Cycling The Ecopista do Dao

Spend the morning at the Termas de Luso (Luso Thermal Spa) to relax those muscles after yesterday’s kayak trip and to prepare for today’s cycle ride. The aqua circuit includes a hammam, sauna and ice showers as well as the thermal pools. Sessions from 30 minutes to 2 hours can be booked, as well as a range of spa treatments.
Advance booking is necessary. Book here.

The ‘Linha do Dão’was originally a railroad between Santa Comba Dão and Viseu but closed in 1988. In 2011, it was re-opened as a bike and walking trail called the Ecopista do Dão. At 49 km, it is the longest Ecopista, ‘greenway’ in Portugal.
The route is extremely picturesque, with views of the river Dao, valleys forested with oak and chestnut trees, vineyards, meadows and small villages; in the distance, the mountains of the Serra do Caramulo and the Serra da Estrela provide a stunning backdrop.
Because this cycle path used to be a railway, there are no steep slopes and it is very easy to cycle.
Advance booking is essential. Book here.
After choosing your bike the journey starts with a transfer to the 16.5km section of the Ecopista in Farminhao.
After the transfer it is recommended that you have a light lunch at Station Alive as there are no cafes or restaurants en route.
The journey is 30km and most people arrive back at the bicycle rental place between 3:30-5:30pm. Bikes must be returned by 6pm.

Housed in a 16th-century former palace, this Welcome Centre is a showcase for the wines of the Dao region. Here you can learn about the producers and sample a range of wines at the ‘taste spot’. The centre features up to eight different wines to taste weekly. There is also a shop where you can buy your favourites.
Note the centre closes at 6pm and is also closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Colmeia restaurant is a good stop for an early supper in the heart of Viseu’s historic area. There’s plenty of outside seating on the cobbled street and it’s great for people watching.

It’s been an active three days, but hopefully an invigorating, relaxing and inspiring one too. And, next time you drink a glass of wine from the Dao Valley, there will be plenty of happy memories to accompany it.