Cycling Ecopista do Dão with Viaje Portugal in Coimbra
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for riders in moderate physical condition comfortable with full-day cycling and mixed terrain.
Overview
Pedal 49 kilometers along the Ecopista do Dão, a tranquil rail-trail through vineyards and orchards, with Viaje Portugal as your guide from Coimbra. Discover Portugal’s rural heart via this thoughtfully curated cycling experience.
Cycling Ecopista do Dão, full-day from Coimbra
Full-day experience • Self guided • 49 Km • 5 Hours • Age 18+
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating cycling adventure along the historic Ecopista do Dão, a 49.2 km route that winds through stunning orchards and vineyards. Experience breathtaking views, discover charming old railway stations, and enjoy the tranquility of nature as you ride from Viseu to Santa Comba Dão. A memorable journey awaits!
Ecopista do Dão cycling, Viseu to Santa Comba Dão
About
Day dedicated to bicycle touring on an old railway branch that has 130 years of transport history and has now been converted into a bike-friendly Ecopista.
After picking up the participants in Coimbra, by car, we head to the city of Viseu to start the bike trip.
It is an experience with a linear route in self-guide mode, 49.2 km long, almost always descending, crossing orchards, vineyards and part of the route, next to the magnificent Rio Dão ending in Santa Comba Dão, where we collect the participants and we return to Coimbra.
Discover all the old Ecopista stations and stops, of which Torredeita Station stands out with an old locomotive. The views are magnificent, the northern area is abundant in cork, chestnut and oak trees, where you will also find some fields of cultivation and vineyards. In the south, it stands out for its huge strawberry trees and the Granjal bridge over the Aguieira reservoir.
After packing the bikes in the car, we return to the starting point in Coimbra.
More info
What it includes: Full-day experience Transfers planned from Coimbra to Viseu and from Santa Comba Dão to Coimbra Dropoff in Viseu Pickup in Santa Comba Dão Vehicle with air conditioning Snacks Bike rent and helmet Minimum 2 people or equivalent value All taxes, fees and insurance
What it excludes: Meals
Available in: Portuguese, English and Spanish
What to bring
Comfortable clothes and shoes
Adventure Tips
Bring Extra Water
Several long stretches lack shops or water sources, so carry enough hydration for the entire day.
Use a Comfortable Hybrid or Gravel Bike
The trail surface is compacted gravel and asphalt, so a bike with wider tires and good suspension improves comfort.
Plan for Rest Stops
Several small villages along the route offer cafés and bathrooms, ideal for brief breaks to recharge.
Check Weather Forecasts
Weather can change quickly, especially in the shoulder seasons; bring rain protection to stay dry.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Iberian hare
- European hoopoe
History
The Ecopista do Dão traces a decommissioned 19th-century railway line, pivotal in the region’s agricultural trade, now revitalized as a sustainable recreational corridor.
Conservation
Efforts maintain the trail and surrounding ecosystems to minimize impact, with emphasis on preserving native flora and supporting local biodiversity.
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Adventure Hotspots in Coimbra
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Protect your head on varying trail surfaces and through rural stretches.
Padded cycling shorts
Provide comfort for hours in the saddle on a full-day ride.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Stay hydrated in warmer conditions and avoid dehydration.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Provides protection during unexpected showers common in spring months.
spring specific