Section 1: - M522 (6.6 Km)

The stage begins by leaving the streets of Portalegre behind to join the N246-2, a national road that soon sheds its urban feel and heads into the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Over the first kilometers, traffic gradually fades away and the pace becomes much calmer, inviting you to enjoy the scenery without hurry.

The road is in very good condition, with a medium-width carriageway and a succession of broad, flowing bends that make it easy to link turns naturally. On both sides there are stone walls, small scattered houses and, a little later, perfectly aligned vineyards covering the gentle slopes, creating one of the most characteristic scenes in this part of the Alentejo.

As we leave the last houses behind, the air becomes cooler and cleaner, scented with Mediterranean vegetation and earth warming in the sun. The only sound breaking the silence is the engine, accompanying a relaxed ride, while the views begin to open out toward the first hills of the range.

We are still in the opening stretches of the stage, a good moment to settle into the rhythm of the day and start enjoying a ride that will grow in beauty kilometer after kilometer.

The section ends at a fork, where we must keep left to join the M522 road and continue the route.

End of section

Section 2: M522 - M521 (9.1 Km)

As soon as we join the M522, one of the most appealing sections of this stage begins. The road plunges right into the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, where traffic practically disappears and nature becomes the real star of the ride.

The road is narrow, with asphalt in excellent condition and a steady succession of medium-radius bends that call for attentive but deeply rewarding riding. The route winds between gentle hills, small valleys and slopes covered with cork oaks, holm oaks and pine woods, offering a very enjoyable ride for any motorcyclist.

As we make our way along, wide panoramas open up over the hills of the Alto Alentejo. The landscape changes constantly, alternating wooded stretches with clearings from which you can see meadows dotted with wildflowers, stone walls and small livestock farms. In spring the air is heavy with the scent of rockroses and Mediterranean scrub, while the only sounds accompanying the ride are the engine and the song of the birds.

It is a stretch to be enjoyed without rushing, linking curve after curve while the road naturally follows the shape of the mountain. With a little over fifteen kilometres covered since leaving Portalegre, the feeling is that you have completely left the urban world behind and entered one of the quietest and best-preserved corners of the Serra de São Mamede.

After just over 15 km of the stage, we reach a roundabout, where we must take the exit on the right to join the M521 and continue the route.

End of section

Section 3: M521 - Sao Juliao (4.3 Km)

The M521 continues deep into the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. The road keeps its excellent surface and its winding character, linking gentle bends and changes in gradient that invite you to enjoy a smooth ride as the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous.

The surroundings are dominated by dense forests of cork oaks, holm oaks and pines, alternating with small meadows and slopes covered in Mediterranean vegetation. At many moments you can hear nothing but the engine, the wind through the trees and the birdsong, a pleasant sense of isolation that makes this stretch one of the calmest of the stage.

The road crosses the small settlement of Montinho, where a few houses briefly break the dominance of nature. From here, lovely views open up again over the hills of the sierra, dotted with olive groves and patches of woodland that change color with the season.

The route continues alternating bends and small descents until reaching São Julião, a quiet mountain village perfectly integrated into the landscape of the natural park, where the pace of life seems to flow to the same rhythm as the road.

End of section

Section 4: Sao Juliao - M517 (20 Km)

This is one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire stage. As soon as you leave São Julião, the road once again enters the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, winding through a mountain landscape where bends, woodland and sweeping views follow one another almost without pause.

The M1044 offers an excellent surface and a modest width, perfect for enjoying smooth riding. The route constantly snakes along the slopes of the mountain range, alternating open bends with tighter ones and the occasional change in gradient that means you always have to stay alert.

As we move on, magnificent views open up over the valleys that surround the range. The green tones of the cork oaks, holm oaks and pine forests blend with meadows dotted with wildflowers and small agricultural holdings. The clean mountain air, the scent of Mediterranean vegetation and the silence, only broken by the engine, turn this ride into a true delight for the senses.

At several points, it is worth lifting your eyes from the tarmac for a moment to take in the horizon. From here, you get some of the best panoramic views of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, a protected area that is home to one of Portugal’s greatest biodiversities and forms the main mountain system of the Alto Alentejo.

In the final part of the stretch, the road begins a gentle descent back into a more inhabited setting, passing through small whitewashed villages from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the fortress of Marvão, perched atop an impressive rocky spur. It is an image that is hard to forget and one of the great tourist icons of this region.

The stretch ends at a junction where we need to join the M517 to continue the route.

End of section

Section 5: M517 - Arronches (15.3 Km)

The M517 gradually leaves behind the more mountainous areas of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park and heads into a more open, gentler landscape. The road remains in excellent condition and has a pleasant layout, combining long straights with wide bends that let you enjoy relaxed riding.

The surroundings change gradually. Dense forests give way to the Alentejo dehesa, where holm oaks and cork oaks stand scattered across vast grasslands. It is common to see herds grazing freely, small farms and old stone estates that reflect the rural character of this region.

Along the way we pass through small settlements such as Vale de Cavalos and Mosteiros, where a few white houses break the stillness of the landscape. The scent of grass, the birdsong and the almost total lack of traffic turn this stretch into a true ride through the Alto Alentejo.

As we approach Arronches, the terrain becomes even flatter and broad views open out over the dehesas surrounding the town. The road invites you to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace as we near one of the historic towns on the Portuguese border.

If you have time, it is well worth spending a few minutes exploring Arronches. Its historic centre preserves remains of the old medieval walls, the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção and pleasant squares where you can pause before continuing the route.

End of section

Section 6: Arronches - Nossa Senhora da Graça de Degolados (15.5 Km)

When we leave Arronches, we join the N371, a road completely different from the ones we have ridden over the last few kilometers. The bends almost disappear altogether and give way to a straight layout that crosses the vast plains of the Alto Alentejo.

The road has an excellent surface, a good width and very little traffic, so it is ideal for riding at a relaxed pace while enjoying the scenery. On both sides stretch great dehesas dotted with holm oaks and cork oaks, meadows where cows and sheep graze, and vast cultivated fields that seem to disappear into the horizon.

The feeling of openness is constant. The wind, the song of the birds and the hum of the engine are practically the only sounds that accompany this stretch. From time to time, small farm tracks and old estates appear, recalling the strongly livestock-oriented character of this border district.

To our right lies the Barragem do Abrilongo and, a little farther south, the large Caia reservoir, two important water reserves that supply much of this region and enrich the landscape with broad sheets of water visible from certain points along the route.

In the last few kilometers, the first houses of Nossa Senhora da Graça de Degolados begin to appear, a peaceful settlement very close to the Spanish border, known for preserving the calm atmosphere of the small Alentejo villages.

End of section

Section 7: Nossa Senhora da Graça de Degolados - N373 (14.3 Km)

We leave Nossa Senhora da Graça de Degolados to follow a quiet secondary road that once again immerses us in the vastness of the Alentejo landscape. The pavement is in very good condition and traffic is practically nonexistent, making for relaxed riding as the road links gentle bends between wide-open dehesas.

The landscape is dominated by scattered holm oaks and cork oaks over broad meadows, where it is not unusual to find livestock grazing freely. The sense of space is absolute and the horizon fades away among fields of crops, small farms, and patches of Mediterranean vegetation that change color with each season.

For much of the route the road follows the course of the Ribeira de Abrilongo and later that of the Xévora River, two waterways that add a pleasant contrast to the landscape and create small areas of denser vegetation. The clean air, the scent of the countryside, and the hum of insects here replace the noise of traffic.

Although the route is straightforward, the gentle curves and small changes in direction break up the monotony of the long straights, making the ride entertaining and very enjoyable to take on the motorcycle without any hurry.

At the end of the section we reach a T-junction, where we must turn left to join the N373 road.

End of section

Section 8: N373 - Campo Maior (8.3 Km)

We join the N373 to head toward Campo Maior, a wide road with excellent pavement that allows for a ride in complete comfort. The route offers hardly any difficulty and alternates long straight stretches with very gentle bends that cross the distinctive landscape of the Alto Alentejo.

The surroundings remain dominated by holm oak and cork oak dehesas, broad meadows and vast agricultural fields where the horizon seems endless. Traffic is very light and the ride is especially relaxing, accompanied by the scent of the countryside and the sound of the birds that inhabit these plains.

Little by little, the first farms and a few scattered houses begin to appear, announcing the proximity of Campo Maior. The road becomes a little busier, although it remains very pleasant to ride on a motorcycle.

Arriving in Campo Maior means a change of scenery. We enter one of the most important towns in eastern Alentejo, famous for its historic bastioned walls, for the spectacular Festas do Povo, in which thousands of paper flowers decorate its streets, and for being home to the headquarters of the coffee company Delta Cafés, a true national symbol in Portugal.

End of section

Section 9: Campo Maior - Santa Eulália (16.6 Km)

We leave Campo Maior on the N243, a wide national road with excellent pavement that takes us back toward the calm of the great Alentejo plains. Traffic quickly thins out and the landscape opens up again in every direction, inviting us to ride at a relaxed pace.

For much of the route, the road runs alongside the impressive Barragem do Caia, one of the largest reservoirs in Portugal. At several points, magnificent views open over its waters, in contrast with the gentle hills and the vast dehesas of holm oaks and cork oaks that define this region. It is one of those places where you feel like slowing down to enjoy the scenery.

The route alternates long straights with very gentle bends, always on asphalt in perfect condition. The aroma of Mediterranean vegetation, the call of the waterbirds that inhabit the reservoir surroundings, and the near-total absence of traffic turn this stretch into a true ride through the Alto Alentejo.

As we move away from the reservoir, crop fields, small livestock farms, and a few scattered traditional estates reappear. The feeling of openness remains constant, with open horizons that convey a pleasant sense of calm.

The route ends in Santa Eulália, a small and peaceful town very close to the Spanish border, where the next stretch awaits us.

End of section

Section 10: Santa Eulália - Vila Fernando (13 Km)

Leaving Santa Eulália behind, the last houses quickly fall away as the road heads back into the open Alentejo landscape. The N243-1 has a very good surface and a comfortable width that makes it easy to keep a steady, relaxed pace. The route alternates long straights with gentle changes of direction and slight undulations that break up the monotony without demanding especially technical riding. It is one of those roads where you feel like letting the engine spin smoothly while your eyes can see several hundred metres ahead.

On both sides stretches a patchwork of dehesas dotted with holm oaks and centuries-old cork oaks. Livestock graze beneath their canopies and, between the clearings, small olive groves and a few farms appear. The air is usually clean and dry, infused with the scent of grass and sun-warmed earth, while the only sounds breaking the silence are the engine and the birds flying over these plains. The feeling of openness and calm invites you to enjoy the scenery without any hurry.

The route passes through the small town of Abegoa, where the road remains a traversing street before immediately regaining its rural character. A little later, long straights return between farms and gentle hills, always accompanied by the characteristic Mediterranean vegetation of this border area between Portugal and Spain. The ride remains smooth and pleasant, perfect for relaxing before tackling the next kilometres of the stage.

After covering 123 km of route, we arrive in Vila Fernando, a small village with quiet streets.

End of section

Section 11: Vila Fernando - Santo Aleixo (9 Km)

After leaving Vila Fernando, the N372 once again unfolds the serene, open landscape that defines this part of the Alentejo. The road remains in excellent condition, with a generous width and a very smooth layout that makes for effortless riding. Long straight sections alternate with wide, clearly visible bends, inviting you to keep a steady pace while the engine’s sound accompanies the silence of an almost uninhabited setting.

The dehesas continue to dominate the landscape. Centuries-old holm oaks and cork oaks cast isolated shadows over vast pastures where livestock graze, while the fields are covered in wildflowers that add yellow touches to the horizon. The air feels clean, carrying the distinctive scent of dry grass and Mediterranean vegetation, accompanied by birdsong and the gentle brush of the wind against the helmet. It is a stretch that conveys a pleasant sense of calm and freedom.

The road barely loses its rhythm until, little by little, the presence of Santo Aleixo begins to emerge. From afar, the first white houses of the village can already be made out, and they gain prominence as we draw closer. Entry into the locality is made naturally, following its main street through traditional houses before reaching the end of the stretch.

End of section

Section 12: Santo Aleixo - Orada (10 Km)

The departure from Santo Aleixo immediately opens onto a completely open landscape, where the road runs between vast farming estates and gentle hills that seem to stretch all the way to the horizon. This stretch follows a local road with good pavement and little traffic, slightly narrower than the main roads ridden earlier, but still comfortable enough for a relaxed ride. The bends are wide and gentle, alternating with long straights that let you enjoy the surroundings with hardly any interruption.

The dehesas give way here to large fields of crops whose color changes with the seasons. In spring, deep greens and the yellows of wildflowers dominate, while the trees appear much more scattered than in previous stretches. The air is clean and dry, carrying the smell of cereals and tilled earth, accompanied only by the hum of the wind and the steady sound of the engine. The feeling is of riding across an immense plain where the horizon never seems to draw closer.

The road always keeps a very smooth line, with excellent visibility and asphalt that invites you to ride at ease. Just before the end, the first houses of Orada begin to appear, announcing the return to a small urban center after several kilometers completely immersed in the agricultural landscape of the Alentejo.

End of section

Section 13: Orada - Estremoz (13 Km)

As we leave Orada, the road quickly regains the peaceful feel of the Alentejo countryside. The M506 offers a surface in very good condition and enough width to ride comfortably, linking long straights with gentle bends that hardly require any change of pace. The riding is relaxed and enjoyable, with excellent visibility that lets us anticipate every change of direction as the horizon opens up ahead of us.

The route crosses a landscape dominated by vast agricultural estates, dehesas and cultivated fields where holm oaks once again take centre stage. The Ribeira de Ana Loura accompanies part of the route, adding a touch of denser vegetation before giving way again to the wide open spaces. The air comes laden with the scent of grass and cultivated earth, while the hum of the wind and the steady sound of the engine are practically the only companions on the journey. The feeling of openness conveys a calm that is hard to find on busier roads.

As we continue, the landscape begins to show the first signs of Estremoz nearby. Small farms, a few scattered houses and the first outskirts appear, announcing the arrival in one of the most interesting cities in Alentejo. We have already covered an important part of the stage, and the shift from rural surroundings to urban ones brings variety to the trip.

Estremoz is well worth a stop. Known as the "marble city", many of its historic buildings are made from this distinctive white stone extracted from the local quarries. Its old town, dominated by the medieval castle and the imposing Torre de Menagem, preserves a pleasant network of streets that invite you to wander, while Praça Rossio Marquês de Pombal and the Church of the Congregados reflect the city’s historical importance.

End of section

Section 14: Estremoz - Redondo (25 Km)

As soon as we leave Estremoz behind, we put the urban atmosphere behind us and dive back into the vastness of the Alentejo. The R381 offers an excellent road surface and a very varied layout, alternating long straights with gentle bends and small changes in elevation. For much of the route, the road invites you to keep a brisk but relaxed pace, enjoying smooth riding with hardly any traffic. The hum of the engine blends with the wind brushing the helmet, turning every kilometer into a true pleasure.

The dehesas once again take center stage. Holm oaks, cork oaks, and extensive pastureland follow one another on both sides of the road, forming one of the most characteristic landscapes of inland Portugal. Now and then the ground rises and falls gently, offering wide views over the soft Alentejo hills. The air carries the scent of Mediterranean vegetation and dry earth, while the song of the birds breaks the silence of an environment where nature seems to move at a different pace.

As we draw closer to Redondo, the road becomes a little livelier, linking broad curves that offer lovely views of the mountain ranges surrounding the town. Vineyards and small farms begin to appear, a fine reflection of the winemaking tradition that has made this town famous. By now we have already covered nearly half of the stage, so Redondo can be a good place to pause and enjoy the calm atmosphere of its streets.

Redondo preserves a pleasant historic center of medieval origin, protected by old walls. Its white streets, the main church, and the castle recall the important defensive role it played for centuries, while its wineries keep alive one of the most prestigious winemaking traditions in the Alentejo. It is well worth spending a few minutes wandering through the center before continuing the journey.

End of section

Section 15: Redondo - Aldeia das Pias (15 Km)

We leave Redondo behind to dive back into the heart of the Alentejo along a quiet local road that winds through dehesas and the gentle folds of the land. The surface is in very good condition and the carriageway, although somewhat narrower than the main roads, allows for a comfortable, steady pace. The bends are wide and natural, linked by short straights that make the ride especially enjoyable. Traffic is usually light, so the sound of the engine once again becomes the true star of the journey.

The landscape regains all its essence. Centuries-old holm oaks, cork oaks and meadows speckled with wildflowers accompany almost the entire route. Small farms and stone walls marking the boundaries of the estates appear among the trees. The air carries the scent of dry grass, Mediterranean vegetation and sun-warmed earth, while a light breeze slips into your jacket in the more open stretches and the song of the birds breaks the silence of this corner of the Alentejo.

The route rises and falls gently, allowing you to enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the dehesas surrounding Ribeira de Valfrades. The road invites you to ride smoothly, enjoying the surroundings more than the speed. Little by little, the first scattered houses of Aldeia das Pias begin to appear, announcing the end of this peaceful rural stretch.

End of section

Section 16: Aldeia das Pias - Reguengos de Monsaraz (14 Km)

The departure from Aldeia das Pias marks the return to one of those roads that invite you to enjoy the journey without looking at the clock. The N255 offers impeccable asphalt, a good width and a very flowing layout that combines long straights with gentle changes in elevation. From the first few meters onward, visibility is excellent, allowing you to watch the road disappear into the horizon while the steady sound of the engine accompanies every kilometer.

The landscape is once again dominated by the immense dehesas of the Alentejo. Holm oaks and cork oaks appear scattered across vast stretches of pastureland and cultivated fields, creating a scene that seems to repeat itself as far as the eye can see without ever becoming tiring. In spring, wildflowers tint the roadside margins yellow, and the air carries the scent of grass, dry earth and Mediterranean vegetation. Little else can be heard beyond the wind brushing your helmet and the song of the birds flying over these plains.

The long straights alternate with gentle undulations in the terrain that let you enjoy wide-open views over the Alentejo countryside. The ride is especially relaxing and conveys that sense of freedom only found on lightly traveled roads in inland Portugal. With a little over two hundred kilometers covered, this can be a good time to stop in the next town and regain your strength before tackling the final part of the stage.

Little by little, the first buildings of Reguengos de Monsaraz begin to appear, one of the most important towns in the region. Known for its prestigious wines and its close connection to the nearby medieval village of Monsaraz, it offers a lively town center with numerous services, making it an excellent place to rest or enjoy Alentejo cuisine.

End of section

Section 17: Reguengos de Monsaraz - Indeterminada (19 Km)

We leave Reguengos de Monsaraz behind on the N256, gradually leaving the urban center and sinking once again into the immensity of the Alentejo. The road is in excellent condition, with two wide lanes and a comfortable layout that alternates long straights with gentle, broad-radius bends. It is a road that lets you keep a relaxed pace, enjoying the surroundings with hardly any hassle and letting the steady sound of the engine set the rhythm of the trip.

The landscape opens out again in every direction. On both sides appear vineyards, farmland, and extensive dehesas dotted with holm oaks, while the rolling terrain offers wide horizons. The air comes warm and dry, scented with grass and Alentejo earth, with the song of birds occasionally breaking the silence that characterizes this region. The feeling is that of moving through a peaceful area, where traffic is scarce and time seems to pass at a different pace.

The route crosses small places such as Vendinha, where the road keeps its character as a village passage before quickly returning to the open countryside. Shortly after, the Degebe River appears, whose valley introduces a slight change in the landscape before giving way once again to the great agricultural plains that dominate this part of the stage.

With more than half of the day’s route already completed, this stretch invites you to enjoy a smooth ride, linking kilometers effortlessly while the horizon seems to keep retreating in front of the motorcycle. It is one of those rides where the pleasure does not lie in the bends, but in the immensity of the landscape and the calm it conveys.

The stretch ends at an intersection where we must turn right to join the next road and continue the route.

End of section

Section 18: Indeterminada - N254 (22 Km)

The route continues along a good-surfaced secondary road with a flowing layout, alternating long straights with gentle bends that make for relaxed riding. There is hardly any traffic and the pace stays steady, ideal for letting the bike roll along naturally while the Alentejo landscape unfolds on both sides. The engine hums along evenly, only broken by the wind, which starts to make itself felt in the more open stretches.

The wide dehesas once again take center stage. Lone holm oaks cast small patches of shade over the pastures, while the gentle rolling terrain offers broad views across this region. The air is warm and dry, carrying the distinctive scent of grass and sun-baked earth, creating that unmistakable atmosphere of inland Portugal that invites you to enjoy the road without hurrying.

The route passes through the small settlement of São Manços de Machede, where the pace briefly eases before returning to the calm of the countryside. Soon after, the waters of Barragem do Monte Novo appear, accompanying part of the ride and adding a pleasant contrast between the blue of the reservoir and the green and golden tones of the dehesa. It is a particularly beautiful spot to lift your eyes from the road for a few moments and take in the scenery.

By the time we reach the 250 kilometers of the stage, we are clearly in the final stretch of the day. The road remains easygoing and very comfortable, letting us savor the last kilometers with relaxed riding, enjoying the silence of the surroundings and the sense of isolation offered by this part of the Alentejo.

The section ends as we join the N254, where we will continue the route following the marked course toward the next stretch.

End of section

Section 19: N254 - EVORA (8 Km)

The N254 takes us straight to Évora along a wide, well-paved road with an easy layout, where long straights and very open bends take center stage. It is a comfortable stretch that lets you keep a steady pace as the Alentejo landscape gradually gives way to an increasingly urban setting. The engine’s sound accompanies you evenly, and the wind fades into the background as the first buildings appear.

On both sides, the dehesas dotted with cork oaks and small farms continue, although sheds, housing developments and access roads soon begin to appear, heralding the approach to one of Portugal’s most monumental cities. The air still holds that distinctive scent of dry countryside and Mediterranean vegetation, but it is starting to mingle with the bustle of a large town.

Entry into Évora is made by broad avenues before we head into the historic center. The streets narrow and the surface forces you to slow down so you can enjoy the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Among its buildings, the imposing Évora Cathedral stands out, one of the most important Gothic temples in the country, as well as the nearby Praça do Giraldo, the true heart of the city, surrounded by arcades and terraces that invite you to stop for a few minutes. Very close by is also the famous Roman Temple of Évora, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian Peninsula.

With more than two hundred and fifty kilometers covered, this is one of the best places on the entire stage to take a break, eat, or simply stroll through its streets before continuing the journey.

End of section

Section 20: EVORA - N370 (12 Km)

We leave the walls of Évora behind on the R114-4, a wide road with an excellent surface that makes it easy to ride out of the city. During the first few kilometers, we are still riding among roundabouts, avenues, and buildings, but before long the traffic eases and the urban landscape fades away, returning us to the calm of the Alentejo. The sound of the engine takes center stage again as the air once more feels clean and open.

One of the most special moments of this stretch comes as we pass beneath the impressive Água de Prata Aqueduct. Its elegant stone arches, woven into the streets of Évora, recall the city’s historical importance and stand as one of its most emblematic monuments. Crossing under it on the motorcycle is one of those images that stays in the memory long after the journey ends.

The road then continues between oak dehesas and farmland, with a straightforward layout that alternates long straights and very gentle curves. The ride is relaxed, uncomplicated, and perfect for enjoying the surroundings. The aroma of Mediterranean vegetation and dry earth accompanies us once again, while the birdsong gradually replaces the urban bustle we have just left behind.

As we go on, the views open up again over the vast Alentejo landscape. The cork oaks appear scattered across gentle hills, and the fields stretch away until they are lost on the horizon, offering that feeling of spaciousness so characteristic of this Portuguese region.

The stretch ends as we merge straight onto the N370, where we will continue the route following this road toward the next section.

End of section

Section 21: N370 - Arraiolos (10 Km)

We continue along the N370 in the direction of Arraiolos. The road keeps a good width and an impeccable surface, with a very flowing layout that alternates long straights and open bends. It is a quiet stretch, perfect for riding smoothly and enjoying the balance between the bike and the landscape. The sound of the engine blends with the murmur of the wind as the traffic becomes sparse again.

The immense Alentejo plain continues to dominate the horizon. Scattered holm oaks, cereal fields and meadows covered with wildflowers accompany the ride, filling the air with the characteristic scent of dry grass and Mediterranean vegetation. Now and then a farm breaks the uniformity of the landscape, but the prevailing feeling is one of openness and calm.

Before reaching Arraiolos, a white-domed building standing on a small rise draws the eye. It is the Arraiolos Astronomical Observatory, whose silhouette stands out clearly among the holm oaks and adds a curious, unexpected image in the middle of the Alentejo countryside.

Shortly afterwards, on a hill, the unmistakable silhouette of Arraiolos Castle appears, dominating the town. This medieval fortress, with its distinctive circular plan, is one of the region’s most emblematic monuments and announces the arrival in a town world-famous for the handmade production of Arraiolos rugs, a tradition that has remained alive for centuries.

End of section

Section 22: Arraiolos - Figueira da Vergonha (89 Km)

This is where the longest stretch of the entire stage begins. We leave Arraiolos behind to join the N4, a broad national road with a very good surface and a comfortable layout that combines long straights with gentle bends. It is a road that encourages you to keep a steady pace, enjoying the journey without needing to pay too much attention to the ride. The sound of the engine accompanies you in a steady rhythm while the wind can once again be felt strongly on the more open sections.

The landscape still retains all the essence of the Alentejo. Wide dehesas dotted with cork oaks alternate with vast fields of crops that change color depending on the time of year. In spring, wildflowers dominate, covering the verges in yellow and white, while the scent of grass, dry earth and Mediterranean vegetation fills the air. The broad horizon conveys a pleasant sense of freedom that is hard to find in other regions.

Along the route, we pass through several towns without leaving the N4. First comes Montemor-o-Novo, one of the most important places in this part of the Alentejo. From the road, you can make out the medieval castle towering over the town, crowning the hill and recalling the village's historical importance. Further on, the route continues toward Vendas Novas, where the road takes on a more urban character again before quickly regaining the calm of the countryside.

After leaving the towns behind, traffic becomes very light again and the route recovers that pleasant balance between broad straight sections and gentle undulations in the terrain. The murmur of the wind, the song of the birds and the constant hum of the engine end up becoming the soundtrack to this long ride through the heart of the Alentejo. By now, we are tackling the final major kilometers of the stage, with the feeling that the final destination is gradually drawing closer.

The stretch ends on reaching Figueira da Vergonha, where we will leave the N4 to continue the route toward the next stretch.

End of section

Section 23: Figueira da Vergonha - SETUBAL (23 Km)

The N252 takes us in the direction of Setúbal along a wide, comfortable road that passes through several towns before finally drawing close to the Atlantic. During the first kilometres the surface remains excellent and the layout offers hardly any complications, alternating long straights with very gentle bends that allow for relaxed riding. Little by little, the surroundings stop feeling fully rural and more houses, industrial estates and industrial areas begin to appear, announcing the proximity of a major city.

After leaving Pinhal Novo behind, the road gradually continues to lose the agricultural character that has accompanied us for much of the stage. Even so, open spaces with dehesas and farmland still survive, where the air retains the scent of Mediterranean vegetation, now mixed with an increasingly humid atmosphere. The wind shifts slightly and begins to hint at the closeness of the Sado estuary.

Arriving in Setúbal means a very marked change of scenery. Traffic picks up, the streets become more urban, and the activity typical of a port city starts to make itself felt. The smell of salt and the sea progressively replaces that of the countryside, while the horizon reveals the port facilities, where the large ships and cranes remind us of Setúbal’s close relationship with the Atlantic and fishing.

With almost four hundred kilometres already covered, we are now facing the final stretch of this long stage. Entering the city brings the satisfaction of being very close to the destination, combining the maritime atmosphere with the bustle of the city after many kilometres of quiet roads through the interior of the Alentejo.

End of section