Discover the beauty of Portugal's Alentejo region on a 7-day cycling tour. Stay at a country house and enjoy a flexible itinerary with 5 cycling routes. Visit wineries, explore megalithic monuments, and cycle to the fortified village of Monsaraz.
Start your adventure with a cycling tour from your guesthouse to Arraiolos and back. Along the eco-trail, a bike lane built on an old railway, through small farms, you’ll get to Graça do Divor, a very well-preserved white and blue village. From here, head to Arraiolos village, with its rich historical centre. Climb to the castle and enjoy the views.
On the way back, visit the Fita Preta winery, located in a medieval property with a 14th-century palace, recently restored after several years left to abandonment.
The next day, cycle to the cork factory, which will surely be the highlight of the day. See how cork is transformed and learn about all you can do with it. Continue to the Prickly Pear plantation and the olive mill.
In the morning, cycle to Évora and unravel the amazing history of this old beautiful city, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Visit the surreal Bone chapel and the impressive cathedral, originally from the 13th century. After, ride to the countryside discovering beautiful holm oak forests and vast meadows.
Cycle to Zambujeiros’ Dolmen – the biggest in Europe, the Almendres’ Cromelech – the oldest megalithic monument in Europe with a beautiful view over Évora, the Almendres Menhir, and Mitras’ Church.
Most of the day is along a brand-new cycling lane, very peaceful and away from traffic. On some sections, the track leaves the eco-trail so that you can enjoy quaint little villages and local cafés.
Cycle to a cheese factory where you may do a visit and tasting. Then cycle to the city of Évora where you may spend the day cycling and visiting several monuments. After lunch, climb to Alto de São Bento, a favourite place for locals to watch the sunset.
Transfer to Reguengos in the morning. Today’s bike tour destination is the fortified village of Monsaraz, an important stronghold in the defence of Portugal just by the border with Spain. On the way, visit the famous pottery village of S. Pedro do Corval, where you can see the men making magic with the clay, transforming it into beautiful pots and plates, and the ladies painting them with flowers in an impressive speed.
Then with Spain in sight, have lunch by the biggest artificial lake in Europe, the Alqueva dam reservoir. Then it’s time to conquer the castle, use all your energy to climb up to Monsaraz. Enjoy the peaceful streets and return home with a transfer.