Sagres: Southwest
Portugal - Coastal Route
In the Middle Ages, this windblown
cape at the extreme southwest of Europe was believed to
be the end of the world. The Romans called it the Promontorium
Sacrum (Sacred Promontory) and today, with its 60-m (200-ft)
cliffs fronting the Atlantic, it still presents an aw-inspiring
aspect.
The
Costa Vicentina Nature Park extends from Odeceixe to Burgau,
a broad sweep that takes in approximately 80 kms of coastline.
It offers an opportunity to appreciate, in their natural
habitat, hundreds of plants that have adapted to life in
an atmosphere laden with salt and scorched by the sun, and
that thrive in environments ranging from the soft sand of
dunes to the rocky fissures and poor soils of limestone
and schist areas. For lovers of wild flowers, this is a
paradise.
The beauty and the riches of this savage
coast, which throughout time have inspired men to develop
the art of navigation, of fishing, of building ports and
of defending them with watch-towers and forts, great and
small, which today can only inspire us with the desire to
preserve it. Become part of this spirit of good, and bike
the SW coast of Portugal, which offers, together, the pleasures
of the countryside and sea!
This brightly-colored region, with its
fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is
also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline
consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken
up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
The traditional cuisine is mostly based
on fresh fish and seafood, meat of lamb and pork is popular
too, and occasionally mixes meat and shellfish, it is best
enjoyed in one of the region's countless tascas, and the
local wine and atmosphere make all the difference.
Day-by-day details
Day 1- Lisboa - Monchique
Early afternoon: Transfer to Monchique.
Bikes and equipment will be assigned to participants followed
by a try out ride in the town. Evening: Welcome Dinner
(15km / 9mi)
(D)
Day 2: Monchique - Carrapateira
From the heights of the Algarve hills:
Serra de Monchique you will ride coast down to sealevel.
And then proceed along the coast towards Sagres. The fragrance
of Rosemary is pleasantly strong as you enter the last castle
conquered by the Portuguese to the Moorish. Carrapateira
is a favorite place, your overnight here will be rewarded
with possible nice walk bordering ochre cliffs in between
two attractive sand beaches. Food is great here and we do
recommend shellfish and grilled fish.
(55 km/34 mi)
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3: Carrapateira - Lagos
You could not ride the Portuguese
SW coast without riding this beautiful corner from Carrapateira
to Sagres and then to Lagos. Some bikers compare it to "California's
best shores" or "more beautiful than Scotland".
This area was very dynamic during the discoveries and it
is still maintaining a pleasant ancient look, you will arrive
in Lagos riding along the seashore! Later, we will drive
to the beautiful capital of Andalucia: Sevilla, Spain for
our Farewell Dinner.
(50km/ 31mi or 80km / 50mi)
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4: Departure- Sevilla,
Faro or Lisboa
Morning free for shopping and sightseeing.
Early Afternoon transfer to Faro or Lisboa airports.
(B)
Next Ride
