Self-guided tour Bike + Surf

Discover the Unique Combo of Bike and Surf in Porto

The Self-guided tour Bike + Surf offers an engaging way to explore Porto, Portugal while enjoying both land and sea. Priced at $52.73 per person, this adventure combines a scenic bike ride along the Douro River with a surfing session on Matosinhos Beach. The tour is flexible in length, lasting approximately 3 to 9 hours, making it suitable for various schedules.

What sets this experience apart is its all-inclusive approach: you receive a bike and helmet, a 1.5-hour surf lesson with gear and instructor, and a Portuguese lunch at City Park, all included in the price. Bookings are usually made about 40 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. While the tour offers a fantastic outdoor adventure, note that hotel pickup and souvenir photos are not included, and weather conditions can impact the planned activities.

Key Points

• Includes a 1.5-hour surf lesson with all gear provided, suitable for beginners.
• Bike rental for the entire day, with the starting point at Biclas & Triclas in Porto.
• Stops at iconic Porto landmarks like Arrábida Bridge and Passeio Alegre.
• Delicious Portuguese meal and refreshing drink at City Park.
• Tour duration varies from 3 to 9 hours, allowing flexibility.
• Private activity, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Starting Point at Biclas & Triclas with Easy Access

The adventure begins at Biclas & Triclas, located at R. Nova da Alfândega 108 in Porto. This shop is well-known for efficient and friendly bike rentals, with all bikes ready at the start. The meeting point’s proximity to public transport makes it easy to reach, and a brief 10-minute walk from the port area allows for a smooth start.

From this central location, guests pick up their bike and helmet and receive a city map, preparing for a full day of exploration. The shop’s reputation for smooth rentals makes it an attractive choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free experience.

Exploring Porto’s Riverside and Historic Bridges

The tour’s first stops showcase Porto’s scenic riverside. Pedal along the Douro River, passing shops, cafes, and charming neighborhoods. Key highlights include the Arrábida Bridge, notable for its massive reinforced concrete arch built in 1963, which at the time was the largest of its kind in the world.

Next, the route takes you through fishermen’s districts and historic areas that still maintain traditions such as harboring small boats and fishing gear storage. The Afurada and Cabedelo regions offer picturesque views of the river’s flow toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The Passeio Alegre garden, classified as a Property of Public Interest, provides a peaceful stop with scenic surroundings and nearby monuments. This segment of the tour emphasizes Porto’s vibrant yet tranquil riverside atmosphere.

Visiting the Coastal Fortress and Beach Towns

Continuing along the coast, the tour reaches the Castelo do Queijo, a 17th-century fortress built to defend against pirates, perched on a cheese-shaped rocky hill. This historic site offers a glance at Porto’s defensive past and offers spectacular views of the coast.

Next, the journey leads to Praia da Foz, a sophisticated beach area comprising Ourigo, Ingleses, and Luz beaches. Here, you will swap your bike for a surfboard at Matosinhos Beach, the largest sand stretch easily accessible from Porto’s city center. The waves are gentle enough for beginners, making it an ideal setting to learn the basics of surfing.

Relaxing at Porto’s Largest Urban Park

After the surf, the tour takes a relaxing turn at Parque da Cidade, the largest urban park in Portugal. Designed with lakes, diverse flora, and fauna, the park spans 83 hectares and features about 10 km of walking paths. It offers a serene environment to unwind after the outdoor activities and enjoy the natural beauty within the city.

Visitors appreciate the well-designed landscape that seamlessly integrates with Porto’s urban fabric, providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets.

The Exciting 1.5-Hour Surf Lesson with All Gear

The highlight for many participants is the surfing experience at Matosinhos Beach. The 1 hour and 30 minutes lesson includes professional instruction, wetsuit, and surfboard, making it accessible for beginners. The waves here are mellow, perfect for learning to stand on the board and catch your first wave.

The instructor guides you through basic techniques, ensuring safety and fun, while the gear is provided, so no need to worry about bringing your own equipment. Surfing in the Atlantic combined with the scenic coastal backdrop offers a memorable experience.

Enjoying a Traditional Portuguese Lunch at City Park

Following the surf, the tour wraps up with a delicious meal at City Park, located within the park’s lush surroundings. The lunch includes typical Portuguese dishes and a refreshing beverage, either beer or lemonade, included in the tour price.

The restaurant, Soundwich, is a rural-style house with terraces, perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor activities. The local cuisine and casual setting enhance the authentic Portuguese experience.

Comfortable Logistics and Flexible Timing

The tour is designed to be flexible, lasting between 3 and 9 hours, depending on how long guests wish to spend at each stop. Bike and helmet are provided for all-day use in Porto, allowing guests to explore at their own pace after the guided activities.

While hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, the starting point’s central location makes it convenient to join the tour. The activity is private, meaning only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

The Majestic Bridges and Coastal Views

Throughout the tour, you’ll admire Porto’s iconic bridges, especially the Arrábida Bridge and Norte Bridge, which span the Douro River. These structures dominate Porto’s skyline and are feats of engineering.

The coastal stops provide stunning Atlantic Ocean views and opportunities to take photos of the rocky coastline and beach scenery. The combination of urban landscapes and natural beauty creates a well-rounded tour.

Practical Tips for Participants

It’s advised to wear comfortable walking shoes for the biking and walking segments. Guests should carry a valid photo ID on the day of the tour. Since the activity depends on weather conditions, cancellations due to bad weather are possible, with options for a full refund or rescheduling.

The self-guided nature allows for some flexibility, but it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to prepare. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific age restrictions, but participants should be comfortable biking and in the water.

Final Thoughts on the Porto Bike + Surf Adventure

This combo tour offers a well-balanced day of outdoor exploration and active fun. The scenic bike ride along Porto’s Douro riverside, combined with the surfing lesson on the Atlantic coast, creates a distinctive experience that appeals to adventurous travelers seeking both culture and outdoor sport.

The all-inclusive setup—covering bike rental, surf gear, lessons, and lunch—delivers excellent value. The private format ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention, making it a great choice for families, friends, or solo travelers.

While weather can influence the schedule, the mixture of city, coast, and park ensures plenty of highlights regardless of conditions. This tour provides an accessible, fun, and engaging way to see Porto from multiple angles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the surf lesson suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 1.5-hour surf lesson is designed for beginners with all necessary gear provided and professional instruction to help you catch your first waves.

What is included in the tour price?
The bike rental, helmet, 1.5-hour surf lesson with gear and instructor, and a Portuguese lunch with a drink are all included. Souvenir photos and hotel transfers are not part of the package.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to surf or bike?
Yes, beginners are welcome. The surf instruction caters to those with no prior experience, and the bike ride is on flat, scenic paths suitable for most skill levels.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to poor weather conditions. In such cases, participants are offered a reschedule or full refund.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour duration is flexible, typically between 3 to 9 hours, depending on how much time is spent at each stop and the activities chosen.

Is transportation to and from the start point included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The central location of Biclas & Triclas makes it easy to reach by public transport.

This detailed review highlights the unique combination of land and sea activities that make the Self-guided Bike + Surf tour in Porto a compelling choice for active travelers. The balanced itinerary, inclusive pricing, and scenic stops ensure an authentic and enjoyable experience of this vibrant city.