Self-Guided Cycling the Rota Vicentina: Setúbal to Sagres – 8 Days
Wild Atlantic beaches and cliffs by bike, from Setúbal to Sagres.
Tour overview
This 8-day cycling holiday follows Portugal's unspoilt south-west coast from Setúbal to the edge of the Algarve. It is self-guided, with mountain bikes, a navigation app, airport transfers and luggage moved between hotels. You stay seven nights in two- to four-star hotels, with breakfast daily.
You start with a ferry across the Sado Estuary nature reserve, watching for dolphins and birds, then ride through quiet villages to São Torpes Beach and on to the river town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Read more
Following the Rota Vicentina Historical Way, you pass Aljezur and its castle, then ride to Carrapateira for views over wild beaches. From Vila do Bispo you loop to Cordoama beach and the cliffs of Sagres, once the end of the known world.
The physical rating is medium. This holiday suits cyclists who want wild coast, beaches and quiet roads.
Trip highlights
-
The Sado Estuary by ferry (Day 2)
-
São Torpes Beach (Day 3)
-
Vila Nova de Milfontes (Day 3)
-
Aljezur (Day 5)
-
Carrapateira (Day 6)
-
The cliffs of Sagres (Day 7)
Your route
15 stops from Lisbon to Faro
- Lisbon Day 1
- Setúbal Day 1
- Santo Andre Day 2
- Porto Covo Day 3
- Vila Nova de Milfontes Day 3
- Almograve Day 4
- Zambujeira do Mar Day 4
- Rogil Day 4
- Aljezur Day 5
- Alfambras Day 5
- Carrapateira Day 6
- Vila do Bispo Days 6–7
- Cabo de Sao Vicente Day 7
- Sagres Day 7
- Faro Day 8
Why choose this tour
Portugal's wildest coast by bike. Airport transfers and luggage handled.
Best suited to
- Cyclists
- Beach and nature lovers
- Couples and friends
- Independent travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Setúbal, Portugal to Vila do Bispo, Portugal
-
Day 1 · Lisbon, Setúbal Setúbal
Arrive in Portugal.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 2 · Sado Estuary, Santo André Santo André
A ferry crossing.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 3 · São Torpes, Vila Nova de Milfontes Milfontes
A river town.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 4 · Rota Vicentina, Rogil Rogil
The Historical Way.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 5 · Aljezur, Alfambras Alfambras
A castle town.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 6 · Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo Vila do Bispo
Wild beaches.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 7 · Cordoama, Sagres Sagres
The cliffs.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 8 · Vila do Bispo, Faro Faro
The holiday ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Setúbal (1 night) Hotel
- Santo André (1 night) Hotel
- Vila Nova de Milfontes (1 night) Hotel
- Rogil (1 night) Hotel
- Alfambras (1 night) Hotel
- Vila do Bispo (2 nights) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 7 nights in 2- to 4-star hotels
- Meals 8 breakfasts
- Mountain bike hire and navigation app
- Lisbon and Faro airport transfers
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Local support on call
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Ferry and optional activities
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a guide or group
- You want flat, easy rides
- You want most meals included
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,599 per person, twin share, tour only. 99 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Is there a guide?
No, this is a self-guided holiday with route notes, a navigation app and local support on call.
Do I need a visa for Portugal?
No, UK citizens can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. Check gov.uk for the latest EU entry rules before you travel.
How hard is the cycling?
Moderate, on a mix of quiet roads and tracks, with some hills.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, from Lisbon at the start and to Faro at the end.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast every day.
When can I start?
On almost any day through the season.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary