COSTA VICENTINA SELF-GUIDED TOUR
A 5 or 6-Day Gravel Cycling Tour from Lisbon to Sagres
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LISBON TO SAGRES, ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 5 or 6
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport Lisbon / Faro
Km / day: 59-60km or 52-80km
Elevation gain / day: 380-750 or 380-1300m
Overall Difficulty: Advanced or Intermediate
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Are you looking for stunning coastal scenery and an immersive cultural experience on two wheels? Our Lisbon to Sagres Tour could be the one for you! Here’s everything you need to know…
Lisbon to Sagres / Costa Vicentina Self-Guided Gravel Cycling Tour
Incredible self-guided cycling tour along the Costa Vicentina from Lisbon to Sagres. Download route files only from just €200.
Portugal is one of the least explored countries in Europe, and a true hidden gem for cyclists. The charismatic and colourful capital is a fabulous introduction to the country. Founded over 3000 years ago, the city is rich in history, and the locals are understandably proud of their heritage, with traditional Fado music still played in cafes and bars. The best of Portuguese cuisine can be found here, from grilled sardines to the famous Pastel de Nata. Wander the cobbled streets, and be sure to take a ride in one of the traditional yellow trams!
The Alentejo coast is wonderfully quiet and unspoilt. The Arrabida National Park is densely covered with indigenous vegetation, and the deep blue of the sea contrasts with the white chalk cliffs. A wide array of wildlife, including dolphins, can be spotted here!
The Costa Vicentina is Portugal’s largest protected coastal area, with wide beaches, quaint villages and golden cliffs. Inland, quiet tracks are overhung with cork and eucalyptus trees, and an abundance of wildflowers bloom in spring. The climbs here are rewarded with stunning Atlantic views. If you choose to ride the extra day from Sagres, you will experience some of the Algarve’s stunning south coast beaches which made this region so famous.
How challenging is this tour?
You have two options. If you are a strong gravel rider, and comfortable with riding 4+ hours a day, for an average of 70km, our advanced 5-day tour will be perfect for you.
If you prefer days of 60km on average, the 6-day version may be more suitable.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can either download this tour right now for the route files, accommodation and restaurant / cafe recommendations, or you can book a self-guided tour and we will take care of all the logistics! Scroll down for more info.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
For the majority of this tour you will ride on quiet, low-traffic back roads and good gravel tracks.
There are a few, small and unavoidable sandy sections due to the proximity to the coast. Don’t be put off by this – the terrain is not technical and absolutely acheivable for less experienced off-roaders.
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
You will pass through the Arrabida Natural Park, the rice fields of Comporta, the Costa Vicentina and it’s fabulous cliffs over the wild Atlantic Coast, and all the way to Sagres, the very south western tip of mainland Europe.
You will ride through eucalyptus and cork forests, and past fields of wildflowers.
Are the roads safe in Portugal?
We hate traffic just as much as you do – we stick where ever possible to small backroads, and if on gravel – the best smooth gravel tracks we can find. (We don’t like hike-a-bike either!)
What type of bike is best for this tour?
Don’t forget that we offer bike hire too, including e-bikes. Just get in touch.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Spring and Autumn are perfect seasons for this tour, when the weather is mild and chance of rain is minimal. However, if you wish to ride this tour in the summer, you will still find that the the ocean breeze still keeps the coastal region cool enough for cycling.
Can I adjust this tour?
Of course. Either you can edit the route yourself, or speak to one of our team and we can help you with any adjustments you might want to make.
Please note that major changes to a tour will be considered a custom tour and we will have to charge extra for that service so that we can spend some time ensuring it’s exactly what you want!
What type of hotels can I expect?
For the most part, we book and recommend 3-4* hotels for our tours. Some are chosen for the views, others for the facilities and some for simple Portuguese character!
If you are travelling in a small group or as an individual, we may be able to offer you more choice. Just let us know your preferences.
ADVANCED 5-DAY TOUR
INTERMEDIATE 6-DAY TOUR
Swipe to compare 5 and 6 day tours…
5 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 75km per day
6 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 60km per day
Advanced 5-Day Tour
Day 1: Lisbon to Setúbal
90km
650m
This day will start with a short boat trip from Belem across the Tejo river. It’s a great way to start the trip as you will see Lisbon at it’s best from the boat.
Once across the river you will set off cycling south, along the ‘Costa da Caparica’ towards Sesimbra. You will head right to the very western point at Farol do Cabo Espichel. After that there is a stunning coastal section overlooking the estuary of the river Sado, before your descent to Setúbal.
Day 2: Setúbal to Santiago de Cacém
80km
600m
Today starts with an amazing section of gravel riding through the rice fields and small roads, all the way to Melides, a beautiful Alentejo small village perfect for a coffee stop. From here you will ride through more back roads and easy gravel to the stunning open ocean at Lagoa de Santo André. There is a small section which is a little sandy (keep pedalling!) along the coastline, before the route makes its way through tiny villages up to Santiago de Cacém.
It’s a varied and very interesting day of riding – no section is the same!
Day 3: Santiago de Cacém to Vila Nova de Milfontes
50km or 70km
380m or 690m
Today you have two options. The shorter version starts with a gorgeous long descent to the coast. If you opt for a longer day, you will head inland to São Domingos, before riding an awesome gravel track through rural Alentejo countryside, to the sea.
The second half of the day, for both routes, follows the cliffs and beaches of the Costa Vincentina, with stunning beaches and rocky coves to visit along the way.
Day 4: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Monchique
70km
740m
After Vila Nova de Milfontes the route switches between gravel tracks and small roads through the small coastal villages to Cabo Sardão. Here begins a truly spectacular cliff-top path that looks over the Atlantic below. This will be a highlight of your tour. For the rest of the day you will enjoy very small roads and gravel tracks through Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe, and through the whitewashed, cobbled town of Aljezur. Its a few kilometres past the town to your hotel.
Alternatively, you can climb inland from Oxedeixe and opt for a night inland at Monchique!
Day 5: Aljezur to Sagres
60km
660m
A spectacular way to finish your adventure! This route will take you down from Monchique, off the mountain and along the spine of the Algarve with views in all directions towards the most south westerly point in continental Europe – Cabo St Vicente.
Its then a short cycle to Sagres and your hotel.
Intermediate 6-Day Tour
Day 1: Lisbon to Sesimbra
62km
644m
This day will start with a short boat trip from Belem across the Tejo river. It’s a great way to start the trip as you will see Lisbon at it’s best from the boat.
Once across the river you will set off cycling south, along the ‘Costa da Caparica’ towards Sesimbra. You will head right to the very western point at Farol do Cabo Espichel and it’s fantastic views over the Atlantic before cycling east towards your hotel.
Day 2: Sesimbra to Comporta
50km
650m
Today is your longest day, but it’s very flat. You will enjoy some spectacular views from the Arrabida Natural Park as the road winds down to Setubal. From here you will take another small boat across to Troía. Then it’s just a 20km or so flat cycle through comporta to Melides. Comporta is, surprisingly, famous for it’s rice production. The area is full of beautiful, large rice fields. You will finish the day in Vila Nova do Santo André.
Day 3: Comporta to Santiago de Cacém
60km
550m
Today starts with an amazing section of gravel riding through the rice fields and small roads, all the way to Melides, a beautiful Alentejo small village perfect for a coffee stop. From here you will ride through more back roads and easy gravel to the stunning open ocean at Lagoa de Santo André. There is a small section which is a little sandy (keep pedalling!) along the coastline, before the route makes its way through tiny villages up to Santiago de Cacém.
It’s a varied and very interesting day of riding – no section is the same!
Day 4: Santiago de Cacém to Vila Nova de Milfontes
50km or 73km
380m or 690m
Today you have two options. The shorter version starts with a gorgeous long descent to the coast. If you opt for a longer day, you will head inland to São Domingos, before riding an awesome gravel track through rural Alentejo countryside, to the sea.
The second half of the day, for both routes, follows the cliffs and beaches of the Costa Vincentina, with stunning beaches and rocky coves to visit along the way.
Day 5: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Aljezur
80km
740m
After Vila Nova de Milfontes the route switches between gravel tracks and small roads through the small coastal villages to Cabo Sardão. Here begins a truly spectacular cliff-top path that looks over the Atlantic below. This will be a highlight of your tour. For the rest of the day you will enjoy very small roads and gravel tracks through Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe, and through the whitewashed, cobbled town of Aljezur.
Alternatively, you can opt to climb from Odeceixe to Monchique, and stay the night inland!
Day 5: Aljezur to Sagres
60km
660m
What a spectacular way to finish your adventure! Today you will ride some of the wildest and rockiest cliffs of the coast, with striking sea views all the way.
Cape St Vincent is the most southwesterly point in Europe, and the site of a naval battle in 1797 between the British and Spanish, during which Nelson rose to fame. Its then a short cycle to Sagres and your hotel.
What’s the best option for you?
🗺Self‑Guided Tour |
⚡Instant Download Tour |
|
|---|---|---|
| GPX Files | ✅ | ✅ |
| Detailed Daily Overview & Route Preview | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended Cafés en Route | ✅ | ✅ |
| Points of Interest | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airport Transfers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Luggage Transfers and/or Support Vehicle | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| 24/7 WhatsApp Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Restaurant Booking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accommodation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Breakfast | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bike Rental | Optional extra | Recomended Providers |
Advanced 5-Day Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Intermediate 6-Day Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Optional Extras
*Please note that the self-guided tour prices above are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. For anyone sleeping in their own room, the single supplement applies.
High Season Single Supplement €150/night pp extra
Medium Season Single Supplement €130/night pp extra
Low Season Single Supplement €110/night pp extra
Other Optional Extras
Luggage transfers and mechanical support vehicle: €300 per group per riding day
Luggage transfers: €110 per group per riding day
Guiding: €160 per group per riding day
Bike Rental: See our options here
Massage: €on request
Other 'off-the-bike' activities: €on request
⚡Download this tour now! ⚡
Budget-conscious and happy managing your own logistics? Check out what's included here and get our instant download package to start your planning right away!
CUSTOM, CLUB AND LARGE GROUP CYCLING TOURS
Have you been tasked with organising a group or club trip?
We have run successful trips for large groups (up to 40 people) in the past, either point to point or staying in one or two places.
Club pricing can start as low as €725 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can also arrange any bespoke tour for your club. In the past we have organised Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro and multiple others. Get in touch using the form below to request a quote, or arrange a call to discuss your requirements further.
Liked the sound of this tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal...
Liked the sound of our Lisbon to Sagres Cycling Tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…
Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday
For the gravel riders. Enjoy an unforgettable off road / gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve! Let us introduce you to the best tracks and trails in the beautiful Algarve, both along the coast and inland.
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
Alentejo Adventure Self-Guided Gravel Bikepacking Tour
For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.
Faro to Lisbon Self-Guided Gravel Tour
For the gravel tourers. This is a fantastic gravel trip for anyone wanting to experience a wide range of landscapes - west coast, rolling Alentejo plains and the beautiful Algarve backroads.
Price range: €795,00 through €1.295,00
Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and landscapes too!
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.
Price range: €1.550,00 through €1.950,00
FAQ’s
Where can I find the self-guided tour prices?
Each self-guided cycling tour has it's own pricing - just head to the specific tour page and you will find all the details there. Costs will depend on group numbers, as well as time of the year.
Can I request specific GPX files for my own trip?
Yes! We now have GPX files ready to download instantly on some self-guided tours. We can also create custom GPX files for you too.
Do you have tours for beginners too?
Yes! For example our EcoVia Self-Guided Coast Tour is perfect for cyclists who want a relatively flat cycle. We'd recommend starting with this one!
I would like to create my own custom holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB's
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
What is your cancellation policy?
You can book in confidence with a very flexible cancellation policy which can be read in detail here.
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
Where are you based?
We are based in the central Algarve, in the south of Portugal. But we run road and gravel tours all over the country!
Do you take clubs or large groups?
We LOVE large groups! The more the merrier. Contact us and lets us know what you are thinking of and we will do our best to turn your ideas into a reality.
