Day 1: Palmela
Individual arrival in Palmela, 30 minutes from Lisbon. At 6:00 PM: briefing where you will receive all useful information about your sports tour of Portugal.
Day 2: Palmela – Setúbal (65 km; +/-1485 m)
Today's itinerary will first lead you to Sesimbra, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Portugal. We highly recommend a visit to the castle bathed in morning light. Built in the twelfth century by order of King Sancho I in Romanesque style, the castle, which towers magnificently above the port, is known locally as The Moorish Castle. Taking a tour of the fishermen's market down in the charming village, and perhaps a quick dip in the sea from the beautiful beach, is also worth it. Continuing along the route, the lush greenery of the Arrábida Natural Park will accompany you to Portinho da Arrábida beach, a perfect place for a drink and a swim. The last bike ride takes you to Setúbal, a vibrant and prosperous city that's the final stop of the day.
Day 3: Setubal – Santo André (71 km; +/-540 m)
After breakfast, you can visit the center of Setubal, before taking the ferry across the Sado River, which is home to a vibrant population of dolphins. You will then cover the Troia peninsula, surrounded by sand dunes. Choose a beach on this 50 km stretch of white sand to relax and have fun. The sight of wild egrets and storks will accompany you as you pedal through the rice fields, a Moorish heritage. Towards the end of the stage, you will have time to explore a couple of freshwater lagoon ecosystems and a unique outdoor marble library. Enjoy the scenic route to Santo André.
Day 4: Santo André – Vila Nova de Milfontes (70 km; +/-1240 m)
After warming up, you will reach Santiago do Cacém, an interesting ancient town with aristocratic architecture and a castle with a view. Here you can visit the last functioning windmill, which is located a few minutes from the town center and is also known beyond the borders of Portugal. The bike route then crosses a lush oak forest and heads straight for the coast. The blue of the ocean and the shale cliffs will frame your arrival in the fishing village of Porto Covo. Along the route, you will come across a fortress built to protect a natural bay from pirate attacks, and a rocky pier where you can watch the offloading of fish and see lampreys drying in the sun. Later, you can relax on the beach or browse the streets and shops in Vila Nova de Milfontes. The day ends in a romantic countryside inn on the banks of the river.
Day 5: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Aljezur (87 km; +/-670 m)
Set your camera to landscape mode and start the day pedaling along incredible roads used only by locals and framed by rocks plunging into the ocean, embellished by stork nests, unexplored bays, and small beaches with an impressive range of colors and contrasts. This part of the itinerary is mostly on dirt roads, with some more challenging parts, but stopping every now and then to take a few pictures will be irresistible! Along the route, you will also find some wild, hidden beaches where you can indulge in a moment of relaxation. Praia de Odeceixe, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, is the perfect place for a coffee break. The stage ends in the village of Aljezur, made up of traditional houses found in the rural Algarve: the art gallery and the boutique are worth a visit, as are the local museums.
Day 6: Aljezur – Sagres (85 km, +/-1150 m)
Start the day by conquering the hilltop Aljezur Castle and enjoy the splendid view of the village and its immaculate vegetable gardens. As you pedal along the coast, keep your eyes open to spot the Pedra da Agulha, an imposing rock that emerges from the foamy waves of the ocean. Next, choose whether to take the winding paved road or venture on a dirt road through breathtaking valleys. In the village of Carrapateira, we recommend visiting the fishermen's museum. Continuing on, you can again choose between the paved or dirt road that crosses a lush valley. This brings you to the village of Vila do Bispo. You are now very close to the most southwesterly point of Europe, Cabo de Sao Vicente, considered the end of the world by the Romans. The cliffs here are imposing, and we recommend going down to the beach to breathe in the energy of this place. Once in Sagres, before heading to your hotel on top of the cliff, we recommend you visit the fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres) to admire the fantastic scenery and dive into the history of Portugal and its overseas discoveries, which this place is closely linked to.
Day 7: Sagres – Lagos (55 km; +/-720 m)
Today, pedaling east, you will cross a landscape mostly characterized by cliffs, ranging from black shale to orange sandstone, and warmer, calmer waters. There will be many opportunities to enjoy these magical places. You may decide to ride the entire stage on asphalt or to take the oceanfront route, which is more scenic and has more challenging dirt trails. You will also notice a change in the atmosphere: the villages are larger, more touristy, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Lagos, a characteristic historical city of the Algarve, is considered one of the best destinations by those who choose to travel to the south of Portugal. This vibrant hub offers picturesque beaches, lively nightlife, and excellent tourist facilities. Visit the local museum and the beautiful church, delve into the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the historic center, or book a boat ride to enjoy the city from a different perspective.
Day 8: Lagos
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure.