Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Cycle in the most beautiful and well-preserved coast of Europe. From the Alentejo region to Cabo de Sao Vicente which marks the most south-westerly point of Europe, follow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' along rugged coastline with amazing views over cliffs and large sandy beaches. Stop and relax in quaint peaceful fishing villages to taste the rich local cuisine that serves the best the sea has.
This ride leads you through a natural reserve and the 'Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park' and you can fully enjoy the landscape and appreciate the surprises nature has to offer, such as wild flowers, bird watching. Admire breath-taking views and relax on one of the unspoilt beaches or inlets. Your ride will be on coastal routes with some stretches on sandy paths and gravel tracks.
End your trip in the Algarve region, along beautiful coastlines enjoying a mix of golden sandy beaches and rugged cliff tops, and pass through pretty villages, some of which seem unaffected by the outside world.
Please note: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Portugal for anyone using an e-bike.
The routes on this holiday are a mix of off road trails and tracks, quiet tarmac roads, forest trails and coastal paths, with a number of climbs and descent. Although none of the roads are very busy on some days you have a choice of cycling on larger roads or on gravel tracks. At least 30% of the route is on gravel tracks, which can be sandy in places.
Transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel.
Located on the Sado river bank, explore Setubal and wander in the town centre to the convent and the fort where you can enjoy fantastic views over the city and the river.
You stay at Hotel Luna Esperanca.
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Luna Esperança Centro Hotel, in Setúbal (Portugal), is located in the historic center of the city, at less than 30 minutes from Lisbon. Offering views of Sado River and Troia's Peninsula, this 4-star hotel in Setubal's city centre is surrounded by restaurants and shops. The ferry to Troia's beaches and golf course is situated next to the hotel.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Start with a ferry crossing through the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve. Enjoy bird watching during this short journey as the reserve is a protected area for many species such as storks. The most friendly local inhabitants and symbol of the Nature Reserve are the dolphins. It's rare to find them in Europe, freely swimming in their natural habitat, but there is an important colony here.
Cycle through rice fields and along beaches. Right by Santo Andre Lagoon, and part of a Nature Reserve, the Costa de Santo Andre Beach is a long stretch of sand with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the lagoon on the other. Surrounded by golden dunes, this beach with its challenging waters is very popular among surfers.
You stay at Vila Park Nature.
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Enjoying natural surroundings of green woodlands, VILA PARK Nature & Business Hotel is certified eco-friendly and offers an extensive outdoor saltwater pool.
Ride through quaint villages until Sao Torpes Beach, which is very popular for surfing. Continue your ride on the coastline before reaching Porto Covo, a picturesque fishermen's village which is a mix of whitewashed cottages, cobbled streets and pretty squares perched on the low cliff tops of the Alentejo coast. In the village, all roads lead to the little fishing harbour which clings to the side of a deep natural inlet.
Then arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes located on the Mira river banks and offers large beaches on the coastline and is surrounded by unspoilt rural countryside.
You stay at Hotel HS Milfontes.
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Enjoy the most amazing views of the Mira river bay, the Atlantic and Furnas beach, officially one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. The hotel offers a swimming pool, a gym, a bar, a restaurant and possibilities of relaxing massages.
Follow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' punctuated with many highlights such as Almograve, a quaint village. Almograve Beach with red cliffs and dunes is one of the most beautiful beaches along this rocky coastline and is part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
Continue to Sardao Cape a natural and unspoilt site offering stunning views; then, ride to Zambujeira do Mar, a quaint fishing village. This place offers an excellent view over the beach, and is a small and very peaceful village. The beautiful beaches are one of the main attractions as its natural environment is one of the best preserved of this region.
You stay at Hotel Alcatruz.
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The Alcatruz is a modern property that offers beach-themed rooms. This Costa Vicentina hotel is located within a 5-minute drive from the Vale dos Homens and Carriagem sandy beaches.
Today you have a choice of routes; both routes take you first to Aljezur, with its Moorish castle; from there the shorter route takes you directly to your hotel, allowing plenty of time to visit the nearby beach; the longer route takes you on a coastal loop past several beaches on a variety of tranquil gravel tracks.
You stay at Barranco da Fonte.
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The rural and isolated old farmhouse has been recently converted into a hotel and features swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar and gardens.
Cycle towards the village of Carrapateira and enjoy breath-taking views over the cliffs that will mesmerize your memory; take a break at Bordeira and Amado beaches before heading for a seafood lunch in Carrapteira. Head inland along sandy tracks to arrive in Vila do Bispo, a peaceful village full of narrow streets and whitewashed houses.
You stay at Hotel Mira Sagres.
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The Mira Sagres is an historical pension in the fishing village of Villa do Bispo and a regular haven for journeying pilgrims making their way to Cape St Vincent. The fascia of the pension has now been lovingly gentrified and in keeping with the local tradition, has now been stylishly whitewashed, it also boasts an impressive indoor pool. On a good day from the high terrace at the hotel you can see Sagres in the distance.
Ride to Cordoama beach overlooked by cliffs. Surrounded by foaming Atlantic waves, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most south-westerly point of Europe. The path to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of your week! You are spoilt with amazing coastal scenery on this wild and unpopulated route that follows sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. At the Cape there is a lighthouse, museum and small bar, offering wonderful photo opportunities.
You stay at Hotel Mira Sagres.
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The Mira Sagres is an historical pension in the fishing village of Villa do Bispo and a regular haven for journeying pilgrims making their way to Cape St Vincent. The fascia of the pension has now been lovingly gentrified and in keeping with the local tradition, has now been stylishly whitewashed, it also boasts an impressive indoor pool. On a good day from the high terrace at the hotel you can see Sagres in the distance.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Luna Esperanca, Setubal; Hotel Mira Sagres, Vila do Bispo; Hotel Lisboa Plaza, Lisbon.
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Luna Esperança Centro Hotel, in Setúbal (Portugal), is located in the historic center of the city, at less than 30 minutes from Lisbon. Offering views of Sado River and Troia's Peninsula, this 4-star hotel in Setubal's city centre is surrounded by restaurants and shops. The ferry to Troia's beaches and golf course is situated next to the hotel.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
MastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The Mira Sagres is an historical pension in the fishing village of Villa do Bispo and a regular haven for journeying pilgrims making their way to Cape St Vincent. The fascia of the pension has now been lovingly gentrified and in keeping with the local tradition, has now been stylishly whitewashed, it also boasts an impressive indoor pool. On a good day from the high terrace at the hotel you can see Sagres in the distance.
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Owned by the same family since 1953, the 4 star Hotel Lisboa Plaza is an imaginatively designed hotel, just off the famous Avenida da Liberdade. All rooms have en-suite marble floored bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite television, direct dial telephones, hairdryers and mini-bar. The public rooms are elegantly furnished and there is a pleasant bar and dining room.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £233.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Lisbon airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
