This route was updated on 27th September 2018, with contributions received from FPCUB members. Make sure you have the latest GPX file.
The section begins in São Jacinto where you can observe the Natural Reserve of São Jacinto Dunes, located at the tip of the peninsula that stretches between the village of São Jacinto and Ovar, limited one side by the Atlantic Ocean and the other by one arm of Ria de Aveiro.
Continuing travel the route is always near the Ria de Aveiro to Ovar, through Torreira, Murtosa municipality, the Portuguese municipality with the biggest use of bicycle.
In Ovar be sure to sample the “Pão-de-Ló de Ovar”, a characteristic cake of the region.
Continuing north, you come to the city of Espinho. The Paramos Lagoon – Bird Observatory, which is an area of ecological interest, scenic and recreational and is certainly a place to visit. You can also visit the João de Deus Park, with a large garden, full of trees. The old windmills across the city are a feature of this territory.
The section ends in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. The south of Douro river and north of Porto. On Cais de Gaia, you can have a overlooking by Douro River and the historical city of Porto.
Not to be missed is the Serra do Pilar Monastery, with a privileged location from where you have one of the most beautiful views over the city of Porto.
In a gastronomic tour you can visit the “Caves do Vinho do Porto” – The Association of Port Wine Companies. Find out more at: http://www.cavesvinhodoporto.com/
To explore the animal kingdom and the nature you can visit the Biological Park, the Lavandeira Park, the Dunes Park, the Botanical Garden of the Castle, the Bridge Maria Pia Park, the Interpretive Center of Afurada Heritage, the Local Nature Reserve of the Douro Estuary Nature Reserve Estuary, Litoral of Aguda Station, the “Ribeiras de Gaia” and the Zoo of Santo Inácio.
Despite the link between sections 16 and 17 be made by the Luis I bridge, there are other great beautiful architectonic bridges connecting the municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto, Arrábida Bridge, Freixo Bridge, Infante Bridge, Maria Pia Bridge and São João Bridge.
Equally pleasing is the entire coast along this section, highlighting several beaches and beautiful landscapes.
Comments: Section 16