👀 Book early during season 📣 Bike availability becomes limited during the season.
Starts in Nazaré
Nazaré north coast loop to Paredes da Vitória via the deer reserve (30 km)
Up to Sítio, through the red-deer reserve in the pines, along the Vale Furado fossil cliffs to the beach at Paredes da Vitória. Half a day, 360 m of climbing, quiet roads.
Route elevation profile: from 9 m to 129 m, total ascent 398 m.
- Tour Difficulty
- Easy
About this ride
A 30 km half-day loop north of Nazaré. The climb to Sítio and Praia do Norte, then the soft forest path through the Cercado dos Veados deer reserve under the stone pines, the cliff lookout at Vale Furado with its fossil beds, and down to the beach at Paredes da Vitória for a swim. Quiet coastal road and bike path, 360 m of ascent, three hours with stops.
Before you go
The ride
Out of Nazaré and up to Sítio and Praia do Norte. From the fort the route turns into the pines and the Cercado dos Veados reserve. Red deer are usually visible from the path early in the morning, less so at midday. The forest path is soft under the stone pines. Then the coastal road to the Vale Furado lookout, where the cliffs show fossil layers, and down to Praia de Paredes da Vitória. Same way back, or take the inland forest road for a change.
Surfaces and bike
Quiet coastal roads, paved bike path, one soft forest section. Any bike.
Water and food
Sítio and Paredes da Vitória (café open in summer). Nothing in the reserve.
When
Year round. In summer go in the morning, before the northwest wind. The water at Paredes da Vitória is cold even in July.
Longer version
Keep going north to São Pedro de Moel on the Pinhal de Leiria route.
Prefer company?
This is the Wild Cliffs and Red Deer half-day tour.
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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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.
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Sítio
The historic clifftop district of Nazaré, offering spectacular panoramic views and home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré.
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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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Vale Furado
A hidden coastal spot north of Nazaré known for its cliffs and open Atlantic views, ideal for scenic rides away from the busier tourist beaches.
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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
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