Bike Across Portugal Plus! the Coast

Start your journey in Lisbon, from where you'll head east to Elvas, a city renowned for its impressive Roman Aqueduct and well-preserved 16th-century walls. After a safety briefing and bicycle fitting, embark on a short loop ride around the city's fortifications. Enjoy a light lunch before setting off on your adventure. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Vila Gale Evora (or similar).

Cycle through wheat fields and olive orchards, enjoying views of Spain as you head west towards Vila Vicosa. This town is famous for its rose-colored marble, which you can see everywhere, including the street pavers. Visit the marble museum to learn about the history of marble production and extraction. You can also choose to relax by the pool at your hotel.

Leave Vila Vicosa and head south to the castle town of Monsaraz. Along the way, stop at an active marble quarry to learn more about its history and extraction process. Monsaraz overlooks the Alqueva reservoir, the largest in Europe and a designated Starlight Tourism Destination. After dinner, enjoy stargazing under the exceptionally clear night sky.

Cycle to Evora, stopping at São Pedro do Corval, a town known for its pottery. Browse the workshops and meet the artists. Once in Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the blend of Roman aqueducts, Medieval walls, and Renaissance churches. You'll spend two nights here, giving you ample time to explore the city's notable sights.

Take an optional ride from Evora into the heart of the Portuguese cork industry. Visit a factory where cork is transformed into a variety of products, from bottle stoppers to purses and business cards. In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the old part of Evora.

Leave Evora and pass through several small towns and their ancient castles. Your destination is a sprawling farm in rural Alentejo, known for raising goats and cork. As you approach the coast, the open spaces become dotted with sea pines, revealing the varied character of the Alentejo region. Enjoy a hearty Alentejo dinner at your accommodation.

Leave rural Alentejo and head towards the coast. As you approach Sines, you'll see signs of modern Portuguese development, including its modern harbor, once famed as the birthplace of Portugal's most famous sailor, Vasco da Gama. A gentle sea breeze will signal your arrival at the beach and the Rio Mira confluence to the sea. Your accommodation will be at the HS Milfontes Beach (or similar).

Enjoy a day at your leisure. Choose to stroll, relax, cycle, or shop. If you wish to cycle, there's an exhilarating loop ride towards the tiny town of Sao Luis and Porto das Barcas. We recommend a spot for a delicious seafood lunch on the water.

Cycle through the rugged area separating central Alentejo from the North Atlantic Ocean. This area, including its beautiful beaches and sheer cliffs, is part of the Costa Vicentina National Park. There are opportunities for picnics and swimming at secluded beaches, or you can relax at the hotel pool or take a walk to the ocean.

Ride south, weaving across the main road, through little farm villages and larger towns. Your secluded hotel is surrounded by green hillsides and is located at the gateway of a serene valley. It's about a kilometer from the beach to the hotel, so you might prefer to walk the last bit.

Take a leisurely ride to Cabo San Vicente, the famed 'end of the world' when the world was thought to be flat. This southwestern point of Europe features a lighthouse and a fortress. From there, it's just a few kilometers to the town of Sagres, the final destination of your cycling adventure. Celebrate the end of your journey with a lively group dinner and a restful night in a luxurious hotel.

Enjoy another day at the beach or head back to Lisbon. A shuttle will be available in the morning for anyone flying out or returning to the capital. As you bid farewell to Portugal, take with you the memories of an unforgettable cycling adventure.