Exhilarating gravel adventures
Viana do Castelo is the northernmost Atlantic city in Portugal. Well known for its food and friendly locals, Viana do Castelo is rich in traditions, history and folklore.
This trip combines a variety of scenarios: you’ll be able to ride along the coast, experience a taste of the “Camino de Santiago” along the river, venture inland and get to know the oldest village in Portugal.
Starting from Santa Luzia, an iconic hill in the region with breathtaking views, you will ride along coastal roads and wooden paths, discovering picturesque towns and villages along the way. The ride will also take you through mountains, allowing you to experience the nature, local culture and history of some of the most beautiful towns in Portugal.
At the end of the day, return to the comfort of the FeelViana Sport Hotel, treat yourself to a relaxing massage and a comforting meal, and get ready for your next adventure.
Our team of professional guides will support you based on your level and expectations. Average bike tours consist of daily stages of 40-60 km with 100-1300 m of ascent – we can choose from a wide range of tours to customize the program. Average physical condition and good overall fitness are an advantage.
Watersports
Give your biking holiday a boost and freshen yourself up by trying some water sports between the end of March and the end of September: Kitesurfing, Wing Foiling, Windsurfing, Surfing, Stand up Paddleboarding, CableWakeboarding just next to Feelviana Hotel! Due to its features, the Cabedelo Beach is an excellent spot for all levels (beginner, intermediate or advanced). This beach has three distinct areas: one, by the peer, more protected and with flat water; another, in front of the FeelViana beach bar, with side shore wind and finally, south from the bay, a third area with onshore wind.
Highlights
- Varying degrees of riding difficulty
- Beautiful landscapes
- Culture
OPTIONAL NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES
- Massages and spa treatments
- Water and wind sports
- Yoga
TRIP SUMMARY
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Dates
Price per person
Group Size: 1-8 persons
Included Services
- Professional guide & 5 guided tours
- 5 days bike rental
- 5 nights in Standard Garden View Room at FeelViana Sport Hotel
- Dinner and breakfast buffet
- Spa access
- Hotel parking
- Access to outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Front desk available 24 h a day
- Service hotline
- Personal accident insurance
- Free bike parking, bike washing and adjustments daily
Additional bookable services
- Yoga lessons
- Lunch at a special spot
- Van support during bike tours
- Private Guiding (single suplement)
- Airport/hotel transfers
- Van support during bike tours
- Wellness and spa services
- Other sports activities
Please note that you will be contacting our partner company Globetrotter Travel Service AG when continuing with this booking enquiry.
Program
Below is an example of our 5-night package. We can customize programs of different durations. Please enquire for more details.
Check-in, welcome and warm-up Sunset City tour lap. Enjoy a welcome cocktail at the hotel where you’ll be given a FeelViana welcome bag.
Don’t shy away from this challenging but rewarding route. At the end of the initial 3 km climb, catch your breath while enjoying the outstanding view over the city. Then we’ll head towards the Monte de Santa Luzia and stroll through nature in the company of wild horses, admiring stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Aſterwards, we’ll descend in the direction of Afife to Arda Beach (an excellent spot for surfing) before continuing to the city of Viana do Castelo along the coast. For the grand finale, a stop in Viana to sample the famous “Bolas de Berlim” (a type of doughnut) made by Manel Natário – a moment of sin in this activity-fueled itinerary. Enjoy every morsel!
- 43 km
This coastal ride is a sight for sore eyes, taking in some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Cycling north, this mostly flat route leads to the mouth of the Minho River and the Camarido pine wood in Caminha, where the Ínsua Island guards the sunsets and the coast. This small, rocky island is home to a fort and a freshwater well – one of just three in the world that is on an island, in the sea. On our way back, we’ll have a break in the beautiful fishing town of Vila Praia de Âncora where you have plenty of choice for a caffeine hit or a delicious meal by the sea.
- 60 km
This ride takes in one of the most interesting sections of the Lima River. On the south bank of the river, in Ponte de Lima, we’ll enjoy all the wonders this charming town has to offer. A great place to go on a relaxed wander to get to know the oldest town in Portugal, with its rich culture and gastronomy. The return trip takes us back along the north bank of the Lima, stopping at the Bertiandos Lagoons – a protected area that forms part of the national ecological reserve.
- 55 km
If you’re looking for a mountain bike route without uneven surfaces or expert descents, this soſt-gravel tour is ideal for you. You’ll enjoy mountain landscapes and sea views on carefully chosen roads and paths where the surface is regular and cars rarely pass. The last 20 km take in the North Coast Ecovia, where the refreshing sea breeze always makes a pleasant companion.
- 53 km
A final breakfast buffet before your onward journey.
Travel
By Plane
Porto Airport (Portugal). Alternative: Vigo Airport (Spain)
By Train
Several Spain and Portugal departures to Viana Do Castelo train station
By Car
FeelViana Sport Hotel, Rua Brás de Abreu Soares nr 222, 4935-159 Viana do Castelo
Parking available on site.
Accomodation
Portugal is a dream destination for those looking for adventure holidays in Europe. FeelViana Sport Hotel, located in Northern Portugal’s gem, Viana do Castelo, overlooks the Cabedelo beach pinewood. FeelViana is a sustainable, four-star superior hotel, constructed from wood and perfectly framed in the surrounding landscape.
With both indoor and outdoor pools, large glass windows and a privileged location by the sea (200 meters), this Sport Hotel is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, whether with family and friends or with your partner.
FeelViana Sport Hotel has 55 rooms with a simple and functional décor, designed to make you feel at home and truly appreciate your stay. All room types have a lovely balcony to allow you to relax and be at one with nature. We have 4 types of rooms:
- 31 standard rooms (24 with garden view/7 with sea view)
- 12 junior suites
- 9 bungalows
- 3 suites
At FeelViana Sport Hotel, kitesurfing, windsurfing, SUP, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and biking are all part of our day to day. The essence of this hotel is the outdoor experiences it offers. But FeelViana was also designed for those who wish to relax. At our Spa and Yoga and Pilates Room, you can take time out to indulge yourself.
Visit our restaurant and tavern, both overlooking the Cabedelo Beach Pinewood, to celebrate tasty, yet healthy Portuguese cuisine. At our beach bar you can have a break from the outdoor activities, while enjoying the splendid view over a glass of wine. We also have a pump track where you can test you riding skills with our SCOTT Voltage bikes. At FeelViana, sports and wellbeing are in perfect harmony!
A bike parking (locked room with access for bike owners only), a bike shop with all necessities, a repair shop with a mechanic, a 24h/7d emergency call service, as well as a van & trailer for group rides and pick-up services are available.
Guides
RICARDO FELGUEIRAS
Ricardo Felgueiras was born in Viana do Castelo and is passionate about cycling from an early age. Ricardo started to cycle as a kid, at the age of 10, in the oldest cycling school in Portugal: TENSAI, in Santa Marta de Portuzelo. It didn’t take long before he started competing and winning races in the Junior and under 23 categories. It was only natural he became a professional cyclist at the age of 20. For 13 years, Ricardo rode for several teams and gained impressive experience in various tours: 11 Volta a Portugal, 2 Volta a Espanha, 1 Future Volta a França, 2 Catalan Weeks, 3 Volta às Asturias. To excel in his professional career, Ricardo explored the region and cycled along local roads and tracks getting to know them in depth and discovering the most beautiful spots and secrets the region has to offer. As your dedicated FeelViana tour guide, Ricardo will happily share his experience as a pro cyclist and give you the best tips about the region.
Languages spoken: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French
Equipment
Scott Solace Gravel eRIDE
Expand your horizons with the new Solace Gravel. From all day Alpine epics to Saturday morning time-crunched escapes the Solace Gravel is hugely versatile.
SCOTT SPEEDSTER GRAVEL
The SCOTT Speedster Gravel 30 is your one-stop shop for when the path gets less traveled. Comfortable geometry for all-day rides, room for big tires and fully internal cable routing make this a great option for those looking to take it off road!
SCOTT SCALE 965 and Contessa Scale
Balancing the Scale’s DNA , we’ve created a whole new breed in the world of hardtail mountain bikes. A racing inspired geometry, coupled with a straightforward and sharp design provides the all-new Scale 900 line with its distinctive character and aggressive look - a bike that proudly flaunts its definitive characteristics. This rig is ready for just about anything, are you?
SCOTT SUB CROSS Eride 30
Meet the Sub Cross eRIDE 30, the easy way to explore gravel roads or smooth trails. The bike is equipped with the powerful Bosch Active drive unit, intelligently integrated into the frame for a slick and smooth design. An adjustable stem and ergonomic saddle result in optimal comfort.
