Lisbon to the Algarve

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Setúbal. This bustling port town is known for its charming old quarter, lively squares, and local delicacy—chocos fritos (fried cuttlefish). If time allows, take a boat trip across the estuary where saltmarshes attract abundant birdlife and, with luck, you may spot the resident bottlenose dolphins. Your cycling adventure begins tomorrow.

Start the day with a short ferry ride across the Sado Estuary to the Tróia Peninsula - keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the bay. A gentle, flat ride along the peninsula sets the tone, with stops at Roman ruins and the fishing hamlet of Carrasqueira, where stilted wooden piers stretch out over the mudflats. Continue through rice fields and dunes to the stylish beach town of Comporta, perhaps sampling a blueberry caipirosca before heading inland through cork oak forests and eucalyptus groves. Your destination is Santiago do Cacém, a provincial town crowned by a Moorish castle.

Today’s route winds through the quiet countryside and sleepy villages of the Alentejo, with cork oaks lining the roads and undulating fields stretching into the distance. Pause in the small town of Cercal to wander its narrow lanes and explore local crafts. The final stretch takes you west toward the Atlantic, ending in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a laid-back coastal town perched above the mouth of the Mira River—perfect for an evening stroll through its cobbled streets.

A shorter ride, but rich in natural beauty. You’ll cycle through the Vicentina Coast Natural Park, where sea cliffs, secluded coves, and wildlife abound. Detour to Almograve Beach, explore tide pools, and don’t miss the Cabo Sardão lighthouse - home to nesting storks on the coastal cliffs. End the day in Zambujeira do Mar, a clifftop village with sweeping views over the Atlantic and a stunning sandy bay below.

Follow quiet roads and cliffside trails along the wild and rugged coastline, with time to pause and enjoy the views—or simply listen to the ocean. Stop for lunch in Odeceixe, a pretty hilltop village marking the transition from Alentejo to Algarve. As you continue south, you’ll enter sweet potato country—Aljezur is famous for them, and the local cuisine is a great way to sample this unique regional specialty.

Today’s ride brings more dramatic scenery as you near the southwestern tip of Europe. With the Atlantic crashing below and rolling plains inland, it’s a refreshing and exhilarating journey. Make your way to Cabo de São Vicente—often called the “edge of the world”—with its iconic lighthouse and panoramic ocean views. Overnight in Sagres, a quiet town rich in maritime history, known as the place where Prince Henry the Navigator launched Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

The final leg of your tour continues along the Algarve coast, passing charming fishing villages like Burgau and Salema and the seaside resort of Luz, with its beachfront promenade and lively market stalls. Arrive in Lagos, a bustling and historic town with cobbled streets, a lively marina, and a wide array of dining options. Celebrate the end of your ride with a seafood feast or a drink on a terrace overlooking the water.