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.

After a short van transfer to Sines, today from where you begin your cycling journey. Today’s ride takes you south along a striking coastline, where the Atlantic crashes against dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. You’ll first explore Sines, the birthplace of Vasco da Gama, where history lingers in the medieval castle walls and sweeping ocean views. From there, pedal toward the charming fishing village of Porto Covo. Stop to admire Praia Grande, a wide and sheltered beach that’s especially lively in summer.

The landscape here is wild and authentic, shaped by wind, waves, and centuries of seafaring tales—including pirate raids in Milfontes’ past. As you ride into Vila Nova de Milfontes, nestled at the mouth of the Mira River, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views, whitewashed houses, and the relaxed vibe of a town where nature and history live side by side. If the tide is high, you’ll take a slightly different route, adding a little more adventure to your journey.

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.

From Pedralva, you cycle toward the very edge of Europe.

The route takes you through dramatic scenery—windblown cliffs, crashing waves, and endless sky—as you approach Sagres, the legendary land of explorers. Though little remains of the original town due to the 1755 earthquake, the spirit of discovery still lingers. Just beyond lies Cape St. Vincent, where towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic and the immense lighthouse casts its beam far out to sea.

Take a moment to stand at the continent’s southwestern tip, where land meets ocean in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays. In town, stroll narrow streets lined with whitewashed homes and colorful trim. The raw power of the sea is ever-present, but so is the calm of a town shaped by solitude and history. Sagres is a place to reflect, to breathe deeply, and to feel the vastness of the world.

Your final ride begins with a coastal climb, tracing the rugged contours of the Algarve.

At 3.7kms, don’t miss the cycling path that parallels the main road—it’ll guide you safely through Raposeira, a good spot for a morning coffee. As the sun climbs, so do you; today’s route is the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. Along the way, stop in Salema, a sleepy fishing village where boats still line the shore and the rhythm of the tide sets the pace of life.

Soon you’ll arrive in Lagos, a vibrant town steeped in maritime history and modern charm. Enclosed by 16th-century walls and fronted by golden beaches like Meia Praia and Praia da Luz, it’s the perfect place to end your journey. Celebrate with a dip in the sea, a fresh seafood feast, or a walk through the old town’s cobbled streets—you’ve earned it.

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!