SERRA DA ESTRELA & SILVER COAST SELF-GUIDED GRAVEL TOUR
A 13-Day Gravel Tour
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SERRA DA ESTRELA – AT A GLANCE
670km through Portugal’s north
Bike Type: Gravel or e-Gravel
Number of riding days: 11
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport Porto
Km / day: 30-85km
Elevation gain / day: 200-1300m
Overall Difficulty: Medium
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
What our customers are saying...
Why choose between mountains and coast? Ride both, with a vineyard or two on the way…
Serra da Estrela and Silver Coast Self-Guided Gravel Tour
Dive into the heart of northern Portugal on our Serra Da Estrela Self-Guided Gravel Cycling Tour.
Download the route files now for just €450 or go Self-Guided from €1890!
Over 13 days this tour will take you through rolling vineyards, rugged mountains and along the stunning Silver Coast. Your journey starts in the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Established in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal to safeguard the quality of Port wine, the Douro’s winemaking heritage stretches all the way back to Roman times. Today, its ancient, terraced vineyards cascade down every hillside, offering unforgettable views around every bend of the road.
The Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in the country; wild and remote, life here is tough. Cycling through this region you will encounter many traditions which have been practiced for centuries. An incredible network of gravel tracks will take you through forests, over rocky mountain slopes, alongside crystal clear waters and natural pools. After the mountains, the historic city of Coimbra awaits, with a host of sights to be explored and Portuguese delicacies to be sampled.
As you ride along the cliffs of the Silver Coast you will find sweeping sandy beaches, and colourful fishing towns in between. Aveiro, for example, is home to the barcos moliceiros, traditional canal boats which are still used to navigate its canals and lagoon. Your journey ends back in the breathtaking city of Porto.
How challenging is this tour?
This tour is for intermediate riders with some gravel experience and endurance. The itinerary includes two rest days, and, of course, we can add more if you wish!
Whilst the climbs at the start of this tour are relatively challenging, the surfaces are non-technical and the views will reward you! Along the coast the riding is much flatter and will feel super easy after the mountains.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can choose the level of support that suits you best. If you prefer a DIY approach, hit ‘Download Now’ for the route files and our hotel and restaurant recommendations.
Alternatively you can book a self-guided tour and let us take care of all the logisitics, including hotel reservations and 24/7 emergency support. Scroll down for more information.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
If you have some gravel riding experience, you should be able to handle the terrain on this tour. The first half is mostly on good rural tracks through the mountains, so although the climbs are quite challenging, the ground is non-technical.
For the later sections, you will ride on good quality cycle tracks, including EuroVelo 1, along the beautiful Atlantic coast. All our routes are checked by our team, so there is no hike-a-bike!
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
You will start your journey on one of the most scenic train rides in Europe along the Douro valley. Following this you will climb through vineyards and rolling hills before hitting the forested slopes of the Serra da Estrela. The final days take you alongside the Rio Mondego and the Atlantic Coast to Porto.
On the way you will visit remote mountain villages, quaint towns such as Aviero and Figueira da Foz, and the ancient grand cities of Coimbra and Porto.
Are the roads safe in Portugal?
Yes, in Portugal, the roads we plan for our clients are generally very safe for cycling, with many sections having light traffic, especially outside of major towns. The road surfaces is mostly well-maintained, and drivers in Portugal are accustomed to cyclists.
We hate traffic just as much as you do – we stick where ever possible to small backroads, and if on gravel – the best smooth gravel tracks we can find. (We don’t like hike-a-bike either!)
What type of bike is best for this tour?
For this tour we recommend a gravel bike, or a sturdy road bike with gravel tyres. We can arrange for gravel bike hire for you – just get in touch.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The best time to cycle in this part of Portugal is between April and September, when the temperatures are pleasant for riding and conditions are relatively settled in the mountains. The spring and autumn colours are particularly beautiful.
We recommend against riding this tour between October and March, as the Serra da Estrela experiences low temperatures, heavy rain and even snow!
Can I adjust this tour?
Of course. Either you can edit the route yourself, or speak to one of our team and we can help you with any adjustments you might want to make.
Please note that major changes to a tour will be considered a custom tour and we will have to charge extra for that service so that we can spend some time ensuring it’s exactly what you want!
What type of hotels can I expect?
You will stay in handpicked, bike-friendly 3-4* hotels during this tour. These include rural farmstays, boutique city guesthouses and luxurious spa hotels.
If you are travelling as an individual or in a small group we may be able to offer you more choice. Just let us know your preferences.
SERRA DA ESTRELA TOUR ITINERARY
Day by Day…
Day 1: Porto to Lamego
53km
808m
You will start your journey on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe – along the Duoro Valley, covered in vineyards, to Pinhão.
Your first cycle starts along the river to Peso da Régua, the heart of wine production in the Douro Valley. You will join the N2, and finish the ride in Lamego – where you must head up to see the church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Day 2: Lamego to Viseu
63km
1200m
From Lamego, you will leave behind the vineyards for rolling hills of the north of Portugal.
Quiet beautiful small villages and forested hillsides. You will finish the day in Viseu, a historic town dating back to the Roman empire and beyond, and considered the possible birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.
Day 3: Viseu to Seia
48km
800m
Today you will arrive at the foothills of the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountains of Portugal. In August it’s the perfect time to visit, as it will never be as hot as the surrounding lower lying countryside.
This whole region is truly unspoilt and just like it was years ago, with people still living in the same traditional way as they always have.
Day 4: Seia to Manteigas
44km
1200m
This day you will cycle further into the heart of the stunning Serra de Estrela, through small roads and tracks. This day is very flexible and can be lengthened or shortened very easily.
In Manteigas you can cool off in the beautiful natural river pools, and visit the waterfalls nearby.
Day 5: Rest Day / Manteigas Loop
22 – 51km
600 – 1300m
This day you can either take as a full rest day, to enjoy the hotel and pool, or take as a ride. There are a couple of options if you want to have a great loop in the hills. You could also do a hike instead along many of the stunning trails nearby.
Day 6: Manteigas to Unais de Serra
30 – 53km
800 – 1300m
This day will take you through the stunning valleys of the central Serra da Estrela, to Unhais da Serra. The longer version of todays ride will take you around a beautiful loop to Bouça, where you can swim in the natural pools there.
Day 7: Unais de Serra to Pidão
50km
1000m
Today you will be cycling through the heart of the most breathtakingly beautiful countryside of Portugal from Serra de Estrela to Piodão, one of the ‘Aldeias do Xisto’ . It’s like going back in time a hundred years – old traditions live on in these small villages in the mountains.
Day 8: Piodão to Tabua
51km
890m
Out of Piodão there is a little bit of climbing, but after that you are rewarded by a fabulous descent away from the hills.
Day 9: Tabua to Coimbra
66km
820m
Today you will continue cycling down from the hills towards the famous Mondego River, passing through Penacova (known for its natural springs) and along the Ciclovia until Coimbra, Portugal’s historic university town.
Day 9: Coimbra
0km
0m
Use this day to explore this unique university city. The old town is full of historic sights, including the Biblioteca Joanina and Church of Santa Cruz.
There is no shortage of fantastic local restaurants and cafes either, so no excuse not to refuel for the next part of your journey!
Day 11: Coimbra to Figiera da Foz
51km
171m
This is an easy day riding along the river via Montemor-o-Novo.
Today you will see the Atlantic, at Figueira da Foz, a lovely seaside town where it’s vital to try the grilled fish and sardines!
Day 12: Figiera da Foz to Aveiro
82km
200m
Today is a flat, easy cycling along the coast to the colourful waterfront town of Aveiro, built in Roman times as a centre for salt exploration and trade. You will stay in the sublime 5-star MS Collection Palacete which will be a real treat as you near the end of your trip.
Day 11: Aviero to Porto
82km
230m
All good things come to an end! You will finish with another flat, easy cycle along the coast up to Porto where you began your journey, following the EuroVelo1 for most of the way. You will have a short boat ride across the ‘Salinas de Aveiro’ in the middle of the day.
What's the best option for you?
🗺Self‑Guided Tour | ⚡Instant Download Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| GPX Files | ✅ | ✅ |
| Detailed Daily Overview & Route Preview | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended Cafés en Route | ✅ | ✅ |
| Points of Interest | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airport Transfers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Luggage Transfers | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| 24/7 WhatsApp Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Restaurant Booking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accommodation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Breakfast | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bike Rental | Optional extra | Recommended Providers |
| Civil Liability Insurance | ✅ | ❌ |
13-Day, 14-Night Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Optional Extras
*Please note that the self-guided tour prices above are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. For anyone sleeping in their own room, the single supplement applies.
High Season Single Supplement €150/night pp extra
Medium Season Single Supplement €130/night pp extra
Low Season Single Supplement €110/night pp extra
Other Optional Extras
Luggage transfers and mechanical support vehicle: €360 per group per riding day
Luggage transfers: €150 per group per riding day
Guiding: €260 per group per riding day
Bike Rental: See our options here
Massage: €on request
Other ‘off-the-bike’ activities: €on request
CUSTOM CLUB AND GROUP TOURS
We have hosted groups of up to 45 riders and some clubs come back to us year after year. In the past we have delivered large group tours from Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro, and many others. We can build you a point-to-point tour, a single location trip, or anything else in between.
Check out what we can offer by following the link below, and get in touch via the contact form.
Interested in booking this tour? Contact us now for a detailed proposal.
One of our friendly team will be in touch with you within one working day.
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