SERRA DA ESTRELA & SILVER COAST
Vineyards, forested mountains + Atlantic views
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SERRA DA ESTRELA – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 11 or 12
Tour Type: Self-Guided
Airport Porto
Km / day: 40-85km
Elevation gain / day: 200-1300m
Overall Difficulty: Medium
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Are you struggling to decide between Portugal’s coast, vineyards or mountains? This tour has been made for you….
How challenging is this tour?
This is a moderately challenging tour, with two suggested rest days. However, 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 either download this tour right now for the route files, accommodation and restaurant / cafe recommendations, or alternatively you can book a self-guided tour and we will take care of your reservations, luggage transfers and be on hand for 24/7 support – just get in touch!
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!
As on all our gravel tours, about 30 – 40% of the route is on small, traffic-free tarmac roads. These will give you a chance to rest your legs a bit and relax!
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, including e-bikes, for you – just get in touch.Â
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The Serra da Estrela stay cooler than the surrounding countryside, so this is a good choice if you are looking for a summer tour. Really, any time outside of October – March is suitable, to the minimise the chance of winter rains.
What type of hotels can I expect?
We book and recommend high-quality 4* hotels for this tour. Each place has its own charm – some have relaxing spas, others have wonderful views, and all are chosen for their character and quality.
Serra da Estrela & Silver Coast Gravel Tour
Self-Guided and instant download options are available. Pricing starts at just €***pp.
Portugal is still one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—especially for cyclists. On this tour, you’ll discover three totally different regions: the green, vineyard-covered Douro Valley, the wild beauty of the Serra da Estrela mountains, and the laid-back charm of the Silver Coast.
The Douro Valley
Did you know the Douro is the world’s oldest officially recognised wine region? It was marked out back in 1756 with stone pillars. Wine has been produced here since Roman times, and today, every terrace is still covered in vines. It’s a stunning place to ride through, with views (and wines) you won’t forget.
Serra da Estrela
Welcome to the roof of Portugal! These are the country’s highest mountains, full of wildlife, winding roads, and timeless traditions. Think shepherds with their Estrela mountain dogs and delicious local cheese made the old-fashioned way. It’s peaceful, authentic, and far from the tourist crowds.
Silver Coast
Get ready for postcard-worthy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages along the Costa de Prata. You’ll roll into the coast via Aveiro—famous for its colourful Moliceiros boats—and finish the day with a fresh-off-the-grill seafood dinner. Perfect after a day in the saddle.
Day 1: Porto РPinḥo РLamego
43km
776m
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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – Unais de Serra
26 – 51km
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 РPiḍo
50km
900m
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: Pioḍo РTabua
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 – Coimbra
66km
880m
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 10: Rest – Coimbra
Make the most of a day here to refuel and explore this beautiful city!
Day 11: Coimbra – Figiera da Foz
42km
200m
This day can be very easy along the river via Montemor-o-Novo, and also I can make it longer – whichever you prefer!
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: Figueira da Foz – Aviero
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 13: Aviero – Porto
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.
Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season
Medium Season
High Season
1-2 people
1-2 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
3-5 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
6-11 people
6-11 people
Extras
- Bike Rental - See our bike rental page.
- Luggage Transfers - €150 per group per day
- Paradise Cycling Jersey - €70
- Extra nights / rest days - € On Request
- Guide - €280 per guide per day
- Vehicle support + Luggage transfers €360 per group per day
CUSTOM, CLUB AND LARGE GROUP CYCLING TOURS
Have you been tasked with organising a group or club trip?
We have run successful trips for large groups (up to 40 people) in the past, either point to point or staying in one or two places.
Club pricing can start as low as €925 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can also arrange any bespoke tour for your club. In the past we have organised Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro and multiple others. Get in touch using the form below to request a quote, or arrange a call to discuss your requirements further.
SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST
Send us a reservation request below for the Serra da Estrela and Silver Coast Tour and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.
Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.
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