Portugal

Atlantic Trails

Guided Mountain Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$2,845 P.P.
BOOK NOW
Search Holidays
View Reviews
11
This mountain bike holiday will give you a great taste of some of Portugal's most fantastic biking. The journey takes us on a tour of the highlights in the Lisbon region and its many great riding areas. While not well-known outside of Portugal, local riders have been enjoying these trails for years and included in the trip are two of Portugal’s picturesque natural parks; Sintra and Arrabida.
The riding on this mountain biking trip is varied and interesting, with trails ranging from wide-open paths to tight and technical singletrack. On many of the days we have the chance to pick from a selection of trails, allowing us to cater the riding to the needs of the group. If you are a regular rider but dont think you are quite up to a week in the high mountains then this is the ideal trip.
Starting out south of the city we explore the coastal Alentejo province and the Arrabida Natural Park. Moving on to the coastal region west of Lisbon we spend a day ‘lost’ in the network of trails that have been created within Sintra Natural Park before heading north along the coast and into the Portuguese countryside.
Staying relatively close to the coast means that we are never far from our creature comforts. One of the biggest highlights of the tour is the area’s fantastic food and extremely high quality accommodation. We'll be staying in hilltop castles and luxury hotels, allowing plenty of chance for relaxing after each day of your biking adventure.
portugese-local-culture-rural-villages-cycling-holiday-portugal.jpgs
View Full Screen Map >>

Highlights

  • The superb trails in Lisbon’s beautiful Natural Parks
  • Magnificent ocean views from the highest peaks of Sintra
  • Exploring the rural villages of the ‘Zona Saloia’
  • Our local team’s favourite woodland singletrack
  • Pedalling to picturesque Palmela Castle
  • Vimeiro and its Atlantic Ocean vistas

Back to Top

My favourite day was the last day from Sintra along the coast. The views were fabulous, really good fun!

Cathy, UK

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival: Lisbon / Santiago do Cacém
Non Riding Day
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Dinner

After collection from Lisbon Airport (LIS) we transfer to a rural hotel in Santiago do Cacém, around 1.5 hours drive south of Lisbon. We’ll stay here for the next two nights. We will take time to build our bikes, size up rental bikes and have a meeting to discuss the upcoming adventure before sitting down to the first taste of fantastic local cuisine.

Close
Day 2
Costa Vicentina Loop Ride
40 Miles / 65 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 760 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 760 Metres Approx.

Today we start riding directly from the hotel. We will be completing a tour in a part of the Costa Vicentina protected area that extends alongside the western Atlantic coast all the way to the Algarve. The landscape is mainly forests of very luxuriant vegetation which are full of trails meandering through the valleys and over the short but sometimes steep hills. We will eventually get to the coast at the beautiful village of Porto Covo and ride north along the coastline before meeting a reservoir hidden in the forest. On our way back to the hotel we will visit Castelo de Santiago do Cacém (Santiago’s Castle).

The hotel is known for its cuisine so we may well be in for a treat. But before dinner, if the weather allows it, you are invited for a swim in the pool in the hotels grounds and a couple of beers as nice way to stay hydrated and recover your body after a long day on the saddle.

Show Profile
Close
Day 3
Santiago do Cacém - Palmela (via Serra de Arrabida)
19 Miles / 31 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.

This morning we take a short transfer to Troia and a quick ferry crossing from Troia to Setubal. We then set off to explore the natural park of Arrabida, the highest point of which reaches 500m. There are magnificent ocean views and amazing singletrack in the forest with a few more technical sections here and there. The vegetation and climate makes us feel like we are on the Mediterranean rather than the Atlantic Coast.

We finish the ride in the village of Palmela located on the north entrance of the Arribida natural park before arriving at a wonderful Pousada Castelo Palmela hotel, which is located inside historic Palmela Castle perched high on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. This incredible location is where we will be staying for tonight and will be one of your finest memories from the trip.

Show Profile
Close
Day 4
Palmela - Sintra
16 Miles / 26 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 840 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 840 Metres Approx.

After a quick transfer, today we start our ride on the western-most point of the European continent at Cape da Roca. Our ride take us up into Sintra Natural Park to discover the hidden beauties of its lush forest. The riding alternates from forest double tracks to brilliant single tracks inside the very dense forest. The end is in the beautiful village of Sintra, a world heritage site, and our cosy small hotel for the next 2 nights is located in the centre to allow for an easy must-do visit to the several palaces and other historic sites of this romantic place.

Dinner is normally taken at a restaurant in the village.

Show Profile
Close
Day 5
The Sintra Mountains Loop Ride
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,090 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,090 Metres Approx.

This time we aim to reach the top of the notorious trig point called “Monge” from where we will descend on some technical forest single tracks as far as the ocean. Our return route will take us back to the mountainous ridge inside the park from where we will finally descend back to Sintra on another tight single track for an enthusiastic finale in the village where we should celebrate around the famous lovely pastries in a local café.

Show Profile
Close
Day 6
Sintra - Ericeira (The Western Shoreline)
27 Miles / 44 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,125 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,125 Metres Approx.

We start riding from the hotel and venture through the park once again, heading west to arrive eventually at the seafront. From here we ride north following trails along the hills and the shoreline. The many beaches and neighbouring cliffs provide glorious views. The ride gets more demanding as we head into more rugged terrain and test our skills crossing numerous streams and rivers we come across along the way.

Our hotel in Ericeira is built on a cliff overlooking the sea providing a relaxing vista of the ocean from our bedroom windows. We’ll go for dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Show Profile
Close
Day 7
Departure: Ericeira / Lisbon
Non Riding Day
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we transfer to Lisbon airport (around 45 minutes) to say our goodbyes and board our return flights.

Close

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

Learn More

Back to Top

The Cycling

Terrain

This holiday takes in a wide range of landscapes from the impressive cliffs of the Atlantic Coast to the beautiful Arribida and Sintra Natural Parks.

The riding focuses on fun, with a mixture of dirt paths, 4×4 tracks and a variety of singletrack ranging from easy to technical. Quiet roads are sometimes used to link the trails together, and you may experience some traffic as you head in and out of Sintra.

As with most of our holidays the odd cheeky climb makes an appearance though these are generally short and rewarded by fantastic views. Surfaces range from dry, dusty tracks to forest trails and can occasionally be rocky.

picturesque-adventure-cycling-holiday-atlantic-trails-portugal.jpg

Mountain Biking Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 - 4: Moderate/ Challenging

25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day

Aspects of both our grade 3 and 4 trips

For mountain bikers with some experience of singletrack and steeper terrain

May include rocky features and switchbacks

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Trips that are graded as a 3-4, will have aspects of both our grade 3 and 4 trips. If you have experience of off road riding on a variety of terrain, and would like a taste of more challenging terrain, a grade 3-4 trip could be for you. Terrain will include singletrack and steep sections (both up and down) which require more bike handling ability. Shorter technical and demanding features such as rocks, roots and tricky climbs will be encountered on occasion on most days. A day’s ride can see you on the trails for around 8 hours (with breaks) and covering between 25-50 miles depending on the terrain. If you’re generally fit and manage to ride frequently this could be the level for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

Back to Top

As usual every detail of the holiday had been meticulously planned so that everything ran like clockwork. Amazing service!

Simon, UK

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $500 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
11/05/2025
Return Date
17/05/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,845.00
Close Select
Start Date
07/09/2025
Return Date
13/09/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,845.00
Close Select

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid

E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Lisbon airport (LIS)

G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Lisbon airport (LIS)

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

Back to Top

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Your tour starts in Santiago do Cacém and finishes in Vimeiro.

Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday and both the arrival and return transfer from / back to Lisbon airport (LIS) will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule.

We will provide you with details of suitable flight/arrival/departure schedules as flight timetables become available.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to make sure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this holiday is an excellent selection of small, high-quality hotels in fantastic locations and often with views to die for! Accommodation is in shared twin or double rooms, however single rooms are generally available (and incur an additional supplement).

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent. These are typically very good mountain bikes featuring front suspension, disc brakes and good quality components.

If you do decide to rent we can include a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip. Please request helmets at the time of booking.

Back to Top

News, Reviews & Stories

Portugal - exploring this gem by bike

5 reasons why we love it so much! Enjoy the stunning beaches, wine, food and culture of this beautiful country...

Meet our team in Portugal!

12 Hours in... Lisbon!

Check out what makes Lisbon a must-see in our new city guide!

Reviews

11

SHOW MORE

You May Also Like...

leisure-cycling-holiday-italy-tuscany.jpg
  • Italy
  • Duration: 7 days

Tuscany - Sacred Routes

Guided Mountain Bike Tour
saddle_skedaddle_sardinia_2023_day7__231-0-0123.jpg
  • Italy
  • Duration: 8 days

Sardinia - Coast to Coast

Guided Mountain Bike Tour
Spain-Sierras-Explorer-mtb-Mountain-bike-Holiday (6).jpg
  • Spain
  • Duration: 7 days

Sierras Explorer

Guided Mountain Bike Tour
Contact Us
Give Us A Call on:
1-888-414-6437
Drop us an email on:

Back to Top