Pedal Portugal’s southern coast on this 7-day self-guided cycling adventure
Discover why Portugal’s Algarve holds such a special place in so many travellers’ hearts on the 7-day self-guided Highlights of Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour.
This mesmerizing cycling holiday on Portugal’s southern coast invites cyclists to explore breathtaking landscapes, setting out from the Alentejo region and heading south along the Algarve coast. The beautiful Mediterranean climate, along with peaceful quiet roads, affords cyclists the opportunity to truly appreciate the remarkable landscapes before them, soaking up every encounter with nature and enjoying a ride at their own pace.
A perfect balance is struck between pleasant day rides and relaxing evenings in authentic Portuguese villages and cities, where the freshest seafood and elegant local wines will make your evenings as unforgettable as your days. The marvellous route will take you through the towns of Maria Vinagre, Rogil, Zambujeira, Carrapateira, and many more. Overnight stays in comfortable accommodations in Odeceixe, Aljezur and Pedralva, (all with swimming pools!) will ensure you stay well-rested during the tour and ready to seize each exciting day on the bike.
A thrilling off-road adventure in the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is a highlight of the trip, where you’ll follow the Rota Vicentina along vibrant flowerbeds, dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, and charming villages.
Prepare to fall in love with Portugal as you dive headfirst on two wheels into the natural landscapes, culture and fabulous food and wine of Alentejo and the Algarve.
Highlights of the Highlights of Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
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Highlights of Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
Day 1 Arrive
A private transfer will greet you at the airport and take you to your first accommodations in Odeceixe, situated in the region of Alentejo on the beautiful Seixe River.
Your stay in one of the historic village’s authentic houses (converted into a hotel) will give you your first taste of authentic Portuguese culture, no doubt leaving you charmed.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Odeceixe
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 Cycle the Beautiful Beaches of Odeceixe, Carvalhal, and Zambujeira
Today’s pleasant route will afford you plenty of time to explore the area as you cycle a gorgeous route past the beaches of Odeceixe, Carvalhal, and Zambujeira. A lovely plateau dotted with greenhouses and pastoral fields will also grace the trail, making for a wonderfully scenic introduction to the area.
Enjoy lunch in Zambujeira, a small fishing village known for its delicious fish (surprise, surprise!).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Odeceixe
Distance: 33–40km, 500–585m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle Inland along the Odeceixe River to Aljezur
Your first ride inland takes you on gravel tracks along the scenic banks of the Odeceixe River, alongside lovely farms and holm oak woods.
The route unfolds along quiet tarmac roads through a peaceful rural area as you pedal through the villages of Maria Vinagre and Rogil, bound for the coast.
A sandy track will then lead you on a descent to Amoreira beach, a perfect place to stop for lunch, before continuing the final leg of today’s journey to Aljezur.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aljezur
Distance: 31km, 475m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore Aljezur Castle and the Beaches of Monte Clérigo and Arrifana
Today, there are two route options to choose from for the first section of the ride.
Option 1:
Enjoy an exhilarating steep ascent to the Aljezur Castle, continuing a circular route via the beaches of Monte Clérigo and Arrifana.
Option 2:
Enjoy an exhilarating ascent to the Aljezur castle, continuing through shady pine forests to the village of Carrapateira.
Both routes lead to a clifftop lookout, where views of the Costa Vicentina will take your breath away. A descent then guides you through the dunes of Bordeira, to Carrapateira, where you’ll find a myriad of neat shops and restaurants to peruse.
A final 10 kilometres in the saddle will take you through a tranquil rural valley from Vilarinho to Pedralva, your welcoming home base for the next three nights.
Overnight Location: Hotel Pedralva
Distance: 29–41km, 500–775m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle a Scenic Circuit from Pedralva
A lovely route has you descending through charming rural scenery as you cycle to the village of Carrapateira. Loved by tourists, surfers, and fishers, Carrapateira is home to many interesting sights, like the Museo do Mar e da Terra, a fascinating ethnographic museum.
Carrapateira is also home to a spectacular stretch of coast, and you’ll trace it, visiting two pristine beaches along the way. Sandy tracks pave your way through the hills as you then return to Pedralva.
Overnight Location: Hotel Pedralva
Distance: 21–23km, 335m of ascent, 335m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Cape Sao Vicente, Vila do Bispo, and Sagres
With your gaze fixed on today’s destination of Cape Sap Vicente, Portugal’s southernmost tip, you’ll ascend through fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests, whizzing past a modern windfarm on the way to Vila do Bispo.
A flat and pleasant ride then takes you across the plain toward the cape, where you can enjoy refreshments at the cool café nestled below the lighthouse.
Spectacular cliffs accompany you the rest of the ride as you cycle to Sagres, where you will return your bike and take a private transfer back to Pedralva.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pedralva
Distance: 36km, 255m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Depart
After breakfast, your cycling tour will come to an end. Pack up, check out, and head back to the airport to depart, taking with you a week’s worth of unforgettable memories on the bike. Tchau!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departures from January 1st to February 29th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,425 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,095 USD
- Sharing a double room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $675 USD
Departures from March 1st to May 27th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,550 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,225 USD
- Sharing a double room: $825 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departures from May 28th to June 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,650 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Departures from June 26th to August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $2,095 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,775 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,095 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $950 USD
Departures from September 1st to 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,725 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Departures from October 1st to 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,550 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,225 USD
- Sharing a double room: $825 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departures from November 1st to December 19th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,425 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,095 USD
- Sharing a double room: $750 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $675 USD
Departures from December 20th to 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $1,725 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,425 USD
- Sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Accommodation on the Highlights of Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
This tour is based on 3-star to 4.5-star hotels. The hotels offer comfortable rooms and are well located. All three hotels on the tour have swimming pools available for guests to use and modern amenities. Rooms are double or triple occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a single room, please check Dates and Prices, where all the single supplements are included in the final prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Casas do Moinho in Odeceixe ★★★★★
Casas do Moinho offers 5-star accommodation in Odeceixe, near wild beaches. Enjoy modern suites, an outdoor pool, and nearby dining options.
Vicentina Aparthotel in Aljezur ★★★
This hotel straddles the border between Aljezur’s old quarter and its modern town. Guests will enjoy their stay in apartments that boast a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Aldeia da Pedralva in Pedralva ★★★
Located in Vila do Bispo, in the Algarve, Aldeia Da Pedralva is a resort built from the ruins of a traditional Portuguese village.
What’s included in the Highlights of Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
A private transfer from Sagres to Pedralva is included on Day 6. Luggage transfer between accommodations on Day 3 and 4 is included on this tour. A transfer from Faro Airport (FAO) to the start point in Odeceixe on Day 1 is included only for those who rented a bike during the booking process.
Also Included
- GPS maps (GPS available for rental)
- Table reservations for dinner on Day 1 and Day 4 (meals are not included)
- 24/7 mobile assistance
Not included
- Bike rental
- International flights
- Airport transfer on Day 7
- Airport transfer on Day 1 (if you opt out of bike rental)
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Personal equipment (GPS/side bags)
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Airport transfers
- Activities and excursions
- Single room supplements
- Additional nights before or after tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Highlights of Rota Vicentina Cycling Tour
Explore the hidden corners of Europe by bike or on foot with S-Cape. Their self-guided trips have been hand-crafted by local experts to highlight every detail of your destination. S-Cape designs tours that allow you to explore without restrictive timetables and immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural beauty of Europe at your own pace.
Learn MoreMap of Alentejo and the Algarve Cycling Tour
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