Ecopista do Dão cycling tour from Coimbra: Downhill route

Ride a century-old railway turned bike path through vineyards and cork forests

Cycle the Ecopista do Dão, a 49 km downhill route on a converted railway branch in central Portugal, departing from Coimbra with hotel pickup and returning the same day. The route runs almost entirely downhill from Viseu through orchards and vineyards to Santa Comba Dão, passing restored station stops and the Granjal bridge over the Aguieira reservoir. Guide, bike, helmet, water and snacks are included. The ride takes around six hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day cycling on Ecopista do Dão

• Hotel pickup in Coimbra
• Transfer to Viseu start point
• Cycle 49.2 km on Ecopista do Dão
• Pass old Ecopista stations and stops
• Enjoy views of orchards, vineyards, and Rio Dão
• Reach Santa Comba Dão endpoint
• Collect participants and return to Coimbra

The experience

Viseu is where the cycling begins. After hotel pickup in Coimbra, you travel by minivan to the start point, then spend the day on the Ecopista do Dão: an old railway branch line converted into a bike-friendly route. The 49.2 km path descends almost the entire way, following the course of the Rio Dão and passing through cork, chestnut and oak forests in the north, then strawberry trees and the Granjal bridge over the Aguieira reservoir as you head south toward Santa Comba Dão.

The route is self-guided, so you set your own pace along the linear track. You'll pass the old Ecopista stations and stops that once served the railway. Torredeita Station still has an old locomotive. The landscape shifts from orchards and vineyards in the middle sections to cultivated fields and the river valley. Because the descent is gradual and consistent, the physical demand comes from the distance and duration rather than steep climbs. E-bikes are available if you prefer pedal assist over the full manual ride.

The day ends in Santa Comba Dão, where the operator collects you and drives back to Coimbra. Water and snacks are provided during the ride. Bring or plan to purchase lunch separately. A guide is available in English, Spanish or Portuguese if you want company and local knowledge along the way, though the route itself requires no navigation. You simply follow the old railway line from start to finish.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Coimbra and return transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• bicycle and helmet.
• bottled water and snacks.
• guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Viajeportugal

Is this one for you?The route descends almost the entire way, so the physical demand comes from six hours of cycling distance rather than climbing. Choose this if you're comfortable on a bike for a full day and want to cover ground without fighting gravity. E-bikes are available if you want pedal assist.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Ecopista do Dão cycling route?

The Ecopista do Dão is 49.2 km long and takes around six hours to complete, almost entirely downhill from Viseu to Santa Comba Dão.

What is Torredeita Station?

Torredeita Station is one of the restored stops along the old railway line. It still has an old locomotive on display and is one of the main landmarks you pass on the route.

Can I rent an e-bike instead of a regular bicycle?

Yes, e-bikes are available for the ride, offering pedal assist if you prefer not to rely entirely on manual pedaling for the full 49 km.

What does the route pass through?

The Ecopista follows the Rio Dão valley through orchards, vineyards, cork and chestnut forests in the north, then strawberry trees and cultivated fields in the south, crossing the Granjal bridge over the Aguieira reservoir.

Is a guide included?

A guide is available in English, Spanish or Portuguese and travels with you, though the route is self-guided and you set your own pace along the old railway line.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup from Coimbra, transport to and from the route, bicycle, helmet, bottled water and snacks are all included. You'll need to arrange or purchase lunch separately.