Cycling the Algarve's Rota Vicentina

Experience Overview

From the Alentejo region to Cabo de Sao Vicente which marks the most south-westerly point of Europe, follow the 'Rota Vicentina Historical Way' by longing rugged coastline with amazing views over cliffs and large sandy beaches. Stop and relax in quaint peaceful fishing villages to taste the rich local cuisine that serves the best the sea has. This ride leads you through a natural reserve and the 'Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park'. Longing the ocean, you can fully enjoy the landscape and appreciate the surprises nature has to offer, such as wild flowers, bird watching. Admire breath-taking view and relax on one of the unspoilt beach or inlet. End your trip in the Algarve region, along beautiful coastlines enjoying a mix of golden sandy beaches and rugged cliff tops, and pass through pretty villages, some of which seem unaffected by the outside world.
Profile
— 7 nights hotel to hotel accommodation in a mix of 2-star, 3-star and 4-star hotels — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Management by a local appointed Headwater agent
At a Glance
— 7 nights hotel to hotel accommodation in a mix of 2-star, 3-star and 4-star hotels — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Management by a local appointed Headwater agent
Trip For You
Classification: Self-GuidedNo. of days Cycling: 6Terrain: Mostly gently undulating with a couple of short but steepish descents/climbs on most days. Rides are on coastal routes and tracks following the Rota Vicentina. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with GPS route directions so that you can cycle at your own pace. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
Taste the delicious regional cuisine, seafood, fresh fish and the appetising dishes. In the Alentejo, a meal starts with a variety of appetizers. Cured ham, or Presunto de Barrancos, are local delicacies, and goat and sheep cheeses usually accompany thin slices of cured ham. Olives, whether black or green, harvested from olive groves throughout the Alentejo are a staple. Other Alentejo specialties include roasted peppers, bread stews and octopus salad flavoured with onion and peppers seasoned in olive oil. On the fish side, there is rich fish stew, fresh crab, grilled fish and octopus. Good quality meat is also on the menu, beef and pork are of a high quality and lamb in season is superb. Vegetables are plentiful and with big harvests of almonds and oranges, fruits are in good supply alongside another local vegetable, the sweet potato. The Algarve’s other surprise is the quality of cheese; from mild to strong using cow, goat or sheep milk there is a great range of cheeses for all tastes, Queijo de Cabra do Algarve, is a particular favourite.
Joining Instructions
Standard transfersFor flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Faro airport. Transfers are available at a supplement for land only bookings. Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge). Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Weather Information
Coastal areas of Portugal can be known to be quite windy.However, the climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures between mid June and September.
Spending Money
— You will need money for lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks as well as any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. Dinners can cost between €15-40 depending on the type of restaurant you visit and would not include drinks.

Highlights