Cycling
Portugal
is a country that lends itself well to cycling and the area around Figueira da Foz has flat regions west along the wide river basin, the low mountain 'Serra da Boa Viagem' forests to the north and pretty villages and vineyards to the south.
There are few restrictions on where you can go - the basic rule in Portugal is it's ok to go in unless it's locked up. Most places however are open to walkers and cyclists and you'll find many pleasant places to stop for a drink or snack.
Track to Lagoa da Vela just north of Figueira
View over Figueira from Serra da Boa Viagem
Lagoa (Lake) da Vela near Figueira
Adventure Park - Serra da Boa Viagem
Longer Routes
From your base in
Figueira, you are perfectly placed to explore this beautiful part
of Portugal and all the above locations are within 5km of the accommodation.
Below are just a few examples of possible longer routes - from flat to hilly - all taking in some great scenery and all within easy reach of Figueira.
Mondego & Quinta Cycle alongside the Mondego river, reach a small vineyard and from there turn back inland to Texceira and back to Figueira. Intermediate 25Km, 15 miles Quiaios Village & Beach Cycle north out of Figueira and across the low hills to reach the pretty village of Quiaios. From there nip down to the beach and then back again before turning for home via the coastal route. Experienced- 31Km, 19 Miles. Mondego River at Penacova. Head up to the hills beyond Coimbra then drop down to the Mondego River valley and along the village of Penacova. Return via sleepy village Roxo before the ride back down to Coimbra and return to Figueira via train. For a longer trip, just follow the river all the way from Figuiera then same as above. Advanced - 52km, 32 miles.
Miranda da Corvo - between Lousa and Penela Climb up to Lousa in the 'Serra da Lousa' before a cross country mixed terrain stretch to Penela and finally a flat meander to Pereira to pick up the train back to Figueira - or bike it all the way home if you still have the energy! Advanced/Pro- 74km, 46 miles
