CONTRASTS OF PORTUGAL CYCLING

In the far south-west corner of the Iberian Peninsula between Lisbon and the Algarve is a genuine hidden treasure. The Parque Natural Sudoueste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina is the largest protected coastal Natural Park in Europe, encompassing a rolling sea of verdant hills and river valleys, and over 100km of wild and pristine beaches and coast.

Our new cycling holiday here begins inland with three nights amid fragrant meadows of white rockrose. This is a rural region of tiny white villages and wheat fields, the breadbasket of the nation, where ruined windmills crumble on sun-drenched hilltops, and sheepskin-jacketed shepherds with silver tipped canes stride over fields full of lavender.

You then spin downhill towards the turquoise ocean into the Natural Park for the rest of the week. Two nights are spent discovering rugged castles, wild beaches and whitewashed fishing villages near Vilanova deMilfontes, before heading further south for your final two nights on a real smugglers’ coast of steep bays and bluffs, cycling river valleys to meet the ocean.

We were amazed by the quality of the accommodation we found miles out in the countryside. Each place you cycle between is strikingly memorable – the three exclusive rural properties are all stylishly transformed into boutique hotels (two rustic one modern, the largest with 8 rooms). Each has charismatic and enthusiastic English speaking owners who are so welcoming it is like staying with friends!

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.