Touring Bike (EB)
£114 for 6 days
Portugal’s Atlantic coast is one of Europe’s great cycling destinations, and this 7-day self-guided holiday captures it at its most dramatic. Starting from Lisbon — one of the continent’s most captivating capital cities, you head south through nature reserves, along wild clifftop coastlines, and through coastal villages steeped in maritime tradition, all the way to Sagres at Europe’s south-westernmost tip.
Two ferry crossings add adventure to the early stages: one across the Tagus from Lisbon, and another through the Sado estuary nature reserve where dolphins are sometimes spotted. The route then traces the extraordinary Costa Vicentina, one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in western Europe, through Tróia, Sines, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and Aljezur, before the dramatic finale on the cliffs above Sagres.
Daily stages range from 25 to 44 miles on gently hilly terrain. Much of the route uses agricultural paths and side roads with little traffic, with some gravel sections. Accommodation is in 3-star and 4-star hotels throughout.
Lisbon is the vibrant capital of Portugal, perched on seven hills above the River Tagus. Explore the historic city with its pastel-coloured facades, steep streets, iconic yellow trams, and impressive viewpoints. A stroll along the Ribeira waterfront and a visit to a traditional port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river are both highly recommended for the evening.
Example accommodation: Hotel Melia Oriente ****
A cycle path follows the Tagus all the way to the harbour, where a short ferry crossing takes you to Seixal on the south bank. Heading south, the Arrábida nature park soon appears with its impressive rock formations and stunning coastal views. Breathtaking panoramas alternate with beautiful swimming bays as you make your way to Setúbal, where 16th-century Lisbon aristocracy built palaces and country estates.
Example accommodation: Hotel Cristal ***
A morning ferry through the Sado estuary nature reserve — with a chance of spotting dolphins — lands you on the Tróia peninsula with its beautiful beaches. The stage continues past glorious sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, flower fields, and lush wine-growing areas to the coastal town of Sines, where you can visit the castle or stroll along the promenade.
Example accommodation: Hotel Veleiro ***
The Costa Vicentina Nature Park begins in earnest today — one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in western Europe. Breathtaking views over the Atlantic, fantastic beaches, and little harbours invite regular stops. The coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, your destination for the night, has a wonderful sandy beach right on its doorstep.
Example accommodation: Hotel HS Milfontes Beach ***
The Costa Vicentina continues to impress as impressively high cliffs frame today’s route and the refreshing Atlantic wind accompanies you south. The village of Aljezur, a few kilometres from the coast, gives a sense of the rural architecture typical of this region. Above the village a small historic castle offers beautiful views over fertile land.
Example accommodation: Hotel Vicentina ***
The final day of cycling delivers one of the most memorable experiences of the entire route. You cycle through spectacular coastal scenery to Cape St. Vincent — the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe — where a lighthouse stands watch over the Atlantic and the ‘final fried sausage before America’ is a legendary local tradition. Only a few kilometres remain to Sagres, with its dramatic clifftop fortress and ample cultural heritage.
Example accommodation: Hotel Memmo Baleeira ****
After breakfast your tour comes to an end in Sagres. A transfer to Faro Airport is available for £82 per person (min 2 persons), or you can continue into the Algarve by bus.
We recommend flying to Lisbon Airport (LIS) and returning from Faro Airport (FAO).
£114 for 6 days
£198 for 6 days
£312 for 6 days
Not available for hire
Getting to Lisbon
By plane: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is around 7 km from the city centre and served by frequent direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, as well as Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin. Airlines including TAP Air Portugal, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair all operate this route. The metro takes around 20 minutes from the airport to the city centre.
By train: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then an overnight train or high-speed connection via Madrid to Lisbon. The journey time is around 22 hours via train, a viable low-carbon option for the committed traveller, and overnight trains make it comfortable.
Getting home from Sagres
By plane: Faro Airport (FAO) in the Algarve is around 1 hour 30 minutes from Sagres by bus or taxi, with frequent direct flights to UK airports. A transfer from Sagres to Faro Airport is available for £82 per person (min 2 persons, advance booking required). Alternatively, the bus from Sagres to Lagos connects to Faro in around 2.5 hours total.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
