39 - 55 km
300 - 600 m
7 Days & 6 Nights
Natural Reserve of SW Alentejano
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PARTNERS, CREDENTIALS AND MORE
- Tour Grade
- Distance
39 – 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 in Lisbon or Faro
Welcome to Portugal!
Our guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to Santiago do Cacém, a lovely town known for its beautiful medieval castle. This is the perfect place for you to start your tour! Explore and breath the fresh air of Santiago but make sure to take some time to relax and rest as tomorrow, new adventures await you!
Bike from Santiago do Cacém to V.N. de Milfontes
On the first day, you will be leaving Santiago by a road on the sierra which will take you to the sea.
You will then enter the national park of southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina on a scenic road over the sea, which brings you to Porto Covo, a typical fishing village that has been transformed into a picturesque delight. After, you will arrive to Vila Nova de Milfontes where you can visit and admire the fishing harbor, the great beach, the Mira River and the beautiful surrounding 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 and 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
Today, you will 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 is 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
On this last day, 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.
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.