Cycling in Aveiro region

Aveiro is one of the coolest cities in Centro de Portugal region to ride a bike, because it's a very flat city. In Aveiro you can ride along the city for free! However there’s more to it: along the absolutely unique ecosystem of the Aveiro Lagoon – stretching from Ovar in the north to Mira in the south.

You can ride along the most incredible natural landscapes, discover priceless spots away from the world, solitary beaches and enjoy the soul-soothing effect of an involving nature!

Cycling in Aveiro

Locals say that there are 3 ways to explore Aveiro: on foot, by boat (the typical “moliceiro” boat, used in the past to collect sea-weed to fertilize the agricultural fields) or by bike.

There are approximately 350 BUGAs – Free Bikes of Aveiro – in the city that can be picked up everyday of the week from 10:00 to 19:00. You just need to go to a BUGA spot, leave your ID and you’ll be given a portable lock with a code, so that you can use and stop your BUGA wherever you want.

BUGA - Free Use Bikes in Aveiro

Just like Paris or Amsterdam, visiting Aveiro can be healthy, ecological and economical, in addition to being fun. All you need is a BUGA, a Free Use Bike in Aveiro, made available by the municipality. Visit the entire city, see its heritage, its history and be amazed by the curves of the lagoon, a fun two-wheel walk… for free!

In order to get your ecological transport, you only need to go to the BUGA shop in Manuel Firmino Market and take one of these 300 nice bikes with you. You leave your identification card to get your BUGA. To return your bike you only need to leave it until 7 pm.

Visit Aveiro by bike

BUGA has a unique design and it personifies the city’s healthy lifestyle, which makes Aveiro an ideal place to live and visit.

So, you can enjoy the area’s flat topography and do as old Aveiro inhabitants did when they went to their factories and fields or distributed fish by bike! You can go through the entire city of Aveiro on a BUGA, from the university campus to the congress centre, in the old Campos Ceramic Factory, having the Lagoon canals and their habitat as your constant companions. Let’s Buga?

Cycling in Aveiro lagoon

Aveiro Lagoon – “Ria de Aveiro” – is an absolutely unique ecosystem in Portugal, located between Ovar in the north and Mira in the south. A land of unrivaled natural beauty, where you can see flamingos or white herons, take a kite surf lesson, ride along endless maize fields, watch busy fishermen collecting the freshest clams or simply enjoy the luxury of silence in isolated beaches.

Apart from being a very important economical asset, the Aveiro Lagoon is also what defines the identity of the whole region.

The Great Route of Aveiro Lagoon

There are many ways to explore all the endless beauty of the Aveiro Lagoon. Taking a boat trip on board of a traditional moliceiro can be a great way to feel the uniqueness of this dazzling lagoon. However you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind ecosystem by taking part on the Great Route of Aveiro Lagoon that has recently opened 2 additional walking and cycling routes: the golden and the green routes that lead visitors across the surrounding region.

The blue route is 130,8 km-long along its shoreline and paths as diverse as the landscapes and the biotopes of a unique lagoon ecosystem in Portugal. From the salt marshes to the habitat of "Bocage", from the pine forests planted in the dune cords that hold the Ocean, to the farming fields of villages that have lived with the Ria for centuries, this is a route that unveils us the diversity and richness of the relationships that human beings establish with the natural world.

The golden route is the longest and the most diversified of the 3 great routes of the Ria de Aveiro. This 234 km-long route goes deep into the sea, the mountains and the Vouga Valley, where visitors will find the most scenic and spectacular waterfalls of the country. Ideal for bike tours, this route covers the Vouga Ecotrail, crossing some of the most distinguishing towns of the region.

The green route is 194 km-long that can be explored on foot or by bike, as well as boat. The green route takes you across the most diverse landscapes, such as the Vouga Valley, the endless vineyards of Bairrada wine region, the riverside woods of Alfusqueiro River or the urban heart of Aveiro.

The Route of the quays in Murtosa

The Municipality of Murtosa has created a sustainable mobility project based on a network of cycle-paths in urban and rural context. One of the goals of this project – named NaturRia – was to enable the discovery of the cultural and natural heritage of Murtosa.

Imagine riding your bike from quay to quay and in each spot unveiling a surprising landscape, meeting friendly locals along the way who invite you to eat fresh crabs with them or feeling the refreshing wind in your face in a moment that you want to last forever! You can actually do all this in the several NaturRia cycling paths and you can be sure that each path will be a life-changing experience!

Departing from Aveiro by ferry boat, cross the Varela Bridge and follow the route of the quays along the enchanting Aveiro Lagoon.

Varela Bridge

This is the longest cycling path of Murtosa. It is 11 km long, crossing the north area of Murtosa to the Atlantic coastline.

Cais da Béstida

A beautiful fishing port with lovely colourful houses where fishermen keep their utensils. In this area you can have a yummy “petisco” at the welcoming Casa Alcina, filled with old photos of the lagoon and colourful paintings of “moliceiros” – traditional boats of the Aveiro lagoon.

Cais da Mamaparda

Clube Nortada organises thrilling kite-surf activities in this spot. Water temperature around 26 degrees Celsius is quite inviting for practicing nautical sports!

Ribeira de Pardelhas

In this environmental education centre you have bikes at your disposal that you can use for free to discover this amazing region ! You will see friendly fishermen working on their typical colourful boats or locals having a snack on the nearby café. Murtosa Municipality organises guided group tours by bike and visitors can either use their own bikes or the free bikes provided by the city hall. A picnic area with tables and benches is also on spot.

Cais do Bico

This is “the” spot for birdwatching activities, offering a priceless view over the lagoon. White herons are quite easy to spot, as well as busy men fishing mouthwatering crabs and seafood. Nearby a unique fine sand beach with plenty of space to put your beach towel. No risk of bumping into a crowd of tourists!

Cais do Chegado

This area boasts a modern fishing port as well as totally renewed warehouses in bright colours, instantly catching the eye of the visitor. Fishermen come and go with loads of fresh crabs and seafood. There are colourful boats with typical Portuguese names, as well as pleasant café by the Bico beach.

BioRia

BioRia, a project developed and consolidated by the City Hall of Estarreja, offers several walking and cycling trails, revealing the highly rich natural heritage of the region. To discover the perfect spots for birdwatching, BioRia organises guided tours on foot, bike and electric vehicle. These tours cost 2€ per adult and 1€ per student. The visit on electric vehicle and on bike last 1 hour and a half and on foot 2 hours and 50 minutes, approximately. Group visits can last up to 4 hours.

From Aveiro head to the Atlantic coastline!

São Jacinto beach

This is a truly one-of-a-kind beach of crystal-clear water and endless fine sand dunes, which are actually a Natural Reserve. In São Jacinto you can not possibly miss the familiar-like restaurant A Peixaria, a nice welcoming spot where you can taste the most incredibly delicious fish varieties, directly from the ocean! A bike-friendly beach, only a few minutes away from Aveiro by ferry boat.

Torreira Beach

This cycling path is 2,5 km long along the coastline and some of the streets of the urban centre. Ideal for surf and fishing.

Furadouro beach

Grab your bike and discover the dazzling Furadouro beach! This wide beach has good accesses, as well as truly pleasant wooden paths. You can still see the traditional fishing boats along the coast bursting with colour!

Cycling in Aveiro region