Gravel Bike Tour Portugal – Alentejo and Algarve Coast 

Reception of the participants in Lisbon and transfer to a charming accommodation in Cercal do Alentejo.

Briefing at the accommodation - welcome dinner included.

Cercal is a village from the Santiago do Cacém county. Due to its proximity to the coast line, Cercal has a mild climate that provides it with the most diversified fauna and flora of the whole Alentejo Southwest area.  

Highlights of the day: Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Church), Casa dos Azulejos Verdes (House of the Green Tiles), Roman Bridge, Windmills

Accommodation in Cercal do Alentejo - Herdade da Martinha

Cercal > Porto Côvo > Vila Nova de Milfontes

Today the track is short but extremely pretty! It is the ideal warmup for the rest of the trip...

Porto Côvo was, and continues to be, a friendly fishing village full of small white houses, rebuilt shortly after the 1755 earthquake. Some of the greatest attractions for visitors are the beaches sheltered by sheer cliffs, that go along the coast. Roughly 250 meters off the coast near Porto Côvo, is the abandoned Ilha do Pessegueiro, an island that has been a great source of inspiration for poets. Nowadays it is possible to see the ruins of a fort that was built there in the 17th century. 

Vila Nova de Milfontes is a municipality of Odemira, located at the mouth of the river Mira, in the Natural Park of Alentejo Southwest and Vicentine Coast. Known by its fabulous beaches, the village was built in 1486 by the king D. João II, with the purpose of developing the local business. The Fortress of São Clemente, which was built to protect the village from pirates, is one of the most important historical points of this municipality, that has a lot to offer for those who travel by bicycle. This village is young, hip and cool, and is the ideal place to stay. Delicious food and comfortable accommodation will help you recover your energy to resume your bicycle day and face the new tracks along the Vicentine Coast.

GRAVEL: 90%
PAVEMENT: 10%
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY
DISTANCE: 35 KM
ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 180 M
ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 310 M
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 200 M
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 1 M

Highlights of the Day - Cork trees, the Alentejo’s emblematic species

 Accommodation in Vila Nova de Milfontes - Casa do Adro da Aldeia - a typical portuguese charming guesthouse

Vila Nova de Milfontes > Brejão

The small village of Odeceixe (Brejão) belongs to the council of Aljezur, located in the “Costa Vicentina” of the Algarve. Odeceixe is populated by 960 souls, known by their genuine hospitality and warmth. The narrow and twisty streets of Odeceixe give it a picturesque look in tune with the Portuguese culture and traditions. The main economic activities are agriculture and fishing.
With a Mediterranean climate but facing the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches in this area have unique characteristics with breath taking landscapes, flowing on to the cliffs that take you to seclude white sand beaches with clean and respectable waters. 

GRAVEL: 30%
PAVEMENT: 70%
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT
DISTANCE: 46 KM
ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 380 M
ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 290 M
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 114 M
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 1 M

Highlights of the Day - Brejão Beach, Amália beach, Odeceixe Beach

Accommodation in Brejão - Cerro da Fontinha

Brejão > Aljezur

Aljezur is a land of remote origins, which antiquity is notible in the various archaeological remains that keep on being found. Aljezur has been habited since pre-history. It has a super rocky coastline that, being sometimes interrupted by sandy areas, creates beaches with the most incredible landscapes.

This track takes you on a little detour to Amoreira Beach - an Algarve gem. On both sides of the beach you can find big rocky formations. The southern end of the beach is the mouth of the Aljezur River - this is one of the most unique characteristics of the beach. The Aljezur River runs for almost 10 kilometres, and when the tide is low you can cross the river to get to the beach, but be careful because you won't be able to return! The blue river winding through the green valley behind the beach is truly a beautiful sight. You can also see some animals living in this area, like otters and beautiful birds. If you like birdwatching, you will love this area!

GRAVEL: 60%
PAVEMENT: 40%
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: MEDIUM
DISTANCE: 40,6 KM
ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 270 M
ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 350 M
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 132 M
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 2 M

Optional Extra Track:

After completing your trip to Aljezur, you may relax or continue to cycle with this additional route. Any option you choose, make sure to explore the city of Aljezur - we promise it won't disappoint. This optional track then takes you on a scenic trip from Monte Clérigo beach, Vale da Telha, Arrifana and back to Aljezur. Make sure you spend some time at Arrifana's beach, as it is considered the most beautiful of the area. 

LEVEL: EASY (it is an easy one, but since you've already done 40,6 KM it becomes a MEDIUM)
DISTANCE: 25,8 KM
ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 340 M 
ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 340 M 

Highlights of the Day - Trails covered with well preserved native vegetation, the view over Odeceixe and the ocean. Aljezur village, Aljezur Castle, Arrifana beach, Monte Clérigo Beach

Accommodation in Aljezur - Hotel Vicentina

Aljezur > Cabo São Vicente (Sagres)

Sagres is located at the very western tip of the Algarve, and is like no other destination! The dramatic landscapes are dominated by nature's raw power, from the raging seas to the landscapes created by massif cliffs. It is a location where tourists can challenge themselves by cycling along cliffs or on deserted roads - are you ready for it?
P.S. - Obviously, don't forget to try the Sagres beer, the favorite of the people from the south!

GRAVEL: 60%
PAVEMENT: 40%
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: MEDIUM
DISTANCE: 59 KM
ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 540 M
ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 510 M
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 162 M
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4 M

Highlights of the Day - Today you will be riding towards the south west tip of Europe - São Vicente Cape - with cliffs and outstanding views over the coastline. Also check the view over Bordeira beach, the villages of Vilarinha, Pedralva and Vila do Bispo. 

Accommodation in Sagres - Mareta View

Start the day by saying goodbye to your trusted bicycles and hop on the 30 minutes transfer that will take you to Lagos train station. Now it's time to take the train back to Lisbon - this should take around 4 hours - an opportunity to seat down and enjoy the Portuguese landscape, only that now in an effortless way.

In Lisbon you will stay in a central hotel, and the city is now your canvas to do whatever you feel like.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the centre of a multifaced region that appeals to different tastes and senses. In a city that has been receiving many and different cultures from far and wide distances over time, today you can still feel the village breath on every historical neighbourhood. You can walk through the grid of streets in Baixa Pombalina, that opens to the Praça do Comércio and, following the river, get to know some of the most beautiful places in the city: the monumental area of Belém with World Heritage monuments, medieval neighbourhoods, and areas with more recent or contemporary leisure facilities, such as the Parque das Nações and the Docks. 

Places to visit: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Padrão do Descobrimentos, São Jorge Castle, Praça do Comércio, Chiado, Parque das Nações, and much more

Accommodation in Lisbon