Grande Travessia Rota Vicentina

02/12/2022 08:00

This recently developped Grande Travessia by the Rota Vicentina association offers a three day round trip for keen mountain bikers. Dipping in and out of the Vicentina natural park, it is designed to link all of the region's MTB trail centres in one route of 145 km. Some detours to our accommodations will add a few extra kms, but will be well worth it as we travel through this authentic and rural South Western corner of Portugal. The route starts at the little train station village Amoreiras Gare and concludes near the reservoir in Santa Clara-a-Velha.

This fully guided adventure is packed with contrasting scenery and some testing daily profiles, but the route avoids any serious technical sections and is designed to be on intermediate level. It is ideal for those who love the thrill of cycling in the open country side but don't particularly want the added challenge of tricky and technical terrain.

   

Itinerary

Day 1: Amoreira Gare to São Luis (53km)
We will meet in Loulé and aim to leave around 08.00 hrs and transfer directly to Amoreiras Gare. This first day takes us cross country along quiet roads and tracks, through low density farmland and onto more hilly terrain, where we may even catch our first view of the Atlanttic ocean. On to picturesque São Luis where we will stay overnight in a beautiful traditional family-run country house set on a quiet hill, surrounded by sweeping farmland and old cork trees.
 
Day 2: São Luis to Zambujeira do Mar (55km)
We have all day to cycle around 55 km to our next stay close to Zambujeira do Mar. The route passes through Odemira, a quaint town with plenty of cafés and restaurants, so a perfect spot for some coffee or lunch. Odemira derives its name from its vicinity to the Mira river, once an important means of communication and transportation to the outside world. Now it is a significant commercial centre for the farmers and inhabitants from the surrounding countryside but retains some of its old charm with the steep narrow streets.
Leaving Odemira along the river Mira, we will pass through unspoilt countryside on the way to São Teotónio, where cafés can be found in the pretty square in the middle of town. we will then head towards the coast for our stay in a beautifully renovated farmhouse nestled between the mountains and the sea.
 
Day 3: Zambujeira do Mar to Santa Clara-a-Velha (40km)
This morning we will set out after breakfast and cycle the last stage to Santa Clara-a-Velha, a delightful little village built around its 16th century church, and which is full to the brim with authentic rural character and charm. Set perfectly around the lake and the surrounding Eucalyptus forests, it is a calming, natural spot for a quick lunch before transferring back to Loulé in the afternoon.
 
   

Pricing

  • Price based upon two people sharing a twin or double bedded room: €275 pp
  • Single room accommodation subject to availability: €350 pp, please specify if preferred

Including:

  • Transfer between the central Algarve and Amoreiras Gare on day 1
  • Transfer back to the Algarve from Santa Clara-a-Velha on day 3
  • 2 nights b&b stay in comfortable guesthouse or hotel based on 2 persons sharing a double room
  • Daily luggage transfer between accommodations
  • Guided riding in small groups of similar level
Not including:
  • Flights to and from the Algarve
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • MTB rental
  • Helmets and clip in pedals available at a small fee, we suggest you bring your own
  • Personal accident insurance, which we strongly recommend you take out
   
 

For more information: toursandtracks@mail.telepac.pt

In cooperation with: Algarve Bike Holidays

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