Travel report: From Lisbon to the Algarve
The first harbingers of spring are already appearing on Lake Constance, but we are still taking a short break in Portugal. - A travel report by our colleagues Juliane and Alex.
01.04. - From Lake Constance to Extremadura
April 1st! We're flying to Portugal! No joke!
The luggage has been checked in, the security check has been passed - we are about to fly from Zurich to Lisbon and take a shuttle service directly to Setúbal!
On the way from Lisbon airport, we cross the 17-kilometer-long Vasco da Gama Bridge and are surprised by a heavy downpour. Shortly afterward, we cross the "Serra da Arrábida" nature reserve and get our first impressions of the wild Atlantic coast. Breathtaking!
When we arrive at our hotel, the RM Guesthouse, we are warmly welcomed and given all the important information about the hotel and Setúbal. Our rental bikes are already waiting for us, and we have a welcome chat with Louis, a member of staff from our partner tour operator, to discuss the following days.
We spend the evening walking through Setúbal's old town with its narrow streets and picturesque squares. We end the evening in a small restaurant with a delicious meal and a good bottle of Portuguese red wine.
02.04. Via Tróia to the hinterland
After an excellent breakfast, we pack our bike bags and off we go. The ferry takes us to the Tróia peninsula in just under half an hour. The first few kilometers on the narrow headland follow the quiet road to the south. Sand dunes to the right and left prevent us from seeing the sea.
It is not until we reach the village of Comporta that the landscape changes and we drive through extensive rice fields. In the shade of pines and pine trees, we ride past small villages until we reach our hotel. In Vila Nova de Santo André, which is a few kilometers from the coast, there is not much left to discover, so we enjoy the warm evening sun on our balcony and look forward to the next stages.
03.04. On the trail of Vasco da Gama to the Rio Mira
We want to set off early today, as there is a lot to discover. Our first stop is Sines, the birthplace of the great navigator Vasco da Gama. We visit the remains of the medieval castle, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the harbor bay and the Atlantic Ocean. We cycle gently uphill and downhill for many kilometers directly along the impressive coast, past small fishing villages, pristine beaches and high cliffs.
We are glad that we opted for e-mountain bikes, as there is often a strong wind on the coast and it is sometimes steeply uphill. The destination of today's stage is the picturesque village of Vila Nova de Milfontes, which lies at the mouth of the Rio Mira. We take a leisurely stroll through the town and along the beautiful beach and toast to a successful day with a glass of "Superbock".
04.04. From the lighthouse to the windmill
With a fresh breeze behind us, we cycle along the beautiful west coast of Portugal to the westernmost point of the Alentejo coast, Cabo Sardao with its lighthouse on the edge of the rocky peninsula. We soak up the atmosphere at this remote spot, marvel at the building skills of the storks nesting in the rocks and finally cycle on. On a narrow path along the cliffs, we reach the small town of Zambujeira do Mar.
On the picturesque Praia do Carvalhal beach, a few kilometers behind Zambujeira, we look for a spot sheltered from the wind and enjoy the sun with refreshing Atlantic water, salty air and a Sagres. From the beach, a very steep path leads us back up to the heights and then on to the beautiful village of Odeceixe. Our hotel, the Casas do Moinho (the houses by the mill), is situated on a hill above the old town. After the steep climb, we have earned a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner.
05.04. Odeceixe - Pedralva
Unfortunately, the weather has changed and during the night it storms and rains without interruption. After breakfast, the rain clouds have fortunately moved on and we take advantage of the dry moment to set off. A little way from the coast, we cross small forests and drive alongside large sweet potato fields. A fast ride on a wide dirt track takes us steeply down into the Ribeira de Aljezur river valley. We ride through narrow, winding alleyways through the village of Aljezur, again steeply uphill to the remains of a Moorish castle.
Despite a strong headwind and occasional showers, we steadily work our way south. We cycle through eucalyptus forests and barren pastureland on Euro Cycle Route 1 and are surprised by a small but heavy hailstorm shortly before our destination for the day. Soaking wet, we tackle the last few kilometers to our destination of Pedralva and are rewarded with a long and winding descent.
06.04. ...to the end of the world: Cabo de Sao Vicente
After breakfast, we pack our bags again and set off on our last stage by bike. The steep descent from yesterday takes us straight back up to the main road towards Vila do Bispo. After about 10 km, we turn off onto a natural path that will take us towards the sea. The descent is steep and winding and we reach a beautiful, secluded sandy beach, Praia Barriga. As the tide is low, we can cycle directly along the water to the next bay but one.
Four kilometers almost in the sea. What a dream! Now another long climb awaits us up to a plateau that stretches all the way to the stage finish. We leave the suggested route and take a narrow sandy path to the impressive Cabo de Sao Vincente lighthouse. After a long break and a walk along the cliffs, we cycle in a strong crosswind along the beautiful cliffs to Sagres.
07-10.04. First to the capital and then home
We start the day with a long and hearty breakfast. Around midday, we are taken to Tunes to take the train from there to Lisbon.
On the journey, we catch a few more beautiful impressions of this fantastic region!
We spend the following two days sightseeing in Lisbon and on an excursion to Sintra!
