From the Alentejo region to Cabo de Sao Vicente which marks the most south-westerly point of Europe, follow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' by longing rugged coastline with amazing views over cliffs and large sandy beaches. Stop and relax in quaint peaceful fishing villages to taste the rich local cuisine that serves the best the sea has.
This ride leads you through a natural reserve and the 'Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park'. Longing the ocean, you can fully enjoy the landscape and appreciate the surprises nature has to offer, such as wild flowers, bird watching. Admire breath-taking view and relax on one of the unspoilt beach or inlet.
End your trip in the Algarve region, along beautiful coastlines enjoying a mix of golden sandy beaches and rugged cliff tops, and pass through pretty villages, some of which seem unaffected by the outside world.
Day 1: Arrival in SetubalTransfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel. Located on the Sado river bank, explore Setubal and wander in the town centre to the convent and the fort where you can enjoy fantastic views over the city and the river.
Day 2: Setubal - Santo AndreStart with a ferry crossing through the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve. Enjoy bird watching during this short journey. This reserve is a protected area for many species such as storks. The most friendly local inhabitants and symbol of the Nature Reserve are the dolphins. It's rare to find them in Europe, freely swimming in their natural habitat, but here is an important colony. Then, cycle through rice fields and along beaches. Right by Santo Andre Lagoon, and part of a Nature Reserve, the Costa de Santo Andre Beach is a long stretch of sand with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the lagoon on the other. Surrounded by golden dunes, this beach with its challenging waters is very popular among surfers.
Day 3: Santo Andre - Vila Nova de MilfontesRide through quaint villages until Sao Torpes Beach very popular for surfing. Continue your ride on the coastline before reaching Porto Covo, a picturesque fishermen's village which is a mix of whitewashed cottages, cobbled streets and pretty squares perched on the low cliff tops of the Alentejo coast. In the village, all roads lead to the little fishing harbour which clings to the side of a deep natural inlet. Then arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes located on the Mira river banks and offers large beaches on the coastline and is surrounded by unspoilt rural countryside.
Day 4: Vila Nova de Milfontes - RogilFollow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' punctuated with many highlights such as Almograve, a quaint village. Almograve Beach with red cliffs and dunes is one of the most beautiful beaches along this rocky coastline and is part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Continue to Sardao Cape a natural and unspoilt site offering stunning views; Then, ride to Zambujeira do Mar, a quaint fishing village. This place offers an excellent view over the beach, and is a small and very peaceful village. The beautiful beaches are one of the main attractions as its natural environment is one of the best preserved of this region.
Day 5: At RogilToday’s ride will lead you through the Natural Park of Costa Vicentina. Follow the rugged coastline to Odeceixe village which is very popular for its beach and surfing spot.
Day 6: Rogil - Vila do BispoCycle along several beaches that will mesmerize your memory such as the beach of Amoreira and Amado. Enjoy breath-taking views over the cliffs protecting long sandy beaches. You´ll arrive in Vila do Bispo, a peaceful village with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Discover virgin beaches, a rich culture and wonderful seafood.
Day 7: Vila do Bispo - Sagres - Vila do BispoRide to Cordoama beach overlooked by cliffs. Surrounded by foaming Atlantic waves, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most south-westerly point of Europe. The path to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of your week! You are spoilt with amazing coastal scenery on this wild and unpopulated route that follows sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. At the Cape there is a lighthouse, museum and small bar, offering wonderful photo opportunities.
Day 8: Leave Vila do BispoTransfer from your hotel to Faro airport.
