Núcleo de Odemira
Cabo Sardão (OD)
65 KM
There is no doubt that this route deserves the colour it has, starting with a very steep and tarmac covered climb. But it doesn’t stop here! Throughout the course there are countless other difficulties, namely 3 single tracks and a forded stream crossing.
The route takes the cyclist to the coast and runs a good part of the coast between Cape Sardão and Zambujeira do Mar, two emblematic places of the region.
As you approach the sea, forests give way to vast areas of agriculture (sometimes intensive) and grazing, before reaching the Atlantic.
From Cape Sardão, and for 6 km, you follow a spectacular coastal path along the cliffs with panoramic sea views!
The routes crosses several villages such as Malavado, Fataca, Cavaleiro, Zambujeira do Mar and passes close to Brejão.
Datasheet
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Very difficult
TYPE: Anti-clockwise circuit
LENGTH: 65 km
DURATION: 3h15 to 4h45
MARKED ROUTE: No
ACCUMULATED LEVEL: 740m
MAX ALTITUDE: 145m
MIN. ALTITUDE: 3m
TECHNICAL LEVEL: 3 (5)
PHYSICAL LEVEL: 3.5 (5)
ADVISED SEASON: All year round avoiding temperatures over 30º
Tips
Most notable points of this circuit:
– Cabo Sardão with its mythical lighthouse and the stunning, unexpected and almost unique stork nests on the cliffs. The lighthouse can be visited on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm.
– Barca’s entrance and its fishing port.
– Zambujeira do Mar, a cosmopolitan beach resort with its superb beaches and a must-see seaside walk.
– Visit to the Bamboo Park
Support Points:
10 Km – Malavado
12 Km – Fataca
21 Km – Cavaleiro
32 Km – Entrada da Barca
36 Km – Zambujeira do Mar
49 Km – Malavado (proximidade)
62 Km – Boavista dos Pinheiros
Warnings
The route crosses several national and municipal roads that can sometimes be very busy. Caution is recommended.
At the end of the first single track there is a waterline crossing that can be impassable after heavy rainfall. In this situation you have to continue straight until the road, turn right to Malavado and then resume the route.
The path along the coast after Cape Sardão has a lot of sand in some places and coincides with the very popular and busy Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail.
We therefore recommend extra attention due to the risk of unexpected sand appearing and the more likely presence of walkers.
The second and third single tracks pass along irrigation canals.
Sections in common with routes of the same headtrail
05 West Mira
09 Milfontes
Links with other Headtrails
São Teotónio – 14 Cabo Sardão
