
Booking Form
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Distance: 378 km
- Difficulty : 2/5
- Closest Airport: Aeroporto Sá Carneiro
- Min Age: 1
Vicentine Coast and Algarve Bike Tour
Explore the Algarve: From Lisbon or Sines to Portugal’s Southern Coastline
An amazing bike tour through one of Europe's best-preserved regions and one of the best bike tours in Algarve. The southeast Alentejano Natural Park includes wild beaches surrounded by imposing cliffs, small mountain ranges, cork oak groves, traditional fishing villages, typical villages, spectacular views, and important geographical points, such as Cape Sardão, the Cape of São Vicente, from where the caravels left for seas never before navigated, and Ponta de Sagres. We recommend you take this bike tour either between January & June or between October & December. It can get quite hot during the summer season, and that is something you should be aware of, if you decide to cycle in July, August, or September. Average temperatures in the Algarve, south of Portugal, are usually around 17ºC, and the weather is always sunny or partially sunny, as it is rare for it to rain in the southern regions, even during the winter.
Algarve cycle tour route description:
- Mostly flat. Some short and steep climbs, especially in the last day.
- 40 % secondary paved roads with low traffic, 40% dirt roads near the ocean and agricultural farms.
- 3628 meters ascent and 3637 meters descent
Vicentine Coast & Algarve bike tour itinerary
- Day 1 – Lisbon
- Day 2 - Lisboa – Troia (65 km)
- Day 3 - Troia - Vila Nova de Santo André (66 Km)
- Day 4 – Vila Nova de Santo André – Vila Nova de Mil Fontes (55 km)
- Day 5 – VNMF – Zambujeira do Mar (35 km)
- Day 6 – Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur (45 km)
- Day 7 – Aljezur – Carrapateira (30 km)
- Day 8 - Carrapateira – Sagres (37 km)
- Day 9 - Sagres – Lagos (45 km)
- Day 10 - Departure
Reduced Option: KM: 227 km, Elevation: 2528 meters ascent and 2538 meters descent
- Day 1 – Lisbon Reception and van transfer to Sines on day 2
- Day 2 – Sines - Vila Nova de Mil Fontes (45 km)
- Day 3 – Vila Nova de Mil Fontes – Zambujeira do Mar (35 km)
- Day 4 – Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur (45 km)
- Day 5 – Aljezur – Carrapateira (30 km)
- Day 6 - Carrapateira – Sagres (37 km)
- Day 7 - Sagres – Lagos (45 km)
- Day 8 - Departure
Itinerary
Day 1 – Lisbon
The journey starts in the city of Lisbon, Portugal's capital. This city has been influenced by many different cultures over the course of its history and it still maintains a village feeling in each historic neighbourhood. The wide variety of landscapes and heritage is always close by, whether in the north or south of the capital. Fado, prevalent in Lisbon, is a Portuguese traditional music style and is an expression of what it is to be Portuguese. It has been awarded the World Heritage status. You can hear it at night in a fado house or in a traditional neighbourhood. Hotel 4 *: Hotel Lisboa or Hotel 5 stars: TURIM Boulevard Hotel (included in premium option)
Day 2 - Lisboa – Troia (65 km) * moderate dificulty
Cycle through some lovely Portuguese cities, like the city of Montijo, strongly marked by the river. Like most of the localities of Ribatejo, Montijo has the tradition of the “brava” celebration, being bulls and bullfights an essential characteristic of the city's parties. Enter Pinhal Novo, which used to be the biggest vineyard in the country and, nowadays, it's an expanding urban centre. It is located near the Arrabida Natural Park. Bike along the pine-brushed coastline of Parque Natural da Arrábida. End this first journey on a ferry to the pristine setting of the Tróia Peninsula, unquestionably one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. The peninsula stands at the tip of a narrow spit of land comprised mostly of white sandy beaches fringed with shifting dunes and emerald pine forests. Much of the territory is set within the confines of a nature reserve, the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado, a protected wildlife haven with a wealth of bird-watching possibilities. Hotel 4 *: Design Hotel Troia or Hotel 5 stars: The Editory By The Sea Troia Comporta Hotel (included in premium option)
Day 3 - Troia - Vila Nova de Santo André (66 Km)
Starting the day with some extensive sandy beaches, you will head towards Vila Nova de Santo André. This is a very multicultural city, which received a lot of people from Portuguese former colonies. The extensive forest that protects Santo André is a good example of the harmonious respect between the protection of the environment and the industrial development. Cycle through Comporta, a protected nature reserve and once fisherman village, now famous for its paradisiacal-looking beaches, of great quality, and mild weather during the summer. Finishing the day you will be passing through the village of Melides, which dates back to the XIXth century. This village emerged as a small clump of fishermen and farmers. Its inhabitants are mainly dedicated to farming the land and handcraft activities, such as pottery and the making of cork stoppers. Hotel 4 *: Vila Parque Hotel or Hotel 4 stars: Octant Hotels Santiago (included in premium option)
Day 4 – Vila Nova de Santo André – Vila Nova de Mil Fontes (55 km)
You will cycle in the direction of Milfontes. Milfontes is the perfect combination of History and Nature because it is situated on a beautiful coastline and it has been a region often raided by pirates. You will have the opportunity to discover the city of Sines where Vasco da Gama was born, the Portuguese explorer and first European to reach India by sea, connecting the West and the Orient in the 15th century. Nowadays it's remarkably known for receiving 50% of the countries’ exportations. The village of Porto Covo is one of the most sought-after by locals and tourists. With a spacious and sheltered beach, "Praia Grande", it is one of the busiest during the summer.Hotel 4 *: Hotel HS MIlfontes or upgrade to a superior room in the "Premium" option
Day 5 – VNMF – Zambujeira do Mar (40 km)
Quieter than Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar attracts more backpackers and surfers. Being a small seaside town on the coast of Alentejo, in western Portugal, it has some lovely sandy beaches and picture-perfect traditional architecture, making it a small but loved destination for visitors. The town has some charming traditional buildings. Among the most notable ones are the fountains of Amores and Santa Catarina and the small, whitewashed chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar. The beach is about 500 meters from the town of Almograve. It is a shallow but extensive beach with low tide, providing authentic natural pools. Farm: Herdade do touril
Day 6 – Zambujeira do Mar – Aljezur (45 km)
First, you will be passing by Aljezur, an attractive village that straddles a river, its western part is Moorish, with a collection of cottages below a ruined 10th-century hilltop castle. Vestiges of the old harbour can be seen in the narrow alleys that give access to the Ribeira de Aljezur. The 40km of coastline around Aljezur offers some of the most pristine and scenic beaches in Europe, with the whole area of river estuaries, sheer cliffs, and dense marshes rich in bird and animal life. As the Alentejo turns into the Algarve, the last coastal settlement is Odeceixe, an endearing small town with a beach classified as one of the 7 Wonders. The beach presents a high-quality landscape and biodiversity, being able to enjoy a landscape of rare and enormous beauty at the top of the cliffs. It is in fact in this Natural Park, the only place in the world where you can observe the storks that nest on the cliffs**.** Hotel 4 *: Hotel Vicentina or Farm: Herdade do Monte do Sol (included in premium option)
Day 7 – Aljezur – Carrapateira (30 km)
Leaving Aljezur to enter the surf-central Carrapateira, a peaceful village with two nearby beaches with strong swells, which commonly attract surfers and visitors from Lisbon. The coast along this area is wild, with copper-coloured and ash-grey cliffs. Its landmarks include an old fort, a church, and its high reddish rock formations, which look deceptively similar to Cape St. Vincent, in the southwest corner of Portugal. Carrapateira was traditionally a dangerous area for sailing ships. The extremely fast southbound current and the jutting headland that made it a dangerous lure for shipwrecks in the past also create the conditions that have made it a popular surfing destination in recent years. Hotel Aldeia de Pedralva or Hotel 4 stars: Casa Fajara (included in premium option)
Day 8 - Carrapateira – Sagres (54 km)
A region of dramatic natural scenery, comprising of raging seas, towering cliffs, and vast beaches, you are now cycling toward Sagres. There is little historical or architectural interest as the original town bore the full brunt of the 1755 earthquake. Situated within a few kilometres from Europe's most southwestern point, stands Cape St. Vincent. The ferocious waves of the Atlantic Ocean pound the massive cliffs, while high above the immense lighthouse, a light warns ships of the existence of these dangerous cliffs. The narrow streets that surround the main church contain many houses typical of the old Algarve, with whitewashed walls, bands of bright color, and carved stonework around doors and windows. Hotel 4 *: Pousada Sagres or Hotel 4 stars: Memmo Baleeira (included in premium option)
Day 9 - Sagres – Lagos (45 km)
Lying along the bank of the Rio Bensafrim, with XVIth century walls enclosing the old town, we have Lagos. Lagos is a historic and lively city that offers visitors glorious beaches, nightlife, and a charming historical centre. Extending to the east of Lagos, you can find the 4km long "Meia Praia" Beach, which is the longest sandy beach on the western side of the Algarve. Aside from its hedonistic appeal, Lagos has historical clout, having launched many naval excursions during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. Located about halfway between Lagos and Sagres there’s a picturesque fishing village, the little village of Salema. It is a paradise for those who are seeking tranquillity and an escape from the crowded areas, where biking opportunities abound. The village is home to a number of fishermen who still cast their nets daily and moor their fishing boats on the shore. Finishing off this ride, blessed with both a beautiful beach and a glorious climate, the "Luz" beach has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, as the town has a significant permanent community of retired or emigrated expats. You’ll surely enjoy having the last stop of this fulfilling trip, in this amazingly, beautiful beach with lots of sights that provide a lovely and relaxing place to rest. Hotel 4 *: Tivoli Lagos or Hotel 5 stars: Cascade Wellness and Lifestyle Resort (included in premium option)
Day 10 - Departure
Price
Self Guided bike tour
€1,632.00
Guided bike tour
€2,280.00
Guided Premium*
€3,279.00
Tour Season & Pricing Observations
*Season:
- LS - Low season: Nov 01 to Mar 25
- RS - Regular season: Mar 26 to 25 Jun and Set 26 to 31 Oct
- HS - High Season: Set 01 to 25 Set
- SS - Summer Season: Jun 26 to August 30
Observations:
- Prices are based on 2 people sharing the same standard room;
- Sea view (when available) or premium rooms, price on request;
- Prices can suffer updates due to high season, holidays, or weekends
- Beverages are not included in the self Guided and Guided options when meals are booked
- Selected drinks are included in the Premium package when meals are booked
- If in a triple room with parents Children up to 10 years old - 35% discount. Children from 11 to 14 years old - 20% discount. Children from 15 to 17 years old - 15% discount.
Extras
- Electric bicycles price: 270€ (360 € for the 9-night package)
- Supplement for single room : LS: 480€, RS: 510€, HS: 540€, SS:570€ (Premium option plus 340€)
- Supplement for single room reduced option: LS: 390€, RS: 420€, HS: 450€, SS.480€ (Premium option plus 250€)
- Solo traveller: 290 €
- Solo traveller reduced option: 200 €
- Extra nights: on request
- Private group price on request
- City taxes are not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on-site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
- Ferry (boat) in river/lake crossing is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)
Photos
Map
(Reviews
My son and I did the self guided Vicentine Coast bike tour. The ride was challenging which led to incredible views. The accommodations exceeded all expectations and having our luggage picked up and delivered in a timely manner was appreciated.
It had been awhile since we went on a cycling trip. We've always gone on regular
bikes. This time we chose e-bikes. Our group was a mix of regular bicycles and
e-bikes, yet it was still cohesive. We did the 9 day Lisboa to Lagos trip, which
was a mix of both road and off-road cycling. The landscape was spectacular and
at times dramatic. The accommodations were varied, comfortable and some
extraordinarily wonderful. The food was delectable.
Our team, Sergio, João (John) and João (Christmas) were top notch: supportive,
helpful, knowledgeable and fun. They love their country and loved sharing it
with us. It was a memorable trip, and we would happily do it again. A heartfelt
thank you to Sergio, John and Christmas!!!
Southern Atlantic coast and Algarve, Portugal
Four intrepid bikers completed the 8 day tour just ahead of covid-19 March
20, 2020. Lisbon and the coastal bike route were grand, as described. Maps could
have been better quality. Two GPS supplied with route loaded, finding the
correct route in towns and leaving villages was a challenge. Lodgings and
restaurants very nice, some staying open when we were the only guests. Sergio,
Enrique and Diego, and Tripsite were extremely helpful daily! Thanks. We are
home now, finished with the virus quarantine, well and ready to create a photo
log of the trip. Hope to return to see the northern coast soon.
We just finished an amazing week of cycling along the coast from Lisbon to Lagos. Top bike did a great job lining up our bikes, hotels, routes and numerous recommendations. We loved going through all the small towns and all of the dirt roads and trails, so that we really saw the Portugal countryside, cliffs and all this beautiful country has to offer!
I booked 14 people in my group to do the 8-day guided cycle ride down the Vicentine Coast (Lisbon to Lagos) in late October-Nov. We've done numerous bike tours with several companies. Each one has their strengths and weaknesses. Top Bike Tours Portugal can be relied upon to give you a challenging biking experience with quality guides that make every effort to keep you happy on your trip. Portugal has so much to offer providing a great experience and value. Sergio is the hard-working owner of the company. He and his team will work on customizing your trip to provide a quality biking adventure.
The bike routes were scenic and well thought out. The group always had a lead and a sweeper to ensure that no one got lost. The van carried all luggage to the destination. Portugal is a beautiful country and our route was a wonderful way to experience it. Food was great. Lodging was great. Great trip.
Beautiful Scenery! Meeting great people! Great arrangements. Biking the south coast of Portugal enjoying the scenery.
My husband and I took the Vicentine Route(Rota Vicentina) in October and it was spectacular! We highly recommend this bike touring company. Sergio, the owner is a top guide.
We just finished an amazing week of cycling along the coast from Lisbon to Lagos. Top bike did a great job lining up our bikes, hotels, routes and numerous recommendations. We loved going through all the small towns and all of the dirt roads and trails, so that we really saw the Portugal countryside, cliffs and all this beautiful country has to offer!
Great tour, excellent organisation and communication by Sergio and his crew. Accommodation was good - a couple of the hotels were exceptional! Would have no hesitation in recommending Top Bike
Thanks Sergio, Telmo and Jaoa. A fabulous trip made possible by your excellent and meticulous planning. Bikes were terrific, accommodation even better. Will be back to do the duoro Valley tour for sure. Cheers Andrew and Lou
This was our 2nd unguided bike tour we did with top bike Once again it was a fantastic experience Bicycles provided were in excellent condition Route directions were easy to follow and the team checked in with us regularly We will certainly return next year to ride a different route I can highly recommend top bike tours
Cycling is amazing and the Costa Vicentina is beautiful. Top has great guides, very good bikes and make all the reservations for you not to worry about anything. It's very worth it.
The top bike people are the best! They took care of our every need. Look no further. You I’ll not be disappointed. The guides telmo and fillipie are professionals, attenative, safe, considerate. The bikes are in good condition, and the routes are manageable.
We were very happy with our choice to go with Top Bike Tours for our self-guided, 6-day bike ride around the Algarve area. All the accommodations were nice, ranging from cute seaside hotels to historic bungalows. The bikes were in good shape and customer service very attentive. Would definitely recommend them.
They should change their name to TOP NOTCH BIKE tours, because that is the service you can expect to receive from them. They took care of our every need. From traffic safety, translations, meals, 4 star hotels, scenic routes. I can’t say enough about this Company and these two guides, Telmo and Fillipie. Look no further- these are the people to go with.
Scott Wallace New Jersey
Amazing bike trip, bikes were in great shape, hotels were all very nice. Fantastic trip start to finish. Would definitely recommend this tour if you would like a trip to remember.
Trip was amazing. Accomodations were perfect and would highly recommend this tour. Top Bike Tours are the best and we will be back.