It doesn’t take me long to decide on my Team member on Tour destination. Our new cycling tour from Porto to Lisbon is one of the year’s most popular routes, so I can’t wait to experience it firsthand and explore Portugal’s stunning west coast. Despite a rather gloomy weather forecast, my girlfriend and I kick off our Eurobike adventure in early October, highly motivated and full of excitement.
After hearing my colleagues rave about Porto so many times, it was clear we had to book an extra night here before embarking on our cycling tour. From the moment we arrive at our beautiful hotel in the Ribeira district, we’re treated to the best of Portuguese hospitality. A bottle of the renowned port wine and the mouthwatering Pastel de Nata set the perfect mood for the week ahead. As we wander through the charming streets, we pass iconic landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge and the famous São Bento train station. By the end of our second day, one thing is certain as extending our stay in Porto was absolutely worth it!
Revitalized by a fantastic breakfast, we grab our rental bikes and set off on the first leg of our journey. Just as we leave the city and head toward the sea, the clouds over Porto finally part, and we bask in the first warm rays of sunshine. I’m particularly impressed by the perfectly maintained and smooth bike paths along the coast. Over the next few days, we’ll experience cycling stages that offer an exciting variety.
We pass through charming coastal villages, cycle along wooden walkways over sand dunes, and navigate the serpentine streets of the royal town of Sintra. The handy Eurobike app guides us along scenic paths between lakes and the sea, including long, straight stretches that almost feel like American highways. But no worries as these routes feature wide cycle lanes and little traffic overall.
The culinary scene in northern Portugal is characterized by hearty dishes featuring plenty of meat, fish, and regional ingredients. I had my first taste of traditional Portuguese delights last year during my Team member on Tour journey along the Algarve. My personal culinary highlight on this tour: Francesinha. Whether in Porto or one of our smaller overnight stops, this dish is found on every menu.
Initially, I’m skeptical, but I’m soon convinced by the waiter to give this local specialty a try. It's a sort of Portuguese sandwich, covered in melted cheese and then smothered in a spicy tomato-beer sauce. Fish and seafood lovers will be in paradise on this journey. But even for the vegetarians among us, the detailed travel guide has some excellent restaurant recommendations.
As always, on this cycling tour, we’re fully supported by our on-site partner in every aspect. Alongside 35 other guests, we kick off in Porto with a comprehensive information session and bike distribution. Throughout the route, we occasionally cross paths with other Eurobike guests from all over the world, exchanging stories and experiences.
Upon checking into our hotel in Aveiro, we’re informed that our station manager has planned a meeting with the entire group the following morning. The reason for this is a severe wind warning along the route to Praia de Mira. Ricardo and his team thoroughly brief us on the associated risks and offer an alternative transfer to the next overnight stop. Thankfully, despite our self-guided cycling tour, we have excellent on-site support, so we don’t have to worry about unexpected events like this.
And just like that, our dream journey is drawing to a close. On our final stage, we cycle along the scenic seaside promenade of Cascais, heading toward our much-anticipated destination: LISBON. It’s my first time in this stunning Portuguese region, and the conditions couldn’t be more perfect. As we pass iconic landmarks like the Torre de Belém and Praça do Comércio, we savor the beautiful sunshine one last time.
After checking into our final accommodation, we head to a "Miradouro" (Portuguese for viewpoint) in downtown Lisbon. A steep climb on one of the iconic yellow trams takes us to the Jardim do Torel, where we reflect on the experiences of the past week, all while enjoying a stunning view of the old town. With a glass of sangria, our favorite drink during the journey, we savor our final evening at a local bar by the Tagus River.
During our fifth cycling stage, I discover my absolute favorite spot on this journey. A breathtaking coastal road takes us first through Murtinheira, heading toward Figueira da Foz. Once again, with wide bike lanes, we navigate some steeper ascents and descents. Just before the final descent to our overnight stop, we spot the perfect place for a short break on the right side of the road. We park our bikes by the roadside and climb the small hill ahead. At the top, we’re greeted with a stunning panoramic view of Figueira da Foz and the sea. We take in the atmosphere and the soothing sound of the Atlantic at Miradouro do Cabo Mondego, before heading to a beach bar just a few meters away to enjoy our lunch break.
