Briefing at the Hotel

Arriving in Santiago do Cacém, situated in the inland of Alentejo’s coast, is well worth exploring, it is an interesting town, passage point of walkers since the medieval age, it is nowadays council’s head-office; great panoramic views over the city and towards the hill with the castle and city’s church on top. Now we also have 90% of our routes marked on the field in Costa Vicentina Route, this way you can get more of all this hiking and exploring experience.

Overnight: Santiago do Cacém

Meals included: Breakfast

DISTANCE: 37Km/23Miles;

DURATION: 6h;

CLIMB 519 M;

DESCENT: 554 M;

On your first day of cycling, you will be leaving Santiago towards Cercal do Alentejo, this day will be spent cycling along with countryside secondary roads surrounded by Cork-Oak forests. Passing by Vale das Éguas village, where you will be able to try and buy some of the best wines produced in this region, at Herdade do Cebolal wine cellar, just a few kilometers ahead you will find Campilhas reservoir, a nice place to freshen up, just 10Km from the end, in Cercal do Alentejo.

Overnight: Cercal do Alentejo

Meals included: Breakfast

DISTANCE: 33Km/20,5miles;

DURATION: 5h;

CLIMB 461M;

DESCENT: 596M;

The itinerary follows inland to the hills of São Luis exploring the rural landscape, always with an eye on the Coast.

São Luis village is a non-touristic village that allows seeing the real routines of residents and workers there. After São and heading towards the sea, you will climb the highest point by the coast (Cerro de São Domingos), enjoying the great downhill almost until the princess of Alentejo (Vila Nova de Milfontes).

A village that has the Atlantic and the River Mira on it, a destination for many Portuguese tourists.

You will have enough time to explore Milfontes on foot or just to go and lay down at one of the nice beaches there.

Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes

Meals included: Breakfast

DISTANCE: 36Km/22,4Miles;

DURATION: 5h;

CLIMB 433 M;

DESCENT: 415 M;

The route today will take you along the most beautiful coastal villages, but before we recommend a short warm-up heading north to Milfontes fishing harbor and after you can start the tour towards Zambujeira, crossing the bridge over the River Mira and passing the villages of Longueira and Almograve on the way, using dirt tracks through the cork oaks and vineyards.

The detour to Almograve beach worth’s the effort and after reaching the village of Cavaleiro you will reach the most famous lighthouse in this Region, the Cabo Sardão, were the most beautiful track along the cliffs allows enjoying the maritime wind and views, just before reaching Zambujeira do Mar and it´s beautiful beach reachable by foot.

Don´t forget to enjoy the local seafood in this small village

Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar

Meals included: Breakfast

DISTANCE: 48Km/29,8Miles;

DURATION: 6h;

CLIMB 666 M;

DESCENT: 692 M;

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Today the track will follow towards the Moorish village of Alzejur, passing in some beautiful villages and beaches of Alentejo and Algarve regions.

Passing through Carvalhal beach and allowing a short detour for a walk to Amália beach (Fado´s Portuguese Diva).

After you will have some time to make another detour to Azenha do Mar fishing harbor were a seafood restaurant with ocean views, a good place to stop for a full meal or just a coffee.

Crossing the bridge before Odeceixe village you are officially leaving the Alentejo region and getting into the most famous region of Portugal, the Algarve.

Odeceixe beach will offer ocean views of one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and the village will offer you a great perspective over the Ceixe Valley near the windmill before leaving for Rogil.

Rogil is the sweet potato Area, so a stop is recommended to try the sweets, the soup, or the meal of it.

Aljezur Village on the horizon will show at the top the Moorish castle, one of the ones represented on the Portuguese flag.

Time to rest.

Overnight: Aljezur

Meals included: Breakfast

DISTANCE: 51Km/31.7Miles;

DURATION: 5h;

CLIMB 784 M;

DESCENT: 776 M;

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Leaving the hotel in Aljezur, heading up to the Moorish Castle to enjoy the stunning views of Amoreira Valley and pedaling towards the coast.

Today you will pedal along 2 beaches that locals use to develop their surf skills.

Great views from Amoreira Beach and Monte Clérigo, passing on an old ruin of a “Ribat”, is evidence of Moorish presence and spiritual significance of this place in the past.

Arrifana and a tiny fishing harbor with a great restaurant with an ocean view and the most popular beach at the bottom of a coastline with a dramatic landscape made of rock cliffs.

Because the region is not only Ocean and sea, but the tour will also lead you inland to explore the countryside of these lands, until the Village of Carrapateira, where a final loop near the Ocean will clean your breeding system just before reaching the hotel.

Overnight: Carrapateira

Meals included: Breakfast

DISTANCE: 40km/24,8Miles;

DURATION: 6h;

CLIMB 530 M;

DESCENT: 541 M

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The last day starts in Carrapateira and heads towards the South stopping in one of the highlights of this trip, Saint Vincent’s Cape.

The Southern corner of Europe and the last place before America.

Cycling there creates a mystical feeling inside us, that is not possible to explain by words.

The significance of the Portuguese gold Era of discoveries found the inspiration at this place.

This is the place to end your crossing by bike in the SW area of Portugal.

Overnight in Sagres

Meals included: Breakfast

The best way to return to Lisbon or Faro is by BUS using the Rede Expressos BUS or train service, both from Lagos city.

The first and last hotel and both airports are reachable by private transfer.

BUT, we also have the opportunity to make an extra ay cycling from Sagres to Lagos ending the tour there. The decision is on you. This last stage is on request.

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DISTANCE: 42km/26,1Miles;

DURATION: 6h;

CLIMB 776 M;

DESCENT: 798 M

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The last day starts in and follows towards the city of Lagos, covering one of the most desirable areas for holidays, crossing several beaches and small villages on the way, until the legendary city of Lagos.

The place where Infante Dom Henrique has planned the discovery journey.

 This place is a perfect place to finish your active challenge and maybe to add some extra nights to explore the surroundings or just to go to the beach where the water is warmer.

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Overnight in Lagos

Meals included: Breakfast