Vicentina Coastal Escape (Premium)

Bike Ride from Sesimbra to Setúbal

Begin your day at the bustling fishermen's market in Sesimbra, then take a brief ascent to the castle for stunning views of the town and the Atlantic Ocean.

Pedal through the verdant Arrábida Natural Park, where you'll find scenic coastal viewpoints, aromatic flora, and tranquil roads. Expect some steep hills along the route. Treat yourself to a well-earned picnic by the sea and a refreshing swim before heading to Setúbal, a vibrant coastal city celebrated for its fishing heritage and lively ambiance.

Make sure not to start late, as you'll want to be at the hotel in time for a sunset drink. The view of the Natural Park forest from this location is spectacular!

Visits

• Sesimbra fishermen’s market
• 12th-century Sesimbra Castle
• Praia da Figueirinha

Food and Tasting

• Picnic Lunch: Served by the sea
• Dinner at local restaurant

Cycling Details

• Distance: 40 km + optional 10 km to beach
• Difficulty: Medium
• Terrain: Hilly; four longer climbs (three if starting at the castle)
• Total Ascent: 820m + 345m if you go to the beach

Easier Option – Van transfer up to the castle, cutting the 1st hill and about 220 m climb

Cycling from Setúbal to Carvalhal

Today's segment of your cycling adventure in Portugal is a mix of urban allure, tranquil waters, expansive white beaches, and diverse natural environments. The day kicks off with a tour of the lively downtown Setúbal, followed by a picturesque ferry ride across the Sado River, which is inhabited by a population of wild dolphins.

Once you reach the Tróia Peninsula, you'll pedal through extensive sand dunes and serene coastal scenery before venturing inland through rice paddies and quaint villages. The ride concludes at a transfer point, or—if you're up for it—continue cycling all the way to Santiago. This day uniquely combines nature, wildlife, culture, and stunning beach landscapes.

Visits

• Setúbal downtown
• Sado River ferry crossing (dolphin habitat)

Food & Tasting

• Wine Tasting sample regional wines produced in this unique peninsula
• Picnic Lunch at wonderful beach picnic with time for a refreshing swim
• Dinner at local restaurant

Cycling Details

• Distance: 39 km (optional +40 km extension)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Mostly flat with 6 km of dirt roads
• Total Ascent: 90 m (optional extension: +340 m if cycling until the hotel)

Transfer Included: End-of-day transfer to Santiago do Cacém or Melides (depending on your chosen accommodation and route).

Cycling from Santiago do Cacém to Santiago do Cacém

We pedal through tranquil cork oak forests, which are among the most iconic landscapes of the Alentejo region. Our first stop is a delightful, family-owned olive mill that has been in the same family for generations — a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of Portugal.

Next, we continue towards Melides, where you can take in the renowned Marble Book Monument before heading to the coast. Explore the varied ecosystems of the Santo André and Melides Lagoons Nature Reserve, teeming with wildlife and serene freshwater habitats.

Conclude the day with a challenging ascent and consider making an essential stop at a local gin distillery — opting for a van transfer afterward might be the wisest choice!

Feel free to discuss with your guide if you'd like to take a rest day! We can taylor a special short bike or van day for you.

Visits

• Melides village and Marble Book Monument
• Santo André & Melides Lagoons Nature Reserve
• Santiago do Cacém (castle, Miróbriga roman ruins, village center)

Food & Tasting

• Olive oil tasting at a traditional family mill
• Local gin distillery (optional tasting stop)
• Picnic Lunch typically served in a nature setting
• Dinner: Not included (free evening to explore local cuisine in Santiago do Cacém)

Optional: Recovery massage available at the hotel for guests wanting an extra dose of relaxation

Cycling Details

• Distance: 50 km
• Difficulty: Medium
• Terrain: Gently rolling roads, 3 km of dirt paths, final climb into Santiago
• Total Ascent: 457 m

Cycling from Santiago do Cacém to Porto Covo

Today's journey combines history, coastal beauty, and some of the most captivating landscapes found in Portugal's Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. Start by exploring the castle of Santiago do Cacém, where breathtaking views inspire thoughts of knights, watchtowers, and tales shaped by the passage of time.

Ride through a vibrant oak forest towards the Atlantic, passing a windmill accompanied by a local guide. As the deep blue ocean comes into view, the warmer waters and dramatic schist cliffs lead you to the charming fishing village of Porto Covo. Known for its stunning beach coves and turquoise inlets, it's truly one of Portugal's most enchanting coastal destinations. We will arive early, in time for you to have a relaxing massage or a sunset drink.

Visits

• Santiago do Cacém Castle
• Last operating windmill in the region
• Beach coves near Porto Covo (5-minute walk from the hotel)
• Southwest Alentejo & Vicentina Coast Natural Park

Food & Tasting

• Café Paiol
• Picnic Lunch: Included in enjoyed by the beach with magnificent ocean views
• Dinner: Not included (Porto Covo offers excellent seafood restaurants for the evening)

Cycling Details

• Distance: 34 km
• Difficulty: Easy+
• Terrain: Short initial climb, followed by downhill sections and flat coastal riding; some dirt roads
• Total Ascent: 235 m

Cycling from Porto Covo to Vila Nova

Today's route takes you through one of the most picturesque areas of the Alentejo and Vicentina Coast, where maritime history, fishing traditions, and serene riverside scenery come together.

The day starts with a visit to an ancient coastal fortress that once safeguarded this natural harbor from pirate raids, serving as a striking reminder of centuries of battles on the Atlantic. Just offshore, the famous Peach Island provides a stunning backdrop for memorable photographs.

Next, you'll ride into a traditional fishing harbor where you can actually walk into the ocean along the stone piers, observing the daily activities as fishermen unload their catches and lamprey dries in the sun—an enduring coastal tradition.

Take some time to explore Vila Nova de Milfontes, wandering through its whitewashed streets, checking out small local shops, or simply unwinding by the sea.

Visits

• Historic coastal fortification (anti-pirate defense)
• Traditional fishing harbor (fish unloading, lamprey drying)
• Vila Nova de Milfontes coastal village (shops, cafés, beach)

Food & Tasting

• Picnic Lunch (often done by the beach or river)
• Dinner (traditional Alentejo coastal cuisine)

Cycling Details

• Distance: 30 km
• Difficulty: Easy+
• Terrain: Mostly flat, with sections of dirt roads
• Total Ascent: 235 m

Cycling from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Vila Nova de Milfontes

On the last day of your memorable cycling trip along the Alentejo and Vicentina Coast, the itinerary is crafted to be leisurely, picturesque, and filled with opportunities for photography. There’s no need to pack your bags — just set your camera to landscape mode and enjoy a gentle ride along tranquil rural paths frequented mainly by locals.

The route takes you along one of Portugal's most stunning cliffside rides! It features easy dirt roads, with asphalt options available if you prefer.

If you'd like, you can head south towards the Algarve, concluding your journey in a delightful coastal village.

This final leg is a celebration of nature and breathtaking coastal views — an ideal way to wrap up your adventure.

Visits

• Vicentina Coast cliff-top trails
• Stork nests perched dramatically on coastal cliffs

Food & Tasting

• Almograve Beach to swim & stop for refreshment
• Picnic
• Dinner Celebration: A festive final evening with surprises, local flavors and one of the most beautiful sunsets of the entire tour

Cycling Details

• Distance: 60 km
• Difficulty: Easy+
• Terrain: Mostly flat with many dirt-road sections (asphalt alternatives available)
• Total Ascent: 305 m

Transfer to Lisbon airport (3 hours).