This August, La Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s big three Grand Tours, sets off in Portugal’s capital city Lisbon for the first time since 1997, with stages one and two starting in the region. To celebrate, the Visit Lisbon tourism board has recommended five slow and scenic short rides for holidaymakers to explore the region on two wheels.
Cais do Sodré to Belém
This is one of the most popular routes in Lisbon and stretches for five miles along the Tagus River. The route starts in Cais do Sodré, home to the city’s famous Time Out food market. Most of the trail sticks to a dedicated cycle path that is flat and easy to follow, and cyclists pass some of Lisbon’s best known historic and cultural landmarks along the bustling riverfront, including the 25 de Abril suspension bridge. As they freewheel into the Belém district, riders can admire historic Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument of the Discoveries, celebrating Portugal’s famous naval explorers from the Middle Ages.
Restauradores to Monsanto Forest
This scenic route begins in central Lisbon at Restauradores Square, then travels up Avenida da Liberdade, home of Lisbon’s luxury quarter, to Eduardo VII Park, the largest green space in central Lisbon and famous for its clipped hedges and mosaic-patterned walkways. The ride then continues along a picturesque green corridor, including the foliage-cloaked lanes of Campolide, to Monsanto Forest Park, where there are 26 miles of woodland pathways.
Campo Grande to Parque das Nações
This urban bike route covers five miles to connect two of Lisbon’s major parks, at Campo Grande and Parque das Nações. Parque do Campo Grande is a hidden green gem with a boating lake and sprawling walkways, and it’s also next door to the Museum of Lisbon, where anyone with an interest in history can enjoy the region’s past. The ride then follows a peaceful route through Lisbon’s quieter residential neighbourhoods and ends at futuristic Parque das Nações, a redeveloped area of the Tagus riverfront that is home to green spaces, outdoor art, trendy restaurants and major attractions that include the Oceanário de Lisboa aquarium, the Knowledge Pavilion and a sky-high cable car for sweeping views of the city.
Cascais to Guincho Beach
Accessible via a short train ride to Cascais, this short route follows a dedicated cycle path along the clifftop coastline to Guincho Beach. The breathtaking views include a natural sea arch known as Hell’s Mouth, the canary-yellow Casa da Guia, where there are boutique shops and restaurants, followed by the Farol da Guia lighthouse, a 17th century fort, and the Serra de Sintra National Park, with distant views of colourful Pena Palace on clear days. The ride culminates at Guincho Beach, where the wide sandy shores and Atlantic breeze offer excellent conditions for surfing and kiteboarding.
Belém to the Costa da Caparica
Starting at the Belém River Terminal, this ride begins with a ferry across the Tagus to Trafaria on the south side of the river, a bustling fishing village known for its traditional charm and stunning seafood restaurants. From Trafaria, cyclists can cruise along a cycle path to the stunning beaches of Costa da Caparica, where there is more than 15km of expansive sands, local markets and a bustling seaside promenade.
See more at visitlisboa.com