Self-guided Rota Vicentina Bike Tour

Touch down in Lisbon, Portugal’s sunlit capital, where each neighborhood feels like its own village, echoing centuries of maritime adventure and Moorish influence.

Wander through the cobbled alleys of Alfama or sip espresso in the bohemian Bairro Alto. You’ll find that the city moves to the rhythm of Fado—Portugal’s soulful traditional music—heard best in a tucked-away tavern after dark.

Settle into your hotel and soak up the cosmopolitan charm before your journey south begins tomorrow.

Your coastal adventure begins in Sines, a historic port town best known as the birthplace of explorer Vasco da Gama. As you leave the town behind, the route quickly immerses you in the unspoiled beauty of the Alentejo coast.

You’ll pedal along quiet roads and sandy trails, flanked by fragrant pine forests, cork oak groves, and rolling fields bursting with wildflowers in spring. The ocean is never far from view—its salty breeze a constant companion. Small, whitewashed villages appear along the way, inviting you to pause for a coffee or a fresh pastry.

As you approach Vila Nova de Milfontes, the scenery opens up to reveal golden cliffs, turquoise coves, and the mouth of the Mira River, where it flows peacefully into the sea. This laid-back town, perched above wide sandy beaches, is the perfect place to end your first day—relax with local seafood and soak in the relaxed, sun-drenched vibe.

You leave behind the lively rhythm of Milfontes and cycle south into quieter terrain, where peaceful countryside meets the vast Atlantic.

Your destination is Zambujeira do Mar, a small seaside town beloved by surfers, backpackers, and nature seekers. On the way, you’ll pass Almograve’s broad, shallow beach—perfect for exploring the tide pools that appear at low tide like nature’s own aquariums. Arriving in Zambujeira, you’ll find a postcard-perfect village with whitewashed houses and red-tiled roofs perched above a sandy crescent bay. Don’t miss the tiny chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar and the fountains of Amores and Santa Catarina.

The laid-back atmosphere here is infectious—you’ll want to slow your pace and enjoy the breeze. Whether it’s a beach walk, a seafood dinner with ocean views, or simply watching the waves roll in, Zambujeira invites you to savor the simple pleasures of Portugal’s unspoiled west coast.

Today’s ride takes you deeper into Portugal’s untamed coast, weaving between coastal cliffs and rural farmland as the Alentejo begins to give way to the Algarve.

Your route leads past São Teotónio and the spectacular beach of Odeceixe—a true gem, officially named one of Portugal’s “7 Wonders.” Take time to pause atop the cliffs and watch the waves crash below, maybe even catch sight of storks nesting in this rare cliffside habitat—unique to this region. Then cycle on to Aljezur, a picturesque village split by a river. Its western side clings to Moorish roots, with narrow alleys winding beneath the ruins of a 10th-century castle.

Around you, the air is filled with birdsong and the scent of sea and earth. Though the terrain undulates with steep climbs and fast descents, the views and solitude are well worth the effort. You’ll sleep well tonight, surrounded by timeless natural beauty.

You leave the whitewashed charm of Aljezur behind and cycle toward the laid-back surf hub of Carrapateira. This peaceful village, nestled between two wild beaches with powerful Atlantic swells, has become a magnet for surfers and sunseekers—many coming from Lisbon to escape the city.

The ride unfolds along a rugged stretch of coastline, where copper-red and ash-grey cliffs rise dramatically above the sea. As you approach Carrapateira, you’ll spot the remains of an old fort and a small church perched on the cliffs, adding touches of history to the natural drama.

The high, rust-colored rock formations here echo the look of Cape St. Vincent further south. Once a treacherous zone for sailing ships—thanks to its sharp headland and fast southbound current—Carrapateira has transformed into a haven for surf culture. Take in the raw beauty, breathe in the salty breeze, and maybe catch a sunset over the roaring Atlantic waves.

Today’s ride leads you through some of the Algarve’s most dramatic scenery—where the land meets the fury of the Atlantic.

As you pedal toward Sagres, the terrain grows wilder, with crashing waves, towering cliffs, and vast windswept beaches defining the landscape. Though the original town was largely destroyed in the devastating 1755 earthquake, Sagres still carries a rugged, untamed charm. A few kilometers ahead lies Cape St. Vincent, the most southwestern point of Europe.

Here, the ocean pounds relentlessly against towering cliffs, while one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe stands sentinel above, warning ships of the perilous coast. In Sagres itself, you’ll find narrow lanes lined with simple, traditional Algarvean houses—whitewashed walls, colorful trim, and delicate stonework around windows and doorways. It’s a fitting end to your coastal journey: a place where nature overwhelms, history lingers in quiet corners, and the horizon feels just a little wider.

Your final ride takes you along the golden coast to the lively town of Lagos, a place where history and modern charm collide.

Enclosed by 16th-century walls and set beside the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos boasts a rich maritime legacy—it was once a launchpad for voyages during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Wander through its cobbled streets, explore the vibrant old town, or dip your toes in the sweeping sands of Meia Praia, the longest beach in the western Algarve. Continuing west, you’ll pass through Salema, a sleepy fishing village where colourful boats still rest on the shore and peace reigns supreme—a dream for those craving calm and open skies.

Your journey ends in Praia da Luz, a cheerful coastal town with a wide bay, soft sands, and a warm, welcoming vibe. With its relaxed pace and stunning setting, Luz is the perfect place to reflect, unwind, and celebrate the end of a spectacular cycling adventure.

Enjoy a final stroll along Lagos’ golden coastline after a relaxed breakfast in town before your departure. Reflect on a journey rich with ocean views, quiet villages, and timeless landscapes. Until next time!