Portugal’s Wild Coast
Portugal Bike Tours
Portugal cycling at its finest!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–11 days
- Prices from€1409 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The Portugal Wild Coast is a cross country or on-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.
You will discover some small fishing villages and some abandoned fortresses which are reminiscent of the time when this coast was ravaged by pirates! The trip 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 want to miss out on this incredible itinerary, there is an on-road version that you can request but please keep in mind that some of the dirt trails lead to incredible cliff-top vistas. You can opt to rent a GPS device or request the 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. (51 km)
Day 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 4: Odeceixe - Arrifana, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Arrifana - Pedralva, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 6: Pedralva - Sagres, 24 mi. (39 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: Santiago Cooking and Nature
Day 2: Santiago do Cacém - Vila Nova de Milfontes, 32 mi. (51 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: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa Adro da IgrejaDay 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 29 mi. (47 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: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa MoinhoDay 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 SolDay 5: Arrifana - Pedralva, 27 mi. (43 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 PedralvaDay 6: Pedralva - Sagres, 24 mi. (39 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-westernmost 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 BaleeiraDay 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 Sesimbra.
Day 2: Setúbal Loop, 27 mi. (43 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: V.N. de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 7: Odeceixe - Arrifana, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: Arrifana - Pedralva, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 9: Pedralva - Sagres, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 10: Sagres - Lagos, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 11: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Lisbon. Transfer to Sesimbra (30 minutes).
Welcome to Portugal! Our guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to Sesimbra (approx. 30-minute drive). This lovely town is known for its variety of beaches, all of them part of the Arrábida’s Natural Park. This is the perfect place for you to start your tour! Explore and take in the fresh air of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy your rest here because tomorrow's new adventures await.Preferred accommodation: Rio Art Hotel
Day 2: Setúbal Loop, 27 mi. (43 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 HotelDay 3: Setúbal - Grândola, 31 mi. (50 km)
The highlight of today is the crossing of the Sado River by ferry 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 the exquisite Portuguese cuisine.Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Serenada EnoturismoDay 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: Santiago Cooking and NatureDay 5: Santiago do Cacém - V.N. 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 Adro da IgrejaDay 6: V.N. de Milfontes - Odeceixe, 29 mi. (47 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 your 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: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Casas MoinhoDay 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 SolDay 8: Arrifana - Pedralva, 27 mi. (43 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 PedralvaDay 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 south-westernmost 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 BaleeiraDay 10: Sagres - Lagos, 30 mi. (48 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 LagosDay 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.
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
- 24-speed hybrid bike rental with accessories
- Bike helmet
- Luggage transfer
- Transfer Day 1: Lisbon/Faro Airport to hotel (1 or 3.5 hours)
- Transfer Day 7: Hotel to Lisbon/Faro Airport (3.5 or 1.5 hours)
- Transfers during the tour
- 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
- Mobile telephone for emergencies (free to call our local tour operator 24h/day)
- Mobile telephone for emergencies (free to call our local tour operator 24h/day)
- Support vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
- Tour guide
- Support vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
Self-Guided Tour Also Includes
Supported Tour Also Includes
Guided Tour Also Includes
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Drinks
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 1 up to & including March 28; November 1 up to & including December 23, 2021
Mid season: April 5 up to & including May 26; Sep 27 up to & including October 31, 2021
High season: March 29 up to & including April 4 (Easter); May 27 up to & including June 26, 2021
Peak season: June 27 up to & Including August 29, 2021Self-guided
Twin/double Single suppl.* Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 2246 £ 1276 $ 2,209 € 1409 NZ$ 2420 kr 14519 $ 1,746 $ 508 £ 289 $ 500 € 319 NZ$ 548 kr 3287 $ 395 $ 429 £ 244 $ 422 € 269 NZ$ 462 kr 2772 $ 333 Mid season $ 2373 £ 1349 $ 2,334 € 1489 NZ$ 2557 kr 15343 $ 1,845 $ 588 £ 334 $ 578 € 369 NZ$ 634 kr 3802 $ 457 $ 429 £ 244 $ 422 € 269 NZ$ 462 kr 2772 $ 333 High season $ 2485 £ 1412 $ 2,444 € 1559 NZ$ 2677 kr 16064 $ 1,932 $ 732 £ 416 $ 720 € 459 NZ$ 788 kr 4730 $ 569 $ 429 £ 244 $ 422 € 269 NZ$ 462 kr 2772 $ 333 Peak season $ 2708 £ 1539 $ 2,663 € 1699 NZ$ 2918 kr 17507 $ 2,106 $ 827 £ 470 $ 814 € 519 NZ$ 891 kr 5348 $ 643 $ 429 £ 244 $ 422 € 269 NZ$ 462 kr 2772 $ 333 * Single suppl. discount from August 30 up to and including September 26, 2021: $ 96 £ 54 $ 94 € 60 NZ$ 103 kr 618 $ 74
Single supplement - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Twin/double Single suppl.* Requires a minimum of 6 participants Low season $ 2756 £ 1566 $ 2,710 € 1729 NZ$ 2969 kr 17816 $ 2,143 $ 508 £ 289 $ 500 € 319 NZ$ 548 kr 3287 $ 395 Mid season $ 2884 £ 1639 $ 2,836 € 1809 NZ$ 3107 kr 18640 $ 2,242 $ 588 £ 334 $ 578 € 369 NZ$ 634 kr 3802 $ 457 High season $ 2995 £ 1702 $ 2,945 € 1879 NZ$ 3227 kr 19361 $ 2,329 $ 732 £ 416 $ 720 € 459 NZ$ 788 kr 4730 $ 569 Peak season
$ 3218 £ 1829 $ 3,165 € 2019 NZ$ 3467 kr 20804 $ 2,502
$ 827 £ 470 $ 814 € 519 NZ$ 891 kr 5348 $ 643 Guided
Twin/double Single suppl.* Requires a minimum of 6 participants Low season $ 3075 £ 1747 $ 3,024 € 1929 NZ$ 3313 kr 19877 $ 2,391 $ 508 £ 289 $ 500 € 319 NZ$ 548 kr 3287 $ 395 Mid season $ 3202 £ 1820 $ 3,149 € 2009 NZ$ 3450 kr 20701 $ 2,490 $ 588 £ 334 $ 578 € 369 NZ$ 634 kr 3802 $ 457 High season $ 3314 £ 1883 $ 3,259 € 2079 NZ$ 3570 kr 21422 $ 2,577 $ 732 £ 416 $ 720 € 459 NZ$ 788 kr 4730 $ 569 Peak season
$ 3537 £ 2010 $ 3,478 € 2219 NZ$ 3811 kr 22865 $ 2,750 $ 827 £ 470 $ 814 € 519 NZ$ 891 kr 5348 $ 643 * Single suppl. discount from August 30 up to and including September 26, 2021: $ 96 £ 54 $ 94 € 60 NZ$ 103 kr 618 $ 74
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 1 up to & including March 28; November 1 up to & including December 23, 2021
Mid season: April 5 up to & including May 26; Sep 27 up to & including October 31, 2021
High season: March 29 up to & including April 4 (Easter); May 27 up to & including June 26, 2021
Peak season: June 27 up to & Including August 29, 2021Self-guided
Twin/double Single suppl. Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 2740 £ 1557 $ 2,695 € 1719 NZ$ 2952 kr 17713 $ 2,130 $ 779 £ 443 $ 767 € 489 NZ$ 840 kr 5039 $ 606 $ 365 £ 207 $ 359 € 229 NZ$ 393 kr 2360 $ 284 Mid season $ 2931 £ 1666 $ 2,883 € 1839 NZ$ 3158 kr 18949 $ 2,279 $ 939 £ 534 $ 923 € 589 NZ$ 1012 kr 6069 $ 730 $ 365 £ 207 $ 359 € 229 NZ$ 393 kr 2360 $ 284 High season $ 3155 £ 1793 $ 3,102 € 1979 NZ$ 3399 kr 20392 $ 2,453 $ 1130 £ 642 $ 1,111 € 709 NZ$ 1218 kr 7306 $ 879 $ 365 £ 207 $ 359 € 229 NZ$ 393 kr 2360 $ 284 Peak season $ 3633 £ 2064 $ 3,572 € 2279 NZ$ 3914 kr 23483 $ 2,825 $ 1274 £ 724 $ 1,252 € 799 NZ$ 1372 kr 8233 $ 990 $ 365 £ 207 $ 359 € 229 NZ$ 393 kr 2360 $ 284 Single supplement - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Twin/double Single suppl. Requires a minimum of 6 participants Low season $ 3569 £ 2028 $ 3,510 € 2239 NZ$ 3845 kr 23071 $ 2,775 $ 779 £ 443 $ 767 € 489 NZ$ 840 kr 5039 $ 606 Mid season $ 3760 £ 2137 $ 3,698 € 2359 NZ$ 4051 kr 24307 $ 2,924 $ 939 £ 534 $ 923 € 589 NZ$ 1012 kr 6069 $ 730 High season $ 3983 £ 2264 $ 3,917 € 2499 NZ$ 4292 kr 25750 $ 3,097 $ 1130 £ 642 $ 1,111 € 709 NZ$ 1218 kr 7306 $ 879 Peak season
$ 4462 £ 2535 $ 4,388 € 2799 NZ$ 4807 kr 28841 $ 3,469
$ 1274 £ 724 $ 1,252 € 799 NZ$ 1372 kr 8233 $ 990 Guided
Twin/double Single suppl. Requires a minimum of 6 participants Low season $ 4079 £ 2318 $ 4,011 € 2559 NZ$ 4395 kr 26368 $ 3,172 $ 779 £ 443 $ 767 € 489 NZ$ 840 kr 5039 $ 606 Mid season $ 4270 £ 2427 $ 4,199 € 2679 NZ$ 4601 kr 27605 $ 3,320 $ 939 £ 534 $ 923 € 589 NZ$ 1012 kr 6069 $ 730 High season $ 4493 £ 2553 $ 4,419 € 2819 NZ$ 4841 kr 29047 $ 3,494 $ 1130 £ 642 $ 1,111 € 709 NZ$ 1218 kr 7306 $ 879 Peak season
$ 4972 £ 2825 $ 4,889 € 3119 NZ$ 5356 kr 32139 $ 3,866 $ 1274 £ 724 $ 1,252 € 799 NZ$ 1372 kr 8233 $ 990 Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental:
7-day tour: $ 159 £ 91 $ 157 € 100 NZ$ 172 kr 1030 $ 124 11-day tour: $ 287 £ 163 $ 282 € 180 NZ$ 309 kr 1855 $ 223Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device:
7-day tour: $ 120 £ 68 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 129 kr 773 $ 93 11-day tour: $ 151 £ 86 $ 149 € 95 NZ$ 163 kr 979 $ 118Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- 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. 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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4 years agoVerified Reviewer
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5 years agoTripsite Staff
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Henry F.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
mary
5 years ago
Tripsite Staff