- Sleep in castles, palaces and farmhouses.
- This Portugal bike tour takes you through beautiful landscapes with vineyards, olive groves, cork oaks and beaches.
- A gastronomical paradise for the palate. The wine, food, pastry and the unforgettable picnics at the beach.
- Fun and relaxing days at your own pace.
- Two different regions, variety in landscape
The Castles and Beaches cycling tour in Portugal takes you from inland Alentejo - rich in castles, palaces and traditional architecture - to the Vicentina Coast, in just 8 days.
Cycle from cork oak fields and olive groves to a pristine Atlantic coastline, with quiet roads and a challenge here and there.
Taste fresh fish, award-winning Alentejo wines, and our famous gourmet beach picnics on secluded sands. Along the way, discover olive oil, cork harvesting, and the stories that shaped this region.
Learn about olive oil, cork extraction and its many uses, rice fields, pine forests, the dictatorship, and many other intriguing facts.
Easy level safe routes with a challenge here and there will make for a relaxing and fun ride while you live the present, learn about the past and discover the future of the oldest and sunniest country in Europe.
Program
The perfect bike tour itinerary for you
From Rich Heritage to impressive Coastline
Arrival and Briefing
Transfer to Estremoz or Vila Viçosa
Estremoz only on e-bike option (1h45 from airport if you choose private transfer)
Accommodation on E-Bike option
Pousada de Estremoz, located in a castle built by Dom Dinis for Queen Santa Isabel in the 13th century. Located in the historic centre, it is the perfect place for you to discover the city on foot.
Páteo dos Solares, renovated 4* boutique hotel, it has privileged access to the town’s centre, local commerce, and its people.
Accommodation on Hybrid bike option
Pousada D. João IV, built in a convent, with swimming pool
Solar dos Mascarenhas, a charm boutique hotel built in a manor house, with swimming pool
Premium upgrade
Marmoris hotel, a 5 stars where you will find all sorts of marble applications in the architecture and decoration.
Food & tasting
- Welcome drink and first briefing about your self guided or guided cycling tour in Portugal
- Superb dinner at local restaurant - no drinks (included in PLUS tours only).
Cycling from Estremoz/Vila Viçosa to Monsaraz
This day's ride will lead to the marble capital of Portugal. The marble triangle will mark the landscape for the next bike tour days. The so-called white gold is the main economic driver of the region. Its richness is a constant presence in the wide streets and 18th century buildings.
The visit to an impressive, fortified sanctuary with an interesting tale will close the morning.
Our tour destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defense of our nation just by the border with Spain.
See the sunset from the tower in the castle or for the terrace of the wine shop!
Accommodation
Estalagem de Monsaraz, Located next to the castle and more than 500 years old, this house has been refurbished while retaining its original features. It is tastefully decorated and has fantastic views over the Alentejo plain.
Premium upgrade
Hotel Rural Horta da Moura, a lovely farm with gorgeous views, with swimming pool
Herdade de São Lourenço do Barrocal, Winery of several prizes, this highend farm boutique hotel is a unique experience. Staying here is a splurge we all deserve.
Visits
- Ducal Palace of VIla Viçosa
- Marble museum
- Marble quarries
- Sanctuary of Terena
Food & Tasting
- Wine tasting (included in PLUS tours)
- Lunch (included in PLUS tours)
- Dinner - no drinks (included in PLUS tours)
Cycling Details
Distance: 91 km or 60 km depending if you started in Estremoz or Vila Viçosa
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Mostly secondary asphalted roads. Short dirt track to the quarries.
Total ascent: 610 or 470 m
Cycling from Monsaraz to Évora
On the way we will visit the famous pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where you can see the men making magic with the clay, transforming it into beautiful pots and plates, and the ladies painting them with flowers in an impressive speed.
We then bike along a beautiful bike lane through farm land.
The ride finishes in Évora, classified by UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will have the chance to wonder around and get immersed in this ancient pre-roman settlement.
Visits
- Pottery
- Dolmen of Pega
- Bones chappal
Food & Tasting
- Gourmet Picnic lunch (included in PLUS tours)
- Wine tasting at Ervideira Wine shop
Accommodation
Monte do Serrado de Baixo, The house maintains the traditional architecture of the Alentejo region. Each of our rooms has a different theme, inviting you to explore the arts of cork extraction, olive and grape picking or bread making. At our farm house, you will feel at home.
Mar de Ar Muralhas, Very comfortable and well located budget 4 stars hotel built by the castle wall, which is the framing of the garden and pool area.
Premium upgrade
Mar de Ar Aqueduto, The 5 star option of the hotel chain above. Also in the center and built in a convent. A very affordable 5 stars.
Moura Suites Hotel, A charm boutique hotel with less than 30 rooms, built in a palace in the historical center. A very pleasant and intimate stay.
Convento do Espinheiro, 3 km away from the city, this beautiful convent is an impressive building. The 5 star hotel lives to its classification, with great service, amazing breakfast and lovely gardens.
Cicioso Boutique hotel, located in the historical center in a restaured 20th century manor house.
Cycling details
Distance: 69 km
Difficulty: Easy+
Terrain: Undulating secondary roads and eco trail for part of the way
Total ascent: 310 m
Évora round trip
Cycling from our farm to S. Miguel de Machede
This day’s bike tour leaves the guesthouse toward Igrejinha, one of the most picturesque villages in the Alentejo, known for its bright white houses painted with colorful stripes.
The day is rich in visits to local producers, it's hard to select in between the many choices.
You will ride through peaceful countryside and hardly meet any cars.
Discover how cork is harvested, sorted and transformed, and learn about the countless uses of this extraordinary natural material that is one of Portugal’s most iconic exports.
Visits
- Lake of Divor dam
- Cork factory
Food & tasting
- Local café in Igrejinha
- Winery Fita Preta - set in a 14th century palace
- Winery of Comenda, set in a family estate. A beautiful local winery, which also includes a stop at an old olive mill.
- Winery of Coelheiros, where you may also book a jeep tour around the estate to learn about its sustainable project.
- Prickly pear plantation, a wonderful example of innovation in Alentejo agriculture.
- Picnic Lunch (included in PLUS tours)
Accommodation
Same place
Cycling Details
Distance: 43 km/26,7 mi, with transfer back to the farm; 63 km/39,1 mi round trip
Difficulty: Medium without a transfer. Easy with transfer
Terrain: 100% asphalt, soft hills.
Total ascent: 213 m/ 698 ft OR 295 m/ 967 ft
Cycling from Santo André to Santiago do Cacém
Early Transfer from Évora to Santo André (2 hours).
After the initial warm up, explore the wildlife heaven ecosystems of 2 freshwater lagoons. After a drink by the sea, ride to a unique outdoors library made of marble, followed by a picnic under a cork oak forest.
Then pay a visit to a very nice family who owns a small olive mill, several generations old. The ride ends in Santiago, an old small town with great aristocratic architecture and a castle with unforgettable views.
Visits
- Lagoon of Santo Andre Natural reserve
- Lagoon of Melides
- Marble Book monument
- Castle of Santiago
Food & Tastings
- Picnic Lunch (Included in PLUS tours)
- Dinner - no drinks (Included in PLUS tours)
Accommodation
Santiago Hotel - 4*, Here you may indulge on a wonderful dinner served in a restaurant with show cooking, or book a cooking class.
Feel tired? Book a recovery massage at the hotel.
Cycling details
Distance: 34 km
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Gentle rolling roads with final climb, 3 km of dirt roads.
Total ascent: 450 m
Cycling from Santiago do Cacém to Vila Nova de Milfontes
Santiago is the land of wind, so with the visit to the last operating windmill say farewell to this town towards the coastline through a lush green oak forest.
The Blue Ocean and warmer waters by the schist cliffs will frame the beach picnic. A few km away we pass the enchanting fisherman’s village of Porto Covo. This coast is already the Natural Park of southwestern Alentejo and Vicentina coast. The fortification that used to protect the natural harbor against pirate attacks is the next stop. The peach island poses for our pictures.
In the afternoon we will arrive at the village of Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, with more magnificent views.
Visits
- Windmill
- Forte do Pessegueiro
- Beaches of Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
Food & Tasting
- Honey tasting at Café Paiol
- Lunch (included in PLUS tours)
- Dinner at the farm (included in PLUS tours)
Accommodation
Monte do Zambujeiro, with a romantic riverside setting, this is a peaceful farm stay surrounded by nature — the perfect closing to a gentle cycling day.
Village center option
Hotel Selina Mil Fontes, is a lively, centrally-located with communal spaces, events and a youthful, social vibe ideal for young travelers
HS Milfontes Beach Hotel, For guests who prefer staying in the village center of Milfontes rather than the countryside farm
Cycling details
Distance: 59 km
Difficulty: Easy+
Terrain: Most of the day on secondary asphalted roads and some dirt roads
Total ascent: 330 m
Cycling from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Odeceixe
Your final day of this unforgettable cycling holiday on the Alentejo and Vicentina Coast is designed to be relaxed, scenic, and full of photographic moments. Set your camera to landscape mode! The route follows one of the most spectacular cliff rides in Portugal! It's an easy dirt roads (with asphalt alternatives available).
This final stage is a celebration of nature and coastline scenery at its finest. A perfect ending to your journey!
Feel free to continue riding on our Wild Algarve tour!
Visits
- Vicentina Coast cliff-top trails
- Stork nests perched dramatically on coastal cliffs
Food & Tasting
- Almograve Beach to swim & refreshment stop
- Picnic (included in PLUS tours)
- Dinner Celebration - no drinks - a festive final evening with surprises, local flavors and one of the most beautiful sunsets of the entire tour (included in van-supported and guided tours)
Accommodation
Casas do Moinho, A premium rural property with stylish accommodations, surrounded by nature and featuring a swimming pool.
Cycling Details
Distance: 48 km
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: Mostly flat with many dirt-road sections (asphalt alternatives available)
Total Ascent: 460 m
Departure
Transfer to Lisbon airport (included in PLUS tours)
Self-Guided
On a self-guided tour, you are free to explore at your own pace, following detailed route instructions and maps. You will travel independently, managing your own time and handling small bike repairs and maintenance on your own.
Before you set off, you’ll receive a personal tour and bike briefing by a local guide, giving you all the essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable ride. You’ll also have access to a personalized navigation app, making it easy to follow your route and explore the region confidently.
With 24-hour phone support, historical notes, and local dining suggestions, you can discover the landscapes, history, and hidden gems on your own rhythm, stopping wherever and whenever the adventure calls.
Van Support Plus
Van Support Plus includes all the benefits of Van Support, with added comfort and thoughtful touches. You’ll start with a personal tour and bike briefing by a local guide and a personalized navigation app, ensuring you feel confident and ready. Daily briefings guide all rides, while airport transfers and carefully prepared meals allow you to relax and enjoy every moment.
This option combines the freedom of independent cycling with extra comfort, support, and full meals featuring local gastronomy, creating a more indulgent and seamless experience.
Guided Plus
Guided Plus combines expert guidance with maximum comfort and culinary delights. Your experience begins with a personal tour and bike briefing by a local guide and access to a personalized navigation app. Every day starts with a daily briefing, setting the tone for smooth, exciting rides.
With airport transfers and thoughtfully prepared meals, plus the full support of our guides, you can focus entirely on the adventure. You’ll cycle through the region fully immersed in its landscapes, history, and flavors, accompanied by passionate guides and fellow travelers who share your love of exploration.
Map with bike routes
Gallery
Tour costs & what’s included
This is a multi day tour
Book your trip
Subject to availability, you can do this tour at any date as a private guided tour or as a self guided tour.
Book your own dateThe fact that a group date is full does not mean you cannot do a private tour on that date. So contact us anyway!
Guided group tour dates
Castle and Beaches Bike Tour Reviews
Reviews From Our Five-Star Clients
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2025 Travelers' Choice
#1 of 29 Outdoor Activities in Evora
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