Rolling hills and steady climbs define the trajectory northward through Portugal's agricultural heartland. The first major landmark on the horizon is the completely walled medieval town of Óbidos. Its narrow, cobblestone alleys offer a great reason to dismount for a short walk and a quick espresso. From there, the track carves through vast fruit orchards and quiet farming villages, steadily heading back toward the coast. The air grows noticeably cooler and saltier until the Atlantic Ocean finally reclaims the horizon. The day finishes in the iconic fishing town of Nazaré, famous for its towering cliffs and the lighthouse at Fort São Miguel Arcanjo. Right where the world's biggest waves break in winter, the bikes roll to a stop.
