Day 1: Lisbon
Upon your arrival in Lisbon, a transfer will take you to your hotel in Setúbal, a bustling port city, with a quaint old quarter where you can spend hours in one of the lovely squares, while tasting the local specialties, chocos fritos (fried cuttlefish). Alternatively, treat yourself to a pleasant boat trip along the estuary where you can spot many types of birds on the salt pans: this nature reserve also hosts a colony of bottlenose dolphins. In short, there's a lot to see and do both in and around the city!
Day 2: Setúbal – Santiago do Cacém (62 km; +580 m)
After breakfast, you will take the ferry to cross the bay to Troia Peninsula. Keep an eye out for dolphins as they are known to jump on board the boat! You will then ride along the peninsula, in part on a designated bike path. It is worth taking a moment to visit the Roman ruins that you will come across on your route, once an important fish salting factory. Descending, you will arrive at Carrasqueira, an ancient fishing community where it is still possible to see traditional cane houses and narrow fishing boats moored in the mud flats nearby. The tour continues for almost 20 km, leading you through sand dunes and rice fields, to end in the Alentejo region and the delightful town of Comporta, one of the trendiest resorts in the region. If you feel brave, you can try their local specialty, the blueberry Caipirosca (a vodka-based cocktail that comes from Brazil). From here the landscape begins to change as you head inland: in fact, you will cross cork oak forests and heaths full of pines and eucalyptus. You will stay in the lively provincial town of Santiago do Cacém, with its imposing Moorish castle and interesting history.
Day 3: Santiago do Cacém – Vila Nova de Milfontes (58 km; +450 m)
Today's stage will take you back to the Atlantic coast. First, however, you will ride on very quiet roads and through villages surrounded by rolling countryside and cork oak forests. You may make a stop in Cercal, a typical Alentejo town, rich in traditional architecture. You can explore its historic center, consisting of a network of streets and alleys, tasting local products and admiring the traditional arts and crafts. Once you reach the picturesque village of São Luis, you will continue west towards the Atlantic and the famous seaside town Vila Nova de Milfontes: popular among Portuguese tourists, it is a lively and welcoming city overlooking the Mira river. It is a wonderfully traditional town and the myriad cobblestone streets are perfect for exploring at your leisure.
Day 4: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Zambujeira do Mar (38 km; +200 m)
This day is relatively short in terms of kilometers, but it is chock full of opportunities to make detours and enjoy some fabulous views as you cross the picturesque Vicentina Natural Park. Some of the must-see places are: Praia do Almograve, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast, dotted with rocky pools teeming with marine life; Cabo Sardão lighthouse, where you can actually admire the storks that nest on the rocks along the beach; Entrada da Barca, a natural fishing port that will show you how the power of the Atlantic Ocean continues to shape Alentejo’s coast. Upon reaching Zambujeira do Mar, you can't help but be enchanted by the charming whitewashed village perched on top of a gigantic cliff overlooking a wide sandy bay.
Day 5: Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur (44 km; +460 m)
Another fantastic day of cycling along the unspoiled coast awaits you! The first kilometers will be right on the coast, so take some time to stop and admire the breathtaking views, listen to the crashing waves and breathe in Europe's freshest air! Odeceixe, a quiet town perched on a hill overlooking the estuary of the River Seixe, straddling the borders between Alentejo and Algarve, is worth a stop for lunch. Leaving Odeceixe behind, you will not only be crossing the Algarve, but you will be entering the land of the sweet potato of which Aljezur is considered the capital. It is indeed said that the best sweet potato varieties are produced here due to the weather conditions and sea air, so it is probably the best place to taste them cooked with traditional methods.
Day 6: Aljezur – Sagres (54 km; +750 m)
Today's stage will show you some of the most spectacular scenery of the tour: in fact, you will be riding with the wild coast on your right and the wind-swept plains on your left. The climate here can make your hours cycling very enjoyable and the unspoiled landscape and sea air filling your lungs will give you a sense of vigor as you approach the end of your journey along the western coast of Portugal. Cabo de São Vicente, sometimes referred to as the end of the world, is the southwestern tip of Europe. The 5 km journey along Sagres Peninsula will take you past Beliche Fortress and then to the lighthouse at the end of the promontory from where you can take your iconic end of trip photo.
Day 7: Sagres – Lagos (47 km; +616 m)
Depart for Lagos, leaving the radiant Sagres behind in the early morning light, heading towards a slightly hilly area. The adventure continues, and between one ascent and the next, stop to visit the charming coastal towns you encounter along the way. We recommend stopping in Burgau and Salema, with their charm, they are ancient fishing settlements overlooking the ocean.
Continue pedaling east letting the ocean breeze tousle your hair. Along the way, you will encounter Luz, famous for its long ocean walk and the frequent craft markets it often hosts.
You will then ride a short stretch of the old coastal road that will take you directly to Lagos: a vibrant city known for the walled old town, the cliffs and the Atlantic beaches. Enjoy your last evening of the tour by dining at a traditional restaurant at the marina.
Day 8: Lagos
After breakfast, a transfer will take you from your hotel to Faro airport or, if you are returning from Lisbon, to a local train station for your return journey.
Algarve
4.9/5on15 reviews
378km
8 days
