Cycling around Lisbon

This 5-day cycling city break combines Lisbon's history and gastronomy with two natural parks, Sintra-Cascais and Arrábida. Easy days with a challenge here and there make it a relaxed way to see and taste the region's heritage, with a guide and support van throughout.

Day one on the bike starts in Monsanto Park and rolls down through Lisbon's historic squares to the Tagus and Belém Tower, with stops for ginjinha and pastel de nata. Next comes Sintra, a stroll through its aristocratic village, a view from Pena Palace, then a forest ride past granite boulders and down to the beach and on to Cascais.

The final ride runs from the hilltop castle of Palmela through Azeitão, with a tile factory and a winery visit, across the Arrábida Natural Park to the fishing town of Sesimbra and its Moorish castle. Nights are spent in Lisbon, a converted convent in Palmela and a seaside hotel in Sesimbra.

Highlights

• Guided ride through Lisbon's historic centre to Belém Tower
• Sintra village, Pena Palace views and a forest descent to the coast
• Coastal ride to Cascais with a beach stop
• Night in the Pousada de Palmela, a converted convent
• Tile factory and José Maria da Fonseca winery in Azeitão
• Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra Castle

Surface and terrain
City streets, forest roads and coastal paths. The Lisbon and Sintra days are described as all downhill and flat. The Palmela to Sesimbra day crosses the hilly Arrábida Natural Park and is rated Medium.

Weather
Mild Atlantic climate around Lisbon, with warm, sunny summers tempered by sea breezes, and mild winters bringing most of the rain. Sintra is often cooler and misty. Spring and autumn are ideal.

Suitable for
Leisure riders wanting a short, fully supported city break that mixes easy cycling with sightseeing, food and wine. Suits couples, friends and first-time cycle tourers, with e-bikes available.