Tracking the coastal lagoons of the Ria de Aveiro, the route keeps a flat profile as it strikes north. Wooden boardwalks and shaded pine forests dominate the first half of the day. A brief stop in the seaside resort of Espinho provides a great view over its vast beaches. Further up the coast, the unique Senhor da Pedra chapel, built directly on a wave-swept rock in Miramar, makes for a striking landmark. From here, the landscape gradually becomes more urban. The track follows the riverside promenade of Vila Nova de Gaia, rolling past traditional port wine cellars. Crossing the monumental Dom Luís I iron bridge over the Douro River brings the stage to a finish amidst the colorful facades of Porto’s historic Ribeira district.
