Mondego bike track opened this week.

After having already traveled the wonderful Dão and Vouga bike tracks a few times, I couldn't be more excited about the news I read this week about the opening of the Mondego Bike Track.

This was, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated projects in the Central region of Portugal and for all those, like me, who are lovers of eco-tourism, cycling, adventure and sports in nature.

The opening of this new section, between Santa Comba Dão and Coimbra, with a distance of 40 km, is thus an important complement to two other already existing bike tracks, made using old train lines:

• Dão Bike Track (+/- 50 km), between Santa Comba Dão and Viseu and the beautiful;

• Vouga Bike Track (+/- 80 km), between the historic cities of Viseu and Aveiro;

From this moment, it is possible to take a peaceful bike ride through the wonderful landscapes of Beira, passing through 3 important Portuguese rivers, Mondego, Dão and Vouga.

According to the information I gathered and the knowledge I have of this entire area, I am extremely excited. Very soon I will be cycling along this new bike track, collecting images and making a video.

Because we are in vacation time, if anyone wants to get ahead, here are some tips based on the information I gathered and the knowledge I have of this region.

The New Ecovia do Mondego.

(Travel/Highlights/Gastronomy)

Starting from Santa Comba Dão, precisely where the Ecovia do Dão ends, this route of around 40 km follows the Mondego River, passing through the municipalities of Mortágua, Penacova and Vila Nova de Poiares.

Some highlights of this route, in addition to all the natural beauty and historical heritage, will certainly be the passage through the Aguieira Dam, Louredo Natura Parque, Penacova and Livraria do Mondego.

Not to be overlooked, quite the contrary, to be taken into good consideration, is the magnificent Beira gastronomy, among other local specialties, in this region that deserve special attention - the chanfana, the cabidela and the lamprey.

Cycle trails adjacent to Mondego

(Dão and Vouga)

We are in Summer, a period in which most people have a few days of vacation and because there are currently more and more people looking for alternative and/or complementary programs to the beach, different and that provide pleasant moments with family or company friends, I suggest you read the information about the Dão and Vouga bicycle lines here.

Both the Dão and Vouga tracks are very accessible, even for people who are not used to cycling long distances.

The terrain is good and flat, the landscapes are wonderful and during all these routes there are many places where you can swim in the rivers, rest, eat and sleep.

In this sense, this entire area can be covered by bicycle, without much effort, in 3 or 4 days.

Suggestion for doing the 3 Bike Tracks:

Day 1 - Mondego Bike Track (sleep in Santa Comba Dão);

Day 2 –Dão Bike Track (sleep in Viseu or São Pedro do Sul)

Day 3 –Vouga Bike Track (sleep in Aveiro or return home)

Note 1: Bicycles can be transported by train (1 per person), for this reason I recommend starting this adventure in Coimbra and finishing in Aveiro;

Note 2: I advise, especially because it is summer, to take as little clothing as possible, so that the bikes do not carry unnecessary weight;

Note 3: The route has little inclination, it is almost entirely flat, even so, using an electric bicycle, for those less experienced, can be a good option. A good, comfortable saddle is also important.

Note 4: Staying asleep the night before this adventure close to the starting point will also be a good option, this will help make the first day much calmer.