he section between Porto and Lisbon offers the richest cultural heritage along the Portuguese coast. Forests, lagoons, extended sand dunes and beaches meet some of Portugal’s main cities and port towns. Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, and especially Coimbra (a bit land inwards) impress with their historic city centers, but also with vibrant modern life. As the wind usually blows in the same direction, we recommend going with tailwind from North to South.

Over the iconic bridge Dom Luis I, we leave Porto along the river Delta. Several coastal towns border the long sandy beaches south of Porto. On totally flat terrain, we head to the large lagoon of Aveiro. The wetlands are a true bird paradise, competing with local fishermen for the numerous clams and crabs in the brackish water of the lagoon. Around the lagoon of Praia de Mira, the route becomes a bit more hilly. In the elegant port town Figueira da Foz, we have to choose if we do the extra mile to Coimbra, which is the cultural highlight along the route. This is flat through the river valley of Rio Mondego, but can still be challenging winds.
Following the coast, seaside towns line up: always separated by a more or less steep ridge. Sao Pedro de Moel, with a massive lighthouse, Nazare, the big wave surfer paradise, the calm bay of Sao Martinho do Porto and the pretty beach of Foz do Orelho at the lagoon of Obidos. At he lagoon we can choose to follow around the lagoon to Peniche, where we find the Surfer Coast, or we head inland to the famous castle town of Obidos.