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Highlights
See the best of the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal on bike
Pedal the expansive southwest coast, enjoying the fresh ocean air and pleasant climate of this region.
Explore coastal lighthouses and hilltop castles, unearthing the rich history of this land and its people.
Visit sleepy fishing towns, experiencing unrivaled cuisine fresh from the sea and charming village hospitality.
Take a break from the saddle and enjoy a pleasant picnic on the golden sand beaches that span the coast.
Portugal’s stunning southwest coast is an idyllic setting for an adventure on bike. The incredible Southwest Portugal Coastal Cycling Tour can be experienced with a guide or as a self-guided tour. Enjoy a front-row seat to this region’s gripping natural beauty and intriguing culture and history. Cycle through the beautiful Region of Alentejo, also getting a taste of the magical Algarve!
Much of the route unfolds within the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, where the landscape is unspoiled and infinitely scenic. Setting out from the fishing town of Setúbal, your 8-day journey will take you south along the coast all the way to Sagres.
Spend your days pedalling through charming coastal villages, like Porto Covo and Odeceixe, delighting in the freshest seafood and traditional local fare. Take a break from the bike to learn about this region’s rich history at the Castle of Aljezur, tracing its ramparts on foot as you marvel at the preserved medieval architecture. Enjoy beautiful coastal accommodations along the way, providing the perfect relaxed environment to unwind after a long day on bike.
The opportunities for adventure are endless on the Southwest Portugal Coastal Cycling Tour, making it the perfect chance for cyclists looking to explore this beautiful region.
Portugal’s stunning southwest coast is an idyllic setting for an adventure on bike. The incredible Southwest Portugal Coastal Cycling Tour can be experienced with a guide or as a self-guided tour. Enjoy a front-row seat to this region’s gripping natural beauty and intriguing culture and history. Cycle through the beautiful Region of Alentejo, also getting a taste of the magical Algarve!
Much of the route unfolds within the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, where the landscape is unspoiled and infinitely scenic. Setting out from the fishing town of Setúbal, your 8-day journey will take you south along the coast all the way to Sagres.
Spend your days pedalling through charming coastal villages, like Porto Covo and Odeceixe, delighting in the freshest seafood and traditional local fare. Take a break from the bike to learn about this region’s rich history at the Castle of Aljezur, tracing its ramparts on foot as you marvel at the preserved medieval architecture. Enjoy beautiful coastal accommodations along the way, providing the perfect relaxed environment to unwind after a long day on bike.
The opportunities for adventure are endless on the Southwest Portugal Coastal Cycling Tour, making it the perfect chance for cyclists looking to explore this beautiful region.
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Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon
Welcome to the beautiful capital city of Portugal! A private transfer will take you to your accommodations in Setúbal.
Located at the mouth of the River Sado, this port city is full of raw character and intrigue. If your arrival time permits, check out the myriad of historical sites and museums on offer. Enjoy a local dinner tonight at one of the many restaurants nearby your hotel in the historical center of Setúbal.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Setúbal
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 The Península of Troia
After breakfast, set out on your first day of cycling on Portugal’s southwest coast! With your bike in tow, you’ll catch a ferry to the Península of Troia. Known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in Portugal, you’ll want to take some time to explore the magical region. Charming pine forests, pristine beach, and sparkling waters make this an incredibly special place!
Feeling enchanted by the coastal landscape, you’ll ride in the direction of Santiago de Compostela, having the opportunity to stop at Lagoa de Santo André on the way.
Finally, cruising into Santiago do Cacém, you’ll have completed your first day of cycling on the tour. A peaceful town brimming with charm and hospitality, Santiago do Cacém is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight (must be booked in advance), perhaps followed by a stroll to check out the Castle of Santiago do Cacém, or the thirteenth-century parish church located here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago do Cacém
Distance: 64 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Ride to Vila Nova de Milfontes
This morning you’ll jump right into the ride, heading towards Odemira. Cycling west towards the sea, you’ll enjoy a pleasant stretch of quiet road, boasting mountain views and a cool sea breeze. Reaching the friendly fishing village of Porto Covo, enjoy a delicious lunch as you stare out at the ocean from the clifftops.
Back on the road, you’ll ride a final 12 km stretch to your overnight location of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Sitting at the mouth of the Mira River, Vila Nova de Milfontes is a hidden gem, best known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque rural countryside. Spend your evening here relaxing and dining at one of the many local restaurants.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Distance: 50 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Ride to Almogrove and the Cabo Sardão Lighthouse
Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, you’ll set out towards Odemira, stopping at the tiny resort of Almograve and checking out the Cabo Sardão Lighthouse.
Having reached the western point of the Alentejo coast, you’ll notice how the world slows almost to a stop here, providing you a tranquil moment to prepare for the next ride.
The final ride of the day will take you to tonight’s accommodations in São Teotónio by way of the lively beach town of Zambujeira do Mar. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in São Teotónio .
Overnight Location: Hotel in São Teotónio
Distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Odeceixe and The Castle of Aljezur
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll set out south towards Aljezur, visiting the quaint village of Odeceixe along the way. When in Odeceixe, make sure to climb the hill where the Moinho de Odeceixe stands, a Mediterranean windmill built in 1898. Another rewarding climb will take you to Odeceixe beach. Wrapped by the Seixes River, this popular surfer hangout is the perfect spot for lunch!
Departing Odeceixe, a quiet road with expansive views will take you to Aljezur, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations. Spend your evening in this market town perusing the cobbled streets, making sure to visit the tenth-century Moorish Castle of Aljezur.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aljezur
Distance: 34 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Bordeira, Carrapateira and Pedralva
Say goodbye to Aljezur as you depart after breakfast this morning, riding towards Bordeira and then Carrapateira. A broad stretch of sand that becomes one of the longest on the Algarve coast during low tide makes a perfect place for an afternoon picnic (offered by Hotel Vicentina). Visit the Museu do Mar e da Terra da Carrapateira after lunch for a dose of local history.
Finally, you’ll ride to the rural village of Pedralva, the picturesque location of tonight’s accommodations. Cobblestone streets and tiny white houses make this village in the district of Vila do Bispo a pleasant stop on the route.
Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and be sure to ask about the successful “rebuilding” of this village—a project of urban recovery that sought to rejuvenate the town, which until fairly recently was in a state of disrepair.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pedralva
Distance: 37 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 “The End of the World”, Sagres
Your final day of cycling is full of highlights and sights to behold! Following breakfast, hop on your bike and head to the center of Vila do Bispo, where you’ll have some time to explore.
Continuing toward Sagres, you’ll enjoy expansive sea views as you marvel at the beauty of the Algarve unfolding before your eyes.
Reaching what locals call “the end of the world”, more formally known as Sagres, you’ll enjoy views of the sea and the Cape of São Vicente. With ample opportunity for exploration here, be sure to visit Sagres Point and the Lighthouse of Ponta de Sagres.
Savour your final evening of the tour, enjoying a delectable dinner, and soak up the charm of the Algarve Coast.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Salema or Sagres
Distance: 50 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Tchau Portugal!
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Faro Airport (FAO), where you will depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour Price and Dates
Pricing for this guided or self-guided cycling tour of southwestern Portugal depends on whether you choose to take a guided tour with a fixed-departure group or choose a self-guided tour.Private Self-guided Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
Prices below are per person:- Self-guided Groups of 2: from EUR870* per person
Private Guided Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
Prices below are per person:- Guided Groups of 8+: from EUR1290* per person
Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Accommodation on Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
This tour is based in 4-star hotels. All accommodations on the tour offer comfortable rooms with great locations. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement (depending on your travelling dates) to have a private room in a hotel while travelling with your group.
What’s included in the Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Personal and luggage transfer to and from the airport is included for those taking the guided tour. Those taking the self-guided tour can book this service as a supplement. Luggage transfers between accommodations are included on both the guided and self-guided tours, and guided tour will also have a support van services.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide (guided tour only)
- Taxes and road tolls
- Touring bike (self-guided tour only)
- 24/7 phone support (self-guided tour only)
Not included
- Flights to Lisbon and from Faro
- Visas if required
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- GPS
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers (self-guided option only)
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplement/li>
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Bike rental (for guided tour, includes helmet):
- Touring bike
- E-Bike
- Upgrade to E-bike (self-guided tour)
- Side bags rental
- How hard is the Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
- Are meals included on the Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Setúbal to start this tour?
- Is the Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour in English?
- Where does the Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Portugal?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Portugal?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You will be cycling up to 65 km daily. Although most of the trail is paved and of good quality, there might be some gravel or cobblestone paths. You should be fit and comfortable on a bike and used to cycling this distance.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included on this tour.
The tour includes personal insurance, but you should ensure the coverage is adequate for you.
Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Setúbal. For self-guided tours, a supplement will apply for this transfer, or you can make your own way to the hotel.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Sagres, where you will be transferred to Faro Airport (FAO) in Faro. For self-guided tours, a supplement will apply for this transfer, or you can find your own way to the airport.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. For self-guided tour the bike rental is already included in the price.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Algarve Nature Tours is a boutique tour operator that has welcomed visitors to Portugal since 1988. With top-notch experience and personalized service, Algarve Nature Tours aims to offer the best nature tours in the country. Choose your own dates and adventure or let them suggest an itinerary suited to your wishes.
