all be those doing the same tour
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No, but in special seasons and incentive tours we promote solidarity campaigns, support for the homeless.
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Free Date Changes
Authentic Trails allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Authentic Trails allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform authentic trails, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Authentic Trails requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 31 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of authentic trails charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.