👀 Book early during season 📣 Bike availability becomes limited during the season.
Starts in Nazaré
IronDeer Gravel Challenge loop: Serra dos Candeeiros to the Óbidos lagoon (130 km)
130 km and 2,200 m of gravel and tarmac. Over the 598 m Serra de Aire e Candeeiros plateau, down the remote south side to Caldas da Rainha, out to the lagoon and home up the coast into the wind.
Route elevation profile: from 3 m to 598 m, total ascent 2075 m.
- Tour Difficulty
- Expert
About this ride
The longest route we have. 130 km out of Nazaré with around 2,200 m of climbing: pine forest east to the Aljubarrota valley, the long climb to the 598 m plateau of the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros, a remote descent through the south of the natural park, Caldas da Rainha, the Óbidos lagoon at Foz do Arelho, then 30 km north along the Silver Coast to finish on Praia da Nazaré. Compacted limestone tracks and forest gravel in the mountains, tarmac and bike path on the coast. Seven to nine hours on a gravel bike.
Before you go
The ride
From Fanhais east through the pines to the Aljubarrota valley. The main climb starts at the end of the valley and crests at 598 m on the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros plateau, passing near the Alvados cave system. The descent through the southern interior of the park is the most remote part of the day: sparse villages, limestone, no shops. Caldas da Rainha is the first town with a café after the mountains. From Caldas it is a short run to the Lagoa de Óbidos and Foz do Arelho, the turnaround point. The last 30 km go north along the coast through São Martinho do Porto and over the Serra da Pescaria to Nazaré port and along the main beach. By then you have 95 km and 1,800 m in your legs and the coast wind is usually in your face.
Surfaces and bike
Compacted limestone tracks and forest gravel in the mountains, tarmac and bike path on the coast. Gravel bike, 40 mm tyres or wider. Not a road-bike route.
Water and food
Fill up before the climb (Aljubarrota or Alcobaça if you detour). Nothing on the plateau or the south descent. Caldas da Rainha at roughly km 80. São Martinho do Porto at km 110. Carry a full day of food.
When
March to June and September to November. July and August only with a first-light start. Winter can be wet and the limestone tracks get greasy.
Getting back
Full loop. If you bail, Caldas da Rainha has a train station on the Oeste line and São Martinho do Porto has buses to Nazaré.
Prefer company?
We run this as a guided day with support: the IronDeer Gravel Challenge. It is also the route we test our own gravel bikes on.
Along the way
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Nazaré
A picturesque fishing village famous for its giant waves, rich maritime culture, and beautiful beaches.
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Alcobaça
A historic town known for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Monastery, traditional Portuguese cuisine, and local wine production.
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Porto de Mós
Porto de Mós is a historic town nestled in Portugal’s Central Region, within the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains Natural Park. It’s renowned for its striking medieval castle, its proximity to São Jorge — site of the decisive 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota that secured Portugal’s independence.
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Óbidos Lagoon
The largest saltwater lagoon in Portugal and an important ecological site, hosting diverse bird species and aquatic life in its wetland habitats.
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Foz do Arelho
A picturesque coastal area where the Óbidos Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean, known for its diverse ecosystems, birdwatching opportunities, and beautiful beaches.
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São Martinho do Porto
A coastal town wrapped around a near-perfect shell-shaped bay, where calm, shallow waters and a sheltered shoreline make it one of the safest swimming spots on the Silver Coast.
More routes nearby
All routes →
Starts in Nazaré
Nazaré to Praia do Norte lighthouse loop (20 km)
Seafront, the Sítio climb, the deer reserve and the fort above the big-wave beach. 20 km, one climb, mostly downhill home.
20 km
200 m
2 h
·
Paved / Gravel
Starts in Nazaré
São Gião church and Monte de São Bartolomeu loop from Nazaré (25 km)
The oldest things around Nazaré in one short ride: a 7th-century church on a farm track, a 156 m volcanic hill with a chapel on top, and the medieval ridge town of Pederneira.
25 km
200 m
3 h
·
Paved / Gravel / Trail
Starts in Nazaré
Nazaré town loop: seafront, Sítio, Praia do Norte and Pederneira (30 km)
The whole of Nazaré in one easy ride: the promenade, the 110 m climb to Sítio, the deer reserve, the lighthouse above Praia do Norte and the Pederneira belvedere.
30 km
200 m
2 h
·
Paved / Gravel