The Ecopista do Dão: Perfect Family and most beautiful Cycle Path near Quinta do Retiro
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Ecopista do Dão, with all the practical information, including specific details about our valued partner, Abelenda Bike Rental in Santa Comba Dão (Quinta do Rio Dão), as the perfect base.
The Ecopista do Dão: A Perfect Family Cycle Path
A former railway line converted into a flat, paved, and car-free 49 km cycle path through the beautiful landscape of the Dão region. Ideal for cyclists, walkers, wheelchair users, and strollers.
Route: Viseu (Campo) ↔ Santa Comba Dão.
Surface: Perfect asphalt, virtually no elevation change.
Highlights: Riverbanks (Rio Dão), pine and eucalyptus forests, vineyards, and old train stations converted into rest stops.
Base & Bike Rental: Quinta do Rio Dão in Abelenda (Santa Comba Dão)
Quinta do Rio Dão in Abelenda is an ideal starting point, just 300 meters from the Ecopista. It is a country estate with accommodation specializing in bike rentals for the route.
Website: www.quintadoriodao.com
Contact: geral@quintadoriodao.com or +351 232 960 300
Location: Quinta do Rio Dão on Google Maps
What they offer:
- Rental of quality bikes: electric bikes (e-bikes), mountain bikes, and children’s bikes.
- Good route advice for the Ecopista.
- Transfer service available (drop-off to the starting point), very convenient for a one-way trip along the entire route.
- Also open to non-guests (reservations required).
Other Rental Points & Contacts Along the Route
· Rota da Estrela / Aktivur (Professional service with transfer):
· Phone: +351 915 268 436
· Website: https://www.rotaestrela.pt/
· Loja da Ecopista (in the old Santa Comba Dão train station):
· Phone: +351 910 860 060
· Location: Loja da Ecopista
· Tondela Tourist Office (Information):
· Phone: +351 232 811 400 (town hall, ask for ‘Turismo’).
Practical Tips for Your Bike Tour
- How to do it: It’s best to rent bikes from a provider that offers transfers (such as Quinta do Rio Dão or Rota da Estrela). They will take you to a starting point (e.g., Tondela or to the starting point: Viseu), and you can cycle back to your accommodation or their location at your leisure. You can also bring your own bikes, if space is available.
- Distance for Families: For example, cycle from Tondela to Treixedo (approx. 7 km one way) and back. More than enough for a pleasant half day.
- Route from Abelenda: From Quinta do Rio Dão, cycle north to Tondela (beautiful, gently rolling) or south to the center of Santa Comba Dão (very short).
- Amenities: Bring water. Cafés in old train stations (Mosteirinho, Travassós) have varying opening hours. There are plenty of picnic areas.
- Cost: Admission is free. Bike rentals cost approximately €10-€15 per day (€25-€30 for e-bikes).
Conclusion: The Ecopista do Dão is one of the best family-friendly activities in the region. Starting at Quinta do Rio Dão in Abelenda, you have a comfortable base with excellent bikes and logistical support right at your fingertips. Enjoy!
