Cycling in Alentejo and Algarve (Portugal)

The Alentejo region in the southwest of Portugal is an area still little visited and hides away some of the Iberian Peninsula’s best-preserved landscapes. It is a perfect place to explore on two wheels. It is not only the untouched landscapes, but there are small villages where the pace of life is relaxed, sparsely populated countryside, country roads where farm animals and horse drawn carts are still a common sight and above all else hospitable and friendly local people. This route is an invitation to discover the unexplored and ideal for leisurely cycling due to its gentle topography and eye pleasing scenery.

This is a place to cycle away from the stresses and strains of a busy life. One can ride into the peace and tranquillity of coastal and rural Portugal, cycling trough the Alentejo and Algarve regions, where the traditional way of life and some of the most undeveloped landscapes of Europe can still be found. Explore the striking coastline and discover the agricultural heritage and hidden secrets of the small villages and gentle undulating landscapes. Enjoy the simple way of life with some great seafood near the coast and some surprisingly good wine.

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival at Santiago do Cacém
Briefing with a team member and bike delivery at the first hotel.
Overnight: Santiago do Cacém, Meals included: Breakfast

Day 2. Santiago do Cacém - Cercal do Alentejo (via Vale das Éguas)
On your first day cycling, you will be leaving Santiago towards Cercal do Alentejo. Passing by Vale das Éguas village, ending up the journey at Cercal do Alentejo.
Overnight:Cercal do Alentejo, Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 37km

Day 3. Cercal do Alentejo - Vila Nova de Milfontes (via São Luis)
The itinerary follows inland to the hills São Luis exploring the rural landscape, always with an eye on the Coast. São Luis village is a non-touristic village that allows seeing the real routines of residents and workers there. After São and heading towards the sea, you will climb the highest point by the coast (Cerro de São Domingos), enjoying the great downhill almost until the princess of Alentejo (Vila Nova de Milfontes). You will have enough time to explore Milfontes on foot or just to go and lay down at one of the nice beaches there.
Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes, Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 33km

Day 4. Vila Nova de Milfontes - Zambujeira do Mar
The route today will take you along the most beautiful coastal villages, but before we recommend you a short warm up heading north to Milfontes fishing harbour and after you can start the tour towards Zambujeira, crossing the bridge over the River Mira and passing the villages of Longueira and Almograve on the way, using dirt tracks through the cork oaks and vineyards. The detour to Almograve beach worth’s the effort and after reaching the village of Cavaleiro you will reach the most famous lighthouse in this Region, the Cabo Sardão, were the most beautiful track along the cliffs allows enjoying the maritime brise and views, just before reaching Zambujeira do Mar and it ́s beautiful beach reachable by foot.
Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar, Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 36km

Day 5. Zambujeira to Mar - Aljezur (via Odeceixe)
Today the track will follow towards the Moorish village of Alzejur, passing in some beautiful villages and beaches of Alentejo and Algarve regions. Passing through Carvalhal beach and allowing a short detour for a walk to Amália beach (Fado ́s Portuguese Diva). Crossing the bridge before Odeceixe village you are officially leaving the Alentejo region and getting into the most famous region of Portugal, the Algarve. Odeceixe beach will offer ocean views of one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and the village will offer you a great perspective over the Ceixe Valley near the windmill before leaving to Rogil. Aljezur Village in the horizon will show at the top the Moorish castle, one of the ones represented on the Portuguese flag. Time to rest.
Overnight: in Alzejur Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 48km

Day 6. Aljezur - Carrapateira (via Amoreira Beach/Monte Clérigo)
Leaving the hotel in Aljezur, heading up to the Moorish Castle to enjoy the stunning views of Amoreira Valley and pedalling towards the coast. Today you will pedal along 2 beaches that local use to develop their surf skills. Great views from Amoreira Beach and Monte Clérigo, passing on an old ruin of a “Ribat”, is an evidence of Moorish presence and spiritual significance of this place in the past. Because the region is not only Ocean and sea, but the tour will also lead you inland to explore the countryside of these lands, until the Village of Carrapateira, where a final loop near the Ocean will clean your breeding system just before reaching the hotel.
Overnight: Carrapateira, Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 51km

Day 7. Carrapateira - Sagres 
The last day starts in Carrapateira and heads towards South stopping in one of the highlights of this trip, Saint Vincent’s Cape. The Southern corner of Europe and the last place before America. Cycling there creates a mystical feeling inside us, that is not possible to explain by words. The significance for the Portuguese gold Era of discoveries found the inspiration at this place. This is the place to end your crossing by bike of the SW area of Portugal.
Overnight: Sagres, Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling distance: 40km

Day 8. Departure After breakfast departure from Sagres.

Recommended travel period of the year: April - June, September - November

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Price Includes:
7 overnights in local guesthouses in double room on bed and breakfast basis
bike hirе (for e-bike please ask)
map and GPS in English (provided at first accommodation)
luggage transfers
emergency support between 9h and 18h30

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Not Included:
Flight tickets
transfers
meals (not mentioned in the program)
personal expenses
beverages
insurance

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Additional Services:
Supplement for solo traveller: 305 EUR (on top os single room supplement)

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Gallery

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