| From some stunning sites and off the beaten track | | | | and enthusiastic for the rest of their holiday, and |
| locations from the beaches of the stylish Algarve | | | | nothing beats relaxing at the end of the day with a |
| coast, to the picturesque vineyards of Porto and the | | | | nice meal, enjoying the glow of good day's exercise. |
| Alentejo region favoured by cyclists and walkers, | | | | Another advantage cycling has over driving, apart |
| Portugal offers a range of things to do that are safe | | | | from the fuel costs, is that you are able to get much |
| for the environment, fun, and tailored according to | | | | closer to the local community and see more of day |
| what you and your family and friends want to do. | | | | to day life. Perhaps it's the slowness or the fresh air, |
| The westernmost country of mainland Europe, | | | | but you notice a great deal more of the land and sea |
| Portugal has been settled since prehistoric times, | | | | around you, and when you reach a pleasant spot and |
| occupied at various times by the Romans, and | | | | have a rest in the afternoon sun, you don't feel the |
| Visigoths, Portugal has a diverse and fascinating | | | | need to get moving again having earned the right to |
| history, both ancient and modern. Much of this can be | | | | relax for a while. |
| discovered in a range of museums, as well as plenty | | | | For families on holiday, Portugal holidays really do |
| of art, antiquities and relics from this country's past. | | | | offer more than enough options and attractions to |
| Portugal can be enjoyed at differing paces according | | | | keep everyone happy, with the coast always a |
| to your preference. A popular way to explore | | | | source of a variety of sports and leisure pursuits. |
| Portugal and its natural and manmade environment is | | | | With people viewing the importance of green |
| by a self guided cycle holiday. The entire holiday | | | | holidays, and sustainable living, more and more |
| doesn't have to be all on a bicycle, but for many | | | | holidays are now being designed around responsible |
| visitors, they can cycle from town to town, taking in | | | | use of resources and reducing energy requirements. |
| a range of spectacular countryside and coasts on | | | | Splashing about in the water has always been a |
| their way. A fitting start point would be the | | | | relatively green way of life; so with windsurfers, |
| Monchique bio park in the Algarve - a region of | | | | canoes and surfboards taking over from powerboats |
| breathtaking natural beauty with footpaths and cycle | | | | and jetskis, the Alentejo coast and countryside is |
| ways stretching for hundreds of miles, linking forests, | | | | known for its tranquility, quiet beaches, and idyllic |
| fresh water lakes and botanical gardens. From the | | | | landscape. |
| innovative energy parks and other sites of interest in | | | | Away from the crowds and the cities, Alentejo is a |
| the hill country of Monchique, the cycle route goes | | | | typically rustic and rural region of Portugal, full of |
| downhill and through the beautiful Seixe valley, then | | | | activities to do and sights to see. With |
| runs along the coast by the Cape St Vincent natural | | | | accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to stylish |
| park. | | | | self-catering villas, Portugal makes a great choice for |
| Apart from having a negligible impact on the | | | | a sustainable and green holiday that has a reduced |
| environment, cycling will also get the entire family fit | | | | impact on the environment. |