Alentejo Unhurried

Cycling from Évora to Évora
We head towards Igrejinha, a charming village in the Alentejo famous for its vibrant white houses adorned with colorful stripes.

The day is filled with visits to local producers, making it challenging to choose from the numerous options available.

You'll cycle through serene countryside with very few cars in sight.

Explore the process of cork harvesting, sorting, and transformation, while discovering the many ways this remarkable natural material is used—one of Portugal's most notable exports.

Visits

• Divor dam
• Igrejinha village
• Cork factory

Food & Tasting

• Local café in Igrejinha
• Winery Fita Preta set in a 14th century palace
• Winery of Comenda, set in a family estate
• Winery of Coelheiros, where you may also book a jeep tour around the estate to learn about its sustainable project
• Pepe Aromas, a Prickly pear plantation
• Be aromatic, producers of aromatic hearbs, teas, honey and olive oil
• Picnic lunch
• Dinner with Wine paring

Cycling Details

• Distance: 70 km (round route) 52 km (with transfer in the morning)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Rolling terrain, some traffic in the first part
• Total ascent: 290 mts

Cycling around Évora

Begin your journey in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can immerse yourself in its fascinating history and remarkable architecture. Experience a wine tasting at the Évora Wine Tour Shop for a delightful introduction to the local flavors.

Pedal through the countryside, navigating holm oak forests and expansive meadows filled with grazing cattle and the sounds of birds. This route will take you to some of Europe’s most remarkable megalithic sites, offering a day that combines history, nature, and cultural exploration.

Visits

• Évora city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Bones Chapel
• Évora Cathedral (13th century)
• Zambujeiros’ Dolmen
• Almendres’ Cromelech
• Almendres Menhir
• Mitras’ Church

Food & Tasting

• Wine tasting at Ervideira Wine shop
• Olive oil tasting in Divinus gourmet shop
• Picnic lunch
• Dinner not included

Cycling Details

• Distance: 52 kms
• Difficulty: Medium
• Terrain: Flat terrain, some dirt roads. One more demanding climb.
• Total ascent: 450 mts

Biking from Évora to Monsaraz

Enjoy a serene journey along a cycling path that winds through the tranquil Alentejo landscape. Take breaks in charming villages or have a picnic outdoors.

Make a stop at Nossa Srª de Machede to meet a local leather craftsman, then head to Valongo Castle, which boasts a rich Roman heritage. After that, you can opt for the local ecotrail, an asphalt road, or a dirt path. Wine enthusiasts can also explore a nearby winery known for its clay-pot-aged wines.

While we're on the topic of clay, let's take a moment to explore the pottery capital, São Pedro do Corval.

During the last part of your journey, you'll ride along lesser-known roads and ascend to the castle at Monsaraz.

Visits

• Nossa Srª de Machede (local leather artisan)
• Castle of Valongo
• Pottery in São Pedro do Corval
• Monsaraz castle

Food & Tasting

• Local café
• Adega José de Sousa (traditional clay pot wine aging)
• Lunch and Dinner

Cycling details

• Distance: 69 km
• Difficulty: Medium
• Terrain: Undulating roads
• Total ascent: 300 mts

Monsaraz loop

Today's bike tour offers an inspiring exploration of history, culture, and stunning scenery close to the Spanish border. As you ride, you'll encounter a traditional pottery community where talented artisans create exquisite handmade items from clay.

Savor a leisurely lunch by a large lakeside, surrounded by expansive views and a tranquil ambiance. In the afternoon, embrace the rewarding challenge of cycling up to a hilltop fortified village and its castle. Your lodging is located either within or just outside the ancient walls, providing a unique and unforgettable experience, along with the ideal vantage point to end your day by witnessing a spectacular sunset.

Visits

• Pottery in São Pedro do Corval
• Menir da Bulhoa and Outeiro
• Cromeleque of Xerez
• Alqueva Lake

Food & Tasting

• Local cafés in São Pedro do Corval
• Picnic lunch
• Dinner not included

Cycling details

• Distance: 40 to 65 km
• Difficulty: Easy, except the climb to Monsaraz
• Terrain: Flat roads, with one ascent to the castle
• Total ascent: 460 mts

Cycling from Monsaraz to Vila Viçosa

We'll go on a bike ride from Monsaraz to Vila Viçosa, known as the marble capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s major marble-producing areas. This so-called "white gold" defines the scenery, influencing everything from the broad streets to the magnificent structures, and plays a vital role in the local economy.

Take pleasure in a picnic lunch and explore an impressive fortified sanctuary with a captivating history. As you continue your journey, you'll encounter the rare sight of uniquely colored lagoons before concluding your day at your accommodation, which is located in a refined, aristocratic environment.

Visits

• Fortified sanctuary of Terena
• Castle of Terena
• Colored lagoons viewpoint
• Local artisan
• Village of Vila Viçosa

Food & Tasting

• Local cafés along the way
• Picnic lunch
• Dinner

Cycling details

• Distance: 60 km
• Difficulty: Medium
• Terrain: Undulating roads with some climbing
• Total ascent: 535 mts

Cycling from Vila Viçosa to Vila Viçosa or to Estemoz
As the song goes: "And now, the end is near..."

Today's bike ride is leisurely, providing the opportunity to enjoy local snacks along the way. Cycling from one tavern to another, the emphasis of the day is on the experience and the scenery.

In Estremoz, you can ascend the marble tower of the castle for expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

The return journey takes you past vineyards and marble quarries, with picturesque scenery that makes the distance feel more manageable.

Visits

• Ducal palace of Vila Viçosa
• Marble museum
• Borba village
• Castle of Estremoz

Food & Tasting

• Lunch will be local snacks in typical cafés
• Dinner

Cycling details

• Distance: 46 kms
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Undulating roads, with some climbs to the castle
• Total ascent: 340 mts

Transfer to airport.