Cycling Ecopista do Dão with Viaje Portugal in Coimbra

Set in the heart of Portugal’s Centro region, Viaje Portugal invites riders to experience the Ecopista do Dão, a 49.2 km cycling route that runs between Viseu and Santa Comba Dão. Starting from Coimbra, this full-day journey covers terrain once shared by trains navigating historic rail lines, now transformed into a serene bike path threading through rolling vineyards, lush orchards, and sweeping countryside. The trail presents an unmatched perspective on rural Portugal’s landscape and heritage, blending natural beauty with cultural touchstones.

Riders will pass through well-preserved old railway stations, their rustic architecture intact, offering pause points to reconnect with the region’s past. The gentle grade of the Ecopista ensures a ride suited for moderate cyclists, making it accessible to anyone with a reasonable fitness level prepared for a full day outdoors. Along the way, the surrounding nature is dominated by cork oak trees and fig orchards, with seasonal fruit farms coming into view. Birdsong punctuates the quiet, and on a clear day, distant hills frame the horizon.

What distinguishes Viaje Portugal’s cycling trip is not only the scenic route but the chance to see an evolving landscape where agrarian traditions meet modern eco-conscious recreation. The company’s local expertise enriches the ride with historical notes and practical insights, ensuring participants feel connected to both nature and culture. This Ecopista do Dão itinerary stands out as a compelling option for visitors based in Coimbra eager to substitute traffic and city noise for open-air freedom, scenic variety, and a glimpse into the quiet rhythms of Portugal’s inland communities.