Traveller Type [Who is this Tour for?]

Rider

Suitable for beginners / intermediate riders who are comfortable with longer rides, as well as some scenic climbs.
Mostly on rolling terrain with occasional short climbs and some possible head winds.

Traveller 

Looking to explore Nature Reserve Areas with protected landscapes,
Staying close to the ocean, enjoying the views from the cliff tops
and further exploring smaller villages and towns and fisherman spots.

Terrain

Mostly paved along roads, includes short rides on hard packed gravel ways.
Riding on rolling hills and some climbs with great views over the oceanside.

Day by Day

Day 1
Lisbon to Setubal: 50 kms -31 miles > Gain 730 m – 2395ft
Includes short optional ride to Portinho da Arrabida: 3 kms – 3 miles (steep climb back up)

Day 2
Setubal to Santiago do Cacem: 75 kms – 57 miles > Gain: 505 m – 1657 ft

Day 3
Santiago do Cacem to Porto Covo: 32 kms – 20 miles > Gain: 185 m – 607 ft

Day 4
Porto Covo to Zambujeira do Mar: 57 kms – 35 miles > Gain: 290 m – 951 ft

Day 5
Zambujeira do Mar to Aljezur: 46 kms – 29 miles > Gain: 490 m – 1608 ft

Day 6
Aljezur to Sages: 72 kms – 45 miles > Gain: 490m – 1608 ft
Optional Loop Carrapateira: 6 kms – 9 miles
Optional Loop Sagres: 13 kms – 8 miles

Day 7
Sages to Lagos: 40 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 440m – 1444 ft

Access

This tour starts in our Lisbon Hub Office and finishes in Lagos.
Closest international Airports are Lisbon and Faro (with limited connections).

Public Transport:

Train Line from Lagos into Faro takes around 1h40m > more info on www.cp.pt
Train Line from Lagos into Lisbon takes around 4h > more info on www.cp.pt
Bus Lines from Lagos to Lisbon takes between 3h30m to 4h > more info on www.rede-expressos.pt

Private Transfer:

We can help you organize a private transfer with a third-party provider.

Weather and what to expect throughout the year

The SW Coast (Costa Vicentina) has a Mediterranean climate, together with Atlantic influences;
Therefore, expect mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year.

Spring:

Temperatures start to warm up and chances of precipitation are lower.
By then, the sand dunes are filled with colorful small plants like succulents.

Summer:

Temperatures are warm to hot, especially during midday and in the early afternoon,
Proximity to the ocean brings a nice fresh breeze.
Still, take some time to take a dip in the cool Ocean!

Autumn:

Temperatures tend to still be warm and great for cycling!
It is the perfect time to try the sweet potatoes, a popular regional ingredient.

Winter:

Temperatures drop and there is an higher chance of rain.
Being so, it is a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the beaches and towns in a quieter setting.

Eat & Drink

Bread, olive oil and herbs are the basis of the Alentejo Gastronomy.
In addition, on the coast Fish and Seafood also play a really important role!

While in Setubal take the opportunity to try Choco Frito, breaded and deep fried cuttlefish to crispy perfection served with lemon wedges.
Once closer to the Algarve Region go for the Cataplana de Marisco, a seafood stew made in copper cookware, shaped like two clams sealed together while cooking.

Seafood is king along the coast, definitely, making a great option for for Petiscos, or tapas.

For dessert, try the Alconcoras, a ring shaped pastry, soft inside, cinnamon and honey flavored.
Made to last for up to 3 months, a good option for fisherman venturing out to the sea!
Spoil yourself with a Doce Fino do Algarve, a colorful sugary almond treat, usually shaped like tiny fruit, vegetables, animals, etc.

For an after ride drink, Amendoa Amarga, a sour yet sweet almond liquor, best served chilled or over ice, with a squeeze of lemon.

Why choose a Self-Guided Tour?

A Self-Guided Tour brings you the opportunity of an independent trip,
without having to spend numerous hours trying to figure out how to plan a great tour!
Additionally, there is no need to join groups or follow any schedules.

Ride and explore a thoughtfully planned itinerary, researched and tested by our local teams.
Therefore, enjoying the most suitable roads, ways and tracks.
You certainly won’t miss that great spot that so many have never heard of!
We choose hotels that cater for cyclists needs. Being so, we take in consideration their location, comfort and amenities.

You will ride great Bikes, along an amazing itinerary. Ultimately, all you need to do is to enjoy the ride!

Getting Bikes & Gear:

Your Bikes & Gear are delivered ahead to the first hotel and will be waiting for you!
Bikes will be ready to ride straight away, therefore, delivered fully assembled.

Navigating the itinerary:

The Tour tracks are uploaded into the Garmin® GPS unit.
It also includes waypoints along the route as well as the hotels where you will stay.
Being so, all you need to do is follow the tour track line!
To better help those with less experience, we provide instruction on how to use the GPS
You can also check online for some extra tips!

We supply a Region Map and a Tour Booklet with suggestions and info on points of interest along the way.
We do not offer turn by turn directions, GPS navigation is easier and highly effective!

Premium Tour option:

For the Daily Luggage transfer Service, you will need to drop off your luggage at the Front Desk by 10am.

On riding days, enjoy a Welcome Drink at the hotels
Including beverages, fruit and sweets.