Biking the Rota Vicentina
- Bike the Atlantic coast from Alentejo to the Algarve
- Discover pristine beaches, lush wilderness and plentiful birdlife
- Indulge in delicious food and wine along the way
- Stay in charming "casas" and small boutique hotels
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival SetúbalArrive in the city of Setubal, where you'll have a welcome briefing at your hotel. If you have time, we recommend a visit to Casa da Baia, the Tourism Office, where you can enjoy views over the bay of the Sado River. Wander through the narrow streets of the city centre and admire the traditional Lusitanian buildings and
churches of this fishing town.
In a quaint building, this sophisticated and luxurious hotel is just a 4 minutes' walk from the harbour and 8 minutes' walk from the Praca do Quebedo train station. Featuring wooden floors, designer toiletries and high-thread-count sheets, the rooms are also equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines. If arriving earlier, take advantage of the free bikes on loan to explore Setúbal.
The bike ride starts in Setúbal, first taking the short ferry journey across the river estuary (a Natural Reserve) to Tróia. This reserve is a protected area for many bird species, such as storks. The journey along the peninsula then takes you to the village of Comporta, a small town typically belonging to the Alentejo with characteristics that combine both seaside and inland influences of southern Portugal. Agriculture is still a very important activity here, with rice being the main crop. You'll see this from cycling through rice fields. Cross the beautiful Melides beach, formed by a long stretch of sand separating the sea from the Melides lagoon. The ride then continues to Santo André's Natural Reserve, where you'll find Costa de Santo André beach, a sliver of sand with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a lagoon on the other. Surrounded by gold dunes, this rough-water beach is very popular among surfers.
Total ascent/descent - 403m/173m
*Please note that if there is limited availability in Santigo do Cacém, we will source accommodation of a similar standard in nearby Santo Andre instead.
Blending traditional and modern design, Octant Santiago is situated on a hilltop overlooking the castle of Santiago do Cacém. Surrounded by Alentejo countryside, it offers an outdoor swimming pool with magnificent views. The individually decorated rooms at Octant are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies to take advantage of its fabulous location. Strongly connected to the local culture and traditions, Octant Santiago is a cooking hotel where the gastronomy and culinary experiences are the main attractions. Be sure to make the most of the onsite restaurant here.
Located in Santo Andre by the coast of Alentejo, Vila Park is the perfect place for those who appreciate nature. Their Mesa da Vila restaurant offers a rich breakfast buffet every morning, as well as lunch and dinner, serving traditional regional cuisine.
A day to purify the soul, with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean. The ride will take you along the cork tree forest in Montado until you reach Sonega. Enjoy the descent as you approach the coast, and the picturesque fishing village of Porto Covo, where you can wander the cobbled streets and pretty squares and have lunch. The day finishes at the attractive historic town of Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, a delightful place situated at the mouth of the River Mira, with an impressive 17th-century fortress. Enjoy wandering through its narrow jumble of streets lined with delightful cafes and restaurants.
Total ascent/descent - 295m/472m
The secluded Herdade do Freixial has an exceptional location to say the least. In the middle of a natural park and in perfect communion with nature, the eco-lodge estate is just 2.5km from Vila Nova de Milfontes, the village also known as the "Princess of Alentejo". It is also close to the wonderful beaches of Malhão and Praia das Furnas. It's not uncommon to hear the sea and feel the sea breeze due to its proximity. Each room or apartment is named after a plant or tree from the region, and you'll see why from the beautiful view at the infinity pool.
Today you will follow the historical trail of the Rota Vicentina and pass several points of interest, such as Longueira and Almograve village. The beach is right next to the quiet village of Almograve, ideal for a little stroll. Further south is Cabo Sardão, an untouched area of great natural beauty, with stunning views over the jagged coastline and many inaccessible beaches. The journey then carries on with more idyllic cliff views, until you reach Zambujeira do Mar, a small fishing village where you can still enjoy the peace and quiet. A beautiful beach is one of the main attractions here. To end the day, you cross Carvalhal beach from the white-washed Odeceixe village, arriving at the pretty village of Rogil just nearby and your accommodation in Aljezur.
Total ascent/descent - 403m/330m
Surrounded by cork trees and pine groves, Casa Vicentina is a family-run hotel full of character, built using eco-friendly materials. Set within the natural park, it's just 3km from Odeceixe Beach. Sitting by a natural lake, soak up the natural surroundings on the porch and enjoy the sunset.
Casas du Moinho is a lovely collection of restored village houses spread out amongst the village. Relax at the outdoor swimming pool with a view over the windmill of Odeceixe.
Today you have the option to relax at your accommodation or the nearby beach, or why not take advantage of a loop ride, which takes you through the village of Odeceixe and the spectacular Odeceixe beach, popular with surfers thanks to its big waves. It's located at the mouth of the Seixe River, on the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions. Towards the end of the day, you can visit the sweet potato museum (“Museu da Batata Doce”), which pays tribute to regional products and delicacies made with sweet potatoes from Aljezur by the local producers.
Total ascent/descent - 200m/208m
Surrounded by cork trees and pine groves, Casa Vicentina is a family-run hotel full of character, built using eco-friendly materials. Set within the natural park, it's just 3km from Odeceixe Beach. Sitting by a natural lake, soak up the natural surroundings on the porch and enjoy the sunset.
Casas du Moinho is a lovely collection of restored village houses spread out amongst the village. Relax at the outdoor swimming pool with a view over the windmill of Odeceixe.
This is a great ride along the Rota Vicentina, with a combination of inland hills and the cliffs and wild beaches of the Atlantic coast. Cycle through several unforgettable places, such as Amoreira beach, the villages of Aljezur and Bordeira, and Amado beach in Carrapateira. You will arrive in Carrapateira with a sense of adventure, after discovering pristine beaches along your way. There are plenty of welcoming and picturesque villages on the ride today where you can enjoy freash seafood.
Total ascent/descent - 338m/378m
*Please note that if there is limited availability in Carrapateira, we will source accommodation of a similar standard in nearby Pedralva instead.
This small, rustic boutique hotel boasts charming rooms with private terraces or balconies. Hidden in a valley, Casa Fajara offers a peaceful retreat after your day's ride. It’s only 900 metres from Carrapateira, a traditional Algarve village, and it's also close to the stunning surfing beaches of Amado and Bordeira and a selection of restaurants.
Aldeia da Pedralva's country houses have all been restored to their original design, creating cosy, well-lit accommodations for on your travels.
Enjoy the nature as you ride along the valley of Pedralva to reach the village of Vila do Bispo. Take the opportunity to visit the local market here before continuing on towards Cordoama beach, where the cliffs are over 100 metres high and where paragliders take-off into the air. Take in the magnificent views before you continue your way to Sagres, the western-most town in the Algarve. You'll notice the raw beauty of the scenery as you get closer to Cabo Sao Vicente, where Portuguese sailors set off into the unknown on their voyages of discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. The coastal scenery here is wild and unpopulated as it edges towards the end of the peninsula. Arriving at Cabo Sao Vicente and the iconic lighthouse is a magical experience. Place yourself in the shoes of the pilgrims who used to finish their journey here at the burial place of St Vincent. Explore the mystique of this place, take in the views, and celebrate the end of your journey with a refreshing drink before making your way to the thriving little coastal town of Sagres, where your ride comes to an end.
Total ascent/descent - 296m/272m
With views over the Baleeira harbour, this contemporary design hotel provides an excellent stay in Sagres at the end of your tour. The location offers you the chance to explore the town with its renowned gastronomy and various points of historical interest to visit, such as Sagres Fortress, the world's first nautical school, and Cape St. Vicente. Enjoy the hotel's swimming pool, bar & lounge and onsite restaurant.
One of our top picks in Sagres. Overlooking the Sagres fort and the lighthouse of Cape St Vicent, Pousada de Sagres enjoys a beautiful cliff-top location along the Atlantic Ocean. The sunbeds around the swimming pool offer breathtaking views of the coast, and the hotel restaurant offers a great variety of traditional Portuguese meals.
If you have the time, we highly recommend adding a couple of extra nights in Sagres to relax and enjoy the beach. Otherwise, a transfer is included from your hotel in Sagres to either Faro Airport, the train station, or your hotel should you decide to add an extra night in Faro.
Other Information
Is it for me?The tour is suitable for relatively fit regular cyclists seeking an active holiday, spending much of the day in the saddle and experiencing a region and discovering its variety over longer daily distances. You'll explore both the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal. This is a varied ride on both coastal and inland trails through Portugal's magnificent wild Natural Park, rewarding you with exceptional coastal views and delicious Portuguese food and wine. Stay in boutique casa-style guesthouses and hotels, all of which offer a warm Portuguese hospitality.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
This cycling tour is graded as moderate. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. The terrain is rolling, with some longer ascents and descents on quiet country roads, forest tracks and coastal trails, with the occasional short stretch on busier roads as you approach towns. The terrain on this tour is mainly off-road on gravel tracks, with small sections of rugged path as you go inland, or sandy tracks by the coast, though the hired Trek bikes are robust with fabulous suspension, providing a comfortable ride. Please note that during wet weather, the tracks can become muddy with puddles in places, and extra care must be taken here. If you're uncomfortable with wet off-road terrain, we recommend cycling this route in the drier months of the year.
It's suitable for relatively fit and regular cyclists, seeking an active holiday. You'll spend much of the day in the saddle, experiencing two regions of Portugal. You'll cycle a total of 282.5km (excluding the optional 32km loop ride at Odeceixe, where we have built in a rest day), with a daily distance ranging from 32km-70km. The daily total elevation ranges from 200m to 403m. E-bikes are available on this tour should you decide to have battery powered assistance on this tour, allowing more time to relax at the accommodation and cool down by the pool after your day's ride.
Stay in boutique hotels and casa-style guesthouses, all of which are a 3 or 4-star level. All are either equipped with a swimming pool or located near a beach, allowing you the opportunity to cool down after a days ride. These accommodations are subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers.
Meals
Breakfasts are included each day. Lunch (or a packed lunch) can be bought locally from markets or cafes. Dinners can either be purchased at your accommodation, or in towns/nearby villages, with many restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.
Please note that turn-by-turn directions or a roadbook are not available on this route, and navigation is done via the GPX tracks on the Macs Adventure App. You'll be following the official Rota Vicentina waymarking for a lot of the way. With both the App and waymarking, navigation and finding your way will be relatively easy. You will also have the support of our local partner nearby should you need this.
- Accommodation in boutique casa-style guesthouses and hotels
- All breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- Transfer from Sagres to Faro (Airport, train station or hotel)
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office
- Welcome briefing upon arrival
- XC hardtail Trek Bike hire (E-bike hire also available for a supplement)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Setubal
- Personal equipment
- Snacks, lunches and dinners
- E-bike hire
- Transfer from Lisbon to Setubal at the start
- Transfer from Sagres to Lisbon at the end
- Upgrade to an E-bike
We offer this tour year-round, though the nicest months of the year are March to June, and then from September to November. July and August can experience extremely high temperatures, making it very hot to cycle. If you cycle in the springtime you can expect to see the inland areas covered with wildflowers and enjoy pleasant temperatures. The autumn months of September to November are also very mild. For keen birdwatchers, the autumn migration period from late August to mid-November brings lots of seabirds. For nesting birds such as the Alpine Swift visit during the spring. The winter months can be a bit more wet, making the terrain more difficult due to muddy sections with puddles, and extra care must be taken during this time. If you're uncomfortable with wet off-road terrain, we recommend cycling this route in the drier months. Most accommodations either have swimming pools or are located close to the beach, so there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and cool down at the end of your ride. Or why not cool down in the sea at one of the spectacular beaches along your way on the ride.
By Air: Setubal is easily reached from Lisbon Airport, which is 7km from the city centre. From Lisbon Airport, take the Aerobus into the city centre (approx. 5 Euros), and then another bus to Setubal (journey time approx. 45 min). This second bus is operated by www.rede-expressos.pt and costs approx. 6 Euros. Lisbon's Metro rail service also also links you up to and from the city centre and the airport. Taxis from the airport to the city centre cost approx. 25 Euros.
Train: There is also a train station in Setubal, with a direct train leaving from Lisbon, taking approx. 1 hour.
Taxi: An Uber from Lisbon to Setubal costs approximately 30-40 Euros.
Private Transfers: We can arrange a private taxi transfer from Lisbon to Setubal for an extra cost. Journey time is approx. 40 minutes.By Air: The closest airport to Sagres is Faro Airport. To get to the airport from Sagres, we have included a transfer for ease. We can also include a transfer to Faro train station or to a hotel in Faro should you wish to spend the night there (please let us know in advance if you wish to do so). From the centre of Faro, shuttle buses operate to the airport for you to make your own way to the airport if you spend an extra night in Faro (15 min).
For those travelling further afield and who need to return to Lisbon Airport, you would first need to make your way from Sagres to Lagos by bus (journey time approx. 1 hour), from where you can catch another bus to Lisbon (journey time approx. 4 hours, operated by www.rede-expressos.pt).
Private Transfers: We can also arrange a private transfer to take you from your hotel in Sagres back to Lisbon Airport, at an additional cost (journey time approx. 3 hours).
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Bike & E-Bike Hire
Hire of a XC hardtail bike is included (Trek X-Caliper 9), and comes with a pannier rack, 1 pannier, bag, a handlebar bag, a helmet, tube and a lock. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for your own comfort. You'll also be supplied with a pump and repair kit (shared between two people).
For some battery-powered assistance on longer days, and to ease ascents, we recomend hiring an e-bike. We can arrange hire of high quality E-bikes at an extra cost (TREK Powerfly 5). The rechargeable battery on your bike will be your reliable riding partner, getting you to the top of hills or to your final destination with more energy in the tank for an afternoon swim or simply for exploring. E-bikes are growing rapidly in popularity so please make sure to request one at the time of booking so we can secure availability for your trip and avoid disappointment.
Minimum age for
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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