Portugal Bike - The Beautiful Alentejo Beaches

Tour Highlights

1. The Natural Park of SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast
2. The most preserved coast all over Europe
3. Tasty fresh fish of the Atlantic Coast
4. Vast fields of vegetable crops
5. The beautiful cliffs of Vicentine Coast
6. The limpid and clear water of the sea
7. Cape S. Vicente - the birds and the sunset into the Atlantic Ocean
8. Sagres - the south-westernmost point of Continental Europe
9. The gorgeous beaches and beautiful coast of the Algarve region
10. Lagos - the cosmopolitan and the oldest town in the Algarve


Summary

SW Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park extends itself along the Portuguese coast and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This SW landscape is 300 million years old and it is one of the most preserved landscapes all over Europe; human intervention has been less visible throughout its history. Once submerged (about 2 million years ago), this is a vast area with many different coastal habitats and countless beaches and cliffs. Our daily tours include going to the wonderful beaches of this Natural Park and taking a swim in the clear, blue sea. Cliffs are steep, almost 100m high and right above the ocean. Countless rocks and isolated islets complete this beautiful and unique scenery. This area boasts a diversity of rare botanical species, with very interesting flora and a variety of maritime birds that nest here. Riding along the trails of these cliffs that belong to this Natural Park, admiring the unique views of the blue ocean and feel the fresh wind in your face is one of the most fantastic feelings that any person can have. In the extreme south point of this tour you will find Cape S. Vicente. This is the south-westernmost point in continental Europe and a passing area for thousands of birds of prey. The tour also goes to Sagres, which is the place from where our brave forefathers sailed on their caravels seeking new peoples and continents. Finally, you will visit some of the beaches of our famous Algarve including the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. This is one of the oldest towns in Algarve. We can still see evidence of the wall surrounding the town for protection. Lagos also has an old fort and its former Slave Market is now an art gallery.

Programme

Day 1: Arrival - Welcome at Lisbon airport. 2H00 drive to Sines, briefing about the tour followed by dinner. Lodging in a 4* charming Hotel where you can find numerous references to Portugal's greatest navigator Vasco da Gamai .

Day 2: The typical houses in Alentejo Coast - 41km (25mi), level 2 (+ Beach). After breakfast we ride into the SW Alentejo Natural Park, one of the most well preserved coasts in Europe. We visit the fishing village of Porto Covo and we can admire the wonderful beaches until we get to Vila Nova Milfontes. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a small town classified as a Touristic Paradise, near the beach.

Day 3: The vast fields of vegetable crops - 60km (37mi), level 3 (+ Beach). After breakfast we ride towards Cape Sardao, a paradisiacal spot perfect for meditation. We visit Zambujeira do Mar and we end in Odeceixe, another village near the sea. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a Bed & Breakfast unit with a refreshing swimming-pool.

Day 4: The beautiful beaches at Vicentine Coast - 51km (32mi), level 4 (+ Beach). After breakfast we ride towards Aljezur with its castle on the top dated from the 10th century. We continue riding southwards, we cross the woods, hills and valleys until we get to Carrapateira, always full of surfers. Picnic on the way. Lodging in a small house in the most typical village near the west coast of the Algarve, very calm and very quiet.

Day 5: Cape S. Vincent - the south-westernmost point in Europe - 33km (21mi), level 1. The west coast and the vicentine coast are ending. After breakfast we go to the westernmost point in Europe and we stay in Sagres. Lodging in a 4* new hotel with swimming-pool, surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and the wild nature of an unforgettable beauty..

Day 6: The coast of the Algarve - 46km (29mi), level 3.
After breakfast we ride along the south coast of the Algarve and we can see the difference when the Natural Park ends and the touristic Algarve starts. Before getting to Lagos we visit Ponta da Piedade where the sea and the wind have shaped beautiful rocks creating an amazing view. Picnic on the way. Dinner with the group. Lodging in a 4* hotel with swimming-pool, that epitomises the Algarve culture, with blue and white corridors which link the rooms, patios, restaurants and bar.

Day 7: Departure - After breakfast transfer to Lisbon airport. 3H00 drive to airport.

Our clients come in all ages, but the most common are people over 40, with an average age around 55.

Technical Data

Type: Hybrid Bike Tour
Class: LANDSCAPE TOUR
Version: Guided or Self-Guided
Region of Portugal: Alentejo and Algarve (coast)
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days cycling
Begin: Sines (Alentejo)
End: Lagos (Algarve)
Difficulty level (1-5): 1 2 3 4 5
= Intermediate. You must be in good shape
Distance: 230km (143mi)
Average: 46km/day (29mi/day)
Trails: 82% asphalt + 18% dirt roads

On this tour you will ride with this bicycle:

HYBRID BIKE: SCOTT Sportster 20 Solution

DETAILS:
Frame: Alloy 6061 Double Butted
Fork: Front suspension Suntour, 63mm travel with lock
Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
Gears: Shimano Deore, 30 speeds (44x32x24 with 11-34)
Pedals: Normal (with cages or not) or Shimano SPD
Tires: Hybrid 700x40 (28"x1.6)
Weight: 12kg (26 pounds)
Other: Man or woman seat, 2,5 liter front bag on the handlebar and 1,6 liter seat bag.
(please see picture #26)


Testimonials

>>> Our bike tour, the Beautiful Alentejo Beaches, was outstanding, and the second we arrived our tour guides informative demeanor made this trip very comfortable. Beginning with port wine and raspberry cake at reception we immediately hit it off with our riding mates. The charming hotels with champagne breakfast started every day off on the right track. On each days ride our guides encompassing insights of Portuguese culture bound with historical references absorbed our spirit. The lunch stops with fresh farmers cheese and fruits ensured us that one more hill wasn't so bad and the afternoon beer stops motivated everyone of us to never stop smiling. Each nights hotel welcomed the end of a days ride as the beginning of a wonderful evening. The restaurants were a delightful mix of local food, wine and culture including a private tour of a port wine cellar. Starting out each day without expectations Jose and Christina exceeded them all. We would love to do this trip again. Thank You Very Much.
= Ed & Sue Seaman, Ages 51 (Streamwood, Illinois - U.S.A.), 2009=

>>> I just want to thank you for the best cycling tours I have ever done. It is an adventure I will remember for a life time. I don't know what I enjoyed more the beautiful scenery, awesome cycling, delicious food or the great guide and wonderful hostess. You are truly a top notch cycling tour Company. I recommend anyone that wants to see the best countryside that Portugal has to offer to do it with your Company. It far exceeded my expectations and was worth every cent. Thanks Again for a Wonderful Cycling Vacation! = Jerry LeVault, Age: 47 (Addison, ILLinois -U.S.A.), 2009 =

>>> First and foremost, let me thank you once again for a wonderful vacation along The Beautiful Alentejo Beaches. As you are aware, I have travelled with several bicycle tour companies throughout Europe. I found PortugalBike to exceed the more expensive companies in personality, equipment, and feel for the local culture. The accommodations and food matched that of the more expensive tours. In general, Portugal was a beautiful country with some of the friendliest people I have met throughout Europe. I will enthusiastically recommend both this trip and your company.
= Eric Schott , Age: 39 (Tolland, CT - U.S.A.), 2009 =

>>> Many thanks for a wonderful trip. Although the cycling was challenging at times, the coastal views made it all worthwhile! I felt truly pampered by the accommodations and there was certainly no excuse to lack energy for the next day's ride when we ate such wonderful meals! You and Jose seem to have thought of everything to make this a very special trip: excellent bicycles, well-designed handlebar bags, bicycle pedals of our choice, snack bars, plenty of water, and a comfortable sag wagon! With Jose as our enthusiastic guide, we did, indeed, discover Portugal. What a beautiful and friendly country! I look forward to my next trip.
= Catherine Kotanchik, Age: 62 (Bath, Pennsylvania - U.S.A.), 2009 =