This road ride gives a fantastic taster of the best that this area has to offer, from medieval towns, to winding valleys and the stunning coastline.
FeelViana Sport Hotel name this ride Pedras Finas, which translates as ‘fine stones’. This is after the granite mine and stone working areas that border the ride’s major climb.
Note:
- If you’d like to visit Ponte de Lima by road bike, but want less distance, check out this ride.
- If you’d like to visit Caminha by road bike, but want less distance, check out this ride.
John Dewey, is an avid cyclist with a tendency to underestimate total riding time (or over-estimate his speed)! It's been a few years since he hung up the TT skinsuit, but his love of riding continues unabated.
Highlights
Ponte de Lima is a gem of a small town and the perfect place for a morning coffee. Lunch in Caminha is also a must.
The descent to Caminha is glorious.
Route notes
1. Viana do Castelo to Ponte de Lima (26 km)
The first section of the ride takes you over the bridge over the Lima River, to the town of Viana do Castelo. Getting on and off the bridge on the town side involves navigating perhaps the most confusing interchange we have ever seen – pay attention!
After leaving the cobbles of the town behind, you climb out of the town diverting on, off and back on the EN202 that takes you to Ponte de Lima.
The highlight is the 280 metre long medieval bridge after which the town is named. The Monday market, held every other week, has operated since 1125.
2. Ponte de Lima to Caminha (46 km)
After leaving Ponte de Lima, you’re faced with a 10 kilometre climb, but the gradient is steady and reasonable, averaging 3.6% on a good road surface. After a nondescript summit (not even a sign to mark your achievement!), the road kicks up slightly to cross the A3 motorway, the highest point of the ride.
From here it’s a wonderful 22 kilometre of downhill, with only a few small hillocks to scale. The route leaves the EN201 at Agualongo. At the time we rode it, the road surface was good and winds through forest and vineyards, through the small town of Coura to follow the path of the Coura river on your right. After a short 2km climb and descent, the route skirts the Coura river delta to arrive in the charming historic centre of Caminha.
3. Caminha to Viana do Castelo (29 km)
From Caminha, it’s the N13 coast road back to Viana do Castelo, with a few detours closer to the coast around Vila Praia de Âncora. Unless you’re unlucky, the prevailing wind will beat your back and the road has a wide shoulder area.
The striking Ponte de Lima bridge
Café stops
The two towns on this route are Ponte de Lima and Caminha. Both offer beautiful town squares with good options for café stops.
Vila Praia de Âncora is another pretty town and beach that is a good spot for refuelling on the home straight.
Viano do Castelo also has lots of options, including Peloton Café. Great coffee and a good selection of cakes, in a Girona-esque cobbled side street, complete with cycling memorabilia and a small shop and seating area at the back of the café.
Accommodation
We stayed at FeelViana Sport Hotel, just over the Lima River from Viana do Castelo. You’ll find full details in our guide to cycling Viana.
Tips
Check out our tips for cycling in Portugal.
It’s worth filling up bottles and snacks in Ponte de Lima, as there are few options until Caminha.
This is a route that you probably don’t want to reverse: the 25 kilometre coastal section generally has a north/northwesterly wind. Also, descending the Coura valley is the nicest way to experience it.
Take extra care getting onto and off the Ponte Eiffel bridge in Viana do Castelo as this is busy and very confusing.
Not every rider will enjoy the traditional cobbles found in most of the towns and villages you ride through. Try to stay seated, hold the bars loosely and keep powering the legs!
Generally drivers are patient and courteous although care is required on the narrow roads.
Got a question for John?
Fill out this form and we will send it to John. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!John Dewey, is an avid cyclist with a tendency to underestimate total riding time (or over-estimate his speed)! It's been a few years since he hung up the TT skinsuit, but his love of riding continues unabated.
First Published: 12 May 2025
All metrics in this article are approximate.
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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!