To celebrate being one of only 10 cities in the world to receive The Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure award, which comes with a $400,000 grant to build high quality bike networks within Lisbon, the team at Visit Lisboa (visitlisboa.com) recommends riding routes that showcase the best of the city's attractions, coast and surrounding natural parks to cycling sightseers. 

Tour along the Tagus

For a flat route that includes a variety of Lisbon favourites, start at Parque das Nações, the easternmost point of Lisbon and home to plenty of bike hire shops. Follow the pathway along the Tagus River, past the stunning National Tile Museum and the industrial dock areas, now transformed into trendy hubs filled with restaurants and bars. The route continues past then the riverside MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, with a wave-like design reflecting in the Tagus. Finally, it's on to Belém, for historic sites including Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument that celebrates seafaring explorers from Portugal's Age of Discoveries.

Follow the corridor to Monsanto Park

Discover the hidden green heart of Lisbon on two wheels. Beginning at the Eduardo VII Park, the city's biggest central park famous for its clipped hedges and mosaic-patterned walkways, riders can follow the picturesque car-free Green Corridor past the Amoreiras shopping hub, the giant Aqueduct of the Free Waters, and through the foliage-cloaked lanes of Campolide to the breathtakingly expansive Monsanto Park, dubbed Lisbon's 'Lung'. The woodland has 26 miles of bike-friendly pathways for a wide variety of paved routes and trails recommended for mountain bikes.

Head up to the miradouros

Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon boasts many incredible viewpoints, particularly at the miradouros that overlook the city. With an uphill climb required to reach each one, e-bikes are the best option to get to these visual treats without too much effort. On the way up, choose a route from downtown Lisbon through the neighbourhood of Graça, where attractions include the historic church and convent, plus Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's famous flea market. The climb continues to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest point in the city, where riders are rewarded with a breathtaking view over Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the Castle of São Jorge.

Another option is to go up the hill through Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, where historical treasures include Lisbon Cathedral and Santo António Church. This route leads to Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, both offering spectacular panoramas of the city and the river.

Follow the coast from Cascais to Guincho

The cycle route from the seaside paradise of Cascais to Guincho Beach is one of the most scenic along the Lisbon coast. The well-marked cycle path starts at charming Cascais, a short train ride from the city centre, and follows the dramatic Atlantic coastline for seven miles. This route is fairly flat and surrounded by crashing waves on one side and the forested hills of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on the other. Along the route is Boca do Inferno, a cliff formation with a chasm known as Hell's Mouth that is a must-stop site for photos. The route ends at Guincho Beach, a paradise for surfers thanks to its strong winds and powerful waves. Experienced cyclists can choose to keep going and tackle 10 miles of climbs and winding roads to reach Cape Roca, the westernmost point in Europe.

Cycling around Sintra

Take the train from Lisbon's centre to the fairytale city of Sintra. This is another hilly option that is best tackled with e-bikes, but the incredible sightseeing attractions for cyclists include multi-coloured Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, the gothic architecture and beautiful gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and the town's Medieval Moors Castle. Riders can then head through lush groves as they head away from Sintra to Monserrate Palace, where beautiful gardens display botanical treasures from around the globe, and into Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which is best explored with a guide who knows their way around the maze of unmarked dirt tracks.

For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisbon, please go to www.visitlisboa.com. 

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Notes to editors

About Turismo de Lisboa

Turismo de Lisboa is a non-profit organisation established through an alliance of public and private bodies operating in the tourist sector. It has around 900 associated members. Since its inception in 1998, the main objective of this association is to improve and increase the promotion of Lisbon as a tourist destination and therefore enhance the quality and competitiveness of the city.

For media information and images, please contact Hume Whitehead Ltd:

Rebecca Pasha (rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk / 020 3375 4054 or 020 3375 4050)

Laura Boo (laura@humewhitehead.co.uk / 020 3375 4056 or 020 3375 4050)

Daniel Johnson (dan@humewhitehead.co.uk / 07429 256 670)