Ride from the dramatic Atlantic coastline to peaceful rural villages

The Alentejo is separated from the rest of Portugal by the Tagus River and extends to the south where it borders the Algarve. The countryside varies from the open rolling plains of the south to the granite hills that form the border with Spain in the north-east. The character of the region is created by the blossoming colours throughout the year, from the green of the winter to a festival of flowers in the spring and the dry golden heat of the summer that is replaced by the agriculture of autumn. Our cycling takes us through the 'Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park' from the Cercal hills through the undulating scenery of cork trees, old farms and dams to the dunes and lighthouses of the coast. There is an abundance of flora and fauna to discover with over 750 different plant species and 200 varieties of birds whilst cycling along the peaceful traffic-free lanes of one of the most untouched landscapes of Europe.