Costa Azul to the Algarve

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

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)

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

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

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.

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.