About the route

The character of the route changes gradually as you move south. The northern part is mostly flat, combining forest roads, rural landscapes and a higher share of paved sections, often used to avoid very sandy forest tracks. This area also includes Europe’s longest (60 km/37 mi) undeveloped sandy beach.

Further south, the terrain becomes more rolling and the riding more engaging. Gravel quality improves significantly, with long, well-packed roads and occasional rougher sections that add texture without becoming overly technical. Sandy patches still appear in places — usually short and manageable. Overall, the entire route remains rideable with a relaxed, pragmatic approach.

The southern sections are defined by increasingly wild coastal scenery. High cliffs rise directly above the Atlantic, landscapes feel more remote, and the sense of riding at the edge of the continent becomes tangible. Inland alternatives, especially near the Monchique range, offer a radically different experience — steeper climbs and descents, forested ridgelines and quiet valleys — contrasting sharply with the open, exposed coastal riding.

Although this route is primarily about nature and open space, it moves through a coastline shaped by centuries of human presence. Larger towns appear only at the beginning and the end — Setúbal at the start and Lagos at the finish — both lively coastal cities with strong maritime character. Setúbal feels working and local, with Arrabida Park mountains and vineyards around, while Lagos combines a historic harbour, dramatic cliffs and a relaxed, sunlit coastal energy.

Between them, the journey passes mostly through small towns and villages, where life feels slower and more intimate. Places like Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar, Carrapateira, or Aljezur offer a distinctly different rhythm — whitewashed houses, narrow streets, small cafés and viewpoints. These are not places of grand monuments, but of quiet charm and everyday Portuguese life.

Traces of history appear subtly along the way. Old fortresses and castles — near Sesimbra, Palmela, Setúbal, Santiago do Cacém, Porto Covo, Aljezur, Sagres and Lagos — reflect centuries of coastal defence, trade and navigation. Several historic lighthouses mark the route, including Cabo Espichel, Cabo Sardão and Cabo de São Vicente, each reinforcing the feeling of riding along the edge of the continent, where land meets the Atlantic.

Accommodation along this route reflects the character of the region. Large resorts are rare, and most overnight stays are in small, often family-run hotels, apartments, well-rated guesthouses and comfortable rural properties. Guesthouses typically offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, while many rural stays are renovated farmhouses or countryside lodges, providing a quiet setting close to nature with a good level of comfort, often include an on-site restaurant.

Depending on the service level you choose, we select and propose several accommodation options for each overnight stop, allowing you to choose what best fits your preferences.

Camping is also possible on this route, depending on your preferences and the overall structure of the trip.

The core route from Setúbal to Lagos typically ranges between 320 and 500 km (200–310 miles), depending on the chosen variations. Shorter versions are possible but usually require cutting out some of the most scenic sections. The route can also be extended by adding additional sections at the beginning or the end, increasing both distance and variety. Elevation depends on the selected route, ranging from approximately 400–600 m (1,300–1,970 ft) per 50 km (30 miles).

Most travellers complete this journey over 5–7 days, which allows for a comfortable daily rhythm. The route is planned individually, with daily distances and elevation adapted to your pace, preferences and selected variations.
Another popular option is to include one or more rest days along the way. These breaks allow time to recover, enjoy the coast at a slower pace and explore areas on foot — such as coastal paths and trails that are not suitable for riding.

Slow travel is another popular option. With daily distances of 25–35 km (15–22 miles), the journey often extends to 12–15 days, allowing more time for rest, beaches and exploration beyond the bike, turning the trip into a more immersive and relaxed experience.

The Gravel Coast is a year-round route. Thanks to the Atlantic influence, this coastline remains rideable and appealing throughout the year, including the winter months.

The most balanced conditions are typically found in spring and autumn — from March to June and September to November. Spring and autumn provide warm but comfortable daytime temperatures, ideal for cycling. Spring is slightly wetter, though rain is usually brief, and the landscape is at its greenest and most vibrant.

July and August are the hottest months of the year and also the peak holiday season. During this time, the coast fills with Portuguese and international travellers, accommodation prices rise, and traffic levels increase. Staying close to the ocean is especially important in summer: coastal temperatures usually remain around 26–29°C (79–84 °F), while areas just 10–15 km (6–9 miles) inland can become significantly hotter, occasionally reaching 40 °C (104 °F).

Winter, roughly from mid-December through February, is often an overlooked but excellent time to ride this route. Daytime temperatures typically sit around 14–16 °C (57–61 °F), with many sunny days and a generally quiet coast. This is also the wettest period of the year, though rain rarely lasts all day. When planning winter trips, some extra flexibility is recommended, as showers are often easier to wait out than to ride through.

Logistics on the Gravel Coast are simple and flexible, with several options depending on how you plan to continue your trip.
The route starts in Setúbal, which is effectively part of the greater Lisbon area. Setúbal is easily reached from Lisbon in about 1 hour by suburban train or around 40 minutes by taxi from the airport or city. In Setúbal, you can either pick up the bikes at our base or have them delivered directly to your hotel.

The route finishes in Lagos. From there, you can either return to Lisbon by train, including travelling together with bicycles, or choose a remote bike return, where we collect the bikes for you in Lagos or another agreed location.
If you are planning onward travel, Faro is also within easy reach and offers an airport with a wide range of European connections, making it a convenient option for continuing your journey after the ride.

We also assist with luggage logistics. Depending on your preferences and service level, we can store your main luggage during the ride and deliver it to Lagos at the end of the route, or organise daily luggage transfers between hotels, allowing you to ride light each day.

Gravel Coast works well for riders looking for a multi-day cycling journey shaped by nature, space and the Atlantic coast. Thanks to its flexible structure, it suits different riding backgrounds and travel styles.

This journey is a good fit if you:

• are planning your first self-guided bike trip or are an experienced rider looking to explore this region in depth
• value wild landscapes, open space and coastal scenery over busy routes and famous cycling corridors
• prefer small comfort hotels, guesthouses or camping, rather than large resort hotels
• want travel with your luggage on the bike or prefer riding light with luggage transfers between accommodations
• enjoy a journey focused on nature, rhythm and movement, rather than city-based sightseeing

This journey works less well if you:

• expect fully separated cycling infrastructure similar to Northern or Central Europe
• are travelling with small children
• prioritise museums, architecture and urban highlights over natural landscapes
• are looking for a highly polished, resort-based travel experience