Alcobaça, Portugal

Day 5: Caldas da Rainha to Alcobaça (36 Miles / 2,700 ft.)

After yesterday’s 71-miles, today’s 36 miles sounded relaxing. It wasn’t exactly a rest day, though, as another 2,700 feet of climbing kept our legs awake. The route brought us past beautiful beaches tucked below steep coastal cliffs, with paragliders floating overhead, before we continued through Portugal’s rolling countryside.

Arriving in Alcobaça, it was impossible to miss the enormous monastery dominating the center of town. The nearly 900-year-old monastery is one of Portugal’s great Gothic treasures. Inside are the beautifully carved tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story has become a Portuguese legend.

Having a shorter day gave us time to slow down, explore, and enjoy an actual local meal. Dinner was Portuguese chicken cooked in a clay pot (Frango na Púcara), rich, comforting, and exactly what two hungry cyclists needed.

Still a solid day on the bikes, but enough energy left for some history, culture, and good food.Read more