Portugal Southwest Coast : between Lisbon and the Algarve
The blue magical waters and sceneries of the South West Coastline
Highlights
Natural Reserve of SW Alentejano
Stunning views over the Atlantic while cycling on the cliffs
Pine and cork tree forests, small and picturesque villages, sandy beaches and stork nests hanging from the cliffs
Traditional food and fresh fish from the Atlantic Coast
Cape Saint Vincent (the south-westernmost point of Europe)
The Portuguese coast and its wonders
A beautiful bike trip in Portugal along a spectacular wild coast
From Santiago do Cacém to Lagos and passing through Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern tip of Europe, this trip offers unique places that only nature can shape.
Discover the exceptional coastal landscapes of the Algarve by bike. The irregular rock formations make up steep cliffs, which when lit by the sun become tinged with a beautiful golden color. Arches and sea pillars, bathed in turquoise ocean waters, stand proudly facing the elements and form one of the most beautiful borders between sea and land. A part of it is protected as Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The opportunity to discover a well preserved fauna and flora, some of which are endemic and unique.
You cycle through small fishing villages in abandoned fortresses that reflect the time when this region was regularly looted by pirates. A sunny seaside town here and there, a delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine and the welcoming faces of the inhabitants complete this wonderful journey.
At the end of your cycling holiday, we invite you to enjoy a half-day and a night on the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. An opportunity to stroll through the streets of the beautiful multicolored city of Vasco da Gama. Beware of the melancholy of Fado, a traditional Portuguese song that bewitches all visitors …
Fit From SANTIAGO-DO-CACEM to VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES 48km 300m 
Leave Santiago by a road on the sierra and arrive at the sea. Then enter the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina on a scenic road over the sea and pass Porto Covo typical fishing village, now transformed into a picturesque place by the sea with its beautiful cliffs. Arrive to Vila Nova de Milfontes visit the fishing harbor, the great beach and admire the Mira River and its beautiful bay area.
From VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES to ODECEIXE 52km 500m
Ride on to Alentejano Natural Park with amazing views over the sea and visit the stunning Sardão Cape, guarded by a lighthouse, a place of reconciliation between the land and the ocean. Here you can admire the shafts embedded in the rocks walls, the seeded islets along the coast and the white storks that choose this coast as their nesting site. On the way pass by the typical village of Zambujeira do Mar, then follow through the fields till you go down to a river, where at the end, you will arrive at Odeceixe, an attractive village on a hillside with an old windmill, sitting on the tallest hill.
From ODECEIXE to ARRIFANA 55km 750m
Start the day going to one of the most beautiful sceneries of this coast – Odeceixe beach! Then follow a valley where once caravels sailed to the village of Aljezur, about 5 km inland, and go to the medieval castle of Aljezur! Discover and enjoy the hospitality of the people and taste the famous sweet potato of Aljezur that grows in the fertile land of the region! It was recognized in 2008 by the European Union as a protected area and food item. At the end of the day arrive at Arrifana, an amazing village over the cliffs.
From ARRIFANA to SAGRES 60km 600m
Ride through some forests and come back close to sea by the incredible village of Carrapateira, a quiet, pretty, spread-out village rounded by a wild coast, with copper-colored and ash-grey cliffs covered in speckled yellow and green scrub, backed by white sand… Then ride south till Cape S. Vicente – the most south-western point of Continental Europe. This is a magical place where you can almost hear the echoes of the voices of sailors and pilgrims. Surrounded by monumental cliffs and outstanding views over the coastline, this is also a privileged area to watch the natural phenomenon of bird migration.
From SAGRES to LAGOS 53km 650m
On this last day of cycling you ride through the most famous spots but see sights that most tourists never see. On your way to Lagos appreciate the most amazing horizon, the strong blue waters and the beautiful sand beaches, all the beauty that Algarve has to offer! As you arrive at Lagos take some time to stop at Ponta da Piedade, the ex-libris of the city with yellow-golden cliff-like rocks and grottos that wonder the ones that visit it.
FROM LAGOS TO LISBON
Time goes by so fast when you’re having fun! Get ready for your trip back home, our guide will pick you up at your hotel in order to drive you to your next hotel in Lisbon to discover the portuguese capital.
LISBONNE
End of stay after your breakfast.
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1395€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1695€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The itinerary as detailed above trackable on the following supports:
- An app with full itinerary
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
- Day 1 : Private shuttle - LISBONNE (Centre) - SANTIAGO-DO-CACEM
- Day 7 : Private shuttle - LAGOS - LISBONNE
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in cycling holidays in Portugal:
- Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from trafic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accomodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception on the first day of your trip by a local guide that will provide you the travel documents (reception in English)
- Telephone assistance from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A digital road book to find all useful addresses, recommended restaurants and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit.
- An application to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- (For an optional fee): rental of a GPS to ease tracking without using your smartphone.
And also:
- Rental of technical and comfortable bikes, ideal for this varied route combining roads and paths.
- The possibility of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Touring bikeSupplied equipment per bike
|  |
EbikeSupplied equipment per bike -Helmet |  |
Getting here
Departure city : LISBONNE (aéroport)
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at 11h from BORDEAUX
- at more than 16h from LYON
Arrival city : LISBONNE
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at 11h from BORDEAUX
- at more than 16h from LYON
Coming by train
- Lisbonne Oriente train station - Plus de 12h from Paris
- Lisbonne Rossio train station - Plus de 12h from Paris
- Lisbonne Santa Apolonia train station - Plus de 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lisbonne airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- Return by car in 1h30 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From January 2nd to December 15th
Destination
Portugal
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Easy , 
Expert
From LISBONNE (aéroport) to SANTIAGO-DO-CACEM, transfert aéroport, journée sans vélo
Welcome to Portugal! Transfer from Lisbon airport to Santiago do Cacém (2h) by our guide, a pretty town known for its magnificent medieval castle. It’s the perfect place to start your tour, explore and breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy and rest here, because tomorrow, new adventures await you!
At the start of your trip, you’ll enjoy a meeting with one of our guides (welcome in English). It’s a privileged moment of exchange, providing you with the latest practical advice, informing you about must-see addresses and experiences, answering all your questions, adjusting the settings on your bike and getting your stay off to a good start.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.