Alentejo: the gravel wine route
Experience a real gravel adventure in Portugal's most authentic setting: the Alentejo region.
© CM Borba
© José Manuel
© Associação Turismo do Porto e Norte
© Turismo Alentejo
© Turismo Alentejo
Highlights
Medieval village of Monsaraz
The megalithic monuments of Xerez
Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Arraiolos and its hand-sewn woollen tapestries
Historic town of Beja
Alentejo wines and vineyards
Traditional Alentejo cuisine
The gravel trails on the Alentejo wine route
Located in the south of Portugal and north of the Algarve, venture into the heart of the Alentejo, a region with enchanting landscapes and a deeply rooted identity. Saddle up and discover authentic Portugal, with its rolling hills, golden vineyards and villages steeped in history.
After a transfer from Lisbon, hop on your bike in Portugal at Monsaraz, a hilltop medieval town whose cobbled streets offer breathtaking views of Lake Alqueva, the largest man-made lake in Portugal and indeed in Europe. In the bright sunshine, pedal along winding trails lined with centuries-old olive trees and beautiful low stone walls. The hills are a great place to have fun on a gravel bike, both on the short climbs and on the fun descents where you ride on well-maintained tracks. On your gravel bike, the kilometres pass quickly as you reach Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Behind its well-preserved ramparts, Évora reveals a Roman temple, picturesque streets and an atmosphere of serenity.
Further on, through rolling vineyards, you cycle to Alvito. Leave your gravel bike on the warm wall of the estate, where you are invited to taste the generous wines of the Alentejo, famous for their character and finesse. As you cycle towards Beja, the countryside is transformed into a mosaic of majestic fortresses and endless plains, where every bend tells the story of the region’s rich and fascinating history. Along the way, you’re greeted by the warmth of the people of the Alentejo, proud to share their traditions, their gastronomy and their love for this luminous land.
This sporting gravel holiday, combining nature, culture and epicurean pleasures, promises total immersion in Portuguese culture, where every moment is an invitation to discover and marvel. Pedalling through landscapes bathed in light and villages steeped in history is a truly exhilarating experience. Gravel is a real plus for connecting with the soul of the Alentejo, with its authenticity, friendliness and wonder.
Fit From MONSARAZ to ÉVORA 72km 500m 
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Alentejo! You’ll leave the charming town of Monsaraz and peaceful Lake Alqueva behind to set your sights on the Monte Novo dam. Pedal through countryside and picturesque towns over hills, winding roads and thrilling gravel paths, all leading to the historic city of Évora. Feel the excitement of a playful descent to Corval, followed by the rewarding challenge of the climb to Carrapatelo. Along the way, be inspired by the endless vineyards and open skies, creating the perfect backdrop for your walk. Be sure to stop off at Valongo Castle, a solitary jewel amid the vast fields of the Alentejo, offering an unmissable snapshot of Portugal’s timeless beauty.
ÉVORA, EVORA LOOP, IN THE HEART OF ALENTEJO 79km 600m
Discover the heart of the Alentejo on two wheels, admiring historic sites, breathtaking landscapes and charming villages. Your journey begins with a ride to Arraiolos, famous for its colourful hand-sewn woollen tapestries. The climb to the hilltop castle of Arraiolos will get your heart racing, but the thrilling descent is an experience you won’t forget! The gravel paths and rugged terrain promise an exciting challenge, guiding you through rolling hills and open fields. You finish your stage in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora, with its 2,000 years of history just waiting to be explored.
From ÉVORA to ALVITO 62km 600m
Embark on a cycling adventure to Alvito, taking serene back roads and rugged paths that showcase the breathtaking scenery of the Alentejo. The journey begins with an exciting descent to the River Xarrama, followed by a long and rewarding climb to São Bartolomeu do Outeiro. Take a well-earned break to enjoy the panoramic views over the Alvito reservoir, the Ermida de São Pedro, Beja and the vast plains of the Alentejo. With the hardest part behind you, take the old back roads and dusty paths to reach Alvito. Celebrate your arrival with mouth-watering food and a glass of local wine.
From ALVITO to BEJA 65km 700m
Starting in Alvito, your journey leads north to the Albergaria dos Fusos reservoir, where you can pause for a refreshing swim or to admire the idyllic views. The journey continues through lush green landscapes and charming villages renowned for their wine production, inviting you to stop for a tasting at one of the many local wineries. The day ends with a rewarding climb and a well-deserved rest in this timeless Alentejo retreat.
BEJA, BEJA LOOP THROUGH THE OLIVE GROVES 57km 500m
Your route links the charming villages of Baleizão, Salvada, Moinho de Vento and Santa Clara Louredo, with exhilarating hills and descents along the way. Along the way, you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the Portuguese, with every stop offering cosy cafés, traditional restaurants and stunning views.
At the end of the walk, don’t forget that you’re still in the Alentejo, the land of exceptional food and wine! Celebrate your journey with a glass of local red wine, toasting the triumphs of your itinerary.
From BEJA to LISBON (airport), Airport Shuttle
After breakfast, our team will take you to Lisbon airport.
End of your stay
Have a safe return!
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1340€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The routes described on the following media :
- An app to follow the routes step by step
- A practical, descriptive and digital route book in English with all our recommended addresses.
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
- Day 1 : Private shuttle - LISBONNE (aéroport) - MONSARAZ
- Day 7 : Private shuttle - BEJA - LISBONNE (aéroport)
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks with dinner (unless otherwise stated), visits not mentioned in ‘Price includes’ and other personal expenses.
- Local tax
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in cycling holidays in Portugal:
- Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cyclilng interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception on the first day of your trip by a local guide that will provide you the travel documents (reception in English or Portuguese)
- Luggage transfer service
- Local telephone assistance from 9am to 8pm (English or Portuguese)
- 7/7 helpline from 8.30am to 8pm from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
A simplified route tracking:
- A digital road book to find all useful addresses, recommended restaurants and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit.
- An application to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- (for an optional fee): rental of a GPS to ease tracking without using your smartphone.
And also:
- Rental of technical and comfortable bikes, ideal for this varied route combining roads and paths.
- The possibility of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Gravel BikeBrand : 3T Model : Exploro Ultra Frame : carbon Drivetrain : Groupe Shimano GRX 1×12 Pannier rack Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : LISBONNE (aéroport)
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at 6h from MADRID
- at more than 16h from GENEVE
Coming by train
- Lisbonne Oriente train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lisbonne airport
Arrival city : LISBONNE (aéroport)
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at 6h from MADRID
- at more than 16h from GENEVE
Coming by train
- Lisbonne Oriente train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lisbonne airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Gravel Bike : our advices :
- Tires: 38 to 45mm
- Braquets :
- Single Crankset: 38 or 40 with cassette 11-42
- Double crankset: 43-31 with cassette 11/36
- Disc brakes
- Automatic pedals
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet
- Cycling Bib shorts
- 1 pair of Legs Warmer
- 1 pair of Arms Warmer
- Short sleeve jerseys
- Long sleeve jerseys or thermal Jacket
- Base layer (short or long) (merino or synthetic)
- Sport socks
- Wind Jacket
- Rain proof jacket
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 2 cycling bottles
- 1 bike lock
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit : 1 or 2 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, drift chain and quick couplers, derailleur hanger, multi-tool
- Daily use kit : Foot pump, cloth, oil, brake pads, spare tire
Other
- Suitcase ( for transporting personal effects in luggage transfer)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evening
- Jersey and towel
- Set of Toiletries
- Mobile phone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From January 4th to December 15th
Destination Portugal
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Leisure
From LISBON (aiport) to MONSARAZ, Airport Shuttle
Welcome to Lisbon.
Our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Monsaraz.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.