Cycle the Atlantic Coast of Portugal: The E-Bike Edition
Explore Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast by e-bike, pedalling from Lisbon to the Algarve along the legendary Rota Vicentina
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanicAccommodation
6 nights in comfortable hotelsMeals
All breakfasts, all lunches, 1 dinnerTransfers & Support Vehicle
Group transfer to and from the airport and everything in between, including a support vehicle to carry your kitEquipment
Trek Allant E-bikeSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
E-bike through timeless Alentejo villages and along the clifftop paths of the Fishermen’s Trail, basking in the unforgettable ocean views as you ride
Cool off with refreshing dips in the Atlantic Ocean at the wild, dune-backed beaches of Bordeira, Amado and Arrifana
End your ride by rolling in to Europe’s wildest edge, Cape St. Vincent, where towering cliffs tumble into the crashing waves
Craving a little more challenge? Check out our classic Portugal bike trip for a pure pedal-powered adventure
Key Information
Day 1
Arrival in Setubal
Fly into Lisbon Airport and join your group transfer to Setubal. This afternoon, you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing and e-bike fitting, before spinning your legs on a gentle warm-up ride along Setubal’s backroads to the beach (timing and distance may vary depending on arrivals). In the evening, regroup for a welcome dinner and a first taste of Portuguese flavours.
Day 2
Discover through the Santo Andre Natural Reserve
E-bike
You’ll start the day with a short ferry across the Sado River to the Troia Peninsula. From there, cycle quiet coastal backroads through Comporta, past rice fields and whitewashed houses. Ride on to Melides Beach and the calm waters of Melides Lagoon before stopping for lunch near Santo Andre Lagoon, surrounded by dunes and marshland in the natural reserve. Visit Monte do Paio, the National Centre for Environmental Education and Nature Conservation, to learn about this unique ecosystem. The ride ends with views of Costa de Santo Andre Beach, where rolling dunes meet the Atlantic, a favourite spot for surfers. Cool off back at your hotel with a swim in the saltwater pool.
Day 3
Cork forests and sweeping coastal views
E-bike
You’ll cycle through peaceful cork oak forests, known locally as montado and dotted with centuries-old trees. The route winds down to cliffs above the Atlantic, where you’ll look out across the open ocean. Continue past São Torpes Beach, a popular surf spot with excellent waves, before breaking for lunch in the fishing village of Porto Covo. After lunch, ride on to Vila Nova de Milfontes, a riverside town where you can spend the evening by the water or take a sunset swim.
Day 4
Along the Rota Vicentina
E-bike
You’ll set off along the historic Rota Vicentina, following the Fisherman’s Trail, a rugged stretch of paths that run for over 120km down the Algarve and Alentejo coastline. It’s famed for its wild beauty and some of the best coastal cycling in Europe. The route takes you through quiet countryside and the small village of Longueira before reaching Almograve, a seaside town with plenty of character. From there, continue to Cabo Sardão – a dramatic headland of cliffs and hidden beaches, known as the nesting site of white storks. Pedal further south across Carvalhal Beach, then turn inland towards Odeceixe, where you’ll pause for a strawberry distillery tour and tasting. The day ends at a family-run farmhouse, where you can relax into the rural surroundings.
Day 5
Scenic rural landscapes rugged coastlines
E-bike
After a farm-to-table breakfast, you’ll cycle inland through rolling hills and along the rugged coastline of the Rota Vicentina. Cork oak and olive groves scatter the landscape, and the route passes through small villages with plenty of character. As you reach the coast again, views open up across Amoreira Beach. Continue through seaside hamlets framed by cliffs and sandy coves, pausing to look up at the ruins of Aljezur Castle before stopping for lunch in Arrifana. The ride ends in Alfambras, where you’ll relax at a countryside guesthouse with a pool.
Day 6
Soaring cliffs of Cape St. Vincent
E-bike
On your final day in the saddle, you’ll follow the wild southern Algarve coastline towards Bordeira Beach, a wide sweep of golden sand. From there, loop inland through Carrapateira and pause for a coffee in the village square. The route winds past tucked-away hamlets like Vilarinha and climbs into the Algarve hills, with a stop for lunch in Vila do Bispo. Continue on to the Ponte d’Aspa viewpoint, where cliffs rise more than 100m above the Atlantic and paragliders often take flight. The last leg brings you to Cape St Vincent, the south-western tip of mainland Europe, surrounded by sheer cliffs and open ocean. Roll into Sagres to finish the ride, with time to relax on the beach and round off a week of coastal cycling.
Day 7
Farewell Portugal!
After a week of cycling, you’ll be transferred to Faro Airport (or the train station, if that suits you better). If you’re not travelling home straight away, you could extend your stay to explore more of the Algarve.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Lisbon Airport, Portugal (LIS)
14:00 on Day 1
Ends
Faro Airport, Portugal (FAO)
10:00 on Day 7
Transfers
A group transfer is scheduled from Lisbon Airport to Setubal on Day 1, usually in the early afternoon at around 14:00, though the exact time depends on flight arrivals. Once the majority of the group has landed, you’ll travel together to your hotel.
If you arrive earlier, or your flight doesn’t match the transfer, it’s simple to reach Setubal on your own. A direct train runs from Lisbon Roma-Areeiro to Setubal in about 50 minutes, with regular departures, and costs around €5. From the station, it’s a short taxi ride or a 15-minute walk to the hotel. You can also take a taxi or Uber directly from Lisbon Airport, typically costing about €30, depending on traffic.
On Day 7, a group transfer will be provided to Faro Airport or the train station, usually leaving around 10:00. Timing may vary to accommodate departure flights.
If you plan to arrive before Day 1 or leave after Day 7, your local host can arrange private transfers at an additional cost (see Optional Extras).
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Portugal from major airports across the UK and Europe, as well as from New York and Toronto.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The cuisine along the Rota Vicentina is based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, especially seafood and traditional meat dishes, olive oil and fragrant bread, reflecting the culinary heritage of the Algarve and Alentejo regions. Breakfasts typically include a selection of bread, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, cheese, and cured meats to fuel you for your rides. For lunch, your host will arrange light lunches or picnic meals, including sandwiches, local pastries and fruit. There are also plenty of cafes along the way for extra snacks and drinks, should you want them. In Sebutal and Sagres, you’ll find a variety of international and Mediterranean dining options; whilst in the more rural areas you're likely to find cosy traditional eateries. Your guide will help to recommend restaurants and can pre-arrange your evening meals if you wish to dine as a group. Of course, no visit to Portugal is complete without trying the famous pastéis de nata custard tarts!
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for although options in some restaurants may be more limited – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Setubal
You'll spend the first night of the trip in Setubal staying at the comfortable Hotel Luna Esperanca Centro (or Hotel Cristal Setubal) in a twin-share ensuite room. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the Sado River and Troia Peninsula in this centrally located spot.
Santo Andre
You’ll stay one night at Hotel Vila Park Santo André (or similar). Close to the Santo André Natural Park, this hotel offers a peaceful environment with an outdoor saltwater pool and an on-site restaurant. The spacious ensuite rooms will be allocated on a twin-share basis.
Vila Nova de Milfontes
In Vila Nova de Milfontes you’ll stay at HS Mil Fontes (or similar). It's located on the main beach avenue with views of the Mira River bay, the Atlantic and Furnas Beach. It offers well-equipped ensuite rooms, which will be shared on a twin basis, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
Odeceixe
You’ll spend the night at Hotel Rural Flor d'Mar (or similar). This small hotel is situated between the best beaches on the coast. You'll stay in simple, cosy, twin-share ensuite rooms each with a private terrace. Enjoy the swimming pool, in the middle of the countryside.
Alfambras, Aljezur
In Alfambras you’ll stay at the Barranco da Fonte (or similar), a countryside lodging offering a relaxed and comfortable stay. Spread across several buildings, the property features spacious ensuite rooms with a blend of rustic and contemporary styles, which will be twin-share. You can unwind in the outdoor pool and garden, and choose to have dinner in the locally renowned Quarenta & Quatro restaurant. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes inspired by Portugal's rich gastronomic tradition using fresh, local ingredients.
Sagres
The last night of the trip will be spent in Sagres at the Memmo Baleeira. This modern boutique hotel offers stunning views of the seas and Baleeira Harbour, along with a lovely swimming pool and spa. You'll stay in twin-share ensuite rooms, all with air-conditioning. The hotel is a short walk from both the beach and the historic centre of Sagres.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This is an e-bike adventure, using pedal-assisted electric bikes designed to provide extra support when you need it most. While this trip is designed for cyclists with a sense of adventure the power assistance of the e-bikes reduces the effort required, especially on climbs and longer days in the saddle. That said, you should still be comfortable cycling back-to-back days, averaging 55km per day, and with the elevations specified in the itinerary. The route features a variety of terrains, including gravel paths, sandy coastal trails, and quiet country lanes. Expect rolling, undulating terrain with some longer ascents and descents, as well as occasional short stretches on busier roads as you approach towns.
The daily distances and routes can be extended on the day depending on weather, group ability and energy levels.
Do I need to have experience riding an e-bike? E-bikes are designed to be user-friendly and accessible for all skill levels. That said, having some off-road experience and basic bike-handling skills is important, as e-bikes tend to be heavier than regular bikes. It's also helpful to be comfortable riding a variety of trails, including downhill sections, along with managing your balance, and making sharp turns, as this will make your experience more enjoyable.
Style of Riding: Mixed Terrain This trip offers a varied riding experience across both paved and unpaved surfaces on a mountain bike. You'll mostly ride on quiet roads that are largely smooth with the occasional pothole, crack, or rough patch. You'll also follow some wide gravel tracks and hard-packed dirt paths that can be bumpy or uneven in places. While the terrain is diverse, it remains non-technical throughout — no singletrack or advanced bike handling skills are required.
Terrain Breakdown 66% paved (tarmac or cobblestones) 34% unpaved (hard-packed gravel paths, with some sandy parts)
Want to sharpen your off-road skills – including handling climbs, descents and loose terrain? Check out our weekend adventure Intro to Off-Road Riding, in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.
What if i need to skip an activity?
A support vehicle accompanies the group daily to transport luggage and assist with any bike-related issues. If needed, arrangements can be made for a group member to hop in for a section if you’re struggling with the terrain or become unwell. However, it should not be used simply to skip a day's ride.
What will I need to carry?
All your accommodation is pre-booked, and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next by vehicle. As everything will be transported by the support vehicle (which there will be access to throughout the day) you can cycle completely unburdened, if you wish to. A handlebar bag is provide for carrying essential items like money, phone, sun cream and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike bits if needed.
The southwest of Portugal has a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Atlantic, ensuring mild temperatures year-round. The trip is planned for spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to early December) when conditions are ideal for cycling, avoiding the summer heat. In spring, temperatures range from 15-20°C, and although there may be more rain, it’s perhaps the best season for scenery, with stunning wildflowers in bloom and lush greenery. Early June and late September offer warmer days in the mid-20s°C with long, sunny hours and little rain, perfect for cycling. October and November bring cooler temperatures, averaging 15°C, but with fewer crowds and plenty of clear and bright days, they still remain excellent months for cycling and swimming. Occasional showers may occur, however, and the country tends to get more rainfall in the north during this time of year.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided warm-up ride around Setubal
- Guided ride to Santo Andre
- Visit to Monte do Paio, the National Centre for Environmental Education and Nature Conservation
- Guided ride along the coast to Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
- Guided ride along the Rota Vicentina to Odeceixe
- Tour of a local strawberry distillery, with tastings
- Guided ride along the Rota Vicentina to Alfambras
- Guided ride to reach Cape St. Vincent
Guides
- Local, expert, English-speaking cycling guides and a bike mechanic
Accommodation
- 6 nights in comfortable, locally-run hotels
Meals
- All (6) breakfasts to fuel you up each day
- All (5) light lunches
- Welcome dinner on Day 1
- Snacks while cycling
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Lisbon Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Faro Airport on Day 7
- All transfers during the trip, including a ferry ride from Setubal to Troia
Equipment
- Trek Allant E-bike (or similar)
Support Vehicle
- To hop in to if your legs need a rest
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
Most dinners have not been included, to allow you to sample local restaurants of your choosing in the small towns you stay in. We recommend you budget about €25 per meal to cover these.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
- €30 per person for the main guide
- €5 per person for the driver and support vehicle service
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
CYCLING KIT
- Helmet (required)
- Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
- Saddle, if you would rather use your own
- Gel saddle cover (optional, if preferred)
- Bumbag for riding (optional, handlebar bag is provided)
- Reusable water bottle: it is recommended that you bring a cycling water bottle that fits into standard bottle cages on bikes (500ml, 600ml or 750ml)
CLOTHES
- Padded cycling shorts
- Sports top or cycling jersey
- Waterproof jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Buff or neck scarf
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sandals
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
- Trousers/leggings for the evenings
- Trainers/sandals
- Swimwear
OTHER
- Duffel bag, rucksack or soft suitcase (max. 80L)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or small torch
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private arrival transfer from Lisbon Airport
Payable Before Departure
Private arrival transfer from Lisbon Airport
…
Private departure transfer to Faro Airport
Payable Before Departure
Private departure transfer to Faro Airport
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 120kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Our e-biking adventures allow you to experience the beauty of nature and uncover hidden gems of a destination. An e-bike isn't just a fitness shortcut – it's your gateway to exploring further, reaching more remote and wild places. Rather than seeing e-bikes as an 'easy option,' we see them as a powerful enabler, giving you the freedom to discover areas that would otherwise be difficult to access – unlocking a whole new level of adventure.
Riding an ebike feels similar to riding a regular bike, but with a little extra oomph from the electric motor, providing a smooth, effortless boost on tough climbs or rough terrain. This allows you to focus on the journey and soak up the surroundings, without getting overly fatigued. You’ll still need to pedal, but you can easily adjust the level of assistance to match your preferences. Essentially, it’s great fun and a fantastic way to explore further.
On all of our cycling trips, we’ve found a local host who has put together a perfect route, and has expert guides to navigate for you all the way. We also send a van that transports your overnight luggage, provide high-quality bikes, and supply you with delicious snacks to keep you going.
Your e-bike will assist with about 25% of the effort on an average ride, meaning you'll provide about 75% of the effort. There will be moments when you'll need to switch to Boost mode for short bursts of power, especially on challenging terrain or steep sections. However, most of your ride will be in Eco and Trail modes, with Eco mode often being your go-to on climbs to conserve battery life throughout the day. This balance ensures a smooth, enjoyable ride while still giving you the thrill of exploration on two wheels.
In terms of speed, the power assistance on e-bikes is typically capped at around 25kph (15mph). If you want to go faster, you'll need to pedal harder! You can adjust the power levels to match your pace and terrain. Your cycling guide will brief you on how to use the different modes to optimise your ride and make the battery last:
Eco Mode: Low power for energy efficiency, giving you longer battery life on flat terrain.
Auto Mode: Automatically adjusts the power based on terrain and your pedalling effort for a more balanced ride.
Sport Mode: Provides mid-range power, ideal for moderate hills and faster cruising.
Turbo Mode: Delivers maximum power, perfect for steep hills or when you want to ride fast.
When it comes to battery power, the e-bike batteries are typically charged overnight, usually at your accommodation. There will be a couple of spare batteries in the support vehicle just in case. However, if you manage your battery usage throughout the day (for example, by avoiding using turbo mode all the time), you’ll find that the battery lasts long enough for most rides without any issues.
You’ll be riding a Trek Allant – a high-performance, aluminium-framed e-bike designed for a variety of terrains, from smooth roads to trails. These bikes are equipped with a Bosch Performance CX motor (25km/h) for excellent power on climbs and descents, and a Bosch PowerTube battery for long-lasting rides. Each bike comes with a mounted LCD digital display for easy tracking of speed, distance, and battery status.
Before your trip, your host will ask for your height to ensure the correct frame size is provided. Each bike is equipped with standard flat pedals, and male/standard saddles. If you prefer to use your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), feel free to bring them, and they’ll be fitted for you.
Yes, you will cycle point to point during the trip. Each day, you'll travel from one location to the next, cycling through stunning landscapes of the Alentejo and Algarve regions.
The guide-to-cyclist ratio on the trip is 1:8 customers; this means that for groups of nine or more, there will be two cycling guides. Throughout the trip you will also be accompanied by a support vehicle, driven by a bike mechanic.
The support vehicle will have large containers of water that you are able to top your water bottles up with. Most hotels will also provide safe drinking water so single-use water bottles should not be needed.
In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an alternative route or activity will be offered.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details
Flexible payments
Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details
Happiness Guarantee
We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 22nd March 2026
to Saturday 28th March 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
