The Ecopista do Dão Greenway
The "Linha do Dão", until 1988 a railroad between Santa Comba Dão and Viseu in central Portugal, was opened again in 2011, but now as a bike and walking path called the Ecopista do Dão. With its 49 km, it is not only the longest Ecopista in Portugal, but probably the most beautiful as well.Cycling in a beautiful landscape
The first part of this path, which passes in front of Abelenda Bike Rental, runs along the banks of the river Dão. Every bend in the river is followed by a bend in the Ecopista, with stannic views.Later on, the Ecopista leaves the river, but the landscape remains very beautiful, with views of mountains and valleys covered with oaks, cork oaks and chestnut trees, but also some vineyards, cultivated land and small villages. In the distance the mountains of the Serra do Caramulo (in the north) and the Serra da Estrela (in the south) are always present.
Very Easy cycling and walking
Because this cycle path used to be a railway, there are no steep slopes and it is very easy to cycle, although it is a mountainous area. The path is paved with colored asphalt, blue in the county of Santa Comba Dão, green in Tondela and red in Viseu. Because of the length (49 km) and the fact that motorized vehicles are not allowed, the Ecopista is also appropriate for training the marathon.
- Back and forth, 7 km each.
- Back and forth, 20 km each.
- 47 km (one way).
QUINTA DA ABELENDA
We recommend to start in Santa Comba Dão. In that case you will rise slowly towards Viseu, almost without noting it, but cycling back will be easier.
Standard bicycles, mountain bikes and child bikes.
The old railway bridge over the river Dão was fully recovered and is now part of the cycle route.
Just after a second brige, turn right on a unpaved road to the river. A spectacular spot to have a break.
The Ecopista passes the city of Tondela, but you hardly notices the movement of a city as it does not pass through the center.
The old Romanesque Gothic Church of Canas de Santa Maria, built in the fourteenth century.
The tunnel of Santa Catarina (Km 18) is about 200m long and illuminated with solar electricity. The pavement changes from green (county of Tondela) to red (county of Viseu).
Enter the steam locomotive from 1885, which is stationed in the Torredeita Station.
Almost in the city of Viseu.
The end (or the beginning) of the Ecopista in the Avenida da Europa in Viseu.
