My wife and I are heading to southern Portugal in April for a month of touring. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on places that are a must visit, great road/gravel routes, accommodation etc.
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Southern Portugal Recommendations
日, 2018-02-25 08:11
#1
WS Member
Southern Portugal Recommendations
Canadian cyclists seem to love Portugal, with most of them going to the south = Algarve. Have met quite a few. Great people to meet!
Do take a look first at www.pedalportugal.com, tons of info and routes.
Strongly recommend Lisbon down the coast of Alentejo and west coast of Algarve. No mass tourism. On built-up south coast (not everywhere) the eastern part, the Ria Formosa lagoon area with sandy barrier islands, is superb. Look at the map for pretty town of Tavira. Ten km east is the stunningly beautiful village of Cacala Velha with breathtaking views of Ria Formosa. A must visit!!
Check on Youtube: Ria Formosa 2014-Improved Editing 50fps (2015).
You will also like on Youtube: Odeceixe aerial view, showing one of Portugal's most spectacular beaches, border Alentejo and Algarve. But my home beach of Bordeira is #1...
Need more, then let me know.
Michiel
Bordeira, Costa Vicentina
SW Portugal
This is a big help Michiel. Thank you. Perhaps we can be in touch once we are on the road to come by for a warmshowers visit? Are there some good day rides in your area where we can ride without the bags?
Also, do you have any suggestions on the best route out of Lisbon?
Lisbon to Setubal: by train (bikes welcome) to avoid urban traffic, or ferry across Tejo river, for example to Seixal, then Amora, Arrábida mountain range and downhill to pretty Portinho da Arrábida followed by coastal route with ups and downs to Setubal. Ferry to Troia. Just continue on main roads down south, relatively quiet. Wonderful near-empty beaches, like Carvalhal and Melides. After industrial port of Sines, you will enjoy village of Porto Covo. In lively Vila Nova de Milfontes, Sylvain Griot is a great and popular WS host. See his recommended route from Lisbon on his profile. Always follow the roads closest to coast. Not too many cars in April/May. Still off-season. Don't miss Cabo Sardao with worldfamous stork nests on high rocks out in the ocean. Both Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe very nice for overnight. Warning: I don't recommend the Eurovelo 1 cycle route down the coast; mostly dirt roads. Many rock 'n roll sections. Down southwest, between my Bordeira and Sagres with Cabo Säo Vicente, places to start day rides are Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo and Sagres. Once there, ask locally. Or me... when home, I'm off on a longer bike tour in Alentejo from mid April on. When going east on the south coast - remember Tavira and Cacela Velha ! - the Ecovia Litoral cycle route is, well, not every bikers' delight. Often dirt roads, a mess of directions. However east of Faro things become better. Alternatively take the train out of Lagos, running all the way to the Spanish border, many stations in between. Bikes travel free in seperate compartment. Happy planning :)
Check out www,euroveloportugal.com/en/route/eurovelo1
Everything (?) you always wanted to know about cycling the Portuguese coast. Including photos and section-by-section info. Enjoy.
The above mentioned site not always opens. Try www.euroveloportugal.com/en for easy access.