8 days

Duration

444 km

Distance

Medium+

Difficulty

Portugal SW Coast

Location

Active bike tour – Go Active!

Highlights

Very active bike tour and challenging days – hard level bike tour
Ever changing landscape: cork oak forests, rice fields, sand dunes, high cliffs, white sandy beaches and coves to explore.
A gastronomical paradise for the palate. The wines, the food, the sweets…
Tasty picnics served at the beach or at local restaurants
Algarve’s picturesque and lively historical centers
Cycling through incredible and wild scenery on the coast of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP
Very nice hotels, including a night in a convent

Description

Are you fit?
Do you like riding and enjoy climbing?
Looking for a hard level bike tour?
If so this is the tour for you!
If not, choose one of our easier tours.

This 8 day active bike tour will take you through some of the wildest and beautiful Portuguese landscapes between pristine natural parks and the cool blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, taking some easy dirt roads occasionally. This is our most challenging bike tour.

Experience the irresistible Portuguese gastronomy with awarded Alentejo wines and enjoy a picnic, in the sands of secluded beaches…there is nothing quite like it!

Learn and live the traditions and culture of our heartwarming people so simple and true and know our ways about olive oil, cork extraction, and its many uses, rice fields, pine forests, the dictatorship, and many other intriguing historical facts.

Safe routes with a challenge here and there will make for a relaxing and fun ride while you live the present, learn the past and discover the future of one of the oldest and sunniest countries in Europe.

Sleep in an array of historical buildings, charm hotels, and agro-tourisms.

You can make this trip:

with us on a guided tour getting all the interpretation and companionship
having the support car guiding you
with friends on a self guided tour.

Day 1

Arrival

Arrival to airport and transfer to Palmela 30 minutes away from Lisbon.
6 p.m. – Welcome drink and first briefing of your active tour, followed by a superb freshly caught fish dinner at local restaurant.Welcome drink and dinner included only in van guided and guided tours.
Accommodation: Pousada de Palmela, built in a convent

Day 2

The Arrábida Natural Park

Cycling from Palmela to Setúbal.

The morning light will lead to Sesimbra’ s castle, built in the 12th century to watch over the port, followed by a visit to the picturesque fisherman’s market down in the small village and perhaps a quick dive at the local beach.

Then the green lust of Arrábida Natural Park will keep you company until Portinho da Arrábida beach, the perfect place for a drink and a swim. Last stop Setúbal, the day’s destination, a vibrant and prosperous city.

Distance: 65 km
Total ascent: 1485 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: Hilly
Optional easier level: skip the visit to Sesimbra’s village.
Optional challenging level: if you feel super fit you can cycle more on a mountain route: 13 kms with extra ascent of 250 mts.
Picnic and dinner included only in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Hotel do Sado, 4*

POSSIBLE TO UP GRADE TO: Casa de Palmela or Art Rio Hotel Setúbal

Day 3

The Wine and Rice Fields Tour

Cycling from Setubal to Santo André.

After breakfast, the visit to Setubal downtown will make for an easy start followed by the ferry crossing of the Sado river, home to a healthy resident dolphin population.

Riding in the peninsula of Troia, surrounded by sand dunes of this once island, you will get to the wine tasting. Then choose a beach in this 50 km long white sandy stretch to relax and enjoy. The wild egrets and storks will keep you company through the rice fields, a prosperous Moorish heritage.

Near the end of the ride, there is still time to explore a couple of fresh water lagoon ecosystems and a unique outdoors library made of marble. Enjoy the scenic easy road to Santo André.

Distance: 71 km
Total ascent: 540 mts
Difficulty: Medium
Terrain: flat, 6 kms of dirt roads.
Wine tasting, picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Park, 3*, with swimming pool.

POSSIBLE TO UP GRADE TO: Octante Santiago (extra 10km)

Day 4

The Mountain and the Sea

Cycling from Santo André to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

After the initial warm up reach Santiago do Cacém, an interesting old small town with great aristocratic architecture and a castle with views to the past and future. Before leaving visit the last operating wind mill and head out towards the coastline through a lush green oak forest.

The Blue Ocean and schist cliffs will frame the arrival to the fisherman’s village of Porto Covo. On the way check out a fortification that used to protect a natural bay from pirate attacks. Soon after the opportunity to walk into the ocean, watch the unloading of the fish and the lamprey drying in the sun.

Later relax at the beach or snoop around the small streets and shops of Vila Nova de Milfontes followed by the perfect end of the day at the romantic river side agro-tourism.

Distance: 70 km
Total ascent: 1240 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: flat roads and some dirt roads
Picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner will be at the hotel: Monte do Zambujeiro
Accommodation: Monte do Zambujeiro, a lovely farm with swimming pool.

Day 5

The Cliffs Route

Cycling from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Aljezur.

Set the camera to landscape mode and through roads only used by locals, mostly dirt roads with some bits more challenging frame the rocks sticking out of the ocean ornamented by stork’s nests, frame the unexplored hidden coves and small beaches with an impressive array of colors and contrasts. Capture all these moments and share them… yes, it’s selfies time.

Wild hidden beaches will pop up during the day to surprise and invite you to a moment of leisure and relaxation, enjoy them. Odeceixe and its famous beach, one of the Portuguese 7 wonders is a good place for a coffee stop.

The ride ends in one of the last villages conquered from the moors, Aljezur.

The local artist shop and gallery deserve a visit, as well as the local museums.

Distance: 87 km
Total ascent: 670 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: Some dirt tracks, riding along some water channels and undulating secondary asphalt roads.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Vicentina Aparthotel, 4*, with swimming pool.

Day 6

From Impressive Cliffs to Charming Valleys

Cycling from Aljezur to Sagres.

From the Castle of Aljezur, witness the quilt like landscape over the village and its neat and tidy vegetable gardens. As you cycle keep your eye out for the impressive “needle rock“, an imposing rock standing in the middle of the ocean. Soon after you can choose between following the undulating asphalt road or a dirt track adventure through wild and breathtaking valley’s full of life.

At Carrapateira’s village visit the fisherman’s museum. Learn about the ways of the people that risk their lives to catch the best fish for your meal! Now you get to choose whether you prefer to ride in an asphalt road or a dirt track through a lush valley to reach the village of Vila do Bispo.

Before reaching the most SW point of Europe, S. Vincent cape, named by the Romans as the end of the world you’ll have a chance to enjoy a couple of beaches and small villages. The cliffs here are huge, go down to a beach and feel the enormity of the setting. Now only the visit to the Fortress of Sagres, the first school of mariners ever created, stands between you and the hotel on the edge of the cliffs.

Distance: 85 km
Total ascent: 1150 mts
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: Good dirt tracks, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Charming Memmo Baleeira, with swimming pool

POSSIBLE TO UP GRADE TO: Pousada de Sagres

Day 7

Beach Roller Coaster!

Cycling from Sagres to Lagos.

Today, as we move east, the landscape will be predominantly the south coastline with its cliffs turning from black schist to orange sandstone and calmer and warmer waters. There will be lots of opportunities to enjoy these magical spots. You may choose to do this day in 100% asphalt or using the more scenic ocean side and more challenging dirt tracks.

You will also notice a change in the atmosphere, something feels different, the villages are bigger, more touristic, many cafés, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

On secondary roads or cycling through the cliffs witness the sea’s marvelous erosion architectural-creations on sandstone.

Lagos is a hub of life, a city with a pulse and charming architecture.

Visit the local museum, the beautiful church, the downtown area with its cosmopolitan atmosphere or book a boat trip for a different perspective.

Distance: 55 km
Total ascent: 720 mts
Difficulty: Medium +
Terrain: You may choose to do this day in 100% asphalt or have a dirt track adventure.
Picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli, 4*, with swimming pool.

Day 8

Departure

Transfer to Lisbon airport (3 hours)

Tour extension: Continue Cycling south, on our gorgeous Alentejo inland and do the Castles and Wine Tour.

Notes

On self-guided tours you are expected to know how to fix small problems in your bike. You should be an independent traveler, used to read maps, route instructions and manage your own time. You will bike at your rhythm and do “as you please”. From us, you will get 24 hours support by phone, maps, route instructions and historical notes. We will also give you suggestions of places to eat. The downsides will be not to have the support car to take you in case you get tired and not to have the company and expertise of our guides, which are like family to us and will be like family to you!

On Van guided tours the guide will be the driver. He/she will guide you from a distance. The car will be near enough so that you can see it on the junctions. The guide will stop at important or interesting places to give history explanations or tell a story. Some people call this a supported tour, though in our case it is more than that because you are actually being guided. Lunches are picnic type with traditional foods from the area where we are cycling. Sometimes we also use local restaurants. Though price, most of the times, includes meals, we can give you a price with no meals if you prefer to have a more independent trip.

On Guided tours groups are accompanied by one or two cycling guides, besides a guide who takes the support car, prepares the picnics and transports your luggage. Lunches are picnic type with traditional foods from the area where we are cycling. Sometimes we also use local restaurants.

On van guided or guided cycling tours, you can expect full service from your guides. They will do their best to make your holiday an unforgettable one.

Our guides are all Portuguese and know our region very well. They are very service minded and most of them have been working with us for many years. They are bikers themselves and love to go cycling on their holidays, so they know what you expect from them!

In dinners arranged by us and you can be sure you will try the best gastronomy as we choose restaurants well known by us for its good traditional food. No «touristy» places included!

MAP

PROFILES

1st cycling day from Palmela to Setubal

Altitude gain: 1485 mt / 4872 ft
Total Distance: 73.6 km / 45 mi
Level: Difficult

2nd cycling day from Setubal to Vila Nova de Santo André

Altitude gain: 419 mt / 1374 ft
Total Distance: 79.9 km / 49 mi
Level: Difficult

3rd cycling day from Vila Nova de Santo André do Vila Nova de Mil Fontes

Altitude gain: 972 mt / 3188 ft
Total Distance: 75.8 km / 47 mi
Level: Difficult

4th cycling day from Vila Nova de Mil Fontes to Aljezur

Altitude gain: 610 mt / 2001 ft
Total Distance: 83.10 km / 51 mi
Level: Difficult

5th cycling day from Aljezur to Sagres

Altitude gain: 1091 mt / 3579 ft
Total Distance: 83.6 km / 51 mi
Level: Difficult

6th cycling day from Sagres to Lagos

Altitude gain: 948 mt / 3110 ft
Total Distance: 48.4 km / 30 mi
Level: Medium Plus

Prices per person – 2024

Departures everyday for all types of Tour.

Come on our set dates and Get a Better Price.

conditions	SELF GUIDED TOUR	VAN-GUIDED TOUR	GUIDED TOUR
Price per person (minimum 4 adults)	1 330 €*	2 665€*	2 990 €*
Price per person (minimum 2 adults)	2 015 €*	4 025 €*	4 640 €*
*plus season supplement if applicable
Included
Accommodation in double room with breakfast
Maps, route instructions and history notes
24h phone support
Personal accident insurance
Luggage transfer
Basic tools
VAT tax
Souvenir
Airport transfers
Support car with guide
Bicycle, helmet, back rack and pannier or similar
Water and fruit
6 Lunches at café or picnic
5 Dinners with wine
1 liqueur tasting
Entrance fee at Fortress of Sagres
Entrance fee at Municipal museum of Aljezur
Entrance fee at Fisherman's museum
1st aid assistence
Portugal Best Cycling jersey
Guide
* Season supplement
April, May and October	85 €	85 €	85 €
June	135 €	135 €	135 €
Jully, August	265 €	265 €	265 €
September	170 €	170 €	170 €
Easter, Christmas and New years eve under request
Supplements
Single**	500 €	500 €	500 €
Single** - April, May and October	585 €	585 €	585 €
Single** - June	680 €	680 €	680 €
Single** - Jully, August	1 015 €	1 015 €	1 015 €
Single** - September	755 €	755 €	755 €
Single** - October	605 €	605 €	605 €
** Single supplement applys for a 3rd person in a group of 2. Solo traveller under request.
Departure different then Saturday	90 €	90 €	90 €
Vegan meals		90 €	90 €
We are happy to supply vegan and gluten free meals. If you require this options, please let us know at the time of booking. Produce for these meals are quite expensive, so we are obliged to charge an extra fee.
Transfers
Lisbon Airport transfer to Palmela
Per person (min 4)	30 €	-	-
Per person (min 2)	45 €	-	-
Lisbon Airport transfer from Lagos
Per person (min 4)	125 €	-	-
Per person (min 2)	240 €	-	-
Rentals
Bicycle rental with helmet, back rack and pannier or similar	100 €	-	-
E-bike rental	200 €	100 €	100 €
GPS Rental	50 €	-	-
Phone rental (plus calls)	10 €
Extras
Cycling shorts	65 €	65 €	65 €
Extra cycling jersey	20 €	20 €	20 €
Cycling apron	20 €	20 €	20 €

Discount price if you book 2 tours!

Tour extension: Continue Cycling with us to the gorgeous inland of the Alentejo and do the Castles and Wine Tour.

Notes:

For a single person tour Contact us.
For a massage Contact us.
Extra nights – we strongly recommend that you do one or two breaks along the way. There are great places that deserve an extra night (see the programme). We will charge you only the cost of the hotel and 5 € per day per bike.

Not Included: Bikes insurance, Travel insurance, Tour cancellation insurance, and all items not mentioned above. See Terms & Conditions for more details.

Turaventur uses the REDUNIQ @Payments System. These payments are made in a simple, practical and secure way. The payment link is sent to your email, which will be redirected to a secure UNICRE page. Here the customer places the card details and makes the payment. After the data is validated and authorized by the bank, the transaction is finish. At the end you are notified of payment via email.