Self-guided Easygoing Alentejo Bike Tour

You touch down in Portugal and transfer to Évora, a city of whitewashed alleys, Roman ruins, and rich heritage, wrapped in Alentejo’s golden light. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is a tapestry of ancient walls, Gothic cathedrals, and tiled convents, making it a perfect first stop on your journey.

Check in your accommodation, let the mood of the city and its graceful charm settle in.

Pedal through the tranquil countryside, beginning your journey with a fascinating visit to a local cork factory.

Watch cork bark transformed into everything from wine stoppers to designer goods. Next, cycle past olive groves and rolling hills to a prickly pear plantation, where you’ll meet Susana or José and taste seasonal specialties—refreshing juice or herbal teas made from the cactus flower.

Ride on through the colorfully striped village of Igrejinha, then choose between an aromatic herb farm or a stunning winery set in a restored medieval palace. Whether sipping infusions or fine vintages, your senses will be delighted. Finish the day back in Évora, where dinner (if included) is a feast of local flavors paired with excellent Alentejo wines.

Step into the world of Neolithic wonders as you ride through the ancient lands surrounding Évora.

Today’s route reveals the region’s prehistoric legacy—from the enormous Almendres Cromlech, a mysterious stone circle older than Stonehenge, to the Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, one of the largest in Europe.

You’ll cycle through quiet roads and scenic paths, pausing to wonder at how these monuments have stood the test of time. A gentle climb rewards you with expansive views before rolling back into Évora. Explore the city’s medieval lanes at your leisure, and don’t miss the hauntingly beautiful Bone Chapel—its walls lined with skulls and bones, a surreal reminder of life’s fragility. An olive oil tasting adds a delicious local touch to your cultural journey.

Leave Évora behind and follow a peaceful ecotrail that meanders through the serene Degebe River valley. You’ll pedal along quiet paths, occasionally detouring into charming villages for a coffee or cold drink.

In Nossa Senhora de Machede, meet a leather artisan continuing an old family tradition. Later, you’ll reach the haunting ruins of Valongo Castle, where Roman history whispers from the stones. Continue toward Reguengos de Monsaraz, with optional stops at a clay-pot winery or the pottery capital of São Pedro do Corval.

Near the end of the ride, gear up for a final climb to the hilltop fortress of Monsaraz, where cobbled lanes and sweeping views await. Reward yourself with a sunset moment—this medieval village feels like stepping back in time.

Today’s ride invites you to soak in Alentejo’s timeless landscapes. First, drop into São Pedro do Corval and watch local artisans shape and paint pottery with practiced speed and flair. Then, with Spain just across the shimmering Alqueva reservoir, enjoy a lakeside lunch before tackling the ascent back up to Monsaraz. Though short, the climb is rewarding—once atop the fortified village, stroll its ancient streets or climb the castle tower for panoramic views over the Alentejo plains and the vast reservoir.

Sunset here is something special, casting golden hues over the rooftops and battlements. Rest well—you're sleeping just inside or beside the walls of this storied village tonight.

Departing Monsaraz, you ride through undulating terrain toward the marble-rich heart of Alentejo. Pedal past whitewashed hamlets and scattered vineyards as the landscape begins to reflect the gleam of “white gold”—the marble that defines this region’s identity.

Pause for a picnic lunch near a hilltop sanctuary, steeped in legend and surrounded by olive trees and countryside silence. As you descend, you’ll glimpse brightly colored lagoons shimmering in the distance. Finally, roll into Vila Viçosa, a town shaped by nobility and marble wealth.

Savor your final day in the saddle with a gentle ride through the marble triangle. Today is about tasting, wandering, and reflecting. Pause at local taverns for petiscos—flavorful snacks that give you a delicious glimpse of Alentejo’s culinary soul. Marvel at how the scenery shifts between vineyard rows and open marble quarries, sparkling under the sun. Your journey ends in Estremoz, a town crowned by its marble tower and castle. Try the climb to the top for one last sweeping view of this stunning region. You’ve cycled through centuries of history and culture—now let your final evening celebrate it.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Alentejo. Depart with memories of ancient stones, vineyard feasts, and quiet roads under vast Portuguese skies.