Into the Algarve: Vicentina Natural Park

The day was overcast to start and somewhat cool and misty. I even had to ‘fish out’ a long-sleeve top for the first time since we’ve been here.

We made good time out of town across a long bridge that took us across the Mira River.

Our first stop was a detour to the farol (lighthouse) at Cabo Sardâo - 21 kms.

Amazing: sensational views and gorgeous flowers! 

And the storks have built precariously positioned nests on the top of the cliffs on rocky outcrops. Talk about a room with a view!

Can you see the stork in its nest?

Passed some large covered market gardens and protea farms.

Coming across a number of hikers now doing the Rota Vicentina (the long-distance walk along the coast). At one point we cycled out on one of the timber walkways - the path was closed at the end due to unstable cliffs!

Yep, I climbed up into bird hide for that shot!

After 16 kms more, we arrive into Zambujeira do Mar, a pretty, whitewashed village perched at the top of a giant cliff overlooking a wide, sandy bay - coffee and cake here.

We continued on - via three praias (beaches) in total up and down - argh. Oh, these were real ‘heart-break hills’ of the worst possible kind with an open hexagonal ‘cobbled’ concrete surface - appalling for bike riding. 

We descended (which was very nice but muted by the knowledge this would inevitably mean another uphill which involved walking up - I counted over 300 steps - pushing the bikes); and we had to do this THREE times! Of course, the mist had burned off by now and we were now in the midday sun (although not as bad as in Central Portugal) as we are picking up sea breezes down the coast, thank goodness.

Another ‘bash’ at the N120 into Odeceixe after nice quiet back roads; it wasn’t too bad with traffic and we had a nice downhill run in.

Odeceixe is perched on a hill, overlooking the estuary of the River Seixe that straddles the borders between the Alentejo and the Algarve. 

We have noticed how every creek and river we cross is dry - and then today going into Odeceixe, the river Seixe actually DOES have water!

This really is a hikers’ town.

Had a most excellent lunch here and got food to take on to our accommodation (thoughtfully packed for us by the people at the restaurant: vegetable risotto and a salad with goats cheese).

A very big climb out of Odeceixe then a bit of riding on the busy N120 and then onto a rural road to our accommodation (a restored farmhouse - with a pool!) what they call a ‘Turismo Rural’: out in the middle of nowhere - actually: João Roupeiro (so no castles to visit!) - but what an oasis. A lovely young couple run it and he is from Mornington!

Glad to be in though, as a big thunderstorm storm appeared out of nowhere about 5 pm and it poured rain!

Cycled 55.4 kms; climbed 380 m.