Self-Guided Cycle South Portugal

Over View

A self-guided cycle journey that follows Portugal’s beautiful coastline from the Algarve into Alentejo. Pedal your way along dirt roads, crossing pastures and open vistas to Cape Sao Vicente, the south-westerly most point of continental Europe.

Vilanova de Milfontes – beautiful coastal villages

Discover coastal landscapes – Unspoilt beaches, rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs

Food and wine – Refuel on local specialities.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Vila do Bispo

Your holiday begins in the town of Vila do Bispo. The afternoon is free for you to explore the local sights and relax after the journey.

We are able to offer transfers from Faro Airport (FAO) to Vila do Bispo for an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for further information.

Day 2 Circular route from Vila do Bispo

After breakfast your bike will be delivered to your hotel. Take your time to test the bike out and make any adjustments before you start the first route. First you follow dirt roads across pastures and fields to Cabo Sao Vicente (the far southwest corner of Portugal). Then a quiet tarmac road takes you east along the rocky shores to the village of Sagres, which has a beautiful beach and several bars and restaurants. You will then return to Vila do Bispo for the evening.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres (200/ 275 metres ascent and descent) with the option to add a further 9 kilometres.

Day 3 From Vila do Bispo to Carrapateira

Today you combine sections of three famous trails. You start on the Via Algarviana as you head west from Sagres, before turning north to catch up with the Historical Trail which leads to Carrapateira via the restored village of Pedralva. If your legs are feeling strong we recommend you add the circular route from Carrapatiera along the cliffs and beach as this is one of the most stunning beaches in the area.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (300/ 400 metres ascent, 375/ 475 metres descent) with the option to add a further 10 kilometres.

Day 4 Cycle from Carrapateira to Aljezur

From Carrapateira you explore the rolling hills and quiet inland valleys with extensive pasture land and villages. After following the seaside plateau of Monte Novo and Chabouco for approximately 20 kilometres you descend to the medieval town of Aljezur. You can also choose to add a loop via the coastal village of Arrifana and the beach of Monte Clrigo.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (275 metres ascent and descent) with the option to add a further 14 kilometres.

Day 5 From Aljezur to Zambujeira do Mar via Odeceixe

Today is an enjoyable route as you cycle to Armoreiro beach, then climb up to a plateau filled with heather and pine trees at Rogil. After a short coffee break you will follow the Historical Trail alongside a winding irrigation channel, or alternatively you can choose to cycle along wider tarmac lanes. After the traditional village of Odeceixe you cross the border between the Algarve and Alentejo and start the second climb of the day, across an agricultural area to reach your accommodation for the night, set above the beach of Zambujeira.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 38 kilometres (225 metres ascent and descent).

Day 6 Circular route via Zambujeira and Sao Teutonio

You may like to take it easy today and spend some time at the beach, or you can choose to cycle an easy circular route through the relatively flat agricultural area between Zambujeira and Sao Teutonio. However, we recommend you cycle the long route via Boavista dos Pinheiros in order to appreciate a different landscape along on the banks of the rivers Mira and Sao Teotonio. To reach the river banks you follow wide dirt roads (again waymarked as a Historical Trail) through undulating countryside with open woods of Holm Oak and Strawberry trees, bursting with flowers in Spring time. After Boavista dos Pinheiros, you can follow quiet tarmac and dirt roads back to Zambujeira.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (275 metres ascent) with an option to add a further 15 kilometres.

Day 7 Cycle from Zambujeira do Mar to Vila Nova de Milfontes

On your last day you mainly follow dirt roads and quiet tarmac lanes along the coast line. The end of the route is the magic Coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, at the mouth of the river Mira. It has the nickname ‘Princess of the Alentejo’ and once you have stayed there you will understand why. This town is perfect for a few extra nights to enjoy the beach and the tasty gastronomy of the Alentejo.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres (150 metres ascent and descent).

Day 8 Holiday ends in Faro Airport

After breakfast the bike rental company will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to Faro Airport (FAO).