Cycle Tourism Network Road Book 2016 Free version nd 2 edition, August update
Limited edition with free Ecovia 1 maps and no links between pages Buy the full Travellers version at www.ecovias.pt
Maps, technic and touristic info, traffic alerts, altitude profiles, photos and
GPS tracks
www.ecovias.pt
Ecovias logo by: www.inspirart.pt
Project coordinator: Paulo Guerra dos Santos
Ecovias.pt is protected by the WHOIS ICANN international laws and it can not be used by third parties besides its legal owner.
Touristic Road Books
in this road book •
1609 km of secondary roads, bike lanes and rails-to -trails identified in 33 sections.
•
Detailed maps and info, photos and links.
•
Technical data, alerts and track information .
•
Tips for your bike journey.
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index
click for fast access Introduction ………….....………...........................................…. Disclaimer …………….....…........................................……..… General description …….....…….......................................… GPS technologies ……….............................................….......… Understanding Maps & Info ……....................................…. Tips & Tricks …………...….....…........................................…
» » » » » »
National Cycletourism Network - general map .................. » Routes - general description .......................................................... » Maps & Info Ecovia 1 - Atlantic west coast .............................................. » Ecovia 2 - Rivers, farms and forests .................................. » Ecovia 3 - Meridian cross country ....................................... » Ecovia 9 - Mondego River & Mountains ............................ » Ecovia 12 - Marshlands & Plains ………............................. » Ecovia 14 - Central Alentejo .................................................. » Ecovia 16 - Lower Alentejo .................................................... » Ecovia 18 - Algarvian south coast ....................................... » Weekend tours ............................................................................ » Sketch your route ......................................................................... »
Touristic Road Books
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The roads Like some other cycling networks all over the world, Ecovias Portugal identifies for you the local and secondary low traffic roads. Forest and rural roads are also identified when existing, as well exclusive bike lanes or rail-totrail infrastructures. Pavements will be mostly asphalt but may also vary from macadam or soil, etc.
Section 1.24, Carrapateira cliffs
Introduction During the summer of 2010, I travelled for 100 days with my bicycle around Portugal’s mainland (there are also 2 archipelagos with 9 + 2 islands). While visiting more than 100 cities and villages, exclusively cycling, I realized the huge potential that Portugal has to offer for those who are fans of the outdoor in nature activities like cycle tourism travels. After this amazing trip in my own country - and using all my experience as a road project engineer - I started to build a road map with the most beautiful secondary and low traffic roads, using the most advanced technologies like GPS tagging and online maps. Based on the existing national and municipality public roads network, this project selects for you the best roads that lead you through the most amazing scenarios and landscaping of my country. Please note that this huge task for identifying a national network just started. It is expected that this 8000 km network will be under identification until at least 2025. For now, Ecovias Portugal presents to you a major part of the Atlantic Coast Route - Ecovia 1 (16 sections) as well some more other sections for Ecovias 2, 3, 9, 12, 14, 16 and 18 making a total of 1609 km identified using GPS. This road book is the way to reach thousands of bike tourism fans all over the world and a sustainable form of financing the major costs that such a project has like travels, sleeping, feeding and equipment. And of course, the thousands of hours of my personal time and knowledge spent to identify and put on paper all this routes.
thank you
So for supporting the EcoviasPortugal project by buying this road book. It is guaranteed that all income will be used for future updates and new routes identification, to keep the Ecovias web page online and to improve even more your experience as a tourist on a bicycle around Portugal.
Sometimes, as there might be no alternatives, you will have to cross or even cycle a few meters along a national high traffic road. If that happens, there will be a alert on the maps. In the future there will also be alerts on the kml and gpx tracks. Please note that there are no signs or indications all over the network, so it is COMPULSORY to use a GPS device with the track files provided (KML or GPX). The maps for each section, although accurate, may not be enough to guide you correctly. It is even advisable to have a national road map as an auxiliary for your journey. You can view the official national road map here »»» Do you have any questions or need some extra support? Please send as an e-mail »»»
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Disclaimer Please note that this network is based on the existing national and local traffic public road network. This means that most of the time you will mix with the motorized traffic. Please pay attention and follow the general Portuguese traffic rules. Althought it’s not compulsory, it is advisible that you have a personal accident ensurance valid for Portugal or E.U. Please note that the Ecovias Portugal network it is not responsible neither for your behavior while cycling on the public roads neither it will be responsible for any accicdents you may have or be involved with. Please considered this road book as a general guidance like a road map. All the options you made and actions you take will be of your full responsibility. Like in any other country of the world, use common sense and respect all users of the public space, both drivers and pedestrians as well other cyclists.
Ecovias Portugal, section 1.05 - Afurada, Porto
The author I am a 43 years old civil engineer living in Lisbon, with a master degree in Road Project. Since 1995 I work with CAD technologies for road projects. I have also professional training in industrial robotics, an area in which I worked and taught for many years. I’ve also completed the first year of my PhD in Public Policies, where I will deepen my knowledge for the cycle tourism public policies in other countries and study the economic impacts that investmenting in this type of networks generate for the local and national economies. This knowledges, allied with the experience and passion for cycletourism are been used to identify the National Cycletourism Network and take it to you under the form of a road book with accurate maps and GPS tracks for you to use as a guidance on your trips around Portugal.
Paulo Guerra dos Santos Project coordinator
All the routes were covered by myself, more than once, in order to give you the best cycling experience.
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The state of the art
For the Ecovias network, whenever it is possible, I identify low traffic macadam roads.
Nacional Cycletourism Network general description
Portugal’s mainland geometry is basically a rectangle, vertically aligned. This way and according to the most interesting routes and places, I planned the network dividing it in meridian and parallel routes. Routes numbered from 1 to 4 are the meridian and the longest ones (geotagged from north to south). Routes from 5 to 18 are the parallel ones (geotagged from west to east) and take you from the Atlantic to the border with Spain. Route number 13 does not exist ... just in case! Each route is named Ecovia and it’s divided in sections. For example, the Ecovia 1 from Valença do Minho to Vila do Bispo it’s expected to have 24 sections (16 already identified). Each section is planned to have between 40 km to
Portugal does not have a central government policy for the long distance cycle tourism promotion. However, some municipalities are developing their own cycling networks building bike lanes, rail -to-trails or restricting traffic in rural macadam roads, local parks and forest roads. At Ecovias Portugal, although I search mostly for secondary local and low traffic roads, every time there is an infrastructure dedicated for cyclists, such as a bike lane or a rail-to-trail, I use it for the ecovias network.
Planned network numbering 50 kms so it can be easily cycled during morning, at summer time. Exceptionally, some may be a bit longer. In the near future when most of the network is identified, you will be able to plan a trip from/to any part of the country, choosing the best sections of each ecovia that takes you to your destination. All the 18 district capital cities are included in the network, as well many other beautiful cities and villages
under identification until 2025 1
2
3
4
5 6 7
Porto
8 9 10 11 12
Lisboa
14 15 16 17 18
N Faro
1, Melgaço - Vila do Bispo 2, Melgaço - Lagos 3, Chaves - Faro 4, Bragança - Vila Real de Santo António 5, Viana do Castelo - Miranda do Douro 6, Povoa de Varzim - Miranda do Douro 7, Porto - Miranda do Douro 8, Aveiro - Vilar Formoso 9, Figueira da Foz - Monfortinho 10, São Pedro de Moel - Castelo Branco 11, Peniche - Portalegre 12, Santa Cruz - Badajoz 14, Lisboa - Évora 15, Vila Nova de Milfontes - Barrancos 16, Zambujeira-do-Mar - Mértola 17, Odeceixe - Alcoutim 18, Vila do Bispo - Vila Real de Santo António
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Apps for maps & tracks If you do not have a GPS device, use your last generation smartphone. Just download any maps app and navigate with Ecovias Portugal tracks.
The ecovias network and the GPS technologies Low cost investment project
EcoviasPortugal brings a new concept for the bicycle touring networks identification: no vertical signaling for identification of the routes, all over the network. As millions of people all over the world had change from their old cellphones to brand new smartphones, they have now a powerfull GPS technology in their pockets. Using the satellite orbiting constellation system, it is possible with a smartphone to know exactly our location on Earth, visualized over a full map or just a simple line, called “track”.
While exploring new routes for the National Cycletourism Network I use my smartphone’s GPS. For that, I downloaded some apps for testing and they all work fine and are able to read the KML/GPX file: - Android: OruxMaps (I use this one) - iPhone » MotionX - Widows phone » Bike Tour Then, just copy the KML or GPX file to the tracks folder of the app (folder “tracklog” in OruxMaps) and use it with your smartphone’s GPS active. Try it. You will see how easy and powerful it is!
This is how I operate and identify to you the best secondary roads, either in asphalt or macadam. To follow my steps all along the National Cycletourism Network, you just need a GPS device or a smartphone with GPS, then download the KML or GPX files, copy them to your GPS device and follow the tracks. As simple as it could be! So, enjoy Portugal on a bicycle with Ecovias GPS tracks.
Section 1.15, Praia das Maçãs
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Macadam rural road
Understanding maps and its information Thank you for supporting the Ecovias Portugal network and its maps. They will help you on your planning and travelling around Portugal with your bike. Please note that these maps, although quite accurate and fully based on the national road network, they do not identify neither the pavement type nor its conditions, so please read the alerts I give you in all section maps and use your GPS device as a guidance. The network is mostly based on asphalted roads but I also use macadam trails and other pavement roads. In general, every time I identify a macadam trail I also tell you the best asphalted alternative in case you cycle with road slick tires or in winter time, as these macadam trails may have water or mud. I also identify the major villages or cities all the way long, so that you know where there are some cafes or restaurants for you to stop and reinforce in water and energy.
Section data and other tips For each section I also provide you with technical information about the track such as distance, cumulated altitude, longitudinal profile and expected traffic. Also, I give you the section description with general information about what you will see and visit as well other useful info like detours or suggestions for that day.
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Tips & Tricks for cycling in Portugal Welcome to Portugal’s mainland, one of the sunniest countries in Europe. With a total area of around 92 000 km 2 it measures about 550 km from north to south and less then 200 km from east to west. Located between the Atlantic Ocean (west and south coasts) and Spain (north and east borders) it has its lower lands near the Atlantic and its uplands and highest mountains in the northeast quadrant. It has a lot of rivers, some quite long coming from Spain like Tagus, Douro and Guadiana. It has thousands of valleys, green areas, mountains and of course, beaches. It has no lakes, besides the artificial ones like the Alqueva’s Dam. It has though 3 gigantic river mouths flooding areas at Aveiro, Lisboa and Faro regions, great places for cycling as they are totally flat.
17:30h to 20:30h). Do not forget to put sun cream protector 50+ factor every 2 hours, starting in the morning. If very sensitive skin you must use long sleeves, trousers and a cap (besides the helmet, although it’s not compulsory to use it in Portugal). Rainy season in general is from mid November to April, with temperatures dropping to a freezing +5ºC in December and January which is already so cold, for us Portuguese. Well, in the north and in the mountains you may have negative temperatures and snow for some weeks.
About the weather it’s very easy: SUNNY !!! 3000 hours of sun every year. From May to mid November it’s the best cycling season with temperatures above +25ºC. Well, maybe July and August may be a bit hotter with average temperatures above +30ºC. During this months you should cycle only in the morning (from 06:30h to 11:30h) and late afternoon (from
Don’t forget to try our food. All over the country it’s good, tasty and cheap. In general all the pricing in Portugal is much more affordable than in other E.U. countries. Try to look for those cozy, family, small taverns. In general they are the best place for a meal and a chat with locals.
About the wind, in general you have it all along the Atlantic Coast, coming from north to south, with moderate intensity. Inland, you my experience also intensity winds above the 600 meters altitude.
Trains and bikes in Portugal Bikes are allowed in every urban and regional trains all over the country and its transportation is for free. About the long distance trains (Intercity and Alfa Pendular) it is still for now a bit more complicated. Lisbon-Coimbra-Porto-Braga-Guimarães InterCity trains already allow 2 bikes per carriage, hanged up vertically on a hook. When buying your ticket you must tell to the ticket office person that you are carrying a bike as there are special seats allocated for cyclists. No bikes are allowed in all other InterCity or AlfaPendular trains all over the country, including the south railway to Algarve, except if wheels are dismounted and the full bike packed in a bag or wrapped in cellophane.
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For a good night sleep there are all over the country hotels, hostels (some of the world’s best are in Portugal), boarding houses and camping. Check here for the camping parks all over the country. You can also check for private houses and room rental at web sites like airbnb, tripadvisor or booking. Portuguese people are in general polite and friendly with foreigners and they will definitely try to communicate with you, even if they don’t speak any english. Younger generations are more eager to speak Shakespeare language, as well a bit of spanish and french. If you travel by bicycle, people will be definitely more curious about where do you come from and where are you planning to go. Sometimes, especially in the countryside, you may have some 3rd degree encounters with big groups of animals. Cows, sheep, goats or other extremely dangerous animals like rabbits may be seen along your bike touring around Portugal. Many birds too like eagles, hawks and storks. Even some camel-birds are possible to see. Just follow your way, unless they are a furious running group of bulls. No bears, tigers, dragons or al-
iens will be found (I guess …). Now the most important: the roads and the traffic. Portugal’s accident rate it’s a bit above the EU average, around 90 deaths/year per each million inhabitants. Unfortunately this is the bad news as portuguese drivers still tend to drive faster than the speed limits, even inside the city centers (50 km/h). The good news is that drivers attitude is changing towards a reduction of this numbers, thanks to a lot of governmental campaigns, police control, radars and of course thanks to the increasing number of people cycling on a daily basis and also cycle touring. My advice: always cycle close to the berm, on a line if cycling in group. Make your self as much visible as possible, use reflective vests and light color clothes, pedal on a straight line and not on a zig zag and always make signals with your hands every time you want to change direction. Outside the major urban areas and national roads, traffic is in general much less dangerous for cycle tourists, as drivers are not so stressed or on a rush.
Traffic classifications I use to alert you for each sections traffic: Low or Reduced: secondary roads used only by locals to access their houses or farming, as well residential blocks in urban areas. It is possible to cycle 5 or 10 minutes without seeing a car. Speeds are low to moderate. Reduced to moderate: reduced traffic road with possibility of moderate traffic. This may happen due to rush hours, weekend tours or summer time holidays. Moderated: a secondary road with a few traffic, with or without a berm, but still low chance that 2 cars cross each other on opposite directions along with you. Moderated to high: moderated traffic road with possibility of high traffic. This may happen due to rush hours, weekend tours or summer time holidays. High traffic: main national roads and urban roads in big cities. Heavy traffic: national roads with intense traffic both ways including trucks and lorries, high speeds up to 90 km/h and even narrow or none existing berm.
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National Cycletourism Network - General Map General map with links for fast navigation between sections - Road Book 2016
Valença
Ecovia 1 Ecovia 2 Ecovia 3 Ecovia 9 Ecovia 12 Ecovia 14 Ecovia 16 Ecovia 18 Planned network for 2025.
1.01
Spain
X
X
BRAGA IC Guimarães U
U
X
Atlantic Ocean
IC 2.03
IC U
U X
PORTO
X X
Pocinho
1.05 R
X
IC
1.06
Trains NOT allowing bike transport except if dismounted and packed. Trains allowing bike transport: U Urban trains R Regional trains IC InterCity trains
U
AVEIRO 1.07
R IC R
GUARDA
R
9.1
Covilhã
U
COIMBRA
R
1.09
R
IC R R R
1.11
District capital city Other cities or villages
R
R 1.12
IC R
PORTALEGRE
2.11 R
SANTARÉM
1.13
N
Spain
Tomar
1.10
LEIRIA
Monção
R
1.08
Info &Tickets: www.cp.pt BRAGA
R
3.06
Águeda
R
2.12
1.14
12.5
IC
1.16
12.7
R
1.15
U U
2.13
LISBOA
X
U U U
14.2
14.1 U
SETÚBAL
14.4
14.3 X
X
2.14
ÉVORA
X
1.19
X
X
Atlantic Ocean
X
1.20
BEJA
Spain
X
16.3
1.22 1.23 X
1.24 R
Touristic Road Books www.ecovias.pt
18.1
R R
FARO
Atlantic Ocean
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General Description
Ecovia 1 - Atlantic west coast From Melgaço to Vila do Bispo
The ocean, the cliffs, the beaches and the pine tree forests N Melgaço
Porto
Ecovia 1 takes you all along the western portuguese coast, leading you from the moist and windy north to the driest and warmer south. Passing by dozens of beaches and small traditional fishermen villages, it will allow you to visit the 2 biggest portuguese cities: Porto, with its river front to Douro River and Lisboa, the capital city with its imperial architectural squares. Often with close views to the Atlantic, you will pedal along major Pine Tree forests sent to plant in the 14th century by the king Dom Dinis, in order to prevent coastal damage due to ocean strong waves. In the north and central north areas you will find many cycling dedicated infrastructures. In the central south and south areas you will pedal mostly using secondary asphalt or macadam roads. Please notice that as you pedal south you will find deeper valleys, so you will have to go up&down more often as you will pass from the upland tops to the coastal lower beaches and cliffs.
Lisboa
Cascais
Enjoy your ride along the Atlantic Cost, future part of Eurovelo 1 and taste along the way many types of grilled fish, traditional pastry and above all, take deep breathes and fill your longs with fresh ocean air.
V. Nova Milfontes Vila do Bispo
Faro
16 (of 24) sections identified so far: from Melgaço to Monção, from Porto to Cascais and from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Vila do Bispo (near Sagres).
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General Description
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Ecovia 2 - Rivers, farms & forests From Monção to Lagos
Forests, sierras, rivers, rice fields, oak trees and villages. N Melgaço
Arco de Baúlhe Porto
Amarante
Entroncamento
Lisboa
Alcácer-do-Sal
This coastal inland ecovia offers to all nature lovers long green natural areas. Pedaling parallel to the atlantic west coast, although never seeing the ocean’s blue, the surrounding environment goes from typical moist green in the north, at the Gerês National Park, to the driest forests in the south at the Southwest Natural Park. Both parks consist in average altitude sierras (400-600 meters) so you will also enjoy amazing views. Another must of this ecovia: the long farming areas, mostly flood zones along the river banks, that will show you why Portuguese are the biggest rice consumers in Europe, as this cereal grain is widely produced in the lower lands of 5 major rivers in Central and South Portugal: Mondego (Coimbra), Tejo (Santarém), Sorraia (Coruche), Sado (Alcácer-do-Sal) and Mira (Odemira) rivers. Also, you will visit many small villages and towns with their traditional humanized architecture and life style rhythm. So, just observe all this green environments on a slow travel mode and enjoy life on a natural scale.
Faro
Lagos
5 (of 22) sections identified so far: from Arco de Baúlhe to Amarante and from Entroncamento to Alcácer-do-Sal.
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General Description
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Ecovia 3 - Meridian cross country From Chaves to Faro
From the northen mountains to the south warm beaches N
Chaves
Porto
Viseu Santa Comba-Dão
Ecovia 3 takes you to explore all the inland diversity of environments and orography starting at the Spanish border in the north of Portugal and pedaling to the Atlantic Ocean in the south. From the northern mountains to the southern plains you will cross some of the major rivers and valleys of Portugal. Passing by some abandoned railways, now converted in rails-to-trails, you will also pedal sometimes along the mythic National Road N2 (our kind of Route 66). Crossing 11 different districts, this is the longest road in Portugal with more than 730 km, now with much few traffic thanks to the many highways already existing in this meridian central part of the country. Please notice that as you pedal in the northern and central Portugal, you will have sometimes to climb some sierra or mountain. I will warn you in every sections where that happens.
Lisboa
So, enjoy riding this amazing middle cross country tour and discover along the way the gastronomy, the pastry, the beautyful landscapes and the people not so used to see outsiders, especially on a bike, but still friendly and welcoming. Faro
1 (of 22) section identified so far: from Viseu to Santa Comba-Dão
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General Description
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Ecovia 9 - Mondego River & Mountains From Figueira-da-Foz to Monfortinho
Mondego River, rice fields, the mountains and pine forests N Ecovia 9 leads bicycle travelers from the ocean low lands to the highest mountains in the mainland. Starting at the River Mondego mounth, the first kilometers of this ecovia will be flat, pedaling along the rice fields to the students oldest city, Coimbra. From here, there will be no more flat pedaling. Valleys, sierras and mountains will be the major part of all sections. Pedaling altitudes will reach 1000 meters, although Serra da Estrela central mountain goes up to 1991 meters.
Porto
Figueirada-Foz
Coimbra
Monfortinho
As this is a rocky formations area, mostly made by granite and basalt, you will see huge rocks between the pine trees and eucalypt forests, as well mountain farming areas and small mountain villages. Also, you will visit some of the least populated historical villages of this region, with their granite made houses and renovated rural paths for you to enjoy.
Lisboa
In the end you will visit the small mountain village Monfortinho, with its geothermal waters. At the top of the mountains you will have 360Âş landscaping views, so please enjoy for long periods every high point you conquer with your sweat. Faro
1 (of 6) section identified so far from: from Figueira-daFoz to Coimbra.
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General Description
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Ecovia 12 - Marshlands and Plains From Santa Cruz to Badajoz (ES)
Ocean, Tagus River marshlands, Alentejo plains and tapas N Ecovia 12 leads bicycle travelers from the ocean to the land of nuestros hermanos. Starting with a view to the Atlantic Ocean at the coastal village of Santa Cruz, you will pedal inland crossing the small sierras between Torres Vedras and Alenquer. From here, you will enter in one of the most flat ecovias. Fisrt passin by the Tagus river marshlands, then going upstream the Sorraia River and entering in the hottest region of Portugal: Alentejo.
Porto
Alentejo is the region of plains and cork trees, as well small rivers, brooks and dams. Also a place where quietness and a slow life style are abundant.
Santa Cruz
Mora
Avis
Elvas Badajoz
Lisboa
Huge plantations of olive and cork trees will be sight, as well green vineyards. Actually, Alentejo’s red wine is considered one of the best so do not forget to tast it, especially on a sunset with view to a water front. After passing Elvas, the UNESCO’s world heritage with a lot of old military constructions to visit, you will reach the Portuguese-Spanish border and visit Badajoz, a city along the Guadiana River where you can drink cañas and taste some delicious tapas. 2 (of 7) sections available so far: from Mora to Avis and from Elvas to Badajoz.
Faro
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General Description
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Ecovia 14 - Central Alentejo From Lisboa (Montijo) to Monsaraz
Tagus and Sado rivers estuaries, oak trees & rails-to-trails N Ecovia 14 takes bicycle travelers towards inland, starting with a ferry boat trip from Lisbon’s downtown to the south bank of the Tagus River. As you pedal away from the metropolitan area you will enter in the long farming areas of Alentejo, the least populated region in Portugal as well the hottest one.
Porto
Long plains, brooks and rivers, small dams and traditional villages with its Arabic influenced architecture will fill a major part of the landscape. Also, you will pedal along two abandoned railroads now renovated and converted into rails-to-trails for exclusive use of pedestrians and cyclists.
Lisboa Évora
Monsaraz
As this is one of the major cork producing regions, you will see huge plantations of Cork Oaks, some of them without the cork shell, hand removed to make high quality wine bottle corks as well as advanced new cork based materials used to produce clothes, bags, knife handles, shoes, umbrellas and even parts for NASA space ships. Around here you will breathe peace, harmony and a relaxing atmosphere both in life style as well in welcoming foreigners on a bicycle.
Faro
4 (of 6) sections identified so far: from Lisboa (Montijo) to Évora.
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General Description
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Ecovia 16 - Lower Alentejo From Porto Covo to Mértola
Small towns, long low traffic roads and Guadiana River N Ecovia 16 is one of the most sui generis ecovias. It takes the bicycle traveler from the Atlantic Coast, a more populated and touristic area, to the inland small villages and hamlets, some of them with less then 10 permanent inhabitants. It’s also the shortest one, with only 3 sections, proving that you are pedaling in the narrowest distance between the Atlantic and the Spanish border.
Porto
Althought Alentejo (and its southernest part) it’s known for its plains, you are travelling near the border with Algarve region, so you will already pedal along some low altitude sierras, which causes some ups and downs. Two big rivers will also be sight, one Portuguese and the other Iberian: Mira and Guadiana Rivers, the first at Odemira village and the second at Mértola. Ocean, low altitude sierras, brooks and rivers, small dams, water canals, farmimg areas and cork trees, traditional villages and low populated hamlets will be a major part of what your eyes will show you.
Lisboa
Castro Verde
Faro
Mértola
Also at Mértola, the end of Ecovia 16, there will be in the future the connection to Ecovia 4, which will allow you to visit one of the biggest mines in Portugal, now abondonated and a great place to visit for industrial archeology fans: the São Domingos Mines. 1 (of 3) section identified so far: from Castro Verde to Mértola.
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General Description
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Ecovia 18 - Algarvian south coast From Vila do Bispo (Sagres) to Vila Real de Santo António
Algarvian summer villages, cliffs and warm sandy beaches N
The Algarve region is the privileged place for summer vacation on a saddle. Located in the south of Portugal, it has one of the warmest climates of Europe and the warmest ocean waters in the mainland. Dozens of beaches, either near the cities or totally isolated from the urban world, will make your day.
Porto
From Vila do Bispo to Vila Real de Santo António, everyday you will pedal feeling the ocean’s breeze as well the countryside’s pure air. Old traditional summer villages, small sierras, valleys and brooks will make your journey richer allowing you to enjoy relaxing moments. Special views will be enjoyed as you pedal along the Ria Formosa, a long river mouth which mixes with the ocean salty waters creating small sandy islands and flooding green areas, some of them only accessible by boat.
Lisboa
Enjoy your ride along the Algarvian cost, future part of Eurovelo route 8, and go dive in some of the most beautiful beaches of Europe. 1 (of 5) section identified so far: from Vila do Bispo to Lagos. Vila do Bispo Sagres
Lagos
Faro
Vila Real de Santo António
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Ecovia 1 18 sections available
Road Book 2016
Melgaço
1.01 Valença
N
Chaves Miranda do Douro Arco de Baúlhe
Ecovia 1 Ecovia 2 Ecovia 3
Amarante Porto 1.05
Ecovia 9 Ecovia 12 Ecovia 14 Ecovia 16 Ecovia 18
Sever do Vouga
Furadouro 1.06
Viseu
Praia da Barra 1.07 Vilar Formoso
Railways with passenger service
Praia de Mira
1.08
Figueira-da-Foz
1.09
Santa Comba-Dão Monfortinho
Coimbra
Praia do Pedrógão 1.10 Nazaré 1.11 Entroncamento
Óbidos 1.12 Peniche Santa Cruz
1.13 1.14 Avis
Ericeira 1.15 Badajoz
Mora
Elvas
Praia Grande 1.16 Lisboa Montijo
Évora
Cascais
Monsaraz Tróia 1.19
Alcácer-do-Sal Melides
1.20 Sines Vila Nova de Milfontes 1.22
Castro Verde
Zambujeira-do-Mar 1.24
Mértola
Aljezur 1.24 Vila do Bispo Lagos Sagres
Faro
Vila Real de Santo António
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Melgaço Km 0.7
1.01
Porto
Melgaço Valença
Melgaço Thermal Park variant
S pain
44 km 225 meters uphill 100% asphalt 40% bike lanes Low/Moderated traffic
Lisboa
Profile 180 120
Faro
variant
60 (m) 0 0 ( km )
44
Section description
S pain variant
Monção Km 25.3
Valença - Monção Rail-to-trail
S pain
The first section of na amazing tour along the Atlantic West Portuguese Coast. Starting inland, in the northest latitude of Portugal, you will pedal parallel to Minho River, Ponte de Mouro’s Bridge the natural border between us and Spain. Exiting Melgaço, a thermal area, you will enter at the national road N202. Besides being a second order national road, it exists now a recently built variant between Melgaço and Monção, so N202 has low traffic and passes iright nside the small villages. Even though you must always pedal with maximum care. After exiting Monção you will pedal 19 kms on an abandoned railway, now renovated and converted into a rail-to-trail infrastructure. It is mostly close to the Minho River banks, so just enjoy the amazing landscaping until o reach Valença do Minho.
Other info 2.6 km after exiting Tuy, Spain Malgaço you will pass near the Thermal Park. Please visit it as it is an amazing green area. At Valença I suggest a night visit to the spanish city Tuy as it has a great nigh life atmosphere. Just cross the old bridge and pedal around 1.5 km. Low traffic. Note: Bicycles are not allowed inside the Minho Railway trains, unless you dismount and pack them.
Valença do Minho Tuy
Alerts and track information km 0.7 - National road N202. Low to moderated traffic. km 25.3 - Entering at the Valença-Monção rail-to-trail.
What to visit at Valença: The amazing “star” shape old fortress and its narrow streets.
p. 23 www.ecovias.pt
1.05
Porto São Bento train station
Campanhã train station
PORTO Afurada
Porto Furadouro
Historical old bridge
Km 1.6
45 km 25 meters uphill 95% asphalt 80% bike lanes Low traffic
Km 7.5
Salgueiros
Lisboa
A tl ant ic O ce an
Profile 30
Praia de Francelos
20
Chapel on the rocks
Faro
10 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Praia de Miramar
Section description
Praia da Aguda
Leave Porto crossing the old metal “Eiffel” bridge. Pedaling along the Douro River you will have amazing views to Ribeira, the city riverfront. Soon you will reach Afurada, a fishermen’s village between the Douro and the Atlantic. From here you will cycle mostly through bike lanes near the ocean. Just before Espinho I suggest a 800 meters walking over a wooden footbridge. Do NOT cycle here, just walk for about 15 minutes and appreciate the sand dunes, a small brook and the Atlantic. Exiting Espinho you will cycle along a footbridge (here you can cycle) and pass by an abandoned segment of an old military air base. Near Esmoriz you will visit the recently opened urban park and then cycle along the Pine Tree Forest, always on a renovated bike lane parallel to the forest road.
Praia da Granja Km 19
Pedestrians wooden made bridge bridge
Espinho Km 26-27
AbandonedMilitary MilitaAbandoned Air Base
Esmoriz Buçaquinho Urban Park Exclusive bike lane along Pine Tree forest
Other info Military Air Base
Camping Furadouro A tl ant ic O ce an
45
Furadouro Ovar
At Granja you will pedal a Bike lane near Furadouro bit to the interior, cycling parallel to the railways, along a street with traditional old mansions. Espinho is the only portuguese city where the streets have no names, only numbers. This track takes you to visit the 19th Street, a pedestrians area with a lot of cafes and restaurants wich leads to the city hall.
Alerts and track information km 1.6 - Reduced to moderated traffic along 3.2 km. km 7.5 - Bike shop with mechanics service. km 19 - 800m footbridge. DO NOT cycle here, please WALK. km 26 - Footbridge, allows cyclists. Possibility of sand. km 27 - Abandoned segment of military air base.
What to visit at Furadouro/Ovar: Just enjoy the beach at Furadouro or take a tour around Ovar city centre (there is a direct bike lane), discovering the many buildings with their traditional tiled facades.
p. 24 www.ecovias.pt
1.06
Porto
Furadouro
Furadouro Praia da Barra
Km 2.3
Ovar
Asphalt alternative High traffic
62 km 50 meters uphill 95% asphalt 30% bike lanes High traffic at N327
A tl ant ic O ce an
Lisboa
Profile 30 20
Faro
10 (m) 0
Pardilhó
Km 31
0 ( km )
62
Section description Torreira’s beach Torreira Km 38
Murtosa
A tl ant ic O ce an
Aveiro Estuary
Aveiro Estuary flooding areas
Praia de São Jacinto
In order to avoid the high traffic of N327 between Furadouro and Torreira, I suggest a tour along the old docks of Aveiro River. Using bike lanes and macadame trails all the way to Torreira, you will visit seven old docks with their traditional boats called “Moliceiros”, painted with live colors. Then you will pass the bridge’s bike lane, and reach Torreira. Form here there is no alternative so you will pedal along N327, here with a bit less traffic and a beautiful view to the amazing blue of Aveiro River. Once in São Jacinto it is compulsory to take the ferry boat to Forte da Barra and from there pedal to todays final destination, Praia da Barra, using the bike lane to cross the long bridge, which is actually a highway.
São Km 52
Other info
Forte da Barra Praia da Barra
AVEIRO Km 57
N327 can have moderated to high traffic, especially on weekends and summer time, between Furadouro and Torreira. From Torreira to São Traditional docks Jacinto it can have a bit less traffic, but speeds are also up to 90 km/h. At São Jacinto you must take the ferry boat. It’s a 10 minutes travel. Check here for schedules.
Alerts and track information km 2.3 - Heavy traffic roundabout intersection with N327. km 31 - Torreira’s Bridge, bike lane parallel to N109-5. km 38 - Moderated to high traffic along N327 for 12.5 km. km 52 - Ferry boat between São Jacinto and Forte da Barra. km 57 - Praia da Barra’s bridge, bike lane parallel to A25.
National Emergency Number
112
What to visit at Praia da Barra: Enjoy the beach or visit Aveiro city centre, with its multiple water canals, traditional fishing boats and architecture. The track to visit Aveiro is shown at the next page.
Aveiro River
p. 25 www.ecovias.pt
AVEIRO
Praia da Barra
1.07
Porto
Praia da Barra Praia de Mira
Track to visit Aveiro
Km 3.6
Aveiro River
41 (+ 22) km 25 meters uphill 60% asphalt 65% bike lanes Low traffic
Lisboa
Ílhavo
Profile
Costa Nova Long bike lane
15 10
Faro
5 (m) 0
A tl ant ic O ce an
0 ( km )
41
Section description Vagos
Asphalt alternative
Praia da Vagueira
Long macadam low traffic road
Coffee
Coffee
A tl ant ic O ce an
Praia do Areão
Take a nice breakfast at Praia da Barra and start pedaling towards the bridge using the bike lane. Cross under the bridge and continue pedaling south to Costa Nova using this recently built bike lane and enjoying great views over the blue water and the sand dunes. After Praia Da Vagagueira I suggest you to pedal on a long macadam trail and passing Praia do Areão you will pedal on a bike lane in the middle of a Pine Tree forest. First in asphalt, then in macadam, then in asphalt again until you reach Lagoa, a beautiful and well preserved lagoon surrounded by forest. Then, using bike lane too, you will get to Praia da Mira, your final destination. Relax, go to the beach or just take a funny tour on the inside lake with a rented pedal boat.
Other info
Praia da Barra de Mira Wooden made bridge. Unknow structural conditions. DO NOT CROSS if damaged.
Praia de Mira
Lagoa trail
Km 38
Lagoa
I also give you the Lagoa trail track to visit Aveiro, the so called Portuguese little Venice with it’s canals, fishermen’s boats and traditional architecture. If you visit it, this will add 22 kms to your journey, making a total of 63 km. The way to Aveiro is totally flat, except accessing the bridge. Near the end of this section take your time along the Lagoa trail. It’s a perfect area for some sunny relaxing moments. You will take a bit of sand at the end. If necessary, go back on the trail.
Alerts and track information km 3.6 - Detour to visit Aveiro. Check Ecovias track. km 38 - Wooden made bridge in unknown structural conditions. DO NOT CROSS if damaged. Use the roundabout.
What to visit at Praia de Mira: Enjoy the beach or take a walk around the inside lake. You can also look for the fishermen’s boats arriving from the ocean with fresh fish or try to find some still existing wooden made old houses.
p. 26 www.ecovias.pt
Praia de Mira
1.08
Porto Km 1.2
Praia de Mira
Km 3.5
Figueira da Foz
Lagoa
Low traffic forest road
55 km 250 meters uphill 97% asphalt 10% bike lanes Low traffic
Lisboa
A tl ant ic O ce an
Profile
Pine Tree Forest
150 100
Faro
50 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Bike lane to Praia da Tocha
55
Section description Praia da Tocha
Km 15
Vela Lagoon
A tl ant ic O ce an
Braças Lagoon
Praia de Quiaios Quiaios
The proposed track for this section leads you through a long forest road. With basically no traffic almost all the way, this will definitely be an introspective trip surrounded by pine trees and sand. A few kilometers after visiting Praia da Tocha you will pass near two beautiful lagoons, one of them incredibly hidden behind the endemic vegetation, ideal for bird watching passionates. After coming down to the ocean again and visit Praia de Quiaios, you will pedal the hardest climbing of the day: a hilly macadam road (650 meters long) that will take you through a quarry of cement stone extraction. This is an amazing natural open air museum, showing you several rock types and geological (de)formations from the Miocene Age. After the lighthouse, you will have an amazing view over Figueira da Foz, your final destination for today.
Other info
Km 47
Ciment stone quarry Viewpoint over the Atlantic and Figueira
Figueira da Foz
The first kms of asphalted forest road you will take is in VERY bad pavement conditions. Actually this is why it has so few traffic. With a lot of caviView over Praia de Quiaios ties, sometimes is more smooth to cycle on the soil berm, so do not rush and cycle on a slow travel mode and enjoy the Pine Tree forest. Right after Praia de Quiaios you will have to climb about 80 meters altitude on a quarry access road. It’s really a high slope, so just carry your bike by hand along this 650 meters long hilly macadam road until you reach the light house at the top.
Alerts and track information km 1.2 - Moderated to high traffic along 2.3 km, km 3.5 - Very bad condition asphalt pavement, along 5 kms km 15 - High traffic intersection with N335-1. km 47 - 650 meters along macadam hilly road
What to visit at Figueira-da-Foz: Enjoy the long and sandy beach or just take a tour around the city centre and discover the traditional architecture buildings. And of course, you can also spend some money at the casino.
Montemor-o-Velho
p. 27 www.ecovias.pt
1.09
Porto Km 27
Figueira da Foz Praia de Pedrógão Highly dense traffic roads to access the bridges
73 km 175 meters uphill 99% asphalt 25% bike lanes Low to moderated traffic
Lisboa Km 1.5
Figueira-da-Foz
Profile
N109 old section roundabout access
120 80
Faro
Highly dense traffic N109
0 ( km )
N109 old section road
A tl ant ic O ce an
Ceiça Monastarium ruins
Km 44.5
N109
Marinha das Ondas Leirosa
Praia do Osso da Baleia
40 (m) 0
Km 50.5
Leiria’s Pine Tree Forest
Bike lane along the Pine Tree forest
Section description
This is by far the longest section of Ecovias road book I identified for you so far. In order to avoid the highly dense traffic at N109, as well its access roads, I suggest a tour along the upstream of the Mondego River and its rice fields, up to Montemor-o-Velho. Once here appreciate the ancient castle. Crossing the Mondego River towards south, you will pedal through farming areas on secondary rural roads. Right before the only big climbing of the day, this track takes you to visit the ruins of an abandoned monastarium. Explore it for a while. After Marinha das Ondas you will pass under the N109 national road and enter again on a Pine Tree forest. The exclusive bike lane will take you to Lagoa de Ervedeira and finally to Praia do Pedrogão.
A tl ant ic O ce an
Other info
Lagoa da Ervedeira
Coimbrão Praia de Pedrógão
Please note that if you do not want to take such a long detour heading to Montemoro-Velho, you can cross the Figueira-da-Foz bridges to Montemor-o-Velho castle reach the river south bank. However, even thought they have bike lanes, the access roads to the bridges are basically highways with eavy/aggressive traffic, so I DO NOT recommend its crossing. But if by chance you choose this option, after crossing the bridges please DO NOT pedal along the N109. Try to find the old N109 road that I identified on the map, now with much less traffic.
Alerts and track information km 1.5 - Moderated traffic along 5 km. km 27 - Bridge over Mondego River. km 44.5 - 1 km cycling uphill with >7% grade. km 50.5 - Passage underneath N109 national road.
73
What to visit at Pedrógão: Just relax and enjoy the beach as today you had quite a long tour. Your legs will appreciate that.
p. 28 www.ecovias.pt
Praia do Pedrógão Coimbrão
1.10
Porto
Vieira de Leiria
Praia de Pedrógão
Nazaré
Praia da Vieira
51 km 300 meters uphill 98% asphalt 95% bike lanes Low traffic
Bike lane along Pine Tree forest Lisboa
Profile
150 100
Faro
50 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Pine Tree Forest
51
Section description
Km 22.5
São Pedro de Moel
Praia da Pedra do Ouro
Km 30
Track around the valley
Vale de Relaxing beach
After leaving Praia do Pedrógão you will get on a long bike lane leading you through the Pine Tree forest. The next stop will be São Pedro de Moel, a traditional Marinha Grande summer time village. Enjoy some time here appreciating the relaxed atmosphere, the rich style architecture and the ocean plenitude. In a near future you will have the possibility to change here to Ecovia 10 (São Pedro de Moel to Castelo Branco). Keeping on your pedaling you will visit four more beaches: Pedra do Ouro, Vale de Paredes, Vale Furado and of course Praia do Norte, the famous beach where in 2012 the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara beat the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed, with 30 meters high. Next, you will reach the Sítio, a high point with an amazing view over Nazaré city, the beach and the ocean.
Other info
2012 World Record for the biggest wave ever surfed
Km 49
Praia do Norte Viewpoint over the Atlantic and Nazaré
Nazaré
Valado de Frades
Alerts and track information km 22.5 - Junction with Ecovia 10.1, direction to Leiria km 30 - Alternative going up&down to visit the beach km 49 - 1 km cycling downhill with >7% grade
At Praia de Vale de Paredes this section takes you all around the deep valley, avoiding ups and downs to the beach. However, if you don’t mind to climb Bike lane and forest the valley back to the track, I suggest you to go down and visit the beach as it is worthy. After visiting the Sítio, the view point over Nazaré, you will enter in the city mixing with its urban traffic until you reach the beach.
What to visit in Nazaré: Just take a relaxing walk along the narrow streets, the fisherman’s harbour and beach. You can also take some lessons of surf or kite-surf, in one of the many surf schools around here.
p. 29 www.ecovias.pt
Valado dos Frades
1.11
Porto
Nazaré
Nazaré Óbidos
Km 0.5
45 km 400 meters uphill 92% asphalt 17% bike lanes Low to moderated traffic
Km 4 Lisboa
Sierra road
Profile 180 120
A tl ant ic O ce an
Faro
60 (m) 0 0 ( km )
45
Section description São Martinho do Porto Ocean lagoon Km 18.5
Sierra road
Caldas da Raínha
Foz de Arelho
This section will take you along the top of two small sierras giving you great perspectives over the Atlantic Ocean. After exiting Nazaré you will have to climb about 175 meters altitude. This first sierra shows you the ocean and an old wind mill. After going down you will pass by the amazing and sui generis São Martinho do Porto bay, an ocean lagoon cloistered by huge cliffs. Enjoy some time here or even go to the beach and take some dives. Then, the second sierra which is not as high as the first one, will lead you to Foz de Arelho river mouth. And before you reach the medieval village of Óbidos you will still cycle along the trails that circulate the Óbidos lagoon. Enjoy this green natural area with its gigantic blue water mirror and lots of bird species.
Óbidos Lagoon
Óbidos Lagoon flooding areas
Other info Óbidos
Alerts and track information km 0.5 - Moderated traffic along 2 km. km 4 - 2.5 km cycling uphill with +7% grade. km 18.5 - 1.5 km cycling uphill with +7% grade.
São Martinho do Porto has the most unique lagoon in Portugal. Protected from the ocean’s strong waves by huge cliffs, it has an amazingly quiet sandy beach with tranquil waters, perfect for a chill out relaxing moments. The Óbidos lagoon surroundings are also a great natural green area to enjoy.
São Martinho lagoon
What to visit at Óbidos: Get lost on the many narrow streets of this medieval village. Also walk along the top of the old walls. Don’t forget to taste some Ginjinha liqueur on a chocolate cup … and then eat the cup.
Óbidos
p. 30 www.ecovias.pt
Óbidos Lagoon flooding areas
Óbidos Lagoon
1.12
Porto
Óbidos Peniche
Km 5.6
46 km 150 meters uphill 67% asphalt 28% bike lanes Reduced/moderated traffic
Macadame trail Lagoa de Óbidos
Km 17.5
Lisboa
Profile
A tl ant ic O ce an
180
Stone quarry
120
Faro
60 (m ) 0 0 ( km )
46
Section description Praia d’El Rei
Km 25.5
A tl ant ic O ce an
Macadame trail
Baleal Ferrel
Leave Óbidos and cycle in the direction of the lagoon macadam trails. Enjoy this flat ride with low traffic along the blue water and under the shadows of this green forest. Take a break at Lagoa de Óbidos as afterwards you will have to pedal the only uphill road of this section, which will take you to a stone quarry and then to Praia d’El Rei beach resort. After it I suggest a macadam trail along the farming areas close to the ocean before reaching Praia do Baleal, the traditional summer vacation destination for many Portuguese people for decades. In the end, already at Peniche, enjoy the circular tour around this peninsula full of cliffs and rocky formations. Just pay attention as probably you will have to fight against strong winds.
Other info Baleal beach
Peniche
Alerts and track information km 5.6 - Macadam trail along the Óbidos Lagoon. km 17.5 - 2 km cycling uphill with >5% grade km 25.5 - Macadam trail along farming areas.
13 km northwest from Peniche’s peninsula there are two unhabited islands called Berlengas. It is possible to visit the biggest one, if you are brave Peniche enough to take your change on a small boat fighting against the strong waves and high intensity winds of this region. Depending on the waves and winds, this anti stress trip can last 30 to 40 minutes, full of bumps and shakes. And don’t forget that you have to return also, after a walking tour on the island. Check here for schedules.
What to visit at Peniche: Take a nice tour around the city perimeter, observing its many cliffs. At the westernmost point there’s the lighthouse and at southeast, near the harbour, there’s the old fortress.
p. 31 www.ecovias.pt
1.13
Porto
Peniche Santa Cruz 50km 450 meters uphill 90% asphalt 10% bike lanes Moderated to high traffic
Peniche Lisboa
A tl ant ic O ce an
Consolação
Profile 150
São Bernardino
100
Faro
Paimogo Fortress
Km 15.2
Km 22.5
Shortcut reducing cumulate altitude
Praia de Porto Dinheiro
Praia de Porto Novo
50
Section description
Praia da Areia Branca
A tl ant ic O ce an
0 ( km )
Praia de Paimogo
Km 21.3
50 (m) 0
Km 33
Km 42.5
Vimeiro Thermal Hotel
Santa Cruz
Please pay attention while crossing or pedaling along N247 as it may have high density traffic. In this section you will leave Peniche along the south coast and cycle parallel to the long, sandy and strong waves Peniche’s beach. You will visit many other beaches such as Praia de São Bernardino, Praia do Paimogo with its old fort and the famous Praia da Areia Branca. You will realize that this section has many ups and downs as you need to contour the many existing valleys around here, so if you want just skip Praia de Porto Dinheiro using the shortcut I provide you. After Vimeiro, you will pedal along a private road parallel to the Alcabrichel River, leading you to the Thermal Hotel of Vimeiro. From Praia de Porto Novo there is a bike lane that takes you to Santa Cruz.
Other info Please note that you will cycle 4 times along national road N247, which may have high traffic with speeds up to 90 km/h. Although it will be just for a Praia da Areia Branca few hundreds of meters, please cycle carefully. As this is a hilly and relatively long section, I give you a shortcut in order to avoid going down to Praia de Porto Dinheiro and climbing back those 120 meters altitude. This shortcut forces you to cycle a few hundred meters along N247.
Alerts and track information km 15.2 - 1 km cycling along N247. Moderated to high traffic. km 21.3 - 400m pedestrians path. Do not cycle, please walk. km 22.5 - 330m cycling along N247. Moderated to high traffic. km 33 - 240m cycling along N247. Moderated to high traffic. km 42.5 - 380m cycling along N247. Moderated to high traffic.
What to visit at Santa Cruz: Explore the sandy and rocky beach and visit the Penedo do Guincho, a 30 meters high ocean rock with a lower passage. At the low tide it may be possible to walk underneath.
p. 32 www.ecovias.pt
1.14
Porto
Santa Cruz Ericeira
Santa Cruz
Km 3
40 km 350 meters uphill 65% asphalt 25% bike lanes Reduced/moderated traffic
Lisboa
Sizandro River mouth A tl ant ic O ce an
Profile 120 80
Faro
0 ( km )
Cambelas
Leave Santa Cruz and take the beginning of Ecovia de Torres Vedras, a rural macadam road that connects this beach to the main city. You will only pedal a small part of it as I lead you mostly along the Atlantic Coast. In this section you will visit many beaches and river mouths as well some fishermen’s small harbors. You can go down to visit them, as long as you don’t mind to come up again. At some point, this track takes you a bit inland as there are no Atlantic roads or just to much traffic at N247. This way you can enjoy small sierras and valleys, brooks and villages on your way to Praia de São Lourenço, a river mouth and cliffy beach. Right before Ericeira you will visit Ribeira d’ilhas, a well know beach for its surf competitions. From here there is a bike lane to Ericeira, shared with pedestrians. Enjoy!
Km 20.5
Barril
Praia de São Lourenço
Km 27.2 Km 27.7
Km 33
40
Section description
Assenta
A tl ant ic O ce an
40 (m) 0
Santo Isidro
Other info
Praia de Ribeira d’ilhas
Ericeira Lizandro River mouth
After Praia de São Lourenço Ericeira you will have to climb a +10% road to reach N247. It’s just around 400 meters long, so just take your bike by hand. Then you will be pedaling along N247 for 300 meters. It has moderated to high traffic. If feeling more comfortable, please use the side walk. At Ribeira d'Ilhas there is a bike lane that takes you to Ericeira city center. It is shared with pedestrians.
Alerts and track information km 3 - Ecovia de Torres Vedras macadam trail. km 20.5 - Crossing N247. Moderated to high traffic. Km 27.2 - 500 meters cycling uphill with >10% grade. Walk! km 27.7 - 300 meters along N247. Moderated to high traffic. km 33 - Crossing N247. Moderated to high traffic.
What to visit at Ericeira: Known for its many surf schools, you can take a few hours lesson and learn surf. Enjoy the beach and all the costal area down by the ocean.
p. 33 www.ecovias.pt
1.15
Porto
Ericeira
River Lizandro mouth and beach
Ericeira Praia Grande
Km 1.5
40 km 550 meters uphill 88% asphalt 4% bike lanes moderated to high traffic
Praia de São Julião A tl ant ic O ce an
Lisboa
Profile 240 160
Assafora
Isolated and cliff surrounded beach
Faro
80 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Praia da Samarra
40
Km 14
Section description
Praia do Magoito
Km 27.5
Macadam road along the cliffs’ edge. DANGER of falling.
São João das Lampas
A tl ant ic O ce an
Km 30.4
Traditional old village at the top of the cliffs
Azenhas do Mar
Old sandy wine vineyards Praia das Maçãs Km 35
Old tram to Sintra
Praia Grande
Other info
Mucifal Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
This is the most hilly section of Ecovia 1 thanks to the many valleys and rivers around here, often forcing you to go up and down to the beaches. Fortunately they are all worth to visit. Right after exiting Ericeira you will pass by the River Lizandro’s mouth and beach. Then you will take N247 (pay attention to traffic here) and get the first climbing of the day. Trust me, all this beaches have special beauty. My favourites are Praia da Samarra, an isolated cliff cloistered beach and Praia do Magoito, a long sandy and cliffy beach with view to Cabo da Roca. You will also cycle on a macadam trail right on the top edge of some cliffs (enjoy the Atlantic view here and also cycle carefully). Close to the end, a visit to Azenhas do Mar, an old and traditional watermills’ village built over the rocky cliffs.
All along this section you may find moderated to high traffic, especially along N247. Weekends and summer time are the periods Praia do Magoito with more traffic. If you want you can visit Sintra, the romantic village built for the kings. By bicycle just go to Mucifal and take N375, a moderated but 90km/h traffic road, fully surrounded by forest. Its mostly uphill to Sintra, with a 325 meter altitude gain, but it’s worth. There is also a bus to Sintra at Praia das Maçãs and during summer time the historical tram operates between Praia das Maçãs and Sintra.
Alerts and track information km 1.5 - Moderated to high traffic at N247 along 3.3 km. km 14 - Macadam road going down to the beach. km 27.5 - Macadam road going up the hills from the beach. km 30.4 - Trail along the cliffs’ edge. DANGER of falling. km 35 - Moderated to high traffic close to Praia Grande.
What to visit at Praia Grande: The grande and relaxing beach. You can also take the bus or historical tram at Praia das Maçãs and visit the romantic village of Sintra, located just 15 kms inland.
p. 34 www.ecovias.pt
1.16
Porto
Praia Grande Cascais 40 km 450 meters uphill 75% asphalt 30% bike lanes High traffic at N247
Praia das Maçãs Lisboa
Praia Grande Rocky deep ocean well
Praia da Adraga
A tl ant ic O ce an
2 rocky formations
200
Km 4.5
Faro
100 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Asphalt alternative Km 16.5
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park Malveira da Serra Praia do Guincho Km 26
Cabo Raso
A tl ant ic O ce an
300
Funny decorated old house
Almoçageme Km 12.5
Cabo da Roca
Profile
Section description
A beautiful journey along the CascaisSintra Natural Park coastal area. Up and down, you will pedal crossing small brooks and visiting long sandy beaches, some of them cloistered by huge rocky cliffs. You will also visit the westernmost cape of continental Europe, Cabo da Roca, where nearby you can appreciate two amazing natural rock sculptures coming out from the ocean. Then, as there is no alternative, you will have to pedal along the N247, a national road with high traffic, especially on weekends and summer time. Fortunately it’s always downhill, until you reach Praia do Guincho, a beautiful sandy beach, with a lot of surfers and kite-surfers. Then, you will pedal on an exclusive bike lane that will take you along the Atlantic Coast to Cascais.
Cascais railway Urban train to Lisbon (30 km)
Boca do Inferno Cascais Rocky deep ocean well
Other info
Please cycle with maximum attention due to traffic along N247, a national road with high traffic, especially on weekends Ocean rocks and summer time. Close to Cascais you will visit an amazing ocean well, Boca do Inferno (The hells mouth), a natural cavity on the rocks with direct connection to the ocean’s restless waters. From Cascais to Lisboa there is only one alternative, the heavy/ agressive traffic national road N6. No berm all the way and high speed traffic. Please DO NOT cycle here, use the urban train if you want to go to Lisboa. Bikes are allowed on-board and have no extra cost. Trains every 30 minutes.
Alerts and track information km 4.5 - Long macadam road. Up&down to the beach. Km 12.5 - 3 km cycling uphill with >5% grade. km 16.5 - 9 km cycling along N247. Moderated to high traffic. km 26 - Exclusive bike lane along the coast, until Cascais.
40
What to visit at Cascais: The marina and the old fort called Cidadela. The narrow streets and some of Cascais cosy beaches.
Setúbal
Tróia
p. 35 www.ecovias.pt
Km 0.0
1.19
Porto
Ferry Boat Harbour
Tróia Carvalhal
Troia Peninsula
40 km 25 meters uphill 75% asphalt 1% bike lanes Reduced traffic
Lisboa
Profile 150 100
Faro
50 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Carraqueira Palafitic harbour A tl ant ic O ce an
Comporta Beach
Km 26.5
Comporta
Macadam trail along rice fields
Comporta Rice Fields
Carvalhal Beach
A tl ant ic O ce an
Carvalhal
High traffic national road N261
Km 40.0
40
Section description
After 20 minutes crossing the Sado River on a ferry, you will start your journey at Tróia harbour. Enjoy this 12 kms of low Carrasqueira traffic road along the Tróia’s narrow peninsula. Before reaching Comporta it is suggested a visit to its beach, famous among the fans of this region. Take a snack at Comporta and, as suggested, make a 6.5 kms detour to visit one of the last palafitic harbours in Portugal, still in use by the local river fishermen. Actually, Carrasqueira is a great place to taste cuttlefish, caught in this waters. Try it fried at a local restaurant ;) After passing the Rice Museum, you will pedal 9 kilometers on a macadam trail, parallel to the water canals that irrigate this huge rice fields. Then, a visit to the Carvalhal Beach, right before you end today’s tour at this small summer time village.
Other info As you noticed, it was not Rice fields and canal included in this section the connection between Carvalhal and Melides. As it is the national road N261, with hight traffic (specially during summer time) and no shoulder all the way, it was decided not to include it in order to press the local authorities to build an alternative bike lane. However, if you are cycling south to Sines, it is compulsory to use it, so please pedal with maximum care along this 20 km of high traffic national road.
Alerts and track information Melides
km 0.0 - Tróia ferry boat harbour. Km 26.5 - Closed gate for cars. Pass on the side. km 40.0 - National Road N261 along 20 km, if you decide to pedal to Melides. High traffic. No shoulder. 90 km/h.
What to visit at Carvalhal: Just relax and take a swim at the Carvalhal Beach. At Melides visit the Olhos de Água or go to the lagoon for a swim.
p. 36 www.ecovias.pt
Melides
1.20
Porto
Km 0.5
Melides Sines
Melides Lagoon
Melides Beach
42 km 100 meters uphill 75% asphalt 15% bike lanes Low / moderated traffic
Lisboa
Profile 150
Santo André Lagoon
100
Faro
50 (m) 0 0 ( km )
42
A tl ant ic O ce an
Section description
Vila Nova de Santo André Km 22.8
A tl ant ic O ce an
Km 24.5
To start today’s padaling I suggest first a passage at the Olhos de Água cascade, still in Melides. After exiting this quiet village, you will pedal 10 kms on macadam roads, which will take you to visit the Melides Lagoon and beach as well as Santo André Lagoon. Enjoy some good and quiet moments here. Then you will visit Vila Nova de Santo André, and from here it’s straight ahead directly to Sines. Please pay attention while pedaling the first kilometers of national road N261-5 as it may have high traffic. Althought it has a generous shoulder, a bit ahead it is suggested to go up the viaduct and change to the parallel low traffic asphalted road. This will take you almost with no traffic to the north entrance of Sines, where there’s a bike lane going around the city.
Other info After passing Vila Nova Near Santo André Lagoon de Santo André, you will pedal on a high traffic national road. Please pay maximum attention. After those 1.7 km, pay attention to the GPS track, as it is suggested to go out of the national road and enter on a parallel asphalted rural road that will take you directly to the north entrance of Sines, where it exists a bike lane.
Located at Porto Covo, 16 km south of Sines
Sines
Cargo railway
Alerts and track information km 0.5 - Crossing N261. Moderated to high traffic. km 22.8 - Pedalling 1.8 km along N261-5. High traffic at 90 km/h. km 24.6 - Exit N261-5 and enter at a low traffic road.
What to visit at Sines: The old castle and beaches.
p. 37 www.ecovias.pt
Suggested visit to the old tidal mill Vila Nova de Milfontes
1.22
Porto
Km 2.5
Mira River
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Zambujeira-do-Mar Macadam trail along farming areas
44 km 175 meters uphill 50% asphalt 6% bike lanes Reduced/moderated traffic
Lisboa
Profile 120
Km 8.7
80
Faro
40 (m) 0
Located at Porto Covo, 15km north of V.N.Milfontes
0 ( km )
44
Section description A tl ant ic O ce an
Praia de Almograve
Almograve
Lapa das Pombas fishermen’s harbour
Southwest Natural Park Praia de Cavaleiro Cabo Sardão
Cavaleiro Km 24.5
A tl ant ic O ce an
Asphalt alternative. Low traffic
Macadam trail with ocean view
After leaving Milfontes, you will cross the bridge over the River Mira. Enjoy the views, but always paying attention to the traffic. Just a bit ahead you will exit N393 and enter on a macadam trail, allowing you to cycle along the farming areas of this region. This trail will cross again N393 and take you to Almograve, a famous village around here for it’s sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. Then you will pedal along some green house’s farming area and reach Cabo Sardão, a small cape with it’s lighthouse. From here I suggest a 8.5 kms tour along the ocean cliffs, allowing you to observe the ocean’s magnificent blue, crowds of sea birds, the beaches and cliffs. Just enjoy them as right after, in just a few kilometers you will reach your final destination, the village of Zambujeira-doMar.
Other info Praia do Tonel Porto das Barcas Cliffs and rocky formations
Zambujeira-do-mar
Right after exiting MilRiver Mira at tidal mill fontes and before turning to the bridge over the River Mira, I suggest a 4 kms (x2) tour to visit an amazing and peaceful quiet place: an old tidal mill farm called Moínho da Asneira, now renovated and converted to rural tourism by a dutch couple. It has also some abandoned fish ponds as well a non-official fishermen’s harbor. Here you can really breath nature and enjoy a long distance view to the bridge and Milfontes village.
Alerts and track information km 2.5 - Moderated traffic along 1.8 km at N393. km 8.7 - Intersection with N393. Moderated traffic at 90 km/h. km 24.5 - Macadam trail along 8.5 km. Pavement conditions unknown.
What to visit at Zambujeira: Just enjoy the relaxing beach or a coffee in one of the many terraces around here.
p. 38 www.ecovias.pt
1.23
Porto
Zambujeira-do-Mar Km 0.5
Zambujeira-do-Mar
Aljezur
Southwest Natural Park
44 km 350 meters uphill 50% asphalt 0% bike lanes Reduced traffic
Praia do Carvalhal Km 4 Lisboa
Profile 150
A tl ant ic O ce an
100
Faro
Azenha do Mar
50 (m) 0
Greenhouses area
0 ( km )
44
Section description Praia de Odeceixe Km 18
Odeceixe
Water canal
A tl ant ic O ce an
Praia da Barradinha
For exiting Zambujeira you will need to go down the valley to the beach and then up again, climbing a hilly road right at the beginning of your trip. Just take your bicycle by hand, if necessary. A few kilometers ahead you will go down to Praia do Carvalhal. Back to the uphill road, again take your bicycle by hand. Today you will see a lot of farmings and large scale production greenhouses. Reaching Odeceixe, a beautiful traditional village, you will be led to the ocean and then again uphill to this region’s upland. Once at the top you will cross, and sometimes pedal along, a water canal used to irrigate the soil around here. In just a few kilometers you will reach Aljezur, an old Moorish village already in the Algarve region. Don’t forget to visit Aljezur’s beach Praia da Amoreira.
Km 36
Other info Praia da Amoreira
Km 41.5
Road to the beach
Aljezur
This Ecovias section Water canal near Odeceixe takes you up and down along the many valleys existing at this Portuguese coastal area. Although it may cost you a bit of sweat, it is worth to visit the cliffy and sandy beaches, as well the upland farming areas and small traditional villages along the way. Once in Aljezur, use the identified road to go to the beach.
Alerts and track information km 0.5 - 350 meters cycling uphill with >10% grade. km 4 - 350 meters cycling uphill with >10% grade. km 18 - Cycling 200 meters along N120. Moderated traffic. km 36 - Macadam road. For asphalt use N120 to Aljezur. km 41.5 - 500 meters cycling downhill on a macadam road.
National Emergency Number
112
What to visit at Aljezur: Go to the beach or take a tour around the narrow streets. Visit the castle or just go to the city market and appreciate many varieties of fish, fruits and vegetables.
p. 39 www.ecovias.pt
1.24
Porto
Southwest Natural Park Aljezur
Aljezur Vila do Bispo
Km 2
Road to visit Arrifana
49 (+22) km 350 meters uphill 30% asphalt 0% bike lanes Reduced/ moderated traffic
Km 3.5
Arrifana Lisboa
Praia da Arrifana
Profile
Long macadam forest road
Reefs in the ocean
150 100
A tl ant ic O ce an
Faro
0 ( km )
49
Section description Km 14
Praia da Bordeira
Carrapateira cliffs’ circuit
Carrapateira
Km 38
Km 39
Pedralva
Eolian energy generators’ park A tl ant ic O ce an
50 (m) 0
This section starts with a climbing to the castel and from there goes uphill until you reach the altitude 125m. Carry your bicycle by hand if necessary. After reaching the top you will enter on a long macadam road that will lead you along the Natural Southwest Park forest along the ridge of the sierra. Enjoy the great views over the lower lands and the passage nearby small villages and isolated houses. A few kilometers before Carrapateira you have a high slope downhill. Then at Carrapateira, take the round circuit and enjoy the most amazing ocean cliffs over an ocean’s marvelous blue background. From here you will follow the upstream of a small brook to Pedralva, an abandoned rural village now fully renovated to tourism. From here, you will go up to N268 and then it’s always down to Vila do Bispo.
Other info Praia do Castelejo
Vila do Bispo
Southwest Natural Park
For asphalt alternative, when exiting Aljezur take the roads N120 and N268 direction to Carrapateira. Please notice this roads may have moderated to high traffic, especially during summer time. At km 3.6 you can choose to make a 11km (x2) detour so that you can visit the Arrifana cliffs. It’s an amazing view over the ocean and the reefs, that I totally recommend. This will add about 100 meters cumulate altitude to today’s journey.
Alerts and track information km 2.0 - Reduced to Moderated traffic along 1.5 km. km 3.5 - Detour to visit Arrifana reefs and beach. 22 km total. km 14 - 500 meters cycling downhill with >7% grade. km 38 - 1 km cycling upnhill with >7% grade. km 39 - Entering at N268. Moderated to high traffic.
Arrifana cliffs
What to visit at Vila do Bispo: Go to Praia do Castelejo and appreciate both the ocean and the geological rock formations. If you want, you can anticipate your visit to Sagres and pedal the first quilometers of section 18.1 and back.
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