Portugal’s Wild Coast
Portugal Bike Tours
Portugal cycling at its finest!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–11 days
- Prices from€1670 Rates
Overview
The Portugal Wild Coast is a cross-country or road bike tour along one of the most beautiful coastlines of Portugal. From the outskirts of Lisbon to the southernmost tip of Europe, you’ll discover and admire the natural beauty of the varied scenery, offering stunning coastal views and crossing through two nature reserves.
Explore small fishing villages and abandoned fortresses by bike, reminiscent of the time when this coast was ravaged by pirates! The tour finishes at the most westerly point in Europe, Cape São Vincente, which adds a dramatic and historical flair to this wonderful trip.
This tour is not for the faint of heart as you will cycle mountain trails and varied off-road terrain with steep ascents and descents. If you do not want to miss out on this incredible itinerary, there is an on-road version that you can request, but keep in mind that some of the dirt trails lead to incredible cliff-top vistas that are not accessible by road. You can opt to rent a GPS device or request GPS tracks and choose an alternative route on any given day if necessary.
Highlights
- Arrabida Natural Park
- Stunning views of the Atlantic
- Sandy beaches of Alentejano Natural Reserve
- Endemic stork nests hanging from the cliffs
- Delicious traditional food and fresh fish
For more, check out all of our bicycle tours in Portugal.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Arrival to Lisbon, drive to Santiago do Cacém
Day 2: Santiago do Cacém - Vila Nova de Milfontes, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 4: Odeceixe - Arrifana, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Arrifana - Pedralva, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Pedralva - Sagres, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: DepartureDay 1: Arrival to Lisbon, drive to Santiago do Cacém
You will be picked up at the Lisbon Airport and transferred to Santiago do Cacém (approximately 1 hour), a peaceful village with a magical castle. Relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure.Preferred accommodation: Casa de Santiago (En suite room)
Day 2: Santiago do Cacém - Vila Nova de Milfontes, 32 mi. (52 km)
On your first cycling day, you will leave Santiago on the sierra and cycle on a scenic route to the sea, first entering the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina. You will cycle through Porto Covo, a typical fishing village, now transformed into a picturesque seaside town overlooked by beautiful, jagged cliffs. Today's destination is Vila Nova de Milfontes. Here you can visit the fishing harbor and admire the Mira River and its beautiful bay area.Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa do Adro (Standard room)Day 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 32 mi. (52 km)
You ride through southwest Alentejano Natural Park with amazing views over the sea and visit the stunning Cape Sardão which is guarded by a lighthouse. Here you can admire the shafts embedded in the rock walls, the seeded islets along the coast, and the many white stork pairs that choose this coast as their nesting site. Your route leads through the typical village of Zambujeira do Mar, then through the fields until it meets with the Seixe River. As you cross, you leave the Alentejo behind and enter the Algarve. Odeceixe, a lovely hilltop village awaits.Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa Moinho (Suite house)Day 4: Odeceixe - Arrifana, 34 mi. (55 km)
Your itinerary begins with a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches on this coast - Odeceixe Beach. Further along, you will follow a valley where once caravels sailed to the village of Aljezur. You then turn inland and after about 5 km, pedal up the narrow streets to the medieval castle. Be sure to taste the famous sweet potato of Aljezur that grows in the fertile land of the region. Today's destination is Arrifana, an amazing village that rests on the top of the cliffs.Elevation gain: 600 m
Preferred accommodation: Herdade Monte do Sol (Standard room)Day 5: Arrifana - Pedralva, 28 mi. (45 km)
Through forests and along the sea, your route passes through the incredible village of Carrapateira, a quaint village on a wild coast, with copper-colored and ash-grey cliffs. As you follow a dirt road alongside the sea, you will see this region in its most beautiful state, adorned with stunning beaches and incredible colorful cliffs. Your route then leads through a beautiful pine forest, arriving at an authentic and very old village once abandoned and now recovered as a hotel. The Village of Pedralva was once inhabited by over 100 people but entered a painful process of desertification. Today, thanks to the hotel, Pedralva lives again.Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Aldeia de Pedralva (One bedroom)Day 6: Pedralva - Sagres, 25 mi. (40 km)
The coastal route today will showcase some of the most beautiful and secret beaches of the Vicentina Coast, as you cycle south to Cape São Vicente, the south-western most point of Continental Europe. This is a magical place where you can almost hear the echoes of the voices of sailors and pilgrims. Rounded by monumental cliffs and outstanding views over the coastline, this is also a privileged area to watch the natural phenomenon of bird migration.Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Memmo Baleeira (Frontal sea view room)Day 7: Departure
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in Lisbon (transfer approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes).You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon. Transfer to Setúbel.
Day 2: Setúbal Loop, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Setúbal - Grândola, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Grândola - Santiago do Cacém, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Santiago do Cacém - V.N. de Milfontes, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 6: Villa Nova.de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 7: Odeceixe - Arrifana, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: Arrifana - Pedralva, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 9: Pedralva - Sagres, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 10: Sagres - Lagos, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 11: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Lisbon. Transfer to Setúbal (45 minutes)
Welcome to Portugal! Your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Setúbal, a lovely city known for its variety of beaches, which are all part of Arrábida's Natural Park. This is the perfect place for you to start your tour and take a great big breath of the fresh air of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy your rest here because tomorrow, a new adventure awaits you!Preferred accommodation: Rio Art Hotel (Superior room)
Day 2: Setúbal Loop, 25 mi. (40 km)
Your cycling adventure begins. Immerse yourself in the lush green nature of the Arrábida Natural Park and cycle along the beautiful bays and beaches of the Setúbal Peninsula, such as the area of Portinho da Arrábida with pure and clear waters and extensive stretches of white sand. Setúbal offers so much more than sandy, white beaches. The culture and gastronomy add to the experience. As you pass through Azeitão, a stop at a winery or at a famous pottery or tiles producer is always a good idea!Elevation gain: 700 m
Preferred accommodation: Rio Art Hotel (Superior room)Day 3: Setúbal - Grândola, 31 mi. (50 km)
The highlight of today is the crossing of the Sado River by ferry (30 mins) to reach the Tróia Península - a beautiful place known for tourism and the roman ruins of thermal baths. Leaving the lush green of the Arrábida Natural Park behind, you continue on your way to Grândola, passing by Melides and its lovely beach. Highly recommended is a stop at any one of the exceptional restaurants for a taste of exquisite Portuguese cuisine.Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Serenada Enoturismo (Superior room)Day 4: Grândola - Santiago do Cacém, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today's trail leads alongside canals and through rice fields with the company of many birds and numerous storks. Later, you cross the Sierra, where the landscape changes suddenly, as you leave the sandy pine forest and cycle on a hilly road through an incredible cork forest. Your destination is Santiago do Cacém, a peaceful village with a magical castle.Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa de Santiago (En suite room)Day 5: Santiago do Cacém - Villa Nova de Milfontes, 32 mi. (51 km)
Departing from Santiago, you cycle on a road that leads through the Sierra to enter the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina. The route is scenic and overlooks the sea. You pass through Porto Covo, a typical fishing village, now transformed into a picturesque place by the sea with beautiful cliffs. Today's destination is Vila Nova de Milfontes, with a quaint fishing harbor and beautiful bay area.Elevation gain: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa do Adro (Standard room)Day 6: Villa Nova de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 32 mi. (52 km)
Your ride through SW Alentejano Natural Park features amazing views over the sea. Be sure to visit the stunning Cape Sardão, guarded by a lighthouse. Here you can admire the shafts embedded in the rock walls, the seeded islets along the coast, and the many white stork couples that choose this coast as their nesting site. You will cycle through the typical village of Zambujeira do Mar, and then through fields, before arriving at the Seixe River. Once you cross, you are exiting the Alentejo and entering the Algarve. Odeceixe awaits an attractive village on a hillside with an old windmill that sits on the tallest hill.Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Casas do Moinho (Suite house)Day 7: Odeceixe - Arrifana, 34 mi. (55 km)
The day begins with a visit to one of the most beautiful sceneries of this coast - Odeceixe Beach. Further along, you will follow a valley where once caravels sailed to the village of Aljezur. Continuing 5 km inland, you then pedal up the narrow streets to the medieval castle. Discover and enjoy the hospitality of the people and taste the famous sweet potato of Aljezur that grows in the fertile land of the region. You overnight in Arrifana, an amazing village that rests on top of the cliffs.Elevation gain: 600 m
Preferred accommodation: Herdade Monte do Sol (Villa)Day 8: Arrifana - Pedralva, 28 mi. (45 km)
Through forests and along the sea, your route passes through the incredible village of Carrapateira, a quaint village on a wild coast, with copper-colored and ash-grey cliffs. As you follow a dirt road alongside the sea, you will see this region in its most beautiful state, adorned with stunning beaches and incredible colorful cliffs. Your route then leads through a beautiful pine forest, arriving at an authentic and very old village once abandoned and is now recovered as a hotel. The Village of Pedralva was once inhabited by over 100 people but entered a painful process of desertification. Today, thanks to the hotel, Pedralva lives again.Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Aldeia de Pedralva (One bedroom)Day 9: Pedralva - Sagres, 25 mi. (40 km)
The coastal route today will showcase some of the most beautiful and secret beaches of the Vicentina Coast, as you cycle south to Cape São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Continental Europe. This is a magical place where you can almost hear the echoes of the voices of sailors and pilgrims. Rounded by monumental cliffs and outstanding views over the coastline, this is also a privileged area to watch the natural phenomenon of bird migration.Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Memmo Baleeira (Frontal sea view room)Day 10: Sagres - Lagos, 33 mi. (53 km)
On this last day of cycling, you will ride through the most famous areas in Portugal. The breathtaking scenery is not easily forgotten. On your way to Lagos, you can appreciate an amazing horizon, the pristine blue waters, and the beautiful sandy beaches. As you arrive at Lagos take some time to stop at Ponta da Piedade with its yellow-golden cliff-like rocks and grottos.Elevation gain: 700 m
Preferred accommodation: Tivoli Lagos (Superior room)Day 11: Departure. Transfer to Lisbon Airport (3 hours).
Departure after breakfast. Transfer from Lagos to the airport in Lisbon.You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Accommodations in 4* hotels and charming guesthouses.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
All Tour Types Include:
- Accommodation for 6 or 10 nights in 4* hotels/guesthouses
- Breakfasts
- Dinner on Day 5 (excl. drinks) - 7 day
- Dinner at the hotel (set menu) on Day 3 and 8 (excl. drinks) - 11-day
- Luggage transfer
- Transfer Day 1: Lisbon/Faro Airport to hotel (1.5 or 2 hours) - 7-day
- Transfer Day 1: Lisbon to hotel (1 hour) - 11-day
- Transfer Day 7: Hotel to Lisbon/Faro Airport (3 or 1 hours)
- Transfers during the tour
- 24-speed standard bike rental with accessories
- Bike helmet
- Welcome briefing & bike fitting at first hotel (English)
- Tour packet with start/departure maps
- GPS tracks (to download to your own device/phone)
- Liability & personal accident insurance
- 24-hour support telephone number
- Support vehicle
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
- Tour guide
- Support vehicle
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
Supported Tour Also Includes
Guided Tour Also Includes
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Ferry boat on Day 3 (11-day tour)
- City taxes (approx. €3 per person per night - payable on site in cash)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 4 up to & including March 24; October 29 up to & including December 15, 2024
Mid season: April 1 up to & including June 26; Sep 27 up to & including October 28, 2024
High season: March 25 up to & including March 31, 2024 (Easter)
Peak season: June 27 up to & Including September 26, 2024Self-guided
Twin/double Single suppl.* Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 2822 £ 1437 $ 2,559 € 1670 Ft 665972 kr 255342 ₪ 6770 ¥ 284412 Mex$ 34149 NZ$ 3139 kr 20372 zł 7280 S$ 2483 kr 20012 CHF 1634 $ 1,850 $ 760 £ 387 $ 690 € 450 Ft 179454 kr 68805 ₪ 1824 ¥ 76638 Mex$ 9202 NZ$ 846 kr 5490 zł 1962 S$ 669 kr 5392 CHF 440 $ 499 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 Mid season $ 3041 £ 1549 $ 2,758 € 1800 Ft 717814 kr 275219 ₪ 7297 ¥ 306552 Mex$ 36807 NZ$ 3384 kr 21958 zł 7847 S$ 2677 kr 21570 CHF 1762 $ 1,994 $ 929 £ 473 $ 843 € 550 Ft 219332 kr 84095 ₪ 2230 ¥ 93669 Mex$ 11247 NZ$ 1034 kr 6709 zł 2398 S$ 818 kr 6591 CHF 538 $ 609 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 High season $ 3287 £ 1674 $ 2,981 € 1945 Ft 775638 kr 297389 ₪ 7884 ¥ 331246 Mex$ 39772 NZ$ 3656 kr 23727 zł 8479 S$ 2892 kr 23307 CHF 1904 $ 2,155 $ 1098 £ 559 $ 996 € 650 Ft 259211 kr 99385 ₪ 2635 ¥ 110699 Mex$ 13291 NZ$ 1222 kr 7929 zł 2833 S$ 967 kr 7789 CHF 636 $ 720 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 Peak season $ 3295 £ 1678 $ 2,988 € 1950 Ft 777632 kr 298154 ₪ 7905 ¥ 332098 Mex$ 39874 NZ$ 3666 kr 23788 zł 8500 S$ 2900 kr 23367 CHF 1908 $ 2,160 $ 1098 £ 559 $ 996 € 650 Ft 259211 kr 99385 ₪ 2635 ¥ 110699 Mex$ 13291 NZ$ 1222 kr 7929 zł 2833 S$ 967 kr 7789 CHF 636 $ 720 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 Single supplement - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Guided
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 4 up to & including March 24; October 29 up to & including December 15, 2024
Mid season: April 1 up to & including May 26; September 27 up to & including October 28, 2024
High season: May 27 up to & including June 26; August 30 up to & including September 26, 2024
Peak season: March 25 up to & including March 31 (Easter); June 27 up to & including August 29, 2024Self-guided
Twin/double Single suppl. Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 3785 £ 1928 $ 3,433 € 2240 Ft 893280 kr 342495 ₪ 9080 ¥ 381487 Mex$ 45804 NZ$ 4211 kr 27326 zł 9765 S$ 3331 kr 26842 CHF 2192 $ 2,481 $ 1149 £ 585 $ 1,042 € 680 Ft 271174 kr 103972 ₪ 2756 ¥ 115808 Mex$ 13905 NZ$ 1278 kr 8295 zł 2964 S$ 1011 kr 8148 CHF 666 $ 753 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 Mid season $ 4258 £ 2169 $ 3,862 € 2520 Ft 1004940 kr 385306 ₪ 10215 ¥ 429173 Mex$ 51530 NZ$ 4737 kr 30741 zł 10985 S$ 3747 kr 30197 CHF 2466 $ 2,792 $ 1504 £ 766 $ 1,364 € 890 Ft 354919 kr 136080 ₪ 3608 ¥ 151573 Mex$ 18199 NZ$ 1673 kr 10857 zł 3880 S$ 1323 kr 10665 CHF 871 $ 986 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 High season $ 4478 £ 2280 $ 4,061 € 2650 Ft 1056782 kr 405183 ₪ 10742 ¥ 451313 Mex$ 54188 NZ$ 4982 kr 32327 zł 11552 S$ 3941 kr 31755 CHF 2594 $ 2,936 $ 1639 £ 835 $ 1,486 € 970 Ft 386822 kr 148312 ₪ 3932 ¥ 165197 Mex$ 19835 NZ$ 1823 kr 11833 zł 4228 S$ 1442 kr 11624 CHF 949 $ 1,075 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 Peak season $ 4647 £ 2366 $ 4,214 € 2750 Ft 1096661 kr 420473 ₪ 11148 ¥ 468343 Mex$ 56233 NZ$ 5170 kr 33547 zł 11988 S$ 4089 kr 32953 CHF 2691 $ 3,046 $ 1859 £ 947 $ 1,686 € 1100 Ft 438664 kr 168189 ₪ 4459 ¥ 187337 Mex$ 22493 NZ$ 2068 kr 13419 zł 4795 S$ 1636 kr 13181 CHF 1077 $ 1,219 $ 1352 £ 688 $ 1,226 € 800 Ft 319029 kr 122319 ₪ 3243 ¥ 136245 Mex$ 16359 NZ$ 1504 kr 9759 zł 3487 S$ 1190 kr 9586 CHF 783 $ 886 Single supplement - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Guided
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental:
7-day tour: $ 169 £ 86 $ 153 € 100 Ft 39879 kr 15290 ₪ 405 ¥ 17031 Mex$ 2045 NZ$ 188 kr 1220 zł 436 S$ 149 kr 1198 CHF 98 $ 111 11-day tour: $ 304 £ 155 $ 276 € 180 Ft 71781 kr 27522 ₪ 730 ¥ 30655 Mex$ 3681 NZ$ 338 kr 2196 zł 785 S$ 268 kr 2157 CHF 176 $ 199Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device:
7-day tour: $ 84 £ 43 $ 77 € 50 Ft 19939 kr 7645 ₪ 203 ¥ 8515 Mex$ 1022 NZ$ 94 kr 610 zł 218 S$ 74 kr 599 CHF 49 $ 55 11-day tour: $ 84 £ 43 $ 77 € 50 Ft 19939 kr 7645 ₪ 203 ¥ 8515 Mex$ 1022 NZ$ 94 kr 610 zł 218 S$ 74 kr 599 CHF 49 $ 55Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult self-guided bike tour with an average daily distance of 30 mi. (48 km). The terrain is quite varied. There are short but very steep ascents. There are rough sections that are off-road and challenging with a mixture of gravel, sand, and asphalt. The route is 50% paved and 50% off-road (dirt, gravel, and double-track roads). There is also an option for a 100% paved option. Daily elevation is between 650 - 1000 meters. This tour is not for beginners and requires a high level of fitness.
A completely paved road route can be offered as well which does reduce the difficulty level. Please ask us for details.
Airport Info
Fly to Lisbon International Airport (LIS) also known as Faro Airport (FAO) also known as Algarve Airport. Lisbon Aiport is located 7 km northeast of the city center of Lisbon.
Local Travel
Airport transfers are included in your tour price. If you are spending some time in Lisbon before your tour, there are many options for traveling from the airport to the city ranging from public transportation to taxi, to private transfer.
Climate
Your tour follows Portugal’s west coast from north to south. Typically, Portugal is characterized as having a Mediterranean climate that is marked by hot and dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The summer months of June, July, and Auguster have the least rainfall with the highest average daily temperatures. Typically, spring falls in April/May and autumn in September/October. The region is cooled down by sea breezes coming off the Atlantic Ocean. The weather can change, so you will need to take rain and wind gear regardless of what time of year you decide to travel. The weather is ideal between March and October, but also possible during the winter. Do check local conditions prior to your arrival. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Remarks
This tour can be a 7 or 11-day tour.
Extra Stay
You can extend your stay before or after your tour or during the itinerary. Just ask.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Portugal Nature Trails.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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