I’m not a bike packing fanatic, just an ordinary guy who loves cycling and loves Portugal. So I decided to combine both these passions! Please join me on this 14-stage solo cycle tour through central and northern Portugal, riding on bike paths wherever possible, because this is Ciclopista Heaven!
This video covers the first stage – from Porto to Ovar. If you enjoy it please press like and subscribe to the channel @cyclopistaheaven
Credits:
Instant Crush
Artist: Corbyn Kites
Source: YouTube Studio Audio Library
Dreams
Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: IOWGNTJI1XZQFKRF
Artist: : Benjamin Tissot
Slowlife
Royalty Free Music: https://www.bensound.com
License code: Q1RQPFY6E1BBEV34
Artist: : Benjamin Lazzarus
Hi, my name’s Martin and this is Ecapista Heaven. Join me as I cycle through the heart of central and northern Portugal, taking in historic towns and cities and stunning scenery on this 14stage tour. I’m going to share the ups, downs, and challenges of exploring this beautiful country by bike. The big day has finally arrived. It’s Saturday, the 10th of May, 2025, and today I’ll be leaving the beautiful city of Port, which has been my home for the last month, and head out on a 14 stage solo bike tour. I’d carefully packed my bags and said goodbye to my host. It had rained heavily overnight, but now the sun was shining and I was a little nervous, but ready to go. With 50 kilometers and practically no climbing, as you can see from the elevation profile, this should be a relatively easy first stage. To get down to the river Doru, I decided to take practically the only cycle track in the city. This took me past the construction site of the new metro line at Casa Deusa. And in case you’re wondering, I didn’t actually cycle through the construction site. It’s just moved to the right since that satellite image was taken. Oh, Heat. Heat. worth stopping for a photo. Kilome zero of the iconic red cycling path. And just around the next corner, the smell of salt air and the crashing of the Atlantic waves. As I traveled south along the coast, a strange building caught my eye. The Capella de Seenor Deedra was built in 1763. A barack chapel on the rocks. Today in our social media age, it’s become a mecca for content creators. But I needed to get some kilometers under my belt. So I headed on at Pria de Bokamar. I found the perfect spot for lunch. Heat. Heat. On the outskirts of Spinu, I discovered this creative car body workshop. Then I crossed the Binia de Esmarish on this beautiful wooden bridge at Carvaliera. The emergency services were in the middle of a training exercise with fake blood and bodies moaning for help. It’s also the place where Google Maps told me to take this muddy trail next to the railway line. Well, it just got muddier and muddier until it stopped completely in the middle of nowhere and I had to turn back. But catching up for lost time by taking the main road, I soon arrived on the outskirts of Avar. And my destination for the evening, the vintage balcony guest house. So happy and rested, it was time to take a walk into town, have a look around and get something to eat. Yes, those are real avocados. Walking back at twilight, my day ended with this somehow hopperesque image of suburban Portugal.