Historical path to the Ocean: Cycling journey from Coimbra to Figueira da Foz

Historical path to the Ocean: Cycling Journey from Coimbra to Figueira da Foz through the Castle Fortifications of Montemor-o-Velho

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1 Day self guided tour, 51 km

This cycling adventure will take us from historic Coimbra, surrounded by culture and knowledge, towards the magical castle of Montemor-o-Velho, which dominates the horizon. This cycling tour combines the historical richness and beautiful natural scenery of Portugal.

Your adventure begins in the university city of Coimbra. On the way to the starting point, you will ride your bike through its narrow streets, feeling the atmosphere of knowledge and ancient architecture, before starting to ride along the embankment, leaving the city behind you.

Coimbra. The starting point of our tour.

With every kilometer you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of green fields, rivers, canals and houses with bright tiled roofs in populated areas. The bike route will take you through shady roads, creating the perfect conditions for an exciting ride.

Most of the route runs along the Mondego River and its adjacent irrigation canals.

The beauty of the canals on the way to Montemor-o-Velho

You’ll also pass along the coast of a major rowing training center where there are international competitions or basic training that you can watch and take a break.

Rowing training center

Montemor-o-Velho Castle

As you approach Montemor-o-Velho, your eyes will be greeted by the majestic walls of the castle perched on the hill. This impressive view will be the reward for your hard cycling tour.

Approaching the city, you will ride along a bicycle path enjoying the views of rice fields, bright houses in the city center and begin to smoothly climb the hill on which the majestic castle is located.

The ancient streets of Montemor-o-Velho

Once you arrive, you can ride your bikes straight to explore this medieval castle. Explore its towers and walls, unravel its historical secrets and enjoy majestic views of the surrounding area from above.

Central gate of the Castle

Pay attention to the Castle’s operating hours to properly plan your route and arrival time.

Montemor-o-Velho Castle opening hours

Inside the castle, in addition to the main historical attractions, there are many places to relax, observation decks, tables and benches in the shade of trees, where you can relax before the return bike ride.

Montemor-o-Velho Castle courtyard

On the way to Figueira da Foz you will visit the Parque Ribeirinho Montemor-o-Velho, where you can enjoy the singing of birds or watch the life of storks in the wild.
Fans of technical attractions will be able to have a fun time on the site with various structures that will allow them to understand the physics of how water and technology work.

Parque Ribeirinho Montemor-o-Velho

The road from Montemor-o-Velho to Figueira da Foz runs along the Mondego River, irrigation canals, rice fields, where you can watch a large number of storks, herons and other species of birds. You will need to cycle a distance of about 22 kilometers.

Figueira da Foz Beach / Praia da Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz

As soon as you enter the city, you almost immediately find yourself on an embankment about 8 kilometers long, which stretches along the entire length of the city along the ocean.
The bike path will first lead you to the beginning of the city beaches and the first attraction of Figueira da Foz – the Lighthouse, which stands far from the shore and from which a magnificent view of the city and the ocean opens.

Lighthouse / Farol Figueira da Foz – Molhe Norte

As you cycle back from the lighthouse to the main cycle path, directly in front of you, on the opposite side of the street, is the Santa Catarina Fort, whose walls contain centuries of history.
It fits perfectly into the modern look of the city, but at the same time retains its original purpose and the opportunity to plunge into a completely different world and escape from the everyday bustle.

Santa Catarina Fort / Forte de Santa Catarina

Next, your route will pass along the bike paths of the city embankment, where you can enjoy views of the city and ocean, stop for a short rest in one of the cozy cafes or restaurants, and replenish your supply of drinking water in specially equipped places. The city embankment is quite long and ends at the place where an unusual and unique sculpture is installed – Amonite – Bordalo II.

Amonite – Bordalo II

As part of the initiative “The Sea that unites us”, a cultural project focused on the sea, the work “Omanite”, by ecological artist Bordalo II (Artur Bordalo), was implemented at the junction to Cabo Mondego.

The work, based on an extinct group of molluscs that existed thousands of years ago in the Cabo Mondego area, is part of a collective project between the municipalities of Mira, Cantanhede and Figueira da Foz that includes 120 associations and local artists, with 208 events, some of which have already presented during the summer 2021.

Cape Mondego viewpoint

The last place to visit on this route and the turning point will be the beautiful observation deck – Cabo Mondego, which offers a beautiful view of the ocean and the city of Figueira da Foz.
The climb to the observation deck is quite simple and not long, but the views from it are worth it.

Here you can rest, relax and when you are ready, begin your journey to your final destination, either your hotel in Figueira da Foz or Coimbra, using the regular Figueira da Foz – Coimbra train service.

Figueira da Foz Railway Station / Estação de Caminhos de Ferro

Those who decide to return back to Coimbra can take the train, which runs regularly at intervals of 1 hour.
Passengers with bicycles must be loaded into the first carriage that has space for bicycles.
You can buy a ticket for cash from the conductor on the train or at the ticket office by paying with a card. The ticket price is 3 euros, you don’t have to pay anything for the bike.

A cycling tour from Coimbra to Figueira da Foz is not just a physical exercise, but a real journey into the history and nature of Portugal. Treat yourself to a unique experience combining knowledge, activity and the magic of the cultural heritage of this amazing region.

Additional Information:

Route: Coimbra – Castelo Montemor-o-Velho – Parque Ribeirinho Montemor-o-Velho – Figueira da Foz

It is possible to rent an electric bike and equipment. The rental price depends on the number of tour participants, start and finish location.

The price of renting an electric bike includes personal insurance for the duration of the tour.