A Journey through time
Cycling on backroads from Lisbon to Seville

This fascinating road ride takes us across the Iberian peninsula from the magical port town of old Lisbon to romantic & monumental Seville. Ride on quiet backroads crossing rivers by boat & through sleepy Alentejo villages. Cycle through the stunning Aracena Nature reserve & feel the history of this proud land unfold before you. Integral Point to Point ride with no transfers – ideal for Charity groups looking for challenging rides.

Fact File:

Trip outline:
Our journey takes us between Portugal & Spain discovering the surprising cultural & architectural differences between them while enjoying a landscape of great diversity. Our journey starts as it would have done for any old world traveller leaving Lisbon - crossing the River Tejo by ferry. We ride through the Arrabidal Nature Reserve overlooking the sandy coves & the intense blue of the Atlantic. From Sétubal we use a ferry once again to cross over to Troia & we ride along a river estuary of dunes & pine forests. A dramatic change awaits us as we cross into the Alenteijo region as we ride on small country roads through a region of huge rolling wheat fields studded with cork oaks & wild olive. We explore the old fortress of Alcocer, the intact roman temple of Évora, wander through the quaint arab backstreets of Moura or visit an intact medieval charcoal works.

As we cross into Spain we ride into Andalucía where a landscape of rugged forested hills & tiny villages awaits us. Quiet roads lined with bracken, chestnut & oak trees lead us into the Aracena Nature Park where we have the option of visiting the huge laberynthine caves below Aracenas medieval castle. Finally we ride out of the sierras and into Seville, arguably one of Europes prettiest & most romantic cities. We have time to explore the magnificent cathedral, the old Jewish quarter or to relax strolling along the palm tree lined banks of the Guadalquivir river.

Biking Profile:
This is a challenging ride due to the distances involved although the terrain itself is not too arduous. The longest climbs are on the first days ride as we leave Lisbon on the only small backroads available to us through the Arrabidal Nature Reserve. After this the terrain is gently rolling with occasional climbs not too steep. The longest days ride is the last day to Seville at 113km. on good quality roads with a major proportion on flat or gradual downhill. Option of a rest day by adding a day to the itinerary.

Example Itinerary:

Day 1 Transfer from Lisbon airport to our centrally located hotel in the Baixa area of old Lisbon overlooking the port. This hotel is perfectly situated for visiting the sights & monuments of historic Lisbon. Group welcome, introduction to itinerary & bike fitting (if flight timing allows). Dinner. Option of 2-4* Hotels.

Day 2 Lisbon to Sétubal - 71km. Leave our hotel by bicycle through the historic 18th.C. Praça de Comercio to the ferry terminal. Cross the Tejo river to Barreiro and cycle small backroads through residential areas to Coina from where we enjoy a gentle ride through thick pine forests. Ride through small fishing hamlets & seaside resorts to Sesimbra before crossing into Arrábida National Park. Steep climbs through an area of dense scrub overlooking sandy coves. Thrilling downhill past a sixteenth century convent to the port town of Sétubal. Dinner & overnight Hotel centrally located near the passenger port.

Day 3 Sétubal to Évora - 110km (85km.*) Once again we take a ferry across the river, this time the Rio Sado. Disembark in Troia & ride along its quiet sandy peninsula sandwiched between the Sétubal bay & the river. We turn inland along quiet roads to fortress town of Alcácer at one time famous for its salt pans. Enjoy a coffee & pastries overlooking the river. Optional visit to castle. Turn inland towards the Alenteixo region into a terrain of wheat & sunflower fields dotted with olive trees & cork oaks. Arrive at medieval gateway to Évora. Evening walking tour of Roman temple, old palaces, moorish alleyways & relaxing squares. Dinner in a typical restaurant in the old town. 2* & 4* Hotel option. (*Option of reducing the ride by 25km. today & transferring last section to Évora then return transfer D4 to finish point today).

Day 4 Évora to Moura - 97km. Todays cycling takes us on gentle roads linking up one sleepy market town to the next. Tractors, flatbed jeeps, trucks loaded with cattle, herds of goats & sheep & the occasional cart being pulled by donkey are common sights. In Viana do Alentejo we visit striking parish church & medieval town hall within the walls of a 14th.C. castle. Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route before crossing the Alvito reservoir. Arrive Portel crowned with a castle. Cross the Guadiaro river & see the new dam that will flood valleys. Arrive Moura a small monument town of manor houses, leafy parks & quiet streets. 3* Hotel option.

Day 5 Moura to Almonaster la Real – 95km. Leaving Moura we pass by working charcoal burning kilns & visit. Tiny country road lead us to Safara where we enjoy a coffee stop amidst clacking storks by the old church. Cross into Spain at frontier town of Rosal de la Frontera. Lunch followed by ride on very quiet N. road (can be transferred). Cycle into Aracena Natural Park a wilderness of dense cork oak & chestnut woods. Ride through Cortegana with option of visiting Templar castle. Finish ride in Almonaster la Real considerd one of Spains’ prettiest towns. Evening walk with visit to Church, 9th.C. Mosque & charming plazas. Option of 2-3* Hotels.

Day 6 Almonaster la Real to Aracena – Rest day: 28km. A relaxing days riding with a late start so we can all have a good lie-in! Tiny winding roads take us from Extremadura to Andalucía along valley roads with surrounding hills planted with eucalyptus & conifer. As we approach Aracena thick forests surround the town with views doen into deep valleys & white villages. Aracena is one of the jewels of western Andalucía, a lime painted market town with crowning Church & Castle. Afternoon option of visiting the deep laberynthine caves that work their way under the fortress topped hill. Evening introduction Andalucían custom of the 'tapeo' and will try out maybe 10 different plates of local specialities at dinner. Option of various 3* Hotels.

Day 7 Aracena to Seville - 113km. Start todays ride with a long downhill through eucalyptus lined hills towards the mining areas near Aznalcollar. Easy riding with some gentle climbs take us to Gerena & onto the Seville plains. Cross into Seville across the Rivera de Huelva bridge & follow quiet residential roads into the centre of the city. We cross the Guadalquivir river & cycle along its banks overlooking the Cartuja Monastery. Official route finishing point in Plaza Nueva. Check into Hotel followed by leisurely horse drawn carriage tour through Sevilles parks & along its palm lined river bank. The end of our journey is celebrated with a visit to a few of Seville’s many tapas bars and lively night spots. Option of 2-5* Hotels.

Day 8 Departure Breakfast followed by transfer to airport & farewells. Option of extra days in Seville.

For a more detailed itinerary please contact James at discoverAndalucia.