Travel story cycle tour Lisbon - Sagres

Our exciting journey in Portugal kicks off in the enchanting capital, Lisbon. Exploring the charming alleys of the old town, the city's flair, and the Portuguese hospitality immediately captivate us. After dinner in a typical Portuguese restaurant, we are full of anticipation for our cycling adventure.

Evening atmosphere in Lisbon with a view of the city and the sea

From the capital Lisbon to the charming harbour town of Setubal

Our e-bike adventure kicks off early on the first day. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, our on-site colleagues hand over and provide instructions on how to use our e-bikes. There's nothing standing in the way of the first leg from the capital, Lisbon, to the charming port city of Setubal.

Under the radiant sunshine, we set out along the Tagus River to the port, where, after a brief ferry ride, we resume our journey in Seixal.

In the small village of Alfarim, we stop for our lunch break. Locals recommend the regional specialty, "Choco Frito," which is fried squid, at a local restaurant.

Refreshed, we continue our journey, savoring the wonderful scenery until we reach our destination in the late afternoon: Setubal, a charming seaside town. After a warm welcome at our hotel, "Cristal Setubal," we leisurely conclude our first day with a glass of Port wine at one of the charming establishments in the old town.

Cyclists with a view of the coast and sea

Triumphal Arch Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon with Eurobike bike in foreground

Cyclist with a view of the embankment and the sea

Unspoilt beaches on the way from Setubal to Sines

Our second leg takes us along a coastal bike path right on the Atlantic, providing a picturesque ride through the Alentejo region. Along the way, we can relish impressive views of the sea and lush beaches. Despite the icy temperature of the Atlantic, we dare to at least dip our feet in. Simply delightful, this refreshing experience with a view stretching into the vastness. Kilometers of coastline invite you to linger and enjoy. After an eventful day with several stops along the coast, we reach our daily destination, Sines, in the late afternoon. Sines is renowned for its castle, offering a magnificent view of the ocean. Following that, we indulge in the fresh seafood cuisine at one of the local fish restaurants.

Cyclist on wooden walkway with beach and sea in the background

Cyclist takes a break on the beach between Setubal and Sines

From Sines along the coast to Vila Nova de Milfontes

After a restful night, we set off on the third day under sunny skies. This route takes us along the coast, offering spectacular views of the sea and the rocky coastal landscape. After approximately 20 kilometers, we reach the town of Porto Covo, a picturesque fishing village with breathtaking beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a lunch break, where we savor local dishes. This leg of the tour presents a highly diverse landscape, featuring both rocky coastal stretches and secluded coves amidst untouched nature. In Vila Nova de Milfontes, a small seaside town, we have the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the beach and even venture into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic. A very welcome refreshment after this wonderful, sunny day.

Beach with rocks and water basin in the foreground

Cyclist on the road with beach and sea in the background

An adventurous tour to Aljezur

On our fourth day, we are surprised by rainy weather. Kitted out with rain jackets and good spirits, we set off after a delicious breakfast heading south to Aljezur. Despite the somewhat adverse weather, we manage to enjoy this tour to the fullest and pass by some beautiful places along the way. My absolute highlight of the day is the rock landscape of São Teotónio. It's a breathtaking sight as the massive waves crash against the gigantic rocks. After this adventurous leg, we arrive in Aljezur, where the Hotel Vicentina warmly welcomes us. Here, too, we indulge in the delightful Portuguese cuisine. We spend the evening at a steak restaurant, looking forward to our fifth and final day of the tour, as the weather forecast promises sunshine once again.

Cyclist next to bicycle with coast and sea in the background

A crowning finale on our last stage

A special highlight of this leg is the excursion to the peninsula near Carrapateira. Here, one enjoys a stunning view of the coastal landscape – a spectacular scenery of beaches, coves, and rugged cliffs. The crowning glory of our day is Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of Europe. Before embarking on the final kilometers of our tour, we fortify ourselves with delicious grilled sausages at the "Letzte Bratwurst vor Amerika" – an absolute must when you're in this region. Arriving in Sagres, the surfing capital of Portugal, we can still enjoy our day in one of the many beautiful coves by the sea and reflect on our journey.

Coast on the stage from Aljezur to Sagres

Portuguese cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors and textures and is a delightful culinary journey for the senses. Our special recommendation is the dessert "Pasteis de Nata." These creamy, flaky custard tarts are a sweet delight and a must-try when you're in Portugal. The country welcomed us with open arms, and this cycling tour will resonate in our memories for a long time.

Julia Lenzbauer

My favourite place

My absolute highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the peninsula near Carrapateira, a crowning finale to a successful cycling vacation. This stretch offers breathtaking views of long sandy beaches with high waves, where you can observe surfers from a charming beach cafe. Stunning viewpoints directly on the cliffs also provide an excellent vantage point to be close enough to the action.

From Lisbon to Sagres – our travel story