Portugal’s Wild Coast
Portugal Bike Tours
Portugal cycling at its finest!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–11 days
- Prices from€1670 Rates
- Book This Trip
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 $ 2824 £ 1460 $ 2,503 € 1670 kr 256040 ₪ 6773 ¥ 278696 Mex$ 30516 NZ$ 3074 NOK 19899 kr 19605 $ 1,842 $ 761 £ 393 $ 674 € 450 kr 68993 ₪ 1825 ¥ 75098 Mex$ 8223 NZ$ 828 NOK 5362 kr 5283 $ 496 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 Mid season $ 3043 £ 1574 $ 2,697 € 1800 kr 275971 ₪ 7300 ¥ 300391 Mex$ 32892 NZ$ 3313 NOK 21448 kr 21131 $ 1,985 $ 930 £ 481 $ 824 € 550 kr 84324 ₪ 2230 ¥ 91786 Mex$ 10050 NZ$ 1012 NOK 6554 kr 6457 $ 607 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 High season $ 3289 £ 1700 $ 2,915 € 1945 kr 298202 ₪ 7888 ¥ 324589 Mex$ 35541 NZ$ 3580 NOK 23176 kr 22833 $ 2,145 $ 1099 £ 568 $ 974 € 650 kr 99656 ₪ 2636 ¥ 108475 Mex$ 11878 NZ$ 1196 NOK 7745 kr 7631 $ 717 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 Peak season $ 3297 £ 1705 $ 2,922 € 1950 kr 298968 ₪ 7908 ¥ 325424 Mex$ 35633 NZ$ 3589 NOK 23236 kr 22892 $ 2,151 $ 1099 £ 568 $ 974 € 650 kr 99656 ₪ 2636 ¥ 108475 Mex$ 11878 NZ$ 1196 NOK 7745 kr 7631 $ 717 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 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 $ 3787 £ 1958 $ 3,357 € 2240 kr 343430 ₪ 9084 ¥ 373820 Mex$ 40932 NZ$ 4123 NOK 26691 kr 26296 $ 2,471 $ 1150 £ 594 $ 1,019 € 680 kr 104256 ₪ 2758 ¥ 113481 Mex$ 12426 NZ$ 1252 NOK 8103 kr 7983 $ 750 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 Mid season $ 4261 £ 2203 $ 3,776 € 2520 kr 386359 ₪ 10220 ¥ 420548 Mex$ 46048 NZ$ 4638 NOK 30028 kr 29583 $ 2,780 $ 1505 £ 778 $ 1,334 € 890 kr 136452 ₪ 3609 ¥ 148527 Mex$ 16263 NZ$ 1638 NOK 10605 kr 10448 $ 982 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 High season $ 4481 £ 2317 $ 3,971 € 2650 kr 406290 ₪ 10747 ¥ 442243 Mex$ 48424 NZ$ 4878 NOK 31577 kr 31110 $ 2,923 $ 1640 £ 848 $ 1,454 € 970 kr 148718 ₪ 3934 ¥ 161878 Mex$ 17725 NZ$ 1785 NOK 11558 kr 11387 $ 1,070 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 Peak season $ 4650 £ 2404 $ 4,121 € 2750 kr 421622 ₪ 11152 ¥ 458931 Mex$ 50251 NZ$ 5062 NOK 32768 kr 32283 $ 3,033 $ 1860 £ 962 $ 1,648 € 1100 kr 168649 ₪ 4461 ¥ 183572 Mex$ 20100 NZ$ 2025 NOK 13107 kr 12913 $ 1,213 $ 1353 £ 699 $ 1,199 € 800 kr 122654 ₪ 3244 ¥ 133507 Mex$ 14619 NZ$ 1473 NOK 9533 kr 9392 $ 882 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 £ 87 $ 150 € 100 kr 15332 ₪ 406 ¥ 16688 Mex$ 1827 NZ$ 184 NOK 1192 kr 1174 $ 110 11-day tour: $ 304 £ 157 $ 270 € 180 kr 27597 ₪ 730 ¥ 30039 Mex$ 3289 NZ$ 331 NOK 2145 kr 2113 $ 199Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device:
7-day tour: $ 85 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7666 ₪ 203 ¥ 8344 Mex$ 914 NZ$ 92 NOK 596 kr 587 $ 55 11-day tour: $ 85 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7666 ₪ 203 ¥ 8344 Mex$ 914 NZ$ 92 NOK 596 kr 587 $ 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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