This is an amazing oceanic bike tour that will take you from the start to the end of the Southwest coast of Portugal’s natural park, the “Costa Vicentina”, experiencing the laidback and relaxed atmosphere of this region of the Alentejo and Algarve.
Enjoy a weeklong ride in these peaceful rolling hills, discovering these great natural parks. Ride the beautiful oceanic roads and discover the Southwest Alentejo natural park, the finest preserved stretch of European coastline, covering over 100 km. These Parks include various unique species of animal and plant life, and are visited by many zoologists and botanists from all parts of the world. Experience the tremendous variety of beaches, including long stretches of sand and small beaches nested between the cliffs and rocks. In this Alentejo coast bike tour, you’ll explore beaches such as Porto Covo, Malhão, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana and Praia do Amado, many of them preserved in a virtually unspoilt state. Discover the unspoilt Algarve, riding to Cape of São Vicente and the nearby Sagres promontory that housed the famous nautical school founded by the Infante D. Henrique in the 15th century. The car-free roads and trails of the Alentejo provide a great atmosphere for cycling tours and its topography makes it a great region for beginner and intermediate riders. With its trademark gastronomy and great wines, it’s a great opportunity to taste the amazing fresh fish and seafood that are abundant in this region, as well as the local pastries. Ride towards Lagos and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Burgau, Luz, Dona Ana, and others.
Day 1: Transfer from Lisbon to Vila Nova de Milfontes – Briefing e Bike Fit
Pick-up at Lisbon airport/hotel and transfer to Vila Nova de Milfontes, your first destination within the Vicentina Natural Park. (1h30m), for your private briefing and bike fit. Time to explore Vila Nova de Milfonte's historical center and the beautiful views over the Atlantic and the Mira river!
Night at Herdade da Matinha (or similar). Hotel: Herdade da Matinha (included in the premium option) or HS Milfontes Hotel
Day 2: Cercal – Zambujeira do Mar/Brejão (43km, 480 meters accumulated height)
Breakfast at the hotel and start of the ride. After leaving Cercal, you will cross the bridge over the River Mira, enjoying the views. Just a bit ahead you will exit N393 and enter on a macadam trail, allowing you to cycle along the farming areas of this region. This trail will cross again N393 and take you to Almograve, a famous village around here for it’s sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. Continue to pedal along the green houses and farming areas and reach Cabo Sardão, a small cape with its lighthouse. From here we suggest the 8.5 km tour along the ocean cliffs, allowing you to observe the deep blue colors of the ocean from the top, crowds of sea birds, the beaches and cliffs. A bit before Zambujeira do Mar, just at the end of the trail, you’ll find your hotel for the night, the charming Herdade do Touril ( included in the premium option) or Cerca do Sul, in nearby Brejão.
Night at Herdade do Touril (included in the premium option) or Casa da Seiceira
Day 3: Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur/Arrifana (48km, 611 meters accumulated height)
Breakfast at the hotel and start of the ride. Exiting Herdade do Touril you’ll quickly reach Zambujeira do Mar, a quaint little fishing village and beach. You will need ride down the hill to the beach and then up again, climbing the steep road to get you off the valley. A few kilometers ahead you will reach Praia do Carvalhal. Riding uphill, you will see a lot of farms and large scale production greenhouses. Reaching Odeceixe, a beautiful traditional village, you will be led to the ocean and then again uphill to this region’s plateau. Once at the top you will cross, and sometimes pedal along, an artificial water canal used to irrigate the soil around here. In just a few kilometers you will reach your hotel, Monte do Cardal. Ride up to Aljezur and Arrifana to Herdade do Monte do Sol in the "guided" and "self-guided" option
Night at Herdade Monte do Sol (included in the premium option) or Vicentina Hotel
Day 4: Aljezur/Arrifana – Pedralva (35km, 375 meters accumulated height)
Breakfast at the hotel and start of the ride. Just after you start your ride you will reach Aljezur, an old Moorish village already in the Algarve region. Don’t forget to visit Aljezur’s beach Praia da Amoreira. You will then start the climb to the castle and, from there on, continues to go uphill until you reach the altitude of 125m. After reaching the top, you will ride a long macadam road that will lead you through the Natural Southwest Park forest and along the ridge of the sierra. Enjoy the great views over the lower lands and the ride through the small villages and isolated houses. A few kilometers before Carrapateira you have a high slope downhill. Then at Carrapateira, take the round circuit and enjoy the most amazing cliffs over the ocean’s marvelous blue backdrop. From here you will follow the upstream of a small stream to Pedralva, an abandoned rural village now fully renovated for tourism purposes. From Pedralva it’s just a stone’s throw to reach Casa Fajara ( included in the premium option) where your hotel is, or Pedralva rural tourism.
Night: Casa Fajara (included in the premium option) or Aldeia da Pedralva rural tourism
Day 5: Pedralva – Sagres (31km, 354 meters accumulated height)
After breakfast you will be riding to the Sagres area where you can visit the old navigators school from the 15th century. Besides the fortress you will be able to also appreciate the ocean cliffs of both capes: São Vicente and Sagres. You’ll reach Cape São Vicente on a macadam trail, and then head down towards Sagres, the southernmost point of Portugal, where you can have lunch. Check-in at the beautiful Memmo Baleeira hotel and enjoy Sagres, Martinhal or the the Baleeira beach for the day.
Night at Memmo Baleeira (included in the premium option) or Pousada de Sagres
Day 6: Sagres – Lagos (45km, 700 meters accumulated height)
After breakfast at the hotel, you need to ride back to Vila do Bispo, cycling a bit along the N268 and then crossing N125 at Raposeira. After, you will cycle on low traffic roads until Praia da Luz, passing along many beaches, one of them amazingly semi-desert and naturally preserved. After Praia da Luz you will mix with moderated traffic until you reach this section’s last kilometers. Before arriving in Lagos, we suggest a visit to the nearby ocean cliffs as they are worth seeing. Check-in at your hotel in Lagos – enjoy the city’s vibrant feel, restaurants, bars and other attractions.
Night at Cascade Wellness and Lifestyle Resort ( included in the premium option) or Tivoli Lagos
Day 7: Transfer Lagos – Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Faro or Lisbon airport. EXTENDED STAY IN LISBON/SAGRES: On DemandExtend your stay in Lisbon or Sagres for an extra day before or after this trip.
A diverse mix of terrains, showcasing the natural beauty of Portugal's southwest coast. The routes feature a combination of paved roads, macadam trails, and scenic coastal paths. Expect rolling hills, occasional steep climbs, and fun descents as you pedal through picturesque villages, terraced farmland, and the rugged cliffs of the Vicentina Natural Park. You'll ride alongside the Atlantic Ocean, with breathtaking views of sandy beaches, dramatic capes, and lush greenhouses. Forested tracks and vineyard-lined trails add variety to the journey, while tranquil streams and remote countryside offer moments of serenity.
Private rides:
If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.
Customized rides:
If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.
For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.
At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.
/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;
Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.
/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Portugal!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER
While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.
RIDER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
3 EXPERT
/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Cycling holidays Portugal for all.
