Vicentina Bike Tour

Welcome to Portugal! As you arrive in the quaint city of Setúbal visit Casa da Baia, for a picturesque gaze over the Sado River bay. Meander through the city’s narrow alleyways, appreciating the classic Lusitanian architecture and the old-world charm of this fishing town’s churches and edifices.

Your cycling adventure commences in Setúbal, beginning with a brief ferry journey across the river estuary to Tróia, a Natural Reserve providing sanctuary to a variety of bird species including storks. From there, pedal along the peninsula to the quaint village of Comporta, where the charm of Alentejo blends with the allure of southern Portugal’s coastal and inland influences. 

The agricultural heart of this region pulses with rice cultivation, a fact you’ll appreciate as you cycle past sprawling rice fields. Your journey takes you further along the pristine sands of Melides beach, leading to the Santo André’s Natural Reserve. Here, discover the idyllic Costa de Santo André beach, a tranquil oasis nestled between the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the calm waters of a picturesque lagoon.

Prepare your soul for a day filled with awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Your ride navigates through the tranquil cork tree forest of Montado leading you towards Sonega. Embrace the exhilaration of descent as you draw nearer to the coast, ultimately reaching the charming fishing village of Porto Covo.

Here, meander through the cobblestone streets and quaint squares, perhaps pausing for a leisurely lunch. Your day culminates in the historically rich town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, poised gracefully at the mouth of the River Mira. This town welcomes you with its 17th-century fortress standing guard over a maze of narrow streets, inviting cafes, and hospitable restaurants awaiting your exploration.

Today’s route is laden with historical resonance as you trace the pathways of the esteemed Rota Vicentina, intersecting with noteworthy sites like Longueira and the village of Almograve. At Almograve, the beach unfurls its serene embrace right beside the quiet village, offering a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll. As you journey southward, the untouched majesty of Cabo Sardão unfolds, offering pristine vistas over a jagged coastline adorned with elusive beaches. Your ride continues to romance the idyllic cliff views until you reach the quaint fishing hamlet of Zambujeira do Mar, where tranquility still reigns supreme. Its pristine beach is a welcoming allure. As the day nears its end, you traverse the scenic stretch from white-washed Odeceixe village across Carvalhal beach, finally reaching the picturesque village of Rogil, nestled near your cozy abode in Aljezur.

Today, a circular ride awaits. This loop escorts you through the rustic charm of Odeceixe village, leading you to the majestic Odeceixe beach, a haven for surfers drawn to its grand waves. Nestled at the mouth of the Seixe River, this beach marks the serene boundary between the Algarve and Alentejo regions. As the sun casts long shadows heralding the evening, a quaint visit to the Sweet Potato Museum (“Museu da Batata Doce”) could add a touch of regional lore to your day. Here, homage is paid to the regional produce and the delightful delicacies crafted from Aljezur’s sweet potatoes by local artisans.

Your two-wheeled adventure continues along the iconic Rota Vicentina, offering a mixed palette of inland hills coupled with the rugged cliffs and untamed beaches of the Atlantic coast. Your pedal strokes will carve through a host of unforgettable locales such as the serene Amoreira beach, the quaint villages of Aljezur and Bordeira, culminating at the divine Amado beach in Carrapateira. As you roll into Carrapateira, a sense of adventure will ripple through you, cherishing the untouched beaches that your journey unveiled. Today’s ride is sprinkled with cozy and picturesque villages, each offering a taste of fresh seafood to replenish your energies. 

On this day, the embrace of nature will accompany you as you traverse through the valley of Pedralva to reach the quaint village of Vila do Bispo. While here, seize the opportunity to wander through the local market before charting your course towards the towering cliffs of Cordoama beach, soaring over 100 metres high. This is a popular launchpad for paragliders who dance in the sky with the ocean breeze. Take a moment to absorb the magnificence of the views before pedaling forward to Sagres, the westernmost outpost of the Algarve. 

The raw allure of the landscapes amplifies as you near Cabo Sao Vicente, a historic headland where Portuguese seafarers embarked on groundbreaking voyages during the age of discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. The solitude of the unpeopled coastal scenery escorts you towards the peninsula’s tip. The arrival at Cabo Sao Vicente and its iconic lighthouse evokes a sense of magic. Feel the echoes of history as you stand where pilgrims once concluded their journey at the resting place of St Vincent. Dive into the mystique, absorb the expansive views, and toast to the completion of your adventure with a chilled beverage. As the day winds down, proceed to the bustling coastal town of Sagres, marking a fulfilling end to today’s ride.

Today marks the end of your journey. This is a conclusion to your adventure, letting the memories of the past days linger a little longer as you prepare for your return back home.