6 days
Duration
2/5, 3/5
Activity Level
2-14
Group Size
Lisbon
Starting City
€ 3,799
Price

Portugal – Costa Azul to the Algarve Bike Tour

Cycling along the Atlantic coast, from the Greater Lisboa region, tremendously rich in culture, history and nature, as well as famous for its superb cuisine and wines. Join us and visit some of the most stunning monuments and gardens in the region. Then, the Arrabida Natural Park to the Algarve is a truly memorable experience. In addition to learning about Portugal’s fascinating history from Moorish invasions to campaigns to discover new lands, we’ll soak up the sun on the endless empty beaches, enjoy superb seafood and bathe in soothing mountain spa waters before descending to the sheer cliffs of the most south-westerly point in Europe. We use our know-how to provide you with an once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Highlights:

  • Sintra: palaces, castle, lush scenery and pastries.
  • Cabo da Roca: the most westerly point in Europe.
  • Serra da Arrábida: natural park with spectacular sea views and convent.
  • Azeitão: wine-tasting, hand-painted tile-making workshop.
  • Vila Nova de Milfontes: a lovely whitewashed seaside village.
  • Alcácer do Sal: medieval castle converted into lodging.
  • Monchique: the original mountain spa village surrounded by orange groves.
  • Sagres: stunning cliffs marking the most southwesterly point in Europe.
  • Algarve region: beaches, fig and almond trees, pottery.
  • Great seafood from start to finish: grilled fish, shellfish served with chilled white wine.

Note: for private group tours contact us about alternative tour dates and lengths.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Hotel Lisboa Plaza, Lisbon
DEPARTURE TIME: Please arrive by 9:00 am for a welcome brief and departure at 9:30 am.
RETURN TIME: Approximately 6 pm.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable cycling gear such as shorts and jersey, shoes with clips if desired.
INCLUDED:
Guide services
Transfers during the course of the trip
Lodging & meals as indicated on the daily itinerary
Wine with dinners
Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and other attractions
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare or transportation to trip starting point
Guide gratuities
Travel insurance
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: € 80 / night (2023)
Day 1

SINTRA

We will cycle directly from Óbidos on quiet back roads through orchards and vineyards heading south (generally we get tailwinds) in the direction of Mafra, stopping for a picnic along the way. After a short transfer we will stay in Sintra, in the charming Lawrence’s Hotel , the oldest hotel in Europe still in operation. Sintra is a lush mountain town jutting out of the landscape topped with a fantastical pink palace and 8th century castle. The poet, Lord Byron called it a “glorious eden”. It is no surprise then, that this UNESCO World Heritage site was once the summer residence for the kings. Set among lush vegetation, it boasts two palaces, a Moorish castle, many convents and private estates as well as museums. Relax in town over piping hot travesseiro (pillow) pastries, a local specialty.

Distance: 24 m / 40 km or 48 m / 78 km

Day 2

SINTRA / CASCAIS

After visiting the impressive Palacio Nacional downtown, we will return to our hotel and cycle up through the forest of Sintra Natural Park to visit the tiny Capuchos Monastery with its simple cork-lined chambers and then continue on to the most westerly point in Europe – Cabo da Roca or “the rock cape” over the cliffs above the Atlantic. Afterwards we will ride downhill along the winding coast to Guincho beach and Cascais, a once tiny fishing-village now turned world-class sailing center. The pedestrian friendly downtown offers plenty of little souvenir shops, cafes and seafood restaurants for everyone to get their last fill of Portuguese cuisine and shopping. It is no accident that Terracotta Journeys calls Cascais its home.

Distance: Bike 24 m / 38 Km. (Hike along the coast (optional): 6 m / 10 km)

Day 3

ALCÁCER DO SAL

We start the day with a short walk along the beach front boardwalk to São Pedro do Estoril. Then we transfer across the Tejo River to the castle town of Palmela; fabulous panoramic views await us on our cycling route through Arrábida Natural Park’s many vineyards and forested cliffs down to the tiny bay of Portinho de Arrábida. Before our picnic lunch we’ll attend a traditional tile-painting workshop before cycling along the breathtaking cliffs of Arrábida. Time permitting we will return to Vila Nogueira de Azeitão for a local winery visit. Then, the minivan will take us on a short ride to Alcácer do Sal, an imponent walled castle town on the River Sado which got its name for its history of exporting salt (sal). This evening we’ll have a chance to amble through the town and admire the vestiges left behind by previous visitors: the Phoenician, Romans and Moors. Tonight we’ll all sleep like kings in the historic Pousada D. Afonso II or equivalent, a converted five hundred year old castle.

Distance: 27 miles / 45 km

Day 4

ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR

After a short transfer to Grandola, we bike to Santiago de Cacém where we will visit its impressive set of “Mirobriga” Roman ruins. Then we’ll ride through countryside along roads lined with fields of flowers and typical whitewashed cottages bordered in blue. We’ll finish cycling at Ilha do Pessegueiro. Our destination is Zambujera do Mar, a quaint seaside village with a spectacular seaside setting. After a satisfying day of cycling we will sleep in an unique country inn.

Distance: 38 m / 62 km

Day 5

CALDAS DE MONCHIQUE

We will pedal along serpentine roads past genuine cork oaks painted with their harvest year and sweet-smelling orange groves to Caldas de Monchique, a tiny spa village nestled in the mountains above the Algarve, whose waters have been enjoyed since Roman times. Our lodgings, the quaint Hotel Central, are a stylish renovation of the original spa inn. Here, we’ll soak up the lush scenery and bathe in the smoothest mineral water straight from the source. Come evening we’ll dine on the best of Algarve regional cooking and sample medronho the local firewater made from the fruit of the strawberry tree.

Distance: 30 m / 48 Km or 40 m / 70 km.

Day 6

LAGOS

We begin the day with an exhilarating ride along the forested mountain range of Monchique to the golden fields of the Algarve below. Traditional stone farm buildings and orchards of almond and fig trees border our path to the village of Lagos, the 16th century castle town which served as the original headquarters for the discoveries voyages. After a farewell lunch in downtown Lagos, our tour ends.  Continue your stay in the Algarve or return to Lisbon with the guides.

Distance: 32 m / 51 km

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

What’s Included

  • Full use of high-quality, Trek 7.4 FX bicycles with GPS unit and front pouch
  • Bike maintenance as needed
  • Guilt-free van support with snacks and water
  • Highly experienced and enthusiastic bilingual guides / mechanics
  • Entries for specific monuments, events or points of interest
  • Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals
  • Baggage transfers and handling.
  • Wine with dinners and lunches
  • Lodging and meals as indicated below

Accommodations

Hotels, 5 nights in 4 hotels:

  • Cascais: 2 nights
  • Alcacer do Sal: 1 night
  • C. Monchique: 1 night
  • Lagos: 1 night

Meals

4 dinners, 5 lunches:

Day 1: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4: Breakfast / Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast / Lunch

Please contact us for available dates.

map b5 costa azul to the algarve bike tour

Costa Azul to the Algarve Bike Tour
Costa Azul to the Algarve Bike Tour
Costa Azul to the Algarve Bike Tour
Costa Azul to the Algarve Bike Tour
Costa Azul to the Algarve Bike Tour

Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 3 reviews
June 18, 2021

Thank you for Showing us Your Marvelous Country
The time, work and effort you have devoted to finding the best rides, most hospitable lodging and most delectable food and wine have given us the BEST vacation of our lives. I feel as if you must have been tired of hearing me say how beautiful and perfect I thought everything was – but that’s how the land, sea, farms, castles, mountains, valleys and people are in Portugal. Your love of and pride in this country are contagious; we are so fortunate that you were our guides, teachers and hosts. You are THE BEST!
– Nat. & Bern

June 18, 2021

Hard to Imagine a Better Place!
The most wonderful bike tour – gorgeous scenery, vigorous exercise, fabulous fresh seafood, delicious wine – best of all, our guides /hosts, Pedro, Luis and Eva. We learned so much and gained a love for the most welcoming country on earth. Each day brought special treasures: tours of a tile factory and a vineyard, exploration of ancient roman ruins, climbing atop castle walls – and cycling through fields of cows and sheep, past orange and lemon groves, up mountains, over hills, speeding though valleys, and down to the beautiful, clear blue sea. I can’t wait to return!
– Dan & Dori

June 18, 2021

Our Bike Tour Through Portugal with Terracotta Journeys was Amazing!
Not only was it a great biking experience, but we saw amazing sights, and ate outstanding regional fare. We stayed in historic fortresses, hotels, and resorts that we never would have discovered on our own. The tour guides were expert, fun, and adaptable throughout. Terracotta Journeys is a first-rate group, and we hope for another adventure with them soon.
– Nancy & Gary

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