Alentejo is Portugal's largest region. To the north, the region borders the regions of central Portugal and Lisbon. To the south, it borders the Algarve. The entire eastern side borders Spain. The western side consists of a rocky coastline with sandy beaches.
Alentejo is not as mountainous as northern Portugal, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy challenging rides here. The roads undulate endlessly through the countryside and the climbs are often longer than you might expect. The area is vast and sparsely populated. On bike rides in Alentejo, you will mostly encounter small, white villages where the real authentic Portuguese culture still prevails. There are some big cities in the region, including Évora; Alentejo's most famous city. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptionally well-preserved historic centre, which displays a rich mix of Roman, medieval and Renaissance influences.
The great thing about Alentejo is that there is something here for every discipline in cycling! For cyclists, there are beautiful, rolling roads that you can cycle on and on, with no breaks. Want to climb? Then you will be right up against the Spanish border or in the coastal area above the Algarve.
Off-road cyclists also have plenty of options here. Alentejo is considered gravel valhalla. It is a fantastic setting for a bikepacking trip because there are plenty of beautiful gravel roads and you don't at will have to make many high metres a day in this area. Every year, adventurous gravel enthusiasts are drawn to the region by the dusty plains and beautiful hilly areas that Alentejo is rich in. Not for nothing do gravel events such as the ultrachallenge Gravel Birds place, a self-supported ultra challenge.
In northern Alentejo, the landscape is rolling. This area is known for its vast montado landscape, where cork oaks and olive trees have been an important part of agriculture for centuries. Some of Portugal's best olive oils and wines are produced here.
A little further south, you end up in the plains around the city Évora, the historic heart of the Alentejo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its well-preserved Roman temple, impressive cathedral and authentic streets full of traditional, white houses. The region surrounding Évora is typical Alentejo: cereal fields, vineyards form the backdrop.
Further east from Évora, towards the Spanish border, the landscape becomes more rugged. Here you will find old fortified towns such as Elvas and Monsaraz, which were strategically built on hills and are still surrounded by impressive city walls. The large reservoirs in the area, such as the Lake Alqueva, provide a unique contrast in the arid landscape. This is a great region for gravel bikers and mountain bikers, with long gravel paths and panoramic views of the reservoir.
In southern Alentejo, the landscape is slowly beginning to change. The hills give way to the rugged, driest parts of the region. Here lies the natural park Serra de São Mamede, a lesser-known but beautiful area with winding roads through dense forests and granite peaks. This is a paradise for cyclists and hikers looking for quiet, unspoilt surroundings.
Along the west coast lies the Costa Vicentina, one of Portugal's most beautiful and unspoilt coastlines. High cliffs, rugged rock formations and deserted sandy beaches alternate. This area, part of the Natural Park Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, is perfect for adventurous cyclists who love gravel routes and challenging rides with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean in between.
Along the Alentejo coast, a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and pleasant summers. The interior has a Mediterranean-continental climate, where summers can get extremely hot and winters remain chilly but mostly dry.
In spring, temperatures in Alentejo are between 12°C and 25°C. March and April still bring regular rain (6-12 rainy days per month), but May becomes increasingly sunny. This is a ideal time to explore the region by bike: nature is in bloom, temperatures are pleasant and the roads are mostly dry.
Summer in the Alentejo is hot and dry. Along the coast, temperatures are between 22°C and 30°C, but inland it can get very hot. Regularly it is above the 35°C, sometimes even around 40°C. Rainfall is rare (0-4 rainy days per month). Cycling is most pleasant in the early morning or late evening, but preferably avoid inland areas where the heat can be intense during the day. The Costa Vicentina offers some cooling thanks to the Atlantic breeze.
September is still summer warm, with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C. From October, it slowly starts to cool down and the rainy days increase (5-10 rainy days per month). The vineyards and cork forests turn beautiful reds and golds, making this period perfect for cyclists who want to enjoy picturesque scenery.
Along the coast it remains mild, with temperatures between 8°C and 17°C. Inland, it can cool to just above freezing at night, but during the day it usually stays between freezing. 10°C and 15°C. Rainfall is highest during this period (8-14 rainy days per month), but long periods of dry weather also occur.
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