• Five cyclists stop on a seaside road with a scenic beach in Portugal, green hills, and turquoise water in the background.
  • Rocky cliffs border a sandy beach in southern Portugal with waves crashing along the shoreline under a clear blue sky.
  • A person in a yellow kayak paddles through a narrow gap between tall rocky cliffs over clear blue water in the Algarve.
  • A dimly lit wine cellar with wooden barrels and bottles stacked on racks along the walls and in the center.
  • A pot of Portuguese cataplana with shrimp and leafy garnish is served on a plate next to glasses, bread, and a water bottle.
  • Colorful fishing boats crowded together in an Algarve harbor with buildings visible in the background.
  • Four cyclists pose with their bikes on a coastal road in Portugal, beside clear blue water and green hills under a sunny sky.
  • A bright yellow door with intricate detailing, framed by stonework. It's a typical Portuguese classic door.
  • A group of people stand on a beach in Portugal behind a red surfboard, with clear skies and ocean in the background.
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Rota Vicentina Bike Tour

Rota Vicentina Bike Tour

Suggested Dates: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, and Oct

Duration: 8 nights / 9 days

Accommodation: Restored manor house, Country B&B, Small Hotels

Daily Mileage: 46 km Average

Activity Level: Level 1 | Beginner

Tour Interests: Grilled Fish!, Wines, European Discoveries

€3.795,00 EUR
€3.795,00 EUR
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Our Rota Vicentina bike tour explores the beautiful and rugged Atlantic west coast of Portugal, cycling through white washed villages and cork forests along the way.

We first ran our popular Blue Coast bike tour back in 1986, when the Rota Vicentina did not even exist. Now, as all those years ago, this classic tour has you coasting along quiet back roads from Lisbon to Lagos and the brilliant beaches of the Algarve. 

You'll experience a memorable montage on this sea side bike tour of Portugal: magnificent coastal seascapes, pastoral farmlands, working windmills, tiny fishing villages and historical monuments such as Henry the Navigator's Navigational School perched on a wild headland over the blue waters of the Algarve.


Highlights

  • Cycle along Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, where rugged cliffs meet crashing waves and the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and freedom.

  • Follow in the footsteps of explorers like Vasco da Gama and Magellan, tracing the windswept paths that once launched voyages to the edges of the world.

  • Glide through the timeless villages of Costa Vicentina, where whitewashed houses, quiet lanes, and a slower pace offer a glimpse into a Portugal untouched by time.

  • Savor the flavors of the sea, with just-caught fish grilled to perfection and paired with Portugal’s elegant regional wines for a truly memorable culinary experience.

  • Visit the legendary School of Navigators, founded by Prince Henry the Navigator on a dramatic headland once thought to be the end of the known world.

  • Relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, and stroll the cobbled streets of Lagos, a historic port town filled with maritime lore, Moorish walls, and vibrant energy.


Itinerary


DAY 1 – Azeitão

We begin with a late morning transfer from Lisbon to the charming village of Azeitão, nestled at the foot of the Arrábida hills. After a fresh seafood lunch in the nearby fishing town of Sesimbra, we visit a traditional hand-painted tile workshop and a local winery. In the afternoon, we’ll get fitted on our bikes before gathering for a festive welcome dinner and champagne toast at our 16th-century manor house.

Activity: 30 km / 19 mi
Highlights: Sesimbra fishing village, tile factory visit, Arrábida foothills
Accommodations: Rio Arte Hotel, Azeitão
Meals: Lunch / Dinner

DAY 2 – Azeitão to Setúbal

A spectacular ride takes us along the dramatic Arrábida coastline with views over the Atlantic. We cycle through forested hills and limestone cliffs before arriving in the historic port city of Setúbal. You'll have time to explore the vibrant waterfront and local markets or enjoy an optional beachside ride.

Activity: 30 km / 19 mi
Highlights: Arrábida Natural Park, Setúbal waterfront
Accommodations: Rio Arte Hotel, Setúbal
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 3 – Setúbal to Santiago do Cacém

We ferry across the Sado Estuary to the Troia Peninsula, home to pristine beaches and Roman ruins. Ride through cork forests and rice fields, stopping for a dip at one of Portugal’s finest white-sand beaches. We end the day at a luxurious countryside hotel just outside Santiago do Cacém.

Activity: 64 km / 40 mi
Highlights: Troia Peninsula ferry, Comporta beaches
Accommodations: Octant Hotel Santiago
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 4 – Santiago do Cacém to Vila Nova de Milfontes

This morning, we explore the haunting Roman ruins of Miróbriga before heading southwest toward the Costa Azul. After a coastal lunch stop with sweeping sea views, we pedal on to the scenic seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, where we’ll stay two nights at a hotel perched over the estuary.

Activity: 50 km / 31 mi
Highlights: Miróbriga ruins, Atlantic fortress beaches, estuary views
Accommodations: Guarda Rios Hotel, Milfontes
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 5 – Milfontes Coastal Loop Hike

Enjoy a relaxed day in Milfontes. Wander its whitewashed streets, relax by the beach, or join a guided loop hike along the wild and beautiful coastal cliffs. In the evening, we dine at a favorite local tavern renowned for its award-winning dishes.

Activity: 37 km / 23 mi (optional hike or ride)
Highlights: Coastal trails, wild beaches, local cuisine
Accommodations: Guarda Rios Hotel, Milfontes
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 6 – Milfontes to Aljezur

We continue south along quiet roads and headlands high above the Atlantic. Stop for lunch in Zambujeira do Mar, a postcard-perfect fishing village set on dramatic cliffs. We finish the day in the Moorish-influenced town of Aljezur, surrounded by green valleys and hidden beaches.

Activity: 70 km / 43 mi
Highlights: Zambujeira do Mar, cliffside beaches, Aljezur countryside
Accommodations: Hotel Vicentina, Aljezur
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 7 – Aljezur to Lagos

Today’s ride takes us to the southwestern tip of Europe at Cape Saint Vincent, where Prince Henry the Navigator once trained explorers. After a visit to the windswept cape, we roll into Lagos, a lively walled town with a rich maritime history. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the charming old town.

Activity: 82 km / 51 mi
Highlights: Cape Saint Vincent, Prince Henry’s school, Lagos historic center
Accommodations: Hotel Tivoli Lagos
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY 8 – Lagos Coastal Sailing

Spend the morning relaxing at one of the Algarve’s beautiful beaches or join an optional coastal walk. In the afternoon, we set sail on a traditional two-masted schooner to explore the Algarve’s grotto-strewn coastline by sea. Our final night features a celebratory dinner at one of Lagos’s most elegant restaurants.

Activity: 3-hour sailing excursion
Highlights: Algarve coast by boat, grotto exploration, farewell dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tivoli Lagos
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 9 – Farewell

After breakfast, an early shuttle will transfer guests to Faro Airport. If you’re not ready to leave, Lagos is a perfect place to unwind with a few extra days of sunshine, beaches, and coastal charm.

Activity: Departure
Highlights: Morning shuttle, optional post-tour stay in Lagos
Meals: Breakfast



Included

  • Hybrid or Road bicycle hire for the tour duration (e-bikes or race bikes available as optional extras).
  • Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners, and en route snacks available at all times from the van.
  • Carefully selected local wine or beer with every delicious meal.
  • Expert guides with extensive local knowledge, who go above and beyond to cater to your every need.
  • Entrance fees to all scheduled historic sites, museums, and scenic natural parks.
  • Pick up and drop off before and after your tour from convenient locations.
At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. may change if required to ensure or improve the trip experience.

FAQ

What is the food like on this tour?
Expect the best of Portugal’s coastal cuisine. You’ll enjoy freshly grilled fish, octopus, shellfish, and hearty Alentejo dishes, often flavored with herbs, olive oil, and citrus. Meals are paired with regional wines, and most dinners are included at carefully chosen local restaurants.

When is the best time to travel?
The best seasons are spring (March to June) and fall (September to November). These months offer mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and fewer tourists, making for ideal cycling conditions along the coast.

What type of bike is recommended?
We recommend a gravel or touring bike, as the route includes a mix of paved roads, dirt trails, and compact gravel paths. E-bikes are available and a great choice for riders seeking extra comfort or assistance on climbs.

How challenging is the cycling?
This is a moderate tour, suitable for riders comfortable with daily distances of 40 to 70 km (25 to 43 mi). Terrain includes rolling hills and coastal headlands, but daily rides are well-paced, and a support van is always available if you need a lift.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in or near Setúbal and follows the Atlantic coast south, ending in the charming surf town of Lagos in the Algarve. All transfers and luggage transport are included for a smooth, stress-free experience.

Tailor Made

Choose your dates, your group and your interests. We'll create a bike tour tailor made for you!

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