Cycling the Fishermen’s Trail: From Alentejo to Algarve
Par S-Cape Travel
• Follow Portugal’s coastline from the Alentejo into the Algarve
• Cycle along dirt roads and quiet tarmac lanes with little or no traffic
• Discover coastal landscapes, unspoilt beaches, rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs
• Experience the tranquillity of the Portuguese hinterland: pasturelands and authentic villages
• Enjoy charming accommodation, all with swimming pools
Discover the raw beauty of Portugal’s southwestern coast on a unique cycling adventure along the renowned Fishermen’s Trail. This self-guided program takes you from the rugged shores of the Alentejo into the sun-kissed landscapes of the Algarve, following a mix of dirt roads, gravel tracks, and quiet tarmac lanes with little to no traffic.
As you pedal south, you’ll traverse a stunning coastal mosaic of untouched beaches, sweeping dunes, and dramatic cliffs shaped by wind and sea. The route also leads you inland, where time seems to slow down—through peaceful pastures, cork oak groves, and authentic Portuguese villages that offer a taste of rural life.
Each day ends in carefully selected, charming accommodations, where comfort and character meet. All three lodgings include swimming pools—perfect for a refreshing dip after a day’s ride. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a leisurely explorer, this journey combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and peaceful solitude.
Feel the rhythm of the Atlantic, breathe in the scents of wild rosemary and pine, and let the Fishermen’s Trail guide you through one of Portugal’s most captivating regions—at your own pace, on two wheels.
Aljezur
Arrifana
Carrapateira
Lagos
Odeceixe
Pedralva
Sagres
Salema
Vila do Bispo
Allemand
Anglais
Espagnol
5-7 dias
Hébergement
Transport
149 to 171 km
Description
Day 1: Arrival in Odeceixe
Arrival in the village of Odeceixe, situated by the river Seixe, on the border with the Alentejo region. Accommodation in one of Odeceixe's typical houses, near the windmill and the historic center of the village.
Day 2: Circular route from Odeceixe via Carvalhal and Zambujeira (40 km)
On this first day of cycling, you'll have time to explore the region, with a beautiful route that passes the beaches of Odeceixe, Carvalhal and Zambujeira, crossing a plateau with greenhouses and agricultural fields. Zambujeira is a cozy fishing village, ideal for a lunch break.
Day 3: From Odeceixe to Aljezur (23 - 31 km)
Inland, on dirt tracks along the Seixe river, past farms and an open cork oak forest. After 5.5 km, you climb a steep slope of 125 m, then follow quiet asphalt roads to the coast. Along the way, you pass through the villages of Maria Vinagre and Rogil, with their stores and pastry stores. It then descends on a sandy track to Amoreira beach - a great place for a break - before the last 7 km to Aljezur. Accommodation in a modern aparthotel with swimming pool, in the new area of Aljezur. The best restaurants are a 10-minute walk away in the historic center, next to the medieval castle.
Day 4: From Aljezur to Pedralva (29 - 41 km)
The route starts with an ascent to the ruined castle of Aljezur. You can opt for a further 17 km detour via the beaches of Monte Clérigo and Arrifana, or head directly south through shady pine forests to Carrapateira.
Both routes meet again at a viewpoint over the Costa Vicentina. After a descent through the dunes of Bordeira, you reach the village of Carrapateira, with its many stores and restaurants. You then cycle another 10 km through a quiet rural valley, from Vilarinho to Pedralva, where you will stay for 3 nights in one of the 20 carefully renovated houses.
Day 5: Circular route from Pedralva (21 - 23 km)
A short route that starts with a descent to Carrapateira, a friendly village where tourists, surfers and fishermen meet in the central square. Here you'll also find the interesting Sea and Land Museum. Next, you take a walk along Carrapateira's stunning coastline, with the possibility of visiting two beaches. In summer, you can try a surf lesson at Praia do Amado. On the way back, you follow sandy trails between the hills. There is a steep climb, but you can do it on foot, pushing your bike if necessary. There is an alternative paved road, almost as steep and a kilometer longer.
Day 6: From Pedralva to Sagres, via Vila do Bispo (36 km)
Direction Cabo de São Vicente, the most south-westerly point in Portugal. It starts with a climb on gravel tracks between pine forests and eucalyptus groves, past a modern wind farm to the town of Vila do Bispo. It then crosses a plain to the cape, where you can take a break in the café next to the lighthouse. For the last 6 km, you cycle along impressive cliffs to Sagres. There will be time to visit some of the beaches along the way before meeting up at 4pm with the rental company representative, who will transport the bike back to Pedralva.
Day 7: End of program
After breakfast, the program ends. We recommend a few extra days in Pedralva to enjoy the beach and the wild coast.