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RURAL PORTUGAL
Cycling through the Alentejo
  Here, in the southwest coast of Portugal, an area still little visited, are some of the Iberian Peninsula's best-preserved landscapes. It is a perfect place to explore on two wheels. As well as untouched landscapes, there are small villages where the pace of life is relaxed, sparsely populated countryside, country roads where farm animals and horse drawn carts are still a common sight and above all else hospitable and friendly local people. This route is an invitation to discover the unexplored and ideal for leisurely cycling due to its gentle topography and eye pleasing scenery.
The Alentejo is a place to cycle away from the stresses and strains of a busy life. One can ride into the peace and tranquility of rural Portugal, where some of the most undeveloped landscapes of Europe and the traditional way of life can still be found. Explore the striking coastline and discover the agricultural heritage and hidden secrets of the small villages and gentle undulating landscapes. Enjoy the simple way of life with some great seafood near the coast and some surprisingly good wine.
This easy to moderate tour starts by heading south along the coast from the whitewashed walls and terracotta tiles of Vila Nova Milfontes. The route crosses the River Mira to cycle along the cliff tops where storks nest in the spring. There is no development just natural rocky coastline all the way to the small village of Zambujeira do Mar, a little fishing village perched on the cliffs above the Atlantic. We stop here for a night where there is a sandy beach and a good selection of restaurants.
Venturing further along the coast magnificent beaches stretch out between the cliffs. We arrive in Aljezur, a village where a Moorish castle stands guard high on the hilltop and if you are feeling hungry try some of the local sweet potatoes or goose barnacles (perceves). From Aljezur the route ventures inland to the village of Monchique. It is a tougher route up into the hills rewarded by spectacular views of the Algarve.
In the centre of Monchique you can enjoy some sightseeing along the narrow streets and test the traditional gastronomy: the honey, the candies, the medronho, are our suggestion. You can also "take the waters' or have a treatment/massage in the Spa of Monchique. Next day is much easier, you can enjoy the descent back to lower altitudes. It is a day of rolling hills, olives trees, cork trees, rural atmosphere and a sprinkling of old rustic farmhouses. We end the day in Santa Clara Reservoir. More rolling hills and two high view points bring us to the ancient village of Odemira, which is a great place to visit. You can take a walk along the river front and wander round this old country town almost stepping back in time amongst the whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The final stretch to complete the circuit passes through the last of the peaceful byways and a number of small rural communities on the way to Vila Nova Milfontes..
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - A large part of the charm of this holiday
is the type of accommodation used. You will stay in small
guesthouses, which are quite intimate and will bring you into
contact with many local people. All rooms have private
shower/bathrooms and are kept spotlessly clean. The first and last
nights are spent in Vila Nova Milfontes and one night is
spent in Zambujeira do Mar, Aljezur, Monchique, Santa Clara
and Odemira.
Terrain
The vast majority of the trip is on tarmac lanes and minor roads with very little traffic. Just 3 or 4km are on well-made gravel tracks. It is quite hilly with the largest ascent of 500m on day 4 but distances are short and there is no rush.
Sherpa
Notes
Bike Hire
21 gear hybrid bikes with panniers, handlebar bag, puncture kit and spare inner tube, tools, a lock and drink bottle. Helmets are also provided but you may wish to take your own.
Accommodation and Meals
7 nights accommodation with breakfast in private guesthouses. The first nights meal is included but lunches and other evening meals are not. Eating out in Portugal is relatively cheap, is a really good way to sample the local atmosphere and to interact with the very friendly local people. Start and End of Tour
The nearest international airports are Faro (the closest) and Lisbon. A taxi can be taken from either airport and a bus also runs direct from Lisbon to Vila Nova Milfontes approx. 4 times a day.
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