In 1955 two men working at a place called Pedra do Altar went through an opening in the rock as they were trying to catch a bird. Inside they discovered a gallery of Santo António caves, formed more than 150 million years ago. The caves occupy a huge area of 6,000 square meters, adorned with stalagmites and stalactites (photos by Bruno Seabra).

From here you will continue cycling through the agriculture fields of the area, which include a lot of olive trees. In the 50s about 200.000 liters of olive oil were produced here! There may be a chance of visiting an olive mill and tasting some olive oil.

On the way you may park your bikes for a beautiful short walk. When you reach the top of the Fornea you find the perfect place to relax.  The amphitheater has about 500 mts of diameter and 250 meters in height! 

Arriving to the village of Porto de Mós you may choose to visit the castle and then head back home for some relaxing time in the Aire baths. You deserve it after this biking tour!

Picnic lunch included in self-guided, van guided and guided tours.
5.30 pm – Time for the special Special baths in the hotel. Possible to book a massage for 2
7.00 pm – Cooking class at hotel – In the end of the day we invite you to meet the Chef in the kitchen and make your own dinner, which we hope will be Yummy!!!
Accommodation and breakfast at Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel
Cooking class included in self-guided, van guided and guided tours.
 Distance: 43 Kms / 26,72 miles
Total ascent: 1011 mts / 3316 feet
Difficulty: difficult with normal bike, medium with e-bike
Terrain: 80% asphalt, long steep hills, easy dirt track (ecotrail).

The route is again hilly at the beginning but then you have a wonderful downhill on a really narrow road through the mountains.

The monastery of Batalha took over a century to build, starting in 1386 and ending around 1517, spanning the reign of seven kings! It is one of the masterpieces of Gothic art, mingled with Manueline style.

The Alcobaça Monastery has a beautiful 13^th century façade but the building of the complex started in 1178. The impressive tombs of King Pedro I and his mistress Inês de Castro, who was murdered on the orders of Pedro’s father, King Afonso IV are one of the highlights of the monastery.

4.00 pm – Transfer to our farm, in Évora

7.00 pm – Arrival to our farm followed by dinner

Lunch not included, we suggest a café in Batalha.
Accommodation and breakfast at Monte do Serrado de Baixo
Distance: 47 Kms / 29,2 miles
Total ascent: 824 mts / 2703 feet
Difficulty: difficult with normal bike, medium with e-bike
Terrain: 100% asphalt, some long steep hills.

OUR RECOMMENDATION: 42 kms, with transfer back to the farm, avoiding cycling in the main road

55 kms cycling to the cork factory and back to the farm, repeating the last 15 on the same road and not going to the winery

74 kms if you cycle all the route and back to the farm, with 20 kms on the main road. We do not recommend this option.
Distance: 43,7 Kms / 27 miles
 Total ascent: 324 mts / 1062 feet
Difficulty: easy
Terrain: mostly flat and really secondary roads. A few kms on the main road if you cycle back
6.30 pm – Cooking Class at our farm – Meet one of our team members for a cooking lesson on Alentejo food!
Accommodation and breakfast at Monte do Serrado de Baixo

 Extra costs:

Wine tasting – 11 € per person – included in guided and van guided trips

Lunch not included, cafés on the way

From here, this bike tour heads to the Arraiolos village, with its rich historical centre, famous carpets and delicious Pastéis de Toucinho. The views from its castle are unforgettable.

It’s now time for a winery visit with a fantastic private carriage collection.

OUR RECOMENDATION: 26 kms with all visits described and transfer from winery.

51 to 63 kms – to winery and back – easy level

Wine tasting and carriage collection – 18 € per person (included on guided and van guided tours).

OPTION: Staying longer at our farm in Évora and cycle routes 3, 4 or 5 from Cycling in Paradise route. Check options at Day 8.

On the way check out a fortification that used to protect a natural bay from pirate attacks. Soon after you will have the opportunity to “walk into the ocean” in a pier made of rock, 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.

OPTION 1 – Continue cycling along the coast on a trip set for fit people. Check GO ACTIVE TOUR – starting on DAY 5
OPTION 2 – Continue riding along the coast but on a biking tour with shorter days. You will cycle the last day of ALONG THE COAST TOUR) and as many days as you want of the WILD ALGARVE
OPTION 3 – Stay 1 or 2 extra nights in the wonderful farm Monte do Zambujeiro and ride to the beach for relaxing days
OPTION 4 – Check out