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São Gião church and Monte de São Bartolomeu loop from Nazaré (25 km)
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.

Route elevation profile: from 4 m to 129 m, total ascent 359 m.
Tour Difficulty
Easy

About this ride

A 25 km loop through the old layers of Nazaré. Farm track out to the Igreja de São Gião in Famalicão parish, a National Monument from the 6th or 7th century. Then through the pines to the summit of Monte de São Bartolomeu, a 156 m volcanic hill with a chapel and the widest view on this coast. Back via the Largo de Pederneira. 359 m of ascent, three hours with stops, easy on an e-bike.

Before you go

The ride

Out of Nazaré on a farm track to the Igreja de São Gião. Go early if you can; the low light comes through the east windows in the morning. From the church the route heads into the Pinhal de Leiria pines and climbs Monte de São Bartolomeu. The summit is exposed and usually windy, and on a clear day you see from Peniche to São Pedro de Moel. Descend to Pederneira, the medieval town on the ridge above the lagoon: the church, the old hospital and the belvedere on the Largo. Then down into Nazaré.

Surfaces and bike

Farm track, pine-forest path, some tarmac, cobbled streets in Pederneira. Any bike with tyres wider than 32 mm. E-bike takes the sting out of São Bartolomeu.

Water and food

Famalicão has a café. Pederneira has a café on the square. Nothing on the hill.

When

Spring through October. Bring a layer for the summit whatever the month.

Prefer company?

This is the Hidden Nazaré guided bike tour. The church is usually locked; the guide arranges access.

Along the way

  1. Nazaré

    A picturesque fishing village famous for its giant waves, rich maritime culture, and beautiful beaches.

  2. Famalicão

    A quiet village just outside Nazaré, a practical base for relaxed rides along the calmer back roads of the Silver Coast.

  3. Igreja de São Gião

    São Gião is one of the oldest churches in Portugal. Various research projects have revealed traces of human occupation from the Roman period to the 18th century.

  4. Monte de São Bartolomeu

    Its historical, religious and natural significance is undeniable. It is connected to the Legend of Our Lady of Nazareth, as seen in the double nomenclature (S. Brás and S. Bartolomeu), which comes from the relics of these saints brought by King Rodrigo and Friar Romano.

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