CYCLING IN AND AROUND PORTO

The hilly, narrow cobbled lanes of old town Porto may seem at first unsuitable for cycling, however, cyclists seem to be everywhere in Porto. Drivers are well used to people riding bikes on the road and occasionally will give you a polite beep on the horn to let you know they acknowledge you. There are also great dedicated traffic-free cycle routes following flatter terrains on either side of the river extending well out of the centre of the city. Cycling in Porto is actually one of the most enjoyable ways to explore this scenic part of Portugal.

Ciclova da Avenida da Boavista

In the heart of Porto, the Avenida da Boavista is a main artery linking the city centre to the coast. This traffic-free cycle route starts at the Parque da Cidade ( 41º 09' 51.9"N | 08º 40' 05.7" W ) and continues 2.2km of the Avenida da Boavista to where it ends at the Sea Life Centre where it joins the Ciclovia da Foz coastal cycle path ( 41º 10' 03.3" N | 08º 41' 15.1"W ). | Map

Ciclova da Foz

This pleasant route runs from the western end of the Parque da Cidade ( 41º 10' 13.8" N | 08º 41' 12.4" W ) and follows the coast south almost 5km to the Douro estuary (Foz) and continues inland to the Foz da Ribeira da Granja by the bird observatory ( 41º 08' 53.1" N | 08º 39' 13.3" W ). Along the way are Portos best beaches, numerous restaurants and bars as well as the Felgueiras Lighthouse. | Map

Ciclovia da Foz da Ribeira da Granja

Starting from the south-eastern entrance to the Parque da Cidade ( 41º 10' 13.8" N | 08º 41' 12.4" W ) and continues south toward the river passing through the Parque Urbano da Pasteleira along the way before ending at the Foz da Ribeira da Granja by the bird observatory ( 41º 08' 53.1" N | 08º 39' 13.3" W ). | Map

On the southern side of the Douro River, there are miles of coastal cycle paths. The series of traffic-free lanes start on the riverfront west of the Port lodges, beyond the Ponte da Arrábida bridge by the pleasant marina area. The path follows the Douro River into its estuary and nature reserve before turning south to follow the coast. The cycle paths run more or less unbroken 20km, all the way to Espinho on roadside cycle paths or wooden beach boardwalks. This course passes the beaches of Lavadores, Canidelo, Valadares, Francelos, Senhor da Pedra, Aguda, Granja and Espinho. The Aveiro urban railway line is never too far away and since it's allowed to carry bicycles on trains, finishing a day's cycle ride by returning to Porto by train makes an ideal day out.

Ciclovia da Afurada | Map
Ciclovia do Canidelo - Litoral | Map
Ciclovia de Valadares l | Map
Ciclovia do Sr. da Pedra - Miramar l | Map
Ciclovia da Aguda l | Map
Ciclovia da Granja l | Map
Ciclovia da marginal de S. Félix da Marinha l | Map
Ciclovias da Avenida Ludgero Marques l | Map
Ciclovia da Avenida Manoel de Oliveira l | Map