Costa Vicentina > SW Coast
Lisbon to Lagos Route
Experience a Peaceful and Well-Preserved Coastline Full of Natural Life
Costa Vicentina > SW Coast
Lisbon to Lagos Route
Experience a Peaceful and Well-Preserved Coastline Full of Natural Life
QUICK FACTS
SNAPSHOT
- Rich Nature Reserves of Arrabida, SW Alentejo and Costa Vicentina
- Pristine white sand beaches and sand Dunes filled with colourful flowers
- Fisherman villages Zambujeira do Mar and Porto Covo and their active fishing ports
- Taste Fresh Fish and Seafood right from the Atlantic
ITINERARY
Day 1 Ride through Arrabida Nature Reserve
With Mediterranean influence, the green slopes of Arrabida Nature Reserve contrast with the turquoise ocean. Once there you will find a perfect lookout to the Troia Peninsula and the Sado Estuary River with its mud flats, shallow lagoons and salt marshes. When in Setubal, don’t forget to taste the traditional fried cuttlefish.
Lisboa – Setúbal: 50 kms – 31 miles | 730 m – 2395 ft
Day 2 Sado Estuary and its Rice Paddies
A ferry ride takes you across the estuary and into Troia, a well known beach resort. Ride along the coastline through a fishing and rice producing community before getting to the rice paddies of Comporta. Then, continue past vineyards, the Santo Andre Lagoon and follow your way up the hill, across farmlands and into Santiago do Cacem.
Setúbal – Santiago do Cacém: 75 kms – 57 miles | 505 m – 1657 ft
Day 3 Seaside Riding and Mountains Background
As you follow your way through the forest take a glimpse at the ocean hidden behind the vegetation. Enjoy vantage views of the immense blue ocean while riding a tiny layer of paved road bordering the Atlantic. Porto Covo is a welcoming coastal village, not to mention its small sandy beach coves hidden in the cliff shore!
Santiago do Cacém – Porto Covo: 32 kms – 20 miles | 185 m – 607 ft
Day 4 Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve
Notice the changing landscape as you ride between large farm estates, and the coast, now and then dominated by towering cliffs. The sea becomes even more powerful. Cabo Sardao and its Lighthouse are a great viewpoints, from there you can best admire the coastline. Continue on back roads and paths, unknown to many, still popular among fishermen.
Porto Covo – Zambujeira do Mar: 57 kms – 35 miles | 290 m – 951 ft
Day 5 Crossing Regions – From the Alentejo to the Algarve
Explore some of the wildest areas of the SW Coast, deep in the heart of the Coast Vicentina Park. You will then discover deserted beaches nestled at the bottom of high cliffs, much appreciated by surfers. Once in Aljezur ride up to the Moorish Castle and enjoy mountain views of the Serra de Monchique and the smell of rosemary in the air.
Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur: 46 kms – 29 miles | 490 m – 1608 ft
Day 6 The Sea & the Discoveries Era
The opportunity to discover impressive ochre cliffs and inviting golden sand beaches. Once in Sagres take time to ride to Cabo Sao Vicente and its fortress, the most extreme southwestern tip of the European continent. This area was very dynamic during the Discoveries and still maintains a pleasant ancient look.
Aljezur – Sagres: 72 kms – 45 miles | 490 m – 1608 ft
Optional Carrapateira Loop: 6 kms – 9 miles
Optional Sagres Loop: 13kms – 8 miles
Day 7 Entering the South Coast
As you “turn the corner” ride from Sagres towards Lagos, as someone said, “it is at least as nice as California best shores” or “even more beautiful than Scotland”. Lagos marks the entrance into a more developed and touristy coast, still, it maintains an historical towns center with influences from the Moorish presence in the Algarve Region.
Sagres – Lisboa: 40 kms – 25 miles | 440 m – 1444 ft
Day 8 Departure Day
Lagos is a welcoming historical town in addition to its dramatic natural surroundings, namely the impressive wind sculpted arches and coves. You can also consider extending your stay to relax on the beach!
This tour starts in our Lisbon (our 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.
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.
Weather
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 days are warm and with low chances of precipitation, great time to visit for a quieter experience.
Temperatures can be warm to hot in Summer, perfect for refreshing swims.
Autumn days are generally great to cycling, warm and dry!
Winter brings lower temperatures, days can be rainier and windier.
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Day 1: Lisbon to Setubal: 50 kms -31 miles > Gain 730 m – 2395ft
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Day 2: Setubal to Santiago do Cacem : 75 kms – 57 miles > Gain: 505 m – 1657 ft
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Day 3: Santiago do Cacem to Porto Covo: 32 kms – 20 miles > Gain: 185 m – 607 ft
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Day 4: Porto Covo to Zambujeira do Mar: 57 kms – 35 miles > Gain: 290 m – 951 ft
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Day 5: Zambujeira do Mar to Aljezur: 46 kms – 29 miles > Gain: 490 m – 1608 ft
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Day 6: Aljezur to Sages: 72 kms – 45 miles > Gain: 490m – 1608 ft
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Day 7: Sages to Lagos: 40 kms – 25 miles > Gain: 440m – 1444 ft
Elevation may vary depending on GPS device, mapping sources and other external elements.
Self-Guided Tours are private and available year-round, thus allowing you to select any dates you prefer.
Contact us for custom itineraries and tour options tailored to your needs!
PREMIUM HOTELS
Setúbal – Hotel Melia
Located within the city centre, with privileged views over the Bonfim Park, it features an indoor pool and spa
Santiago do Cacem – Santiago Hotel
Overlooking the valley, with tasteful interiors, it offers outdoor and indoor relaxing spaces and a open kitchen restaurant
Porto Covo – Hotel Praia Spa
A relaxing and modern hotel, located on the oceanfront and featuring a spa heated indoor pool and outdoor pool
Zambujeira do Mar – Sardanito
A Country House and farm on a 100-hectare estate, featuring private bungalows with terraces and a pond with paddle boats
Aljezur – Herdade Monte do Sol
A traditional Country House with modern amenities enclosed between green landscapes and the blue sea as the background. Enjoy peaceful sunset views
Sagres – Memmo Baleeira
This Design Hotel has impressive views over the sea and the Baleeira Harbor. The Spa is equipped with a heated indoor pool and a sauna
Lagos – Vila Galé Lagos
Located in Meia Praia, with sweeping ocean views it offer modern amenities in a secluded environment
CASUAL HOTELS
Setubal – Hotel do Sado
Enjoy the comfort of a modern hotel with the beauty of a 18 century manor house. Take in the numerous views throughout this hilltop hotel
Santiago do Cacem – Hotel Dom Nuno
A friendly and well located hotel within the town center overlooking the Castle and town church
Porto Covo – Hotel Porto Covo
Located in the SW Natural Park, this eco-friendly hotel has spacious comfortable apartments and is close to the beach
Zambujeira do Mar – Onda Azul
Centrally located and a short walk to the beach, this small inn is run by locals, that will show you true Portuguese hospitality
Aljezur – Hotel Vale da Telha
A small and calm hotel, just 5 km from the center of Aljezur and 2 km from Arrifana and Monte Clerigo beaches. Relax by the pool on the spacious sundeck
Sagres – Mareta View
This seaside Boutique Hotel features comfortable rooms, an ocean front garden, sunbathing terrace and easy beach access
Lagos – Marina Club
A Modern Resort Hotel with views of the Lagos Marina and the Meia Praia Bay. Conveniently located within walking distance from the old town and beach
PRICE & INCLUSIONS
Tours are offered year-round and require a minimum of two participants.
Price are per participant, based on double occupancy. Contact us for single room rates.
AVAILABLE BIKES
ROAD TOURING BIKE
- Giant® Touring Bike
- Shimano 105 2×11 speed
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Touring set-up
- Wheel Size 28″ / 700c
- Small to Extra – Large Frames
ELECTRIC TOURING BIKE
- Giant® E-Touring Bike
- Engine 70Nm, 250W
- Battery 500Wh
- 5 Levels of Pedal Assist
- Wheel Size 28″ / 700c
- Small to Extra – Large Frames [Ladies & Gents Frames]
REVIEWS
“We had a great time on our bike tour and really enjoyed seeing part of Portugal. We met a lot of very nice local people and enjoyed a lot of wine, beer and seafood!! Next time you come to the USA, stop by Spokane for a couple of days and we will show you around!
Ron & Barbara Douglas – WA – USA
“We had an excellent experience with your company and I wouldn’t hesitate returning next time we visit Portugal. Everything was perfect – the bikes, the hotels (blew us away) and thank you so much for the delicious fruit and champagne!
Mandy Gilbert – Canada