The Portuguese Way from Lisbon to Porto by bike: 8 stages
Information about the trip: The Portuguese Way from Lisbon to Porto by bike: 8 stages
The Portuguese Way by bike is an excellent cycling route to experience the Camino de Santiago. It stretches for about 350 kilometers from Lisbon to Porto, following a mix of paths, tracks, and paved roads suitable for cyclists of all levels.The route passes through Coimbra and continues along the Central Portuguese Way, which is less demanding than the French Way thanks to its gentle terrain and minimal elevation changes. This makes it ideal for enjoying the Jacobean experience, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage without excessive physical effort.
Cyclists should note that the yellow arrows mark the Camino de Santiago, while the blue arrows lead to the Sanctuary of Fátima.
Travel itinerary (Summary)
- DAY 1: Arrival to Lisbon
- DAY 2: Stage 1, Lisbon, Azambuja 62 km 2/5
- DAY 3: Stage 2, Azambuja, Santarem 34 km 3/4
- DAY 4: Stage 3, Santarem, Tomar 66 km 3/5
- DAY 5: Stage 4,Tomar, Ansiao 45 km 3/5
- DAY 6: Stage 5,Ansiao, Coimbra 47 km 2/5
- DAY 7: Stage 6, Coimbra, Agueda 50 km 2/5
- DAY 8: Stage 7, Agueda, Oliveira de Azemeis 64 km 2/5
- DAY 9: Stage 8, Oliveira de Azemeis, Porto 43 km 2/5
- DAY 10: Return.
Travel itinerary (Detailed)
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1
Arrival in Lisbon
Fill out your Credential and get ready to start your journey, without forgetting to visit this wonderful city. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the center of a multifaceted region that appeals to a wide range of tastes and senses. In a city that has welcomed many different cultures from distant places throughout time, you can still feel a rustic atmosphere in each of its historic neighbourhoods.
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2
Stage 1, from Lisbon to Azambuja
Distance : 62 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. The route begins at the door of the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), from where the yellow arrows lead us through the historic Alfama neighbourhood to the modern Parque das Nações, a legacy of the 1998 Expo. After passing under the Vasco da Gama bridge, the path follows the Tagus River along walkways and trails bordering peaceful riverside landscapes. This stage has a lot of asphalt and few attractions, although recent route modifications have allowed avoiding a dangerous road section. Now the route continues along a track parallel to the train line: simple and without great charms, but safer.
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3
Stage 2, from Azambuja to Santarém
Distance : 34 km Difficulty : 3/4
Breakfast and start of the stage. If the previous day felt tedious, today’s will seem even longer, especially on hot days. The best part is the first half, following the Tagus River bank, since the last 16 km run without any towns or shade. At the end, an unexpected climb brings us to Santarém, a city full of history that will make the day’s effort worthwhile.
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4
Stage 3, from Santarém to Tomar
Distance : 66 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Another long stage crossing flat, sunny landscapes of vineyards and cornfields, with few villages on the way. Although it seems easy, it’s important to follow the arrows well, especially at crossroads. Then, about 7 km are on a dangerous road without a shoulder, requiring caution. Finally, enjoy a varied route with ups and downs on dirt tracks and eucalyptus forests, though some uncomfortable asphalt sections remain. The day ends in Tomar, a beautiful and touristic Templar city, perfect for exploring its castle and the Convent of Christ with enough time.
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5
Stage 4, from Tomar to Ansiao
Distance : 45 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Today offers varied landscapes: starting on a charming path along the Nabão River, then crossing oak pastures, olive groves, and pine forests, among orchards and fruit trees. It’s a long and demanding stage with constant ups and downs, although much of the route is on asphalt. Despite this, we will enjoy very attractive but rocky sections winding through oaks and olives, alternating with more monotonous stretches on asphalt.
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6
Stage 5, from Ansiao to Coimbra
Distance : 47 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Today we will pedal more on dirt than asphalt, enjoying a rolling and spectacular section, probably the best since leaving Lisbon. In Rabaçal and Conímbriga, we will find remains of their Roman past. This day ends with an obligatory arrival in the beautiful city of Coimbra, the first capital of Portugal after its independence in 1139, where you can spend time exploring its historic university, one of the oldest in Europe.
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7
Stage 6, from Coimbra to Agueda
Distance : 50 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Although leaving Coimbra may seem unappealing, the day holds small surprises like stretches on fine sand trails under the shade of pines and eucalyptus. Between Mealhada and Sernadelo, we find curious restaurants specializing in suckling pig, all by the roadside. However, patience is required, as the second part awaits a more monotonous and unpleasant stage of the Portuguese Way, with many kilometers between asphalt, industrial parks, and noisy roads. The reward comes at the end, in Águeda, a pleasant town known for its vibrant urban art.
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8
Stage 7, from Agueda to Oliveira De Azemeis
Distance : 64 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Leaving Águeda offers two unappealing options: by road or through an industrial park. Still, today’s stage will be easier. Later on, a long stretch with few attractions awaits, although the passage through the picturesque old town of Bemposta will stand out.
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9
Stage 8, from Oliveira de Azemeis to Porto
Distance : 43 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. Crossing Oliveira de Azeméis and entering São João da Madeira, we move into an increasingly industrial zone, a prelude to the nearby city of Porto.
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10
Porto
Breakfast. Porto’s old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city, located on the banks of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its Port wine. There are plenty of charming bars, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine.
Included
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel: 1 bag max. 20kg/ 44 lbs per person
- Travel insurance.
- Credencial (Pilgrim’s passport)
- Maps and tracks of the stages.
- Telephone assistance (English speaking)
- Lunches.
- Trains or flights.
- Dinner supplement.
- Single room supplement: € 400
- SOLO traveller supplement: € 350
- Bike rental from: € 190
- Tourist taxes.
Not included
Accommodations
All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.Conditions
Price per person based on double room. Minimum 2 participants. Ask for Solo traveller supplement.Daily departures form March to October
For e-bikes, it is mandatory to continue to Santiago for return at our partner shop in Santiago, next to the train/bus station. Please ask us.
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