From Coimbra: Cycling on the Dão Ecotrail offers an engaging blend of history, nature, and active tourism. For about seven hours, you’ll join a small group, guided by friendly local experts, to explore a 49.2 km stretch of the Ecopista do Dão—an old railway line turned into a bike-friendly trail. This tour departs from Coimbra, with transportation arranged from Coimbra to Viseu, starting the ride in the charming city of Viseu, and finishing in Santa Comba Dão before returning to Coimbra.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s a chance to cycle almost entirely downhill on a railway-turned-ecotrail that’s steeped in the history of Portugal’s transport past. Second, the route offers a visual feast—think orchards, vineyards, and the scenic Dão River—plus the opportunity to spot old stations, including the evocative Torredeita Station with its vintage locomotive.
One consideration? The route is quite long at nearly 50 km, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of biking, especially in a self-guided mode. This tour would suit active travelers who appreciate authentic landscapes, historical touches, and a relaxed pace, rather than intense mountain biking or timed races.
Key Points
- Historical rail route: A scenic, mostly downhill ride on a 130-year-old railway converted into a cycling trail.
- Beautiful landscapes: Views of cork oaks, vineyards, orchards, and the Dão River.
- Inclusive amenities: Bikes, snacks, drinks, and transportation are provided, making it a hassle-free adventure.
- Small group experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
- Self-guided format: Flexibility to enjoy the route at your own pace.
- Family-friendly: Suitable for those comfortable with a 7-hour outing and cycling distances.
An Authentic Ride Through Portugal’s Past and Present
Starting your day outside the Astória Hotel in Coimbra, you board a comfortable vehicle bound for Viseu. The drive itself offers a chance to get excited about the journey ahead, with your guide, possibly named Mario or Ana, sharing local insights along the way. Once in Viseu, the cycling begins, and you quickly notice how smooth the Ecopista do Dão trail is—designed for easy riding, it’s almost always downhill, which makes for a relaxed experience even for those who aren’t expert cyclists.
The Route and Its Highlights
The 49.2 km trail runs from Viseu to Santa Comba Dão, with the first few kilometers providing an introduction to Portugal’s rural charm. As we pedaled, we loved the way the landscape shifted from lush orchards and vineyards to dense cork oak forests. The trail follows the old railway line, which was in operation for over a century, and you’ll pass by relics like old stations, including the notable Torredeita Station—a quaint reminder of the line’s former life, complete with its old locomotive.
We appreciated the way the trail’s gentle gradient made for an easy ride. It’s perfect for families, casual cyclists, or anyone looking to combine gentle exercise with sightseeing. The trail’s design makes it accessible, yet scenic enough to feel like an adventure. Along the way, we stopped for a photo session at the Granjal bridge over the Aguieira reservoir, a spot that offers sweeping views over the water and countryside.
What to Expect at Stops
The first stop was in Viseu—a city full of character, with a charming historic center and welcoming cafes. We then got on the bikes, and our guide pointed out interesting sights and the old station buildings, adding a layer of storytelling to the ride. The snacks and drinks included in the tour kept us energized as we cycled through the morning.
Midway, we paused at various points to admire the scenery and take photographs—particularly the magnificent views along the Dão River. The trail’s surface was well-maintained, and the bikes provided were comfortable, with enough gearing to handle slight inclines when necessary. The experience is designed to be accessible, but you should feel comfortable with a few hours of cycling.
The Old Railway Stations and Their Charm
One of the tour’s charming features is the opportunity to explore the old stations and halts along the route. These sites are more than just relics—they’re integral parts of Portugal’s transport history. The Torredeita Station with its vintage locomotive is a highlight, offering great photo opportunities and a tangible connection to the past.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn and Reflection
After reaching Santa Comba Dão, we stowed our bikes and boarded the vehicle for the return trip to Coimbra, feeling satisfied not only physically but also culturally. You’ll appreciate how this tour combines gentle physical activity with a taste of local history and stunning natural scenery, all wrapped in a relaxed, small-group setting.
Practical Details and Tips
The tour is priced to include bike rental, transportation, snacks, and insurance, which simplifies planning and ensures you won’t be caught off guard by hidden costs. The self-guide format means you can enjoy the ride at your own pace, but the assistance along the way helps if questions arise.
We liked that the duration is about 7 hours, giving enough time for riding, sightseeing, and photos, but without feeling rushed. The tour departs from Coimbra, with pick-up outside the Astória hotel, making it easy to join even if you’re staying nearby.
Given the small group size of just 8 participants, you’ll likely enjoy a more personal and flexible experience. Plus, the multilingual guides (Spanish, Portuguese, English) ensure clear communication and local insights.
What to Bring
A helmet is required, and we suggest comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, and sun protection. Expect to be outdoors most of the day, so prepare for the weather. Knowing your height is helpful to ensure the right bike fit.
Who Will Love This Tour?
It’s perfect for active travelers who want to explore Portugal beyond the usual sights without intensive effort. History buffs will enjoy the railway relics, while nature lovers will appreciate the scenic views. Families or groups of friends looking for a relaxed, scenic day will find this a memorable outing.
Final Thoughts
This cycling tour along the Ecopista do Dão offers a well-rounded experience—combining history, nature, and gentle exercise in one accessible package. It’s an excellent way to see the Portuguese countryside from a different perspective, and the small-group approach keeps it personal and relaxed.
If you’re someone who loves discovering authentic landscapes, appreciates local heritage, and enjoys a bit of physical activity on vacation, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a low-stress, scenic day without sacrificing comfort or cultural richness.
For travelers seeking a meaningful outdoor adventure that’s easy to fit into a day, this journey from Coimbra is a fantastic choice. Plan ahead, come prepared, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Portugal’s Dão region on two wheels.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Coimbra to Viseu and back from Santa Comba Dão is included in the tour price, making logistics easy.
Are bikes provided?
Absolutely. The tour includes bike rental, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment.
How long is the ride?
The cycling segment lasts about 3 hours, covering roughly 49.2 km along the trail, which is mostly downhill and suitable for a range of fitness levels.
What should I bring?
A helmet is required, and it’s wise to wear comfortable clothes, sun protection, and perhaps a small backpack for personal items.
Can I join if I’m not an experienced cyclist?
Yes, the route is gentle and designed for relaxed riding, ideal for casual cyclists and families; however, you should be comfortable riding for a few hours.
What’s the best time to do this tour?
Check the availability for starting times; generally, spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather, but the tour runs year-round when weather permits.
In sum, if you’re after a scenic, historical, and active day that’s easy to do and full of Portuguese charm, this cycling tour on the Dão Ecotrail is a fantastic choice. It’s a genuine, authentic way to experience Portugal’s countryside, and you’ll come away with stories and photos to cherish.
You can check availability for your dates here: