Cycling day trip from Coimbra to Aveiro

Roll out from Coimbra’s riverfront and storied university (one of the oldest in Europe) and head north toward the coast. It’s a steady, rolling ride with a net downhill as you drift from the Mondego valley to the Aveiro lagoon. Expect roughly 87 km with about 900 m of climbing—nothing steep, just frequent undulations through farmland and small villages.

The route is mostly on quiet roads (around three-quarters), with some stretches on rural tracks and a few short cycleway links. Surfaces are largely paved, but you may hit the odd rough patch—wider tires make it nicer. Plenty of café stops along the way; pace yourself and enjoy the scenery.

You’ll finish in Aveiro, the “Portuguese Venice,” known for its canals, colorful moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau façades, and salt pans. Treat yourself to ovos moles when you roll in. Pro tip: near the lagoon it can get breezy—if the northerly picks up, you may face a headwind.