Cycle from Lisbon to Sagres

You arrive in Portugal's capital and have a short journey to your hotel in central Lisbon. In this European San Francisco (or vice versa) you'll encounter steep hills with trams, a red-painted bridge and just outside a surf mecca, but above all plenty of old world charm. Take a walk in the historic neighborhoods or simply enjoy the city's lights and views over the Tagus. Lisbon is a very beautiful city in a manageable format and invites both aimless strolling and visits to its many attractions.

Transfer to Setúbal harbor and ferry across the Sado river mouth to the Troia peninsula. Here the cycling begins beautifully along sand dunes, lagoons and rice fields where storks, ibises and wading birds thrive. Via fragrant pine forests you reach the Melides and Santo André lagoons, with the possibility of a break at a seemingly endless sandy beach. A swim is hard to resist here.

Small roads and gravel stretches lead into Alentejo's rolling inland. You reach Santiago do Cacém, a historic town with a medieval castle, before the route continues through hills covered with cork oak – Portugal's national tree. A beautiful downhill ride takes you down towards Lake Campilhas and on to the small town of Cercal.

You roll further south through rural landscapes and eucalyptus forest before the coast opens up again. A detour to pleasant Vila Nova de Milfontes is possible. After the bridge over the Mira river, vineyards and mimosas line your way to Almograve and further along cliffs where storks build nests – an unusual spectacle. Seaside overnight stay in Zambujeira.

From the chapel by the sea you follow the Atlantic coast past the beaches of Zambujeira and Carvalhal. In Odeceixe, river, sand and steep cliffs meet – and here you cross the border between Alentejo and Algarve. The day ends in Aljezur, where fishermen and surfers share everyday life, and cyclists are just as welcome.

After a visit to Aljezur's market and the Moorish castle, you cycle through the Vicentine Natural Park to Carrapateira. The route follows the coast past Bordeira and Amado beaches, over open heathlands and hills to Vila do Bispo. The final stretch goes towards Cabo São Vicente – Europe's southwesternmost point – before you roll on to Sagres and its historic fortress. It was from here that many seafarers set out during Portugal's colonial golden age.

Breakfast and end of the trip, unless you want to treat yourself to some lovely extra nights to enjoy the Algarve's inviting beaches and environments.