35 - 55 km
300 - 700 m
11 Days & 10 Nights
Natural Park of Arrábida and Natural Reserve of SW Alentejano
- Tour Grade
- Distance
35 – 55 km / day
- Profile
Flat and moderately hilly with some short but steep ascents/descents
- Route
50% paved, 50% off-road (dirt, gravel and double track roads)
Optional: 100% paved
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Itinerary
Arrival Lisbon or Faro
Welcome to Portugal!
Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to Setúbal, a lovely city known for its variety of beaches, which are all part of Arrábida's Natural Park. This is the perfect place for you to start your tour and take a great big breath of the fresh air of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy your rest here because tomorrow a new adventure awaits you!
Bike Setúbal Loop
First day on the road and already so much to see!
Immerse yourself in the lush green nature of the Arrábida Natural Park and ride along the beautiful bays and beaches of the Setúbal Peninsula. Discover Portinho da Arrábida, one of the most beautiful bays with clear crystal waters and extensive stretches of white sand. The truth is that Setúbal has so much more to give! As you pass by Azeitão, you'll hear about our famous cheese and wine. If you're feeling curious for a bit of our culture and gastronomy, you can always stop at a winery or a famous pottery and tiles producer along the way. We think it's a great idea!
Bike from Setúbal to Grândola
The emphasis of this day will be the crossing of the Sado River by ferry to reach the peninsula of Tróia.
This is a beautiful place known for tourism and its roman thermal bath ruins. As you leave the green lush of Arrábida's Natural Park behind, you continue to make your way to Grândola, a city that is famous for inspiring our musicians to make politically fueled themes back in the days of the dictatorship. To complete the day, stop at an exceptional and traditional Portuguese restaurant to taste some of our exquisite Portuguese food!
Bike from Grândola to Santiago do Cacém
Today, you will follow the trails by the canals and rice fields with the company of many birds and numerous storks.
Then, you will cross the Serra, where the landscape shifts suddenly, as you move from a sandy pine forest to an incredible oak tree forest! After, you will arrive in Santiago, a peaceful village with an intriguing castle. Lastly, you will also pass by a famous beach Brejos da Carregueira which is practically deserted and visited by naturists.
Bike from Santiago do Cacém to V.N. de Milfontes
Start off by leaving Santiago by road and make your way towards the sea.
You will enter the natural park of the southwest Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina on a scenic road over the sea and pass Porto Covo, a picturesque retreat by the ocean with beautiful cliffs. In the past, the town survived mostly of fishing but has since then turned more to tourism. After, you will arrive to Vila Nova de Milfontes, where you will be able to visit the fishing harbor, a fantastic beach and admire the Mira River and its beautiful bay area.
Bike from V.N. de Milfontes to Odeceixe
Today, you'll enter the famous natural reserve of southwest Alentejo and the Vicentina coast (prepare to be blown away).
Nearby, you will be able to find the stunning Cape Sardão, which is guarded by a lighthouse. A place of absolute reconciliation between the land and the ocean. As you move down the coastline, you will be able to admire the shafts embedded in the rock walls, the seed islets here and there and the many white stork couples that have chosen this coast as their nesting site. As you follow through Zambujeira do Mar and across the fields you will eventually arrive at a river, where at its end, you'll arrive at Odeceixe. This is a charming village sitting on a hillside which is known for its old windmill that is located on the tallest hill.
Bike from Odeceixe to Arrifana
Start the day by going to one of the most beautiful sceneries of this coast - Odeceixe beach!
Then, you will follow a valley where once caravels sailed to the village of Aljezur, which is located about five kilometers inland. In Alzejur, ride through the narrow streets and visit the medieval castle! Try the famous sweet potato of Aljezur that grows in the fertile land of the region! It was recognized in 2008 by the European Union as a protected area and food item. At the end of the day, you will arrive at Arrifana, an amazing village over the cliffs.
Bike from Arrifana to Pedralva
Ride through some forests and move once again closer to the sea when you arrive at the incredible village of Carrapateira.
It is a quiet, pretty and spread-out village that is rounded by a wild coast, with copper colored and ash-grey cliffs which are speckled in yellow and green scrub. You will then follow a dirt road along the sea where it's possible to see this region at its most beautiful. On the way, you will pass some stunning beaches and incredible, colorful cliffs. Then, go up on a dirt road under through a beautiful round pine forest and arrive at a typical village. Pedralva was once deserted by its residents but has now bounced back in great part due it being recovered as a hotel, known as the Pedralva Village Hotel.
Bike from Pedralva to Sagres
Today you will follow a coastal route that will let you discover some of the most beautiful and secret beaches of the Vicentina coast.
Then, you will ride south until Cape São Vicente, the south-westernmost point of continental Europe. This is a magical place where we almost hear the echoes of the voices of the sailors and pilgrims. Rounded by monumental cliffs and outstanding views of the coastline, the cape is not only a beauty to behold but also a privileged area to watch the natural phenomenon of bird migration.
Bike from Sagres to Lagos
You will be absolutely dazzled with the day that awaits you!
On this last day of cycling you will ride through the most famous pieces of land in our country, but seeing sights that most tourists never get to see. On your way to Lagos, make sure to appreciate the most amazing horizon and the strong blue waters that break on the sandy beach shore. Algarve is a stunning place! When you arrive to Lagos, take some time to stop at Ponta da Piedade, the landmark of the city with yellow-golden clifflike rocks and grottos that wonder those who visit it.
Departure
This is it! The day has come to take back all the incredible memories you have made and new interesting things you discovered.
It has most definitely been a great adventure and we truly want you to come back and discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails.
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