This is a pretty, straightforward gravel ride along the flat paths, trails and quiet roads that run alongside the Lima River from Viana do Castelo to the wonderful town of Ponte de Lima. You head out on one riverbank and return on the other.
The route is all about the tranquil forests, pretty meadows and views over the river.
Note: we rode the route shown in the GPS file below in reverse and this is what the notes below describe.
Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
Highlights
- Enjoy the quiet tranquility of this ride through nature. It’s not overly technical and there are no nasty gradients to contend with. It’s just forest, river, meadows and quiet paths for you to enjoy.
- Ponte de Lima is a lovely turning point – the spectacular 11th Century bridge over the river is quite a sight and it’s a pretty town with plenty of pretty churches, great cafes and restaurants to chill out in.
Route notes
1. FeelViana Sport Hotel to Ponte de Lima
Having negotiated the Ponte Eiffel bridge over the River Lima, you’re onto the riverbank paths all the way to Ponte de Lima. It’s a heady mix of forest and meadows with the odd section through a village.
Ponte de Lima is a gorgeous town; you should definitely factor in time for a stop here.
2. Ponte de Lima to FeelViana Sport Hotel
The return journey feels similar, though perhaps with less woodland.
Much of this route is on the Ecovia do Rio Lima. The paths cross through the Protected Area and Wetlands of International Importance of the Bertiandos and S. Pedro d’Arcos Lakes. This whole area is part of the network of Natura 2000.
Café stops
Viana do Castelo is full of cafes, bars and restaurants; Peloton Café is the town’s cycling focused spot complete with jerseys on the wall.
Ponte de Lima is also well-served with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Between the two towns, you’d need to head away from the riverbanks, up to the villages along the main road either side of the river, in order to find food/drink.
Lunch stop in Ponte de Lima – don’t miss the fresh orange juice!
Accommodation
We stayed at FeelViana Sport Hotel in Viana do Castelo. You can find out more about our stay in our main guide to cycling Viana.
Tips
Check out our guide to cycling Viana and our tips for cycling in Portugal.
This ride could also be reversed.
Take care through Viana, especially getting on/off the Ponte Eiffel bridge (it’s complicated) and of course riding over it too! If you want to avoid the bridge, then in summer, we’re told there is a ferry that runs across the river on an hourly basis.
As with any off-road ride, how hard the route is will vary with the weather. As noted above, you can always cut short the technical sections by simply heading down to the road and coast.
A lot of the town centres are cobbled, but they’re much easier by gravel bike!
Unless you take a major diversion, there are no bridges to cross the river until you reach Ponte de Lima, so it’s difficult to cut this ride short.
Got a question for Clare?
Fill out this form and we will send it to Clare. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
First Published: 12 May 2025
All metrics in this article are approximate.
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.
Sponsor Message
FeelViana Sport Hotel is a four-star hotel located in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, next to Cabedelo Beach. With upmarket bohemian surf vibes, wood finishes and great food, it’s an excellent option for cyclists looking for a gorgeous spot to rest their head at night. The bike centre is well stocked and friendly, while the routes around the hotel has plenty for tourers, roadies and gravel cyclists alike. Non cyclists who love watersports, beaches and/or spas will also be very happy. Read more about our experience in the article above!