This is a lovely gravel loop ride that heads south from Viana, along the Atlantic Coast, past a small fishing harbour, windswept dunes and rocky coves, and then inland and onto the Camino de Santiago route.
As with the Santa Luzia route north, it’s easy to cut this route short. We ended up doing just that and only rode as far as Mar. We’ve included the full route supplied by FeelViana Sport Hotel, for completeness.
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
Atlantic vistas, sandy beaches and historic churches along the Camino de Santiago.
Route notes
1. FeelViana Sport Hotel to Mar (or on to Esposende)
Unfortunately it’s currently not possible to ride along the coast path from the FeelViana Sport Hotel, as apparently it has fallen into disrepair. So you cut inland for a few kilometres before popping out at a fishing harbour on the coast near Petra Alta.
A pretty section of the Ecovia Litoral Norte heads south from here, hugging the coast before heading inland around a creek (the Rio Neiva).
The impressive Iberia Antigua de São Bartolomeu do Mar marked our turn point (photo above) and we headed inland for lunch.
As you’ll see from the GPS route, you can continue further to Esposende, with its fishing heritage and excellent beach.
2. Mar to FeelViana Sport Hotel
The route winds its way back along the hillside, following the course of the Camino de Santiago, with a succession of churches, yellow arrows and scallop shells to follow.
The most technical section comes around the 38 kilometre mark, when you riding a single track path, with the Rio Neiva some way below – you end up crossing this on the stone bridge pictured above. There are rocks, steps and many a tree root to navigate, so depending on your level of expertise, it might be a hike bike job. Or you cold bypass it and stick to roads/tracks.
You cross the river on the stone Ponte do Sebastiao and it’s then back to easy tracks and roads all the way back to the hotel.
Woodland trail just after crossing the Ponte de São Sebastião over the River Neiva on the Camino Portuguese
Café stops
There aren’t any cafés en route until you reach Mar, but with a few diversions and the help of Google maps, you’d be able to find places.
There are water fountains dotted along the Camino de Santiago route.
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.
FeelViana Sport Hotel, surrounded by pine forest near Viana do Castelo
Tips
Check out our guide to cycling Viana and our tips for cycling in Portugal.
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!
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.
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!