Atlantic Coast Cycling

• Wild Atlantic beaches, stunning topaz lagoons, delightful fishing villages
• Masses of historic interest: hilltop castles, UNESCO monasteries, ancient lighthouses
• Wonderfully varied cycling: pine forests, river valleys, coastal trails
• Intimate variety of *** and **** hotels - 5 nights out of 8 with pools
• Extend your stay by enjoying extra nights in cosmopolitan Lisbon!

Rarely visited, Portugal's western coast north of Lisbon combines wild, beautiful Atlantic beaches with rich cultural treasures, and is perfect for exploring by bike. Your first night is spent inland, discovering verdant valleys of strawberries, palms and vines, before heading out along river valleys to the sea. Along the way, a clutch of dramatic UNESCO heritage sites provide fascinating insights into Portugal's golden era of expansion and exploration.

Your next five nights are spent by the ocean where your route heads south passing majestic breakers thundering onto empty gold-sand beaches just metres from lively tasca beach bars - hugely popular with locals and perfect for sun-kissed seafood lunches. It's a spectacularly unspoilt and laid-back stretch of coast. White fishing villages and windmills bask in the sun, and fade to dusky-pink as blazing scarlet sunsets, (some of the best in Europe), give way to searching lighthouse beams that sweep the horizon in rhythmic, hypnotic arcs of white light. Your final cycle takes you back inland to the beautifully preserved mediaeval town of Obidos where you'll spend your last two nights.

The places we've chosen for you to stay in are an eclectic mix - from arty familyowned accommodation in Batalha and San Pedro de Moel, to sassy, upbeat seaside hotels just a stones' throw from the beach. On three nights, we've included dinner (either at the hotel or at hand-picked local restaurants); then we've left five nights free for you to choose from the many seafront restaurants on your doorstep.