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Nazaré to São Pedro de Moel through the Pinhal de Leiria (50 km)
Starts in Nazaré

Nazaré to São Pedro de Moel through the Pinhal de Leiria (50 km)

North over Sítio, past the fort, then bike path and clifftop road through the royal pine forest to Paredes da Vitória, Polvoeira and the lighthouse at São Pedro de Moel. Back on the inside line through the trees.

Route elevation profile: from -1 m to 129 m, total ascent 519 m.
Tour Difficulty
Moderate

About this ride

A 50 km ride north from Nazaré to São Pedro de Moel and back. The climb to Sítio at the start is the only real effort. After the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo the route runs on a well-kept bike path and near-empty clifftop road through the Pinhal de Leiria, the pine forest planted by King Dinis in the 13th century, past Praia de Paredes da Vitória and Praia da Polvoeira to the lighthouse village. Coffee and a swim at São Pedro, then the inside line back through the forest. 250 m of climbing across the day.

Before you go

The ride

Praia da Nazaré, up to the Sítio headland (a real climb on a normal bike, nothing on an e-bike), past the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo and into the Pinhal de Leiria. The bike path through the pines is well maintained. From Paredes da Vitória to São Pedro de Moel the clifftop road has almost no traffic. Praia da Polvoeira is the quiet beach halfway. São Pedro de Moel is the turnaround: lighthouse, cafés, a swim if the swell allows. The GPX comes back on the inside line through the forest rather than retracing the cliffs.

Surfaces and bike

Tarmac and paved bike path. Any bike. Road bikes are fine.

The forest

The 2017 fires took a large part of the Pinhal de Leiria and the storm in early 2026 took more. Stretches that used to be canopy are now open and being replanted. It is still a good ride; it is just not the closed pine tunnel it was.

Water and food

Sítio, then nothing until Paredes da Vitória (summer café) and São Pedro de Moel. Carry water for the forest.

When

Year round. In summer start early; the northwest wind builds in the afternoon and the return is into it. October is cool and damp under the trees.

Onward

São Pedro de Moel is a natural stop on the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic coast route. North of it the path continues to Praia da Vieira and Figueira da Foz.

Prefer company?

This is the Silver Coast Pine Forests guided e-bike tour. The half-day version that turns at Paredes da Vitória is the north coast cliffs loop.

Along the way

  1. Nazaré

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

  2. Nazaré North Beach

    The world-famous big wave surfing spot where record-breaking waves are surfed during winter months, located beneath the iconic Nazaré lighthouse.

  3. Sítio

    The historic clifftop district of Nazaré, offering spectacular panoramic views and home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré.

  4. Paredes da Vitória

    Praia de Paredes da Vitória is a wide golden sandy beach located in Pataias, municipality of Alcobaça, situated in a valley where the Paredes Stream flows into the Atlantic, known for its striking rocky formation called "the castle" that resembles a resting lion, and ideal for families due to its peaceful atmosphere

  5. São Pedro de Moel

    A charming seaside resort town with a picturesque lighthouse, beautiful beach, and surrounded by pine forests.

  6. Cercado dos Veados

    A small deer reserve set in the pinewoods of Sítio above Nazaré on the way to Praia do Norte, run jointly by the municipality and the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Nazaré. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xegbcu2UTz8esYUL9

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