Cycletourism Network Road Book 2016 nd 2 edition, July update
Maps, technic and touristic info, traffic alerts, altitude profiles, photos and
GPS tracks
www.ecovias.pt
Ecovias logo by: www.inspirart.pt
Project coordinator: Paulo Guerra dos Santos
Ecovias.pt is protected by the WHOIS ICANN international laws and it can not be used by third parties besides its legal owner.
Touristic Road Books
in this road book
1482 km of secondary roads, bike lanes and rails-to -trails identified in 30 sections.
Detailed maps and info, photos and links.
Technical data, alerts and track information .
Tips for your bike journey.
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index
click for fast access Introduction ………….....………...........................................…. Disclaimer …………….....…........................................……..… General description …….....…….......................................… GPS technologies ……….............................................….......… Understanding Maps & Info ……....................................…. Tips & Tricks …………...….....…........................................…
» » » » » »
National Cycletourism Network - general map .................. » Routes - general description .......................................................... » Maps & Info Ecovia 1 - Atlantic west coast .............................................. » Ecovia 2 - Rivers, farms and forests .................................. » Ecovia 3 - Meridian cross country ....................................... » Ecovia 9 - Mondego River & Mountains ............................ » Ecovia 12 - Marshlands & Plains ………............................. » Ecovia 14 - Central Alentejo .................................................. » Ecovia 18 - Algarvian south coast ........................................ » Weekend tours ............................................................................ » Sketch your route ......................................................................... »
Touristic Road Books
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The roads Like some other cycling networks all over the world, Ecovias Portugal identifies for you the local and secondary low traffic roads. Forest and rural roads are also identified when existing, as well exclusive bike lanes or rail-totrail infrastructures. Pavements will be mostly asphalt but may also vary from macadam or soil, etc.
Macadame road, Ecovias Portugal
Introduction During the summer of 2010, I travelled for 100 days with my bicycle around Portugal’s mainland (there are also 2 archipelagos with 9 + 2 islands). While visiting more than 100 cities and villages, exclusively cycling, I realized the huge potential that Portugal has to offer for those who are fans of the outdoor in nature activities like cycle tourism travels. After this amazing trip in my own country - and using all my experience as a road project engineer - I started to build a road map with the most beautiful secondary and low traffic roads, using the most advanced technologies like GPS tagging and online maps. Based on the existing national and municipality public roads network, this project selects for you the best roads that lead you through the most amazing scenarios and landscaping of my country. Please note that this huge task for identifying a national network just started. It is expected that this 8000 km network will be under identification until at least 2020. For now, Ecovias Portugal presents to you a major part of the Atlantic Coast Route - Ecovia 1 (16 sections) as well 14 more other sections for Ecovias 2, 9, 12, 14 and 18 making a total of 1482 km identified using GPS. This road book is the way to reach thousands of bike tourism fans all over the world and a sustainable form of financing the major costs that such a project has like travels, sleeping, feeding and equipment. And of course, the thousands of hours of my personal time and knowledge spent to identify and put on paper all this routes.
thank you
So for supporting the EcoviasPortugal project by buying this road book. It is guaranteed that all income will be used for future updates and new routes identification, to keep the Ecovias web page online and to improve even more your experience as a tourist on a bicycle around Portugal.
Sometimes, as there might be no alternatives, you will have to cross or even cycle a few meters along a national high traffic road. If that happens, there will be a alert on the maps. In the future there will also be alerts on the kml and gpx tracks. Please note that there are no signs or indications all over the network, so it is COMPULSORY to use a GPS device with the track files provided (KML or GPX). The maps for each section, although accurate, may not be enough to guide you correctly. It is even advisable to have a national road map as an auxiliary for your journey. You can view the official national road map here »»» Do you have any questions or need some extra support? Please send as an e-mail »»»
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Disclaimer Please note that this network is based on the existing national and local traffic public road network. This means that most of the time you will mix with the motorized traffic. Please pay attention and follow the general Portuguese traffic rules. Althought it’s not compulsory, it is advisible that you have a personal accident ensurance valid for Portugal or E.U. Please note that the Ecovias Portugal network it is not responsible neither for your behavior while cycling on the public roads neither it will be responsible for any accicdents you may have or be involved with. Please considered this road book as a general guidance like a road map. All the options you made and actions you take will be of your full responsibility. Like in any other country of the world, use common sense and respect all users of the public space, both drivers and pedestrians as well other cyclists.
Ecovias Portugal, section 1.05 - Afurada, Porto
The author I am a 43 years old civil engineer living in Lisbon, with a master degree in Road Project. Since 1995 I work with CAD technologies for road projects. I have also professional training in industrial robotics, an area in which I worked and taught for many years. I’ve also completed the first year of my PhD in Public Policies, where I will deepen my knowledge for the cycle tourism public policies in other countries and study the economic impacts that investmenting in this type of networks generate for the local and national economies. This knowledges, allied with the experience and passion for cycletourism are been used to identify the National Cycletourism Network and take it to you under the form of a road book with accurate maps and GPS tracks for you to use as a guidance on your trips around Portugal.
Paulo Guerra dos Santos Project coordinator
All the routes were covered by myself, more than once, in order to give you the best cycling experience.
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The state of the art
For the Ecovias network, whenever it is possible, I identify low traffic macadam roads.
Nacional Cycletourism Network general description
Portugal’s mainland geometry is basically a rectangle, vertically aligned. This way and according to the most interesting routes and places, I planned the network dividing it in meridian and parallel routes. Routes numbered from 1 to 4 are the meridian and the longest ones (geotagged from north to south). Routes from 5 to 18 are the parallel ones (geotagged from west to east) and take you from the Atlantic to the border with Spain. Route number 13 does not exist ... just in case! Each route is named Ecovia and it’s divided in sections. For example, the Ecovia 1 from Valença do Minho to Vila do Bispo it’s expected to have 24 sections (16 already identified). Each section is planned to have between 40 km to
Portugal does not have a central government policy for the long distance cycle tourism promotion. However, some municipalities are developing their own cycling networks building bike lanes, rail -to-trails or restricting traffic in rural macadam roads, local parks and forest roads. At Ecovias Portugal, although I search mostly for secondary local and low traffic roads, every time there is an infrastructure dedicated for cyclists, such as a bike lane or a rail-to-trail, I use it for the ecovias network.
Planned network numbering 50 kms so it can be easily cycled during morning, at summer time. Exceptionally, some may be a bit longer. In the near future when most of the network is identified, you will be able to plan a trip from/to any part of the country, choosing the best sections of each ecovia that takes you to your destination. All the 18 district capital cities are included in the network, as well many other beautiful cities and villages
under identification until 2025 1
2
3
4
5 6 7
Porto
8 9 10 11 12
Lisboa
14 15 16 17 18
Faro
1, Melgaço - Vila do Bispo 2, Melgaço - Lagos 3, Chaves - Faro 4, Bragança - Vila Real de Santo António 5, Viana do Castelo - Miranda do Douro 6, Povoa de Varzim - Miranda do Douro 7, Porto - Miranda do Douro 8, Aveiro - Vilar Formoso 9, Figueira da Foz - Monfortinho 10, São Pedro de Moel - Castelo Branco 11, Peniche - Portalegre 12, Santa Cruz - Badajoz 14, Lisboa - Évora 15, Vila Nova de Milfontes - Barrancos 16, Zambujeira-do-Mar - Mértola 17, Odeceixe - Alcoutim 18, Vila do Bispo - Vila Real de Santo António
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Apps for maps & tracks If you do not have a GPS device, use your last generation smartphone. Just download any maps app and navigate with Ecovias Portugal tracks.
The ecovias network and the GPS technologies Low cost investment project
EcoviasPortugal brings a new concept for the bicycle touring networks identification: no vertical signaling for identification of the routes, all over the network. As millions of people all over the world had change from their old cellphones to brand new smartphones, they have now a powerfull GPS technology in their pockets. Using the satellite orbiting constellation system, it is possible with a smartphone to know exactly our location on Earth, visualized over a full map or just a simple line, called “track”.
While exploring new routes for the National Cycletourism Network I use my smartphone’s GPS. For that, I downloaded some apps for testing and they all work fine and are able to read the KML/GPX file: - Android: OruxMaps (I use this one) - iPhone » MotionX - Widows phone » Bike Tour Then, just copy the KML or GPX file to the tracks folder of the app (folder “tracklog” in OruxMaps) and use it with your smartphone’s GPS active. Try it. You will see how easy and powerful it is!
This is how I operate and identify to you the best secondary roads, either in asphalt or macadam. To follow my steps all along the National Cycletourism Network, you just need a GPS device or a smartphone with GPS, then download the KML or GPX files, copy them to your GPS device and follow the tracks. As simple as it could be! So, enjoy Portugal on a bicycle with Ecovias GPS tracks.
Section 1.15, Praia das Maçãs
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Trail parallel to water canal, near Odeceixe.
Understanding maps and its information Thank you for supporting the Ecovias Portugal network and its maps. They will help you on your planning and travelling around Portugal with your bike. Please note that these maps, although quite accurate and fully based on the national road network, they do not identify neither the pavement type nor its conditions, so please read the alerts I give you in all section maps and use your GPS device as a guidance. The network is mostly based on asphalted roads but I also use macadam trails and other pavement roads. In general, every time I identify a macadam trail I also tell you the best asphalted alternative in case you cycle with road slick tires or in winter time, as these macadam trails may have water or mud. I also identify the major villages or cities all the way long, so that you know where there are some cafes or restaurants for you to stop and reinforce in water and energy.
Section data and other tips For each section I also provide you with technical information about the track such as distance, cumulated altitude, longitudinal profile and expected traffic. Also, I give you the section description with general information about what you will see and visit as well other useful info like detours or suggestions for that day.
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Tips & Tricks for cycling in Portugal Welcome to Portugal’s mainland, one of the sunniest countries in Europe. With a total area of around 92 000 km 2 it measures about 550 km from north to south and less then 200 km from east to west. Located between the Atlantic Ocean (west and south coasts) and Spain (north and east borders) it has its lower lands near the Atlantic and its uplands and highest mountains in the northeast quadrant. It has a lot of rivers, some quite long coming from Spain like Tagus, Douro and Guadiana. It has thousands of valleys, green areas, mountains and of course, beaches. It has no lakes, besides the artificial ones like the Alqueva’s Dam. It has though 3 gigantic river mouths flooding areas at Aveiro, Lisboa and Faro regions, great places for cycling as they are totally flat.
17:30h to 20:30h). Do not forget to put sun cream protector 50+ factor every 2 hours, starting in the morning. If very sensitive skin you must use long sleeves, trousers and a cap (besides the helmet, although it’s not compulsory to use it in Portugal). Rainy season in general is from mid November to April, with temperatures dropping to a freezing +5ºC in December and January which is already so cold, for us Portuguese. Well, in the north and in the mountains you may have negative temperatures and snow for some weeks.
About the weather it’s very easy: SUNNY !!! 3000 hours of sun every year. From May to mid November it’s the best cycling season with temperatures above +25ºC. Well, maybe July and August may be a bit hotter with average temperatures above +30ºC. During this months you should cycle only in the morning (from 06:30h to 11:30h) and late afternoon (from
Don’t forget to try our food. All over the country it’s good, tasty and cheap. In general all the pricing in Portugal is much more affordable than in other E.U. countries. Try to look for those cozy, family, small taverns. In general they are the best place for a meal and a chat with locals.
About the wind, in general you have it all along the Atlantic Coast, coming from north to south, with moderate intensity. Inland, you my experience also intensity winds above the 600 meters altitude.
Trains and bikes in Portugal Bikes are allowed in every urban and regional trains all over the country and its transportation is for free. About the long distance trains (Intercity and Alfa Pendular) it is still for now a bit more complicated. Lisbon-Coimbra-Porto-Braga-Guimarães InterCity trains already allow 2 bikes per carriage, hanged up vertically on a hook. When buying your ticket you must tell to the ticket office person that you are carrying a bike as there are special seats allocated for cyclists. No bikes are allowed in all other InterCity or AlfaPendular trains all over the country, including the south railway to Algarve, except if wheels are dismounted and the full bike packed in a bag or wrapped in cellophane.
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For a good night sleep there are all over the country hotels, hostels (some of the world’s best are in Portugal), boarding houses and camping. Check here for the camping parks all over the country. You can also check for private houses and room rental at web sites like airbnb, tripadvisor or booking. Portuguese people are in general polite and friendly with foreigners and they will definitely try to communicate with you, even if they don’t speak any english. Younger generations are more eager to speak Shakespeare language, as well a bit of spanish and french. If you travel by bicycle, people will be definitely more curious about where do you come from and where are you planning to go. Sometimes, especially in the countryside, you may have some 3rd degree encounters with big groups of animals. Cows, sheep, goats or other extremely dangerous animals like rabbits may be seen along your bike touring around Portugal. Many birds too like eagles, hawks and storks. Even some camel-birds are possible to see. Just follow your way, unless they are a furious running group of bulls. No bears, tigers, dragons or al-
iens will be found (I guess …). Now the most important: the roads and the traffic. Portugal’s accident rate it’s a bit above the EU average, around 90 deaths/year per each million inhabitants. Unfortunately this is the bad news as portuguese drivers still tend to drive faster than the speed limits, even inside the city centers (50 km/h). The good news is that drivers attitude is changing towards a reduction of this numbers, thanks to a lot of governmental campaigns, police control, radars and of course thanks to the increasing number of people cycling on a daily basis and also cycle touring. My advice: always cycle close to the berm, on a line if cycling in group. Make your self as much visible as possible, use reflective vests and light color clothes, pedal on a straight line and not on a zig zag and always make signals with your hands every time you want to change direction. Outside the major urban areas and national roads, traffic is in general much less dangerous for cycle tourists, as drivers are not so stressed or on a rush.
Traffic classifications I use to alert you for each sections traffic: Low or Reduced: secondary roads used only by locals to access their houses or farming, as well residential blocks in urban areas. It is possible to cycle 5 or 10 minutes without seeing a car. Speeds are low to moderate. Reduced to moderate: reduced traffic road with possibility of moderate traffic. This may happen due to rush hours, weekend tours or summer time holidays. Moderated: a secondary road with a few traffic, with or without a berm, but still low chance that 2 cars cross each other on opposite directions along with you. Moderated to high: moderated traffic road with possibility of high traffic. This may happen due to rush hours, weekend tours or summer time holidays. High traffic: main national roads and urban roads in big cities.
Heavy traffic: national roads with intense traffic both ways including trucks and lorries, high speeds up to 90 km/h and even narrow or none existing berm.
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National Cycletourism Network - general map
Road Book 2016
General map with links for fast navigation between sections
www.ecovias.pt
Valença
Ecovia 1 Ecovia 2 Ecovia 3
1.01
X
X
Ecovia 9
BRAGA IC Guimarães
Ecovia 12
U
U
X
Ecovia 14
IC
2.03
IC U
Ecovia 18
PORTO
Planned network for 2025.
X
X
U
Pocinho
X
1.05 R
X
IC
Train lines NOT allowing bike transport except if dismounted and packed. Train lines allowing bike transport inside: U Urban trains R Regional trains IC InterCity trains
1.06 U
AVEIRO 1.07
Monção
3.06
IC R
GUARDA R
R
1.08
Covilhã
9.1 U
COIMBRA
R
1.09
More info at: www.cp.pt BRAGA
R
R
R
IC R 1.10
Tomar
LEIRIA
R R
1.11
District capital city Other cities or villages
R
R 1.12
IC R
R
SANTARÉM
1.13 R
1.14
PORTALEGRE
2.11
2.12 12.5
IC
1.1
12.7
R
1.15
U U
2.13
LISBOA
U
U
X
14.2
14.1
U
14.4
14.3
X
X
2.14
U
ÉVORA
SETÚBAL
Sections coming soon: X
X
Ecovia 2 2.08 - 2.10, Montemor-o-Velho - Entroncamento 2.15, Alcácer-do-Sal - Grândola Ecovia 17 17.1, Odeceixe - Monchique
X
X
BEJA
1.22 1.23 X
1.24
Touristic Road Books
18.1
R
FARO
R
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General Description
Ecovia 1 - Atlantic west coast From Melgaço to Vila do Bispo
The ocean, the cliffs, the beaches and the pine tree forests Melgaço
Porto
Ecovia 1 takes you all along the western portuguese coast, leading you from the moist and windy north to the driest and warmer south. Passing by dozens of beaches and small traditional fishermen villages, it will allow you to visit the 2 biggest portuguese cities: Porto, with its river front to Douro River and Lisboa, the capital city with its imperial architectural squares. Often with close views to the Atlantic, you will pedal along major Pine Tree forests sent to plant in the 14th century by the king Dom Dinis, in order to prevent coastal damage due to ocean strong waves. In the north and central north areas you will find many cycling dedicated infrastructures. In the central south and south areas you will pedal mostly using secondary asphalt or macadam roads. Please notice that as you pedal south you will find deeper valleys, so you will have to go up&down more often as you will pass from the upland tops to the coastal lower beaches and cliffs.
Lisboa
Cascais
Enjoy your ride along the Atlantic Cost, future part of Eurovelo 1 and taste along the way many types of grilled fish, traditional pastry and above all, take deep breathes and fill your longs with fresh ocean air.
V. Nova Milfontes Vila do Bispo
Faro
16 (of 24) sections identified so far: from Melgaço to Monção, from Porto to Cascais and from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Vila do Bispo (near Sagres).
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General Description
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Ecovia 2 - Rivers, farms & forests From Monção to Lagos
Forests, sierras, rivers, rice fields, oak trees and villages. Melgaço
Arco de Baúlhe Porto
Amarante
Entroncamento
Lisboa
Alcácer-do-Sal
This coastal inland ecovia offers to all nature lovers long green natural areas. Pedaling parallel to the atlantic west coast, although never seeing the ocean’s blue, the surrounding environment goes from typical moist green in the north, at the Gerês National Park, to the driest forests in the south at the Southwest Natural Park. Both parks consist in average altitude sierras (400-600 meters) so you will also enjoy amazing views. Another must of this ecovia: the long farming areas, mostly flood zones along the river banks, that will show you why Portuguese are the biggest rice consumers in Europe, as this cereal grain is widely produced in the lower lands of 5 major rivers in Central and South Portugal: Mondego (Coimbra), Tejo (Santarém), Sorraia (Coruche), Sado (Alcácer-do-Sal) and Mira (Odemira) rivers. Also, you will visit many small villages and towns with their traditional humanized architecture and life style rhythm. So, just observe all this green environments on a slow travel mode and enjoy life on a natural scale. 5 (of 22) sections identified so far: from Arco de Baúlhe to Amarante and from Entroncamento to Alcácer-do-Sal.
Lagos
Faro
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General Description
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Ecovia 3 - Meridian cross country From Chaves to Faro
From the northen mountains to the south warm beaches
Chaves
Porto
Viseu Santa Comba-Dão
Ecovia 3 takes you to explore all the inland diversity of environments and orography starting at the Spanish border in the north of Portugal and pedaling to the Atlantic Ocean in the south. From the northern mountains to the southern plains you will cross some of the major rivers and valleys of Portugal. Passing by some abandoned railways, now converted in rails-to-trails, you will also pedal sometimes along the mythic National Road N2 (our kind of Route 66). Crossing 11 different districts, this is the longest road in Portugal with more than 730 km, now with much few traffic thanks to the many highways already existing in this meridian central part of the country. Please notice that as you pedal in the northern and central Portugal, you will have sometimes to climb some sierra or mountain. I will warn you in every sections where that happens.
Lisboa
So, enjoy riding this amazing middle cross country tour and discover along the way the gastronomy, the pastry, the beautyful landscapes and the people not so used to see outsiders, especially on a bike, but still friendly and welcoming. Faro
1 (of 22) section identified so far: from Viseu to Santa Comba-Dão
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General Description
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Ecovia 9 - Mondego River & Mountains From Figueira-da-Foz to Monfortinho
Mondego River, rice fields, the mountains and pine forests Ecovia 9 leads bicycle travelers from the ocean low lands to the highest mountains in the mainland. Starting at the River Mondego mounth, the first kilometers of this ecovia will be flat, pedaling along the rice fields to the students oldest city, Coimbra. Porto
Figueirada-Foz
Coimbra
Monfortinho
From here, there will be no more flat pedaling. Valleys, sierras and mountains will be the major part of all sections. Pedaling altitudes will reach 1000 meters, although Serra da Estrela central mountain goes up to 1991 meters. As this is a rocky formations area, mostly made by granite and basalt, you will see huge rocks between the pine trees and eucalypt forests, as well mountain farming areas and small mountain villages. Also, you will visit some of the least populated historical villages of this region, with their granite made houses and renovated rural paths for you to enjoy.
Lisboa
In the end you will visit the small mountain village Monfortinho, with its geothermal waters. At the top of the mountains you will have 360Âş landscaping views, so please enjoy for long periods every high point you conquer with your sweat. Faro
1 (of 6) section identified so far from: from Figueira-daFoz to Coimbra.
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General Description
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Ecovia 12 - Marshlands and Plains From Santa Cruz to Badajoz (ES)
Ocean, Tagus River marshlands, Alentejo plains and tapas Ecovia 12 leads bicycle travelers from the ocean to the land of nuestros hermanos. Starting with a view to the Atlantic Ocean at the coastal village of Santa Cruz, you will pedal inland crossing the small sierras between Torres Vedras and Alenquer. Porto
From here, you will enter in one of the most flat ecovias. Fisrt passin by the Tagus river marshlands, then going upstream the Sorraia River and entering in the hottest region of Portugal: Alentejo. Alentejo is the region of plains and cork trees, as well small rivers, brooks and dams. Also a place where quietness and a slow life style are abundant.
Santa Cruz
Mora Lisboa
Avis
Elvas
Badajoz
Huge plantations of olive and cork trees will be sight, as well green vineyards. Actually, Alentejo’s red wine is considered one of the best so do not forget to tast it, especially on a sunset with view to a water front. After passing Elvas, the UNESCO’s world heritage with a lot of old military constructions to visit, you will reach the Portuguese-Spanish border and visit Badajoz, a city along the Guadiana River where you can drink cañas and taste some delicious tapas. 2 (of 7) sections available so far: from Mora to Avis and from Elvas to Badajoz.
Faro
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General Description
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Ecovia 14 - Central Alentejo From Lisboa (Montijo) to Monsaraz
Tagus and Sado rivers estuaries, oak trees & rails-to-trails Ecovia 14 takes bicycle travelers towards inland, starting with a ferry boat trip from Lisbon’s downtown to the south bank of the Tagus River. As you pedal away from the metropolitan area you will enter in the long farming areas of Alentejo, the least populated region in Portugal as well the hottest one.
Porto
Long plains, brooks and rivers, small dams and traditional villages with its Arabic influenced architecture will fill a major part of the landscape. Also, you will pedal along two abandoned railroads now renovated and converted into rails-to-trails for exclusive use of pedestrians and cyclists.
Lisboa Évora
Monsaraz
As this is one of the major cork producing regions, you will see huge plantations of Cork Oaks, some of them without the cork shell, hand removed to make high quality wine bottle corks as well as advanced new cork based materials used to produce clothes, bags, knife handles, shoes, umbrellas and even parts for NASA space ships. Around here you will breathe peace, harmony and a relaxing atmosphere both in life style as well in welcoming foreigners on a bicycle. 4 (of 6) sections identified so far from: from Lisboa (Montijo) to Évora.
Faro
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General Description
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Ecovia 18 - Algarvian south coast From Vila do Bispo (Sagres) to Vila Real de Santo António
Algarvian summer villages, cliffs and warm sandy beaches The Algarve region is the privileged place for summer vacation on a saddle. Located in the south of Portugal, it has one of the warmest climates of Europe and the warmest ocean waters in the mainland. Dozens of beaches, either near the cities or totally isolated from the urban world, will make your day.
Porto
From Vila do Bispo to Vila Real de Santo António, everyday you will pedal feeling the ocean’s breeze as well the countryside’s pure air. Old traditional summer villages, small sierras, valleys and brooks will make your journey richer allowing you to enjoy relaxing moments. Special views will be enjoyed as you pedal along the Ria Formosa, a long river mouth which mixes with the ocean salty waters creating small sandy islands and flooding green areas, some of them only accessible by boat. Lisboa
Enjoy your ride along the Algarvian cost, future part of Eurovelo route 8, and go dive in some of the most beautiful beaches of Europe. 1 (of 5) section identified so far: from Vila do Bispo to Lagos.
Vila do Bispo Sagres
Lagos
Faro
Vila Real de Santo António
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Ecovia 1
Road Book 2016
16 sections available
Melgaço
1.01 Valença
Ecovia 1 Ecovia 2 Ecovia 3 Ecovia 9 Ecovia 12 Ecovia 14 Ecovia 18
Chaves Miranda do Douro
Arco de Baúlhe
Amarante Porto 1.05
Train lines with passenger service
Sever do Vouga
Furadouro 1.06
Viseu
Praia da Barra 1.07 Vilar Formoso
Praia de Mira
1.08
Figueira-da-Foz
1.09
Santa Comba-Dão Monfortinho
Coimbra
Praia do Pedrógão 1.10 Nazaré 1.11 Entroncamento
Óbidos 1.12 Peniche Santa Cruz
1.13 1.14 Avis
Ericeira 1.15
Badajoz
Mora
Praia Grande 1.16 Lisboa Montijo
Elvas Évora
Cascais
Monsaraz Alcácer-do-Sal
Vila Nova de Milfontes 1.22 Zambujeira-do-Mar 1.24 Aljezur 1.24 Vila do Bispo Lagos Sagres
Faro
Vila Real de Santo António
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Melgaço Km 0.7
1.01
Porto
Melgaço Valença
Melgaço Thermal Park variant
Spain
44 km 225 meters uphill 100% asphalt 40% bike lanes Low/Moderated traffic
Lisboa
Profile 180 120
Faro
variant
60 (m) 0 0 ( km )
44
Section description
Spain variant
Monção Km 25.3
Valença - Monção Rail-to-trail
Spain
The first section of na amazing tour along the Atlantic West Portuguese Coast. Starting inland, in the northest latitude of Portugal, you will pedal parallel to Minho River, Ponte de Mouro’s Bridge the natural border between us and Spain. Exiting Melgaço, a thermal area, you will enter at the national road N202. Besides being a second order national road, it exists now a recently built variant between Melgaço and Monção, so N202 has low traffic and passes iright nside the small villages. Even though you must always pedal with maximum care. After exiting Monção you will pedal 19 kms on an abandoned railway, now renovated and converted into a rail-to-trail infrastructure. It is mostly close to the Minho River banks, so just enjoy the amazing landscaping until o reach Valença do Minho.
Other info 2.6 km after exiting Tuy, Spain Malgaço you will pass near the Thermal Park. Please visit it as it is an amazing green area. At Valença I suggest a night visit to the spanish city Tuy as it has a great nigh life atmosphere. Just cross the old bridge and pedal around 1.5 km. Low traffic. Note: Bicycles are not allowed inside the Minho Railway trains, unless you dismount and pack them.
Valença do Minho Tuy
Alerts and track information
km 0.7 - National road N202. Low to moderated traffic. km 25.3 - Entering at the Valença-Monção rail-to-trail.
What to visit at Valença:
The amazing “star” shape old fortress and its narrow streets.
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1.05
Porto São Bento train station
Campanhã train station
Porto Furadouro
PORTO Afurada
Historical old bridge
Km 1.6 Km 7.5
Salgueiros
45 km 25 meters uphill 95% asphalt 80% bike lanes Low traffic
Lisboa
Atl antic O ce an
Profile 30
Praia de Francelos
20
Chapel on the rocks
Faro
10 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Praia de Miramar
Section description
Praia da Aguda
Leave Porto crossing the old metal “Eiffel” bridge. Pedaling along the Douro River you will have amazing views to Ribeira, the city riverfront. Soon you will reach Afurada, a fishermen’s village between the Douro and the Atlantic. From here you will cycle mostly through bike lanes near the ocean. Just before Espinho I suggest a 800 meters walking over a wooden footbridge. Do NOT cycle here, just walk for about 15 minutes and appreciate the sand dunes, a small brook and the Atlantic. Exiting Espinho you will cycle along a footbridge (here you can cycle) and pass by an abandoned segment of an old military air base. Near Esmoriz you will visit the recently opened urban park and then cycle along the Pine Tree Forest, always on a renovated bike lane parallel to the forest road.
Praia da Granja Km 19
Pedestrians wooden made bridge bridge
Espinho Km 26-27
AbandonedMilitary MilitaAbandoned Air Base
Esmoriz Buçaquinho Urban Park Exclusive bike lane along Pine Tree forest
Other info Military Air Base
Camping Furadouro
Atl antic O ce an
45
Furadouro Ovar
At Granja you will pedal a Bike lane near Furadouro bit to the interior, cycling parallel to the railways, along a street with traditional old mansions. Espinho is the only portuguese city where the streets have no names, only numbers. This track takes you to visit the 19th Street, a pedestrians area with a lot of cafes and restaurants wich leads to the city hall.
Alerts and track information
km 1.6 - Reduced to moderated traffic along 3.2 km. km 7.5 - Bike shop with mechanics service. km 19 - 800m footbridge. DO NOT cycle here, please WALK. km 26 - Footbridge, allows cyclists. Possibility of sand. km 27 - Abandoned segment of military air base.
What to visit at Furadouro/Ovar:
Just enjoy the beach at Furadouro or take a tour around Ovar city centre (there is a direct bike lane), discovering the many buildings with their traditional tiled facades.
p. 23 www.ecovias.pt
1.06
Porto
Furadouro
Furadouro Praia da Barra
Km 2.3
Ovar
Asphalt alternative High traffic
62 km 50 meters uphill 95% asphalt 30% bike lanes High traffic at N327
Atl antic O ce an
Lisboa
Profile 30 20
Faro
Pardilhó
Km 31
10 (m) 0 0 ( km )
62
Section description Torreira’s beach Torreira Km 38
Murtosa
Atl antic O ce an
Aveiro Estuary
Aveiro Estuary flooding areas
Praia de São Jacinto
In order to avoid the high traffic of N327 between Furadouro and Torreira, I suggest a tour along the old docks of Aveiro River. Using bike lanes and macadame trails all the way to Torreira, you will visit seven old docks with their traditional boats called “Moliceiros”, painted with live colors. Then you will pass the bridge’s bike lane, and reach Torreira. Form here there is no alternative so you will pedal along N327, here with a bit less traffic and a beautiful view to the amazing blue of Aveiro River. Once in São Jacinto it is compulsory to take the ferry boat to Forte da Barra and from there pedal to todays final destination, Praia da Barra, using the bike lane to cross the long bridge, which is actually a highway.
São Km 52
Other info
Forte da Barra Praia da Barra
AVEIRO Km 57
Alerts and track information
N327 can have moderated to high traffic, especially on weekends and summer time, between Furadouro and Torreira. From Torreira to São Traditional docks Jacinto it can have a bit less traffic, but speeds are also up to 90 km/h. At São Jacinto you must take the ferry boat. It’s a 10 minutes travel. Check here for schedules.
km 2.3 - Heavy traffic roundabout intersection with N327. km 31 - Torreira’s Bridge, bike lane parallel to N109-5. km 38 - Moderated to high traffic along N327 for 12.5 km. km 52 - Ferry boat between São Jacinto and Forte da Barra. km 57 - Praia da Barra’s bridge, bike lane parallel to A25.
National Emergency Number
112
What to visit at Praia da Barra:
Enjoy the beach or visit Aveiro city centre, with its multiple water canals, traditional fishing boats and architecture. The track to visit Aveiro is shown at the next page.
Aveiro River
p. 24 www.ecovias.pt
AVEIRO
Praia da Barra
1.07
Porto
Praia da Barra Praia de Mira
Track to visit Aveiro
Km 3.6
Aveiro River
41 (+ 22) km 25 meters uphill 60% asphalt 65% bike lanes Low traffic
Lisboa
Ílhavo
Profile
Costa Nova Long bike lane
15 10
Faro
5 (m) 0
Atl antic O ce an
0 ( km )
41
Section description Vagos
Asphalt alternative
Praia da Vagueira
Long macadam low traffic road
Coffee
Coffee
A tl antic O ce an
Praia do Areão
Take a nice breakfast at Praia da Barra and start pedaling towards the bridge using the bike lane. Cross under the bridge and continue pedaling south to Costa Nova using this recently built bike lane and enjoying great views over the blue water and the sand dunes. After Praia Da Vagagueira I suggest you to pedal on a long macadam trail and passing Praia do Areão you will pedal on a bike lane in the middle of a Pine Tree forest. First in asphalt, then in macadam, then in asphalt again until you reach Lagoa, a beautiful and well preserved lagoon surrounded by forest. Then, using bike lane too, you will get to Praia da Mira, your final destination. Relax, go to the beach or just take a funny tour on the inside lake with a rented pedal boat.
Other info
Praia da Barra de Mira Wooden made bridge. Unknow structural conditions. DO NOT CROSS if damaged.
Praia de Mira
Lagoa trail
Km 38
Lagoa
Alerts and track information
I also give you the Lagoa trail track to visit Aveiro, the so called Portuguese little Venice with it’s canals, fishermen’s boats and traditional architecture. If you visit it, this will add 22 kms to your journey, making a total of 63 km. The way to Aveiro is totally flat, except accessing the bridge. Near the end of this section take your time along the Lagoa trail. It’s a perfect area for some sunny relaxing moments. You will take a bit of sand at the end. If necessary, go back on the trail.
km 3.6 - Detour to visit Aveiro. Check Ecovias track. km 38 - Wooden made bridge in unknown structural conditions. DO NOT CROSS if damaged. Use the roundabout.
What to visit at Praia de Mira:
Enjoy the beach or take a walk around the inside lake. You can also look for the fishermen’s boats arriving from the ocean with fresh fish or try to find some still existing wooden made old houses.
p. 25 www.ecovias.pt
Praia de Mira
1.08
Porto Km 1.2
Praia de Mira
Km 3.5
Figueira da Foz
Lagoa
Low traffic forest road
55 km 250 meters uphill 97% asphalt 10% bike lanes Low traffic
Lisboa
Atl antic O ce an
Profile
Pine Tree Forest
150 100
Faro
50 (m) 0 0 ( km )
Bike lane to Praia da Tocha
55
Section description Praia da Tocha
Km 15
Vela Lagoon
Atl antic O ce an
Braças Lagoon
Praia de Quiaios Quiaios
The proposed track for this section leads you through a long forest road. With basically no traffic almost all the way, this will definitely be an introspective trip surrounded by pine trees and sand. A few kilometers after visiting Praia da Tocha you will pass near two beautiful lagoons, one of them incredibly hidden behind the endemic vegetation, ideal for bird watching passionates. After coming down to the ocean again and visit Praia de Quiaios, you will pedal the hardest climbing of the day: a hilly macadam road (650 meters long) that will take you through a quarry of cement stone extraction. This is an amazing natural open air museum, showing you several rock types and geological (de)formations from the Miocene Age. After the lighthouse, you will have an amazing view over Figueira da Foz, your final destination for today.
Other info
Km 47
Ciment stone quarry Viewpoint over the Atlantic and Figueira
Figueira da Foz
Alerts and track information
The first kms of asphalted forest road you will take is in VERY bad pavement conditions. Actually this is why it has so few traffic. With a lot of caviView over Praia de Quiaios ties, sometimes is more smooth to cycle on the soil berm, so do not rush and cycle on a slow travel mode and enjoy the Pine Tree forest. Right after Praia de Quiaios you will have to climb about 80 meters altitude on a quarry access road. It’s really a high slope, so just carry your bike by hand along this 650 meters long hilly macadam road until you reach the light house at the top.
km 1.2 - Moderated to high traffic along 2.3 km, km 3.5 - Very bad condition asphalt pavement, along 5 kms km 15 - High traffic intersection with N335-1. km 47 - 650 meters along macadam hilly road
What to visit at Figueira-da-Foz:
Enjoy the long and sandy beach or just take a tour around the city centre and discover the traditional architecture buildings. And of course, you can also spend some money at the casino.
Montemor-o-Velho
p. 26 www.ecovias.pt
1.09
Porto Km 27
Figueira da Foz
Praia de Pedrógão Highly dense traffic roads to access the bridges
73 km 175 meters uphill 99% asphalt 25% bike lanes Low to moderated traffic
Lisboa Km 1.5
Figueira-da-Foz
Profile
N109 old section roundabout access
120 80
Faro
Highly dense traffic N109
0 ( km )
N109 old section road
Atl antic O ce an
Ceiça Monastarium ruins
Km 44.5
N109 Marinha das Ondas Leirosa
Praia do Osso da Baleia
40 (m) 0
Km 50.5
Leiria’s Pine Tree Forest
Bike lane along the Pine Tree forest
Section description
This is by far the longest section of Ecovias road book I identified for you so far. In order to avoid the highly dense traffic at N109, as well its access roads, I suggest a tour along the upstream of the Mondego River and its rice fields, up to Montemor-o-Velho. Once here appreciate the ancient castle. Crossing the Mondego River towards south, you will pedal through farming areas on secondary rural roads. Right before the only big climbing of the day, this track takes you to visit the ruins of an abandoned monastarium. Explore it for a while. After Marinha das Ondas you will pass under the N109 national road and enter again on a Pine Tree forest. The exclusive bike lane will take you to Lagoa de Ervedeira and finally to Praia do Pedrogão.
Atl antic O ce an
Other info
Lagoa da Ervedeira
Coimbrão Praia de Pedrógão
Please note that if you do not want to take such a long detour heading to Montemoro-Velho, you can cross the Figueira-da-Foz bridges to Montemor-o-Velho castle reach the river south bank. However, even thought they have bike lanes, the access roads to the bridges are basically highways with eavy/aggressive traffic, so I DO NOT recommend its crossing. But if by chance you choose this option, after crossing the bridges please DO NOT pedal along the N109. Try to find the old N109 road that I identified on the map, now with much less traffic.
Alerts and track information
km 1.5 - Moderated traffic along 5 km. km 27 - Bridge over Mondego River. km 44.5 - 1 km cycling uphill with >7% grade. km 50.5 - Passage underneath N109 national road.
73
What to visit at Pedrógão:
Just relax and enjoy the beach as today you had quite a long tour. Your legs will appreciate that.
p. 27 www.ecovias.pt
Praia do Pedrógão Coimbrão
1.10
Porto
Vieira de Leiria
Praia de Pedrógão
Nazaré
Praia da Vieira
51 km 300 meters uphill 98% asphalt 95% bike lanes Low traffic
Bike lane along Pine Tree forest Lisboa
Profile
150 100
Faro
50 (m) 0
Pine Tree Forest
0 ( km )
51
Section description
Km 22.5
São Pedro de Moel
Praia da Pedra do Ouro
Km 30
Vale de
Track around the valley
Relaxing beach
After leaving Praia do Pedrógão you will get on a long bike lane leading you through the Pine Tree forest. The next stop will be São Pedro de Moel, a traditional Marinha Grande summer time village. Enjoy some time here appreciating the relaxed atmosphere, the rich style architecture and the ocean plenitude. In a near future you will have the possibility to change here to Ecovia 10 (São Pedro de Moel to Castelo Branco). Keeping on your pedaling you will visit four more beaches: Pedra do Ouro, Vale de Paredes, Vale Furado and of course Praia do Norte, the famous beach where in 2012 the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara beat the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed, with 30 meters high. Next, you will reach the Sítio, a high point with an amazing view over Nazaré city, the beach and the ocean.
Other info
2012 World Record for the biggest wave ever surfed
Km 49
Praia do Norte Viewpoint over the Atlantic and Nazaré
Nazaré
Valado de Frades
Alerts and track information
km 22.5 - Junction with Ecovia 10.1, direction to Leiria km 30 - Alternative going up&down to visit the beach km 49 - 1 km cycling downhill with >7% grade
At Praia de Vale de Paredes this section takes you all around the deep valley, avoiding ups and downs to the beach. However, if you don’t mind to climb Bike lane and forest the valley back to the track, I suggest you to go down and visit the beach as it is worthy. After visiting the Sítio, the view point over Nazaré, you will enter in the city mixing with its urban traffic until you reach the beach.
What to visit in Nazaré:
Just take a relaxing walk along the narrow streets, the fisherman’s harbour and beach. You can also take some lessons of surf or kite-surf, in one of the many surf schools around here.
p. 28
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