Section 1: - IC1 (21.4 Km)

The stage begins by leaving the streets of Setúbal behind and quickly joining the IC1 heading north. During the first few kilometers we are still riding through urban and industrial areas, with several roundabouts, traffic lights, and slightly heavier traffic that calls for a calm pace. Little by little the buildings disappear and the road opens out into a much more natural setting.

The IC1 here has a broad layout, with a good surface and long straights linked by very gentle bends that make for relaxed riding. It is not a particularly technical stretch, but it is very comfortable for starting the day while the engine comes up to temperature and the landscape begins to change. The hum of traffic gradually fades into the background and is replaced by the constant sound of the wind accompanying the ride.

On our right appears the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, one of Portugal's most important protected areas. Although the road does not run right along the water, the map and the surroundings hint at the vast expanse of marshes, channels, and flood-prone areas that define this ecosystem, home to a great diversity of birds and the well-known Sado dolphins. The closeness of the estuary brings a distinctive humidity to the air and, at certain times of year, also the unmistakable salty scent coming in from the Atlantic.

The stretch ends after a little over thirty kilometers at a junction where we must leave the IC1 by taking an exit to the right to join the R253, thus continuing the route toward the Alentejo coast.

End of section

Section 2: IC1 - R253 (30.6 Km)

We leave the surroundings of Alcácer do Sal via the IC1 to tackle a comfortable, flowing stretch that serves as an excellent transition toward the heart of coastal Alentejo. The road has two wide lanes, a surface in very good condition, and broad-radius bends that allow you to keep a steady pace with barely any effort. It is a road designed to cover kilometers quickly, although the landscape invites you to enjoy the ride without hurry.

The first kilometers run between gentle dehesas dotted with cork oaks and holm oaks, one of the most characteristic landscapes of this Portuguese region. The air usually comes laden with the aroma of Mediterranean vegetation and damp earth, while the sound of the engine blends with the wind that accompanies the ride. Every now and then, small waterways and wooded areas appear, breaking up the uniformity of the plain.

As we approach the Sado River, the road offers a magnificent view of the broad estuary and the Reserva Natural del Estuario do Sado. The long bridge allows us to take in this immense expanse of marshes, channels, and rice fields, where it is common to spot numerous water birds. The sensation changes completely during those moments: the horizon opens up, the humidity increases, and the closeness of the water brings a pleasant freshness before returning once again to solid ground.

Once the bridge is behind us, we continue between scattered woodlands and gentle undulations in the terrain, always on impeccable asphalt that inspires great confidence. Although the route is not aimed at delivering strong thrills, it does allow us to relax and enjoy the breadth of the landscape while we definitively leave the estuary surroundings behind.

The stretch ends at an interchange where we must leave the IC1 by taking the exit to the right to join the R253, continuing the route toward the next stretch.

End of section

Section 3: R253 - Comporta (26.4 Km)

The R253 takes us toward the Atlantic coast along a wide road, with immaculate asphalt and a layout that is very pleasant for traveling. Open curves and long straights predominate, allowing us to keep a steady pace while the landscape begins to hint at the ocean’s proximity. The engine runs smoothly and the air gradually becomes more humid, leaving behind the drier atmosphere of the interior.

On both sides, vast stands of stone pines and cork oaks appear, alternating with cultivated areas and clearings where the vegetation reveals the immensity of the Sado Estuary. The silence of this natural area is broken only by the whisper of the wind and the constant sound of the motorcycle. The scent of pine resin mixes at times with the salty smell drifting in from the Atlantic, an unmistakable sign that we are approaching one of the most distinctive corners of the Portuguese coast.

For much of the route, we travel alongside the Reserva Natural del Estuario do Sado, a huge wetland of marshes, channels, and rice fields that is one of the most important protected areas in Portugal. Although the road never enters it, it is easy to sense its natural richness by observing the sheets of water and the characteristic vegetation that appear along the way.

The last kilometers keep the same peaceful character as the pine forests become denser and the terrain remains practically flat. The feeling is one of riding with ease, enjoying a road that invites you to take in the scenery as much as to ride.

The section ends on reaching Comporta, where we arrive at a T-junction. There we must turn left to join the N253-1 and continue the route toward the next section.

End of section

Section 4: Comporta - M544 (33.6 Km)

Leaving Comporta behind, we head into one of the most representative stretches of the Alentejo coast. The N261 offers a wide roadway, excellent pavement and a very flowing layout in which long straights and open bends predominate. It is a road that lets you ride in complete comfort, enjoying relaxed riding as the landscape slowly changes with the Atlantic drawing nearer.

The pine forests become the real stars. Their treetops accompany the road for much of the route and fill the air with a strong resin scent that blends, on and off, with the damp breeze coming in from the ocean. The whisper of the wind through the trees and the steady sound of the engine create a very pleasant atmosphere that invites you to let the miles slip by without hurry.

Although the sea is barely visible from the road, we know it is flowing very close to us. On our right lie some of the best-known beaches of the Tróia peninsula and the Comporta coastline, an environment of dunes, vast sandy stretches and pinewoods that makes up one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in Portugal. The road runs almost parallel to this strip of coastline, always surrounded by nature and with very little sense of traffic.

Now past the hundred-kilometre mark of the stage, the route keeps a very pleasant rhythm. The gentle undulations of the terrain barely disturb the ride and the asphalt conveys a great sense of security. It is one of those stretches where it is easy to focus solely on riding, breathing in the pine-scented air and enjoying the horizon opening up between the trees.

The stretch ends at a Y-shaped junction where we must keep to the right-hand branch to leave the N261 and join the M544, continuing on to the next section.

End of section

Section 5: M544 - Aldeia de Brescos (1 Km)

This short stretch serves only as a link between two roads, but it keeps the pleasant atmosphere that characterizes this part of the Alentejo coast. The M544 remains in perfect condition and follows a very straightforward layout, with a broad bend that lets you flow along smoothly before reaching the first houses of Aldeia de Brescos.

The pine forests still dominate the landscape, and the air remains filled with that distinctive resin scent that has been with us since Comporta. The closeness of the ocean is felt in the humidity of the air and in the light breeze that cools the ride, even if the sea stays hidden behind the vegetation.

Soon we enter Aldeia de Brescos, a small, peaceful place where the road turns into a through street. Houses appear on both sides, and it is worth easing off the pace as we ride through its streets, enjoying the change of scenery after several kilometers riding among the pines.

At the end, we reach a junction where we will turn left.

End of section

Section 6: Aldeia de Brescos - Vila Nova de Santo André (5 Km)

The departure from Aldeia de Brescos quickly takes us back onto a wide road that is very pleasant to ride. The M1085 has an excellent surface and a straightforward layout, with long straights and very open bends that let you glide along with complete smoothness. It is a short stretch, but it concentrates some of the most characteristic scenery in this part of the Alentejo coast.

For much of the route, we travel alongside the Lagoas de Santo André e Sancha, one of the most valuable natural areas on the Portuguese coast. To our right lie these protected coastal lagoons, separated from the Atlantic by a narrow strip of dunes and pine woods. Although the ocean remains hidden behind the vegetation, the damp breeze, the smell of salt and the fresh atmosphere constantly remind us how close it is. The sound of the wind through the pines accompanies the gentle hum of the engine as we enjoy a calm ride.

The stands of stone pine once again dominate the landscape, alternating with small built-up areas as we draw closer to Vila Nova de Santo André. The road always offers excellent visibility and conveys a pleasing sense of openness, perfect for exploring this corner of the coast without rushing.

Shortly before reaching the end of the stretch, the road gains capacity and traffic increases slightly as we approach the city. The transition from the natural surroundings to the urban area is very gradual and scarcely breaks the charm of the ride.

End of section

Section 7: Vila Nova de Santo André - N261 (4 Km)

This short stretch crosses Vila Nova de Santo André on a fast, modern road that makes it easy to leave the urban area behind. The R261-5 has two wide lanes, impeccable pavement, and a very smooth layout that makes relaxed riding easy to maintain. Traffic can be a little heavier than on the previous stretches, although the ride remains comfortable thanks to the good visibility and the wide radius of its bends.

As we leave the city behind, various services and shopping areas remain on our right, and very close to the route lies the Kartódromo Internacional de Santo André, a venue well known among motorsport fans. Little by little, the buildings disappear and the pine forests that define this stretch of the Alentejo coast once again take over. The air keeps that pleasant scent of resin mixed with the humidity coming from the nearby Atlantic, while the wind carries the steady sound of the engine.

The proximity of the Reserva Natural de las Lagoas de Santo André e Sancha continues to shape the landscape, although now we can barely sense its presence among the vegetation. The route remains fast and very comfortable, perfect for linking up with the next road without losing the pleasant rhythm of the stage.

The stretch ends at a junction where we must leave the R261-5 by taking the exit to the right to join the N261 and continue the route toward the next stretch.

End of section

Section 8: N261 - A26-1 (7 Km)

The N261 continues to accompany us along the Alentejo coast on a wide road, perfectly surfaced and very pleasant to ride. The route alternates long straights with gentle, broad-radius bends that allow us to keep a steady, relaxed pace. The feeling is still that of traveling effortlessly, letting the kilometers roll by while the landscape changes very slowly around us.

On our right, the pine forests that protect the Lagoas de Santo André e Sancha continue to stretch out, while to the west, though hidden behind vegetation and dunes, the Atlantic Ocean remains always very close. The air keeps that unmistakable aroma of resin mixed with salt, and the light sea breeze brings a pleasant freshness even on the warmest days. Only the wind and the steady sound of the engine break the silence of this protected natural area.

The road offers excellent visibility and a few gentle undulations that make the ride even more engaging without losing its calm character. It is a stretch to enjoy the surroundings, breathe deeply, and let yourself be carried along through one of the most representative landscapes of the Portuguese coast, where nature and road seem to move forward hand in hand.

With a little less than half of the stage completed, we keep adding kilometers with ease, gradually drawing closer to the more coastal section of the day.

The stretch ends at a T-junction where we must turn right to join the A26-1 and continue on to the next stretch.

End of section

Section 9: A26-1 - IP8 (3 Km)

This section continues along the A26-1, a dual-carriageway express route that lets us make good progress while staying very close to the Atlantic coast. The surface is excellent and the layout is broad and comfortable, with wide-radius bends and very gentle changes of direction that encourage a steady pace. Although it may not be the most exciting road for a motorcyclist, it does its job perfectly, linking the next sections of the stage.

On our right appear the facilities of the Sines petrochemical complex, an important industrial center that contrasts with the natural surroundings that have accompanied us over the last few kilometers. To the west, beyond the strip of pinewoods and dunes, the Atlantic continues to stretch out. Although we can barely see it, the humidity in the air, the sea breeze, and the distinctive scent of salt keep reminding us that we are riding very close to the ocean.

The road offers excellent visibility and allows for relaxed riding. The hum of the wind becomes more noticeable as the speed increases, while the pinewoods reappear along the edges of the road, softening the visual impact of the industrial area. It is a short transitional stretch, designed to bring us closer to one of the main highlights of the day: Sines.

At the end we reach a junction where we must leave the motorway, taking the second exit at a roundabout, where we will continue straight on to stay on the R261-5.

End of section

Section 10: IP8 - IC4 (3 Km)

This short stretch links two of the main roads that ring Sines. We ride along the IP8, a wide, perfectly surfaced dual carriageway designed to handle traffic heading both to the port and to the city’s major industrial complex. The ride is comfortable and very smooth, with broad bends and excellent visibility.

On our left stretches the industrial and logistics area of Sines, one of the largest energy and port hubs in Portugal. Large facilities, storage tanks and communication towers remind us of the economic importance of this enclave, while, very nearby, the Atlantic continues to shape the character of the region. Although the landscape is clearly more urban and industrial than in the previous kilometres, the sea breeze continues to soften the atmosphere and the wind once again becomes the main travel companion.

The route lasts just a few minutes, but it allows us to leave the fast road comfortably and return to smaller roads. It is a purely functional stretch that links up with the next part of the stage without complications and while maintaining a steady pace.

After 3 km of this stretch, we reach a roundabout where we must take the third exit to join the IC4 and continue towards the next section.

End of section

Section 11: IC4 - Sonega (14 Km)

The IC4 leaves the industrial surroundings of Sines behind and brings us back into a much more natural landscape. The road has excellent pavement and generous width, alternating long straight stretches with broad curves that let you keep a steady, relaxed pace. It is a comfortable road to travel, where riding flows effortlessly while the engine hums steadily, blending with the wind coming in from the Atlantic.

For much of the route, we ride between pine forests, small copses, and open areas where scrubland alternates with agricultural clearings. Very close to us lies the Reserva Natural del Sudoeste Alentejano y Costa Vicentina, one of Portugal’s most valuable natural areas. Although the ocean stays hidden behind the band of vegetation, its presence can be felt in the cool, moist air and in the distinctive light of this Atlantic coast.

The road also runs along the Barragem de Morgavel, a reservoir that appears beside the route, offering a pleasant contrast between the water and the gentle hills of the Alentejo. Farther on, we leave behind the Sines thermal power plant and other energy facilities that remind us of the coexistence of nature and industry in this part of the Portuguese coast.

The last few kilometers become a little more winding before reaching Sonega. The village appears among low houses and quiet streets, inviting you to ease off the pace after a particularly comfortable stretch. The route ends in the town center, where we continue straight ahead to connect with the next section.

End of section

Section 12: Sonega - N120 (2 Km)

This short stretch serves as a transition as you leave Sonega on a much narrower and quieter local road. The asphalt remains in good condition, although the narrow width calls for a steady, precise pace. The feeling changes completely compared with the IC4: now the ride once again takes on a much more rural character, where every bend and every small change in direction invites you to enjoy the surroundings without rushing.

On both sides, meadows, farmland and a few scattered homes appear, protected by fences and rows of trees. The hum of traffic fades almost entirely, and the sound of the engine comes to the fore again, accompanied by birdsong and the cool air, heavy with the scent of vegetation and the Alentejo earth.

In just a couple of kilometres, we reach the end of the stretch at a junction where we must turn left to join the N120.

End of section

Section 13: N120 - Vista Alegre (18 Km)

We return to the N120 to take on one of those stretches that remind you why the Alentejo is such a rewarding place to travel by motorcycle. The road has excellent surface and enough width to link bends with complete confidence. The route leaves behind the long straightaways of the previous kilometers and begins to weave gently among small hills, making the ride much more engaging without ever losing its relaxed character.

Vegetation takes center stage from the very first kilometers. Centuries-old holm oaks, cork oaks, and pastures dotted with livestock continually accompany the route. In some places the trees come together to form a pleasant green tunnel over the roadway, where the air feels cooler and the smell of damp earth and leaves replaces that of the open countryside. The sound of the engine echoes among the trees while the rest of the world seems very far away.

The bends appear linked naturally, alternating small changes in gradient and open sections from which you can admire gentle hills covered by the characteristic Alentejo montado. The road invites you to enjoy the line with precision, letting the motorcycle set the pace without needing to accelerate. Near Aldeia dos Chãos the landscape opens up again before heading back into the vegetation.

With a little more than half of the stage already covered, this stretch is one of the most pleasant moments of the day thanks to the balance between road and scenery. The route ends as you reach Vista Alegre, where we come to a junction and turn right to reach the next section.

End of section

Section 14: Vista Alegre - N390 (18 Km)

The road leaves Vista Alegre, linking together a succession of gentle bends that break up the monotony of the long straight stretches of the Alentejo. The surface remains excellent and the width of the N261 allows for smooth riding, enjoying every lean of the motorcycle as the route winds between small hills and dips. It is one of those stretches where the pace comes naturally, with no need to seek speed in order to enjoy the ride.

The landscape alternates broad meadows with the distinctive Alentejo montado, where holm oaks and cork oaks appear scattered over a green carpet speckled with wildflowers. In some places the road comes close to the Ribeira de São Domingos, adding a touch of freshness to the atmosphere. The air arrives scented with the smell of grass and damp earth, while the sound of the engine is softened by the vegetation surrounding the roadway.

The linked bends follow one after another naturally, combined with small changes in gradient and short straights that allow you to take in the open landscape of the Alentejo interior. Traffic is usually light, and that helps make this stretch especially enjoyable for a relaxed ride, paying more attention to the surroundings than to the traffic.

Shortly before the end, the first buildings appear, announcing the arrival in São Domingos. The stretch ends at a junction where we must turn left to join the N390 and continue the route toward the next section.

End of section

Section 15: N390 - Abela (8 Km)

The N390 continues to treat us to a calm and very enjoyable ride through the heart of the Alentejo. The road keeps an impeccable surface and enough width to link wide-radius bends with complete confidence. This is not a fast stretch, but one that invites you to let the bike flow at the rhythm of the landscape, enjoying every change of direction and the absolute peace the surroundings convey.

For much of the route we ride alongside the Ribeira de Corona, which winds quietly through the vegetation. Very close by is also the Barragem de Corona, whose presence adds moisture and freshness to a landscape dominated by holm oaks, cork oaks, and wide meadows. The air smells of grass and wet earth, while the murmur of the wind through the treetops constantly accompanies the sound of the engine.

The gentle undulations of the terrain make the road alternate small climbs and descents with very natural bends. At times the pine trees create a pleasant green corridor over the asphalt and, shortly after, the landscape opens up again, revealing the Alentejo’s characteristic agricultural mosaic. It is a stretch that conveys calm and lets you fully enjoy the journey with hardly any traffic.

The first houses announce your arrival in Abela, a small town with quiet streets where the pace eases again.

End of section

Section 16: Abela - IC1 (15 Km)

The N121 leaves Abela on a broad line and with an impeccable surface that lets you settle back into a comfortable travel pace from the very first meters. The opening bends are gentle and soon give way to long straights linked by slight undulations in the terrain, a very pleasant combination for enjoying a relaxed ride while the landscape once again unfolds all the essence of the Alentejo.

The route crosses an environment of holm oaks, eucalyptus trees and small stands of pine that alternate with meadows and livestock farms. In some stretches the trees form a green corridor over the road, softening the wind and filling the air with the scent of resin, grass and damp earth. Traffic is usually light and the sound of the engine keeps you company in solitude for much of the journey.

As we progress, the road maintains a very flowing line, with broad curves that hardly require any correction to the line and long straights that let you take in the scenery at ease. We have already covered close to three quarters of the stage, and this stretch invites you to enjoy it without haste before tackling the final kilometers of the day.

The last kilometers bring us closer to the surroundings of Santiago do Cacém, where the first buildings and some urban infrastructure reappear. After passing under the railway line through an underpass, the stretch ends at a T-junction where we must turn right to join the IC1 and continue toward the next section.

End of section

Section 17: IC1 - M526-1 (7 Km)

This short stretch along the IC1 maintains the excellent riding quality of the previous kilometers. The road surface is immaculate, with two wide lanes and broad-radius bends that let you ride with complete smoothness. There are hardly any complications in the layout, and the motorcycle moves along naturally, accompanied by the steady hum of the engine and the wind sweeping across the wide plains of the Alentejo coast.

The landscape remains dominated by open grasslands, scattered cork oaks and small patches of vegetation alternating with farmland. The broad horizon conveys a pleasant sense of space, while the scent of grass and damp earth accompanies the ride. Traffic is usually light, so it is easy to enjoy the silence of the surroundings between one vehicle and the next.

As we near the end of this short link, a few side accesses reappear and the road begins to prepare for the exit onto lesser roads. We are now in the final part of the stage, where the route once again leaves the main roads in search of quieter itineraries closer to the landscape.

At stage kilometer 217 we reach a junction where we must turn left to join the M526-1.

End of section

Section 18: M526-1 - M526 (5 Km)

The M526-1 takes us back to one of those secondary roads that seem made for enjoying the journey at an unhurried pace. The asphalt is in good condition, although the roadway is quite a bit narrower than the IC1 we have just left behind. The route is very straightforward, made up of long straights and gentle changes in direction that let us ride with complete ease while the bike moves along at a steady pace.

The landscape opens up once again in full. On both sides stretch vast meadows and farmland where only a few scattered holm oaks and small livestock farms stand out. The horizon seems endless, the wind blows freely across the plain, and the scent of fresh grass and damp earth accompanies every kilometer. The silence is broken only by the sound of the engine and the occasional song of the birds flying over this immense open space.

We are already very close to the end of the stage, and these kilometers offer a pleasing sense of calm before taking on the final stretches of the day. The light traffic and lack of large towns make it easy to switch off and enjoy nothing but the road and the Alentejo landscape.

The stretch ends at a T-junction where we must turn right to join the M526 and continue the route.

End of section

Section 19: M526 - N261 (1 Km)

This stretch is just over a kilometre long, but it serves to link two secondary roads by crossing the vast open landscape of the Alentejo. The M526 has a surface in good condition and a narrow carriageway, enough to ride along at ease while the eye drifts over meadows and farmland stretching all the way to the horizon.

The ride is completely relaxed. The route is practically straight and barely calls for any correction at the handlebars. The wind blows freely across the plain, the scent of grass accompanies the journey, and the sound of the engine once again becomes the only real presence on a road where traffic is usually minimal.

Although short, this link preserves the essence of the last kilometres of the stage: quiet roads, wide open spaces, and that pleasant feeling of travelling unhurriedly through the interior of the Alentejo.

The stretch ends at a T-junction where we must turn left to join the N261 and continue the route toward the next stretch.

End of section

Section 20: N261 - Aljustrel (17 Km)

The N261 continues to guide us southeast along one of those Alentejo roads that invite you to enjoy the journey at an unhurried pace. The roadway is wide, the surface is in very good condition, and the route alternates long straights with gentle bends that allow you to keep a steady, very pleasant rhythm on the motorbike.

The landscape is once again dominated by the vast dehesas of the Lower Alentejo. On both sides, century-old holm oaks, olive groves, and extensive farmland appear one after another. The air carries the scent of damp earth and vegetation, while the silence of the countryside is broken only by the sound of the engine and the occasional song of birds.

Along the way we will pass under the A2 motorway and continue through an increasingly humanized rural setting. Just before reaching Aljustrel, large agricultural and industrial facilities appear, announcing the proximity of a town with a long mining tradition.

Aljustrel is known for its historic pyrite mines, worked since Roman times, which shaped the economic development of the entire region for centuries. At the entrance to the town, a large reddish mining headframe stands out in particular, now one of the village’s symbols and a perfect preview of its industrial past.

The section ends upon reaching Aljustrel, where we will turn left twice to take the N383 heading north.

End of section

Section 21: Aljustrel - Montes Velhos (9 Km)

We leave Aljustrel behind on the N383, a secondary road that soon brings back the calm of the most rural Alentejo. After passing through the last streets of the town, traffic almost disappears completely and we once again enjoy a well-maintained surface, gentle bends and long straight stretches that make for an easy, comfortable ride.

The first few kilometers still retain some local activity. It is even possible to come across scenes that seem frozen in time, such as a small horse-drawn cart sharing the road with the vehicles, a very characteristic image of everyday life in this Portuguese region.

Little by little, the landscape opens up in every direction. The gentle rolling terrain gives way to large farmland, dehesas dotted with holm oaks and small olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. The smell of fresh grass and damp earth accompanies the ride while the wind sweeps across the broad Alentejo plains.

The riding is especially enjoyable thanks to the wide flowing curves and excellent visibility. It is one of those stretches where the horizon seems endless and where the motorcycle's pace syncs with the serenity of the landscape.

The stretch ends as we reach Montes Velhos, a small farming town that marks the start of the next section of the route.

End of section

Section 22: Montes Velhos - Ervidel (10 Km)

We leave Montes Velhos to continue along the M527, a narrow local road but with a good surface that crosses the agricultural heart of the Lower Alentejo. Traffic is once again practically nonexistent, allowing us to enjoy the ride in complete peace as the road winds gently through the fields.

The landscape is dominated by vast stretches of crops, meadows covered with wildflowers, and dehesas where the holm oaks stand scattered as if each had carefully chosen its place. The scents of vegetation and damp earth accompany the journey, while the only constant sound is the engine breaking the silence of the countryside.

The road alternates small changes in direction with gentle climbs and descents that make the ride entertaining without ever losing its relaxed character. From some elevated points, wide panoramic views open up over the Alentejo landscape, with an almost infinite horizon dotted with olive groves, farmhouses, and small agricultural holdings.

In the last few kilometers, the route narrows slightly as it approaches Ervidel. White houses begin to appear among the trees and the road turns into a quiet street that leads us into this small town with an agricultural tradition, where the unhurried pace still sets the rhythm of daily life.

Just 30 km from our destination for the day, we arrive in Ervidel, where this stage ends.

End of section

Section 23: Ervidel - M529 (5 Km)

This short stretch begins by leaving Ervidel behind on the N18, a wide road with a good surface that crosses the peaceful agricultural landscape of the Lower Alentejo. Although it is barely five kilometres, it serves as a transition toward the next section of the route.

The ride is very comfortable thanks to its almost perfectly straight layout and light traffic. On both sides, vast cultivated fields and holm oak dehesas appear again, accompanied in some stretches by small, neatly aligned olive groves that reflect the importance of agriculture in this region.

The horizon remains completely open, allowing you to enjoy the immensity of the landscape while the air carries the scent of grass and tilled earth. It is one of those stretches where the sound of the engine once again becomes the only travel companion.

End of section

Section 24: M529 - Beringel (12 Km)

The M529 leads us northeast along one of the most pleasant secondary roads on this stage. The surface is in very good condition and the roadway, although narrow, lets you enjoy a smooth ride through gentle bends and small changes in gradient that break the monotony of the Alentejo plain.

The landscape once again offers the essence of Lower Alentejo: vast dehesas dotted with holm oaks, cereal fields and meadows covered in wildflowers during spring. On both sides of the road, small olive groves and farmsteads appear, while the horizon remains completely open, conveying that pleasant sense of immensity so characteristic of this region.

Traffic is practically nonexistent, so it is easy to focus on the ride and enjoy the surroundings. The air carries the scent of vegetation and cultivated earth, accompanied only by the steady hum of the engine and the song of the birds flying over the estates.

In the last kilometers, the road approaches Beringel. The first houses announce your arrival in this peaceful Alentejo town, whose whitewashed houses and quiet streets preserve intact the traditional character of inland Portugal.

End of section

Section 25: Beringel - BEJA (12 Km)

The final section of this stage takes us from Beringel to Beja along a wide road with a good surface and a very comfortable layout, making for relaxed riding as we near the end of the route. Traffic remains light for much of the way, inviting us to savour these last kilometres through the heart of the Alentejo.

The landscape keeps the identity that has accompanied us throughout the day: vast agricultural plains, perfectly aligned olive groves and broad dehesas where holm oaks appear scattered across gently rolling ground. The scent of the vegetation and cultivated earth blends with the pleasant feeling of rolling along without haste on a road that seems to disappear into the horizon.

As we approach Beja, the first agricultural and industrial facilities begin to appear, followed by a gradual increase in traffic that announces the arrival in one of the most important cities of Lower Alentejo. The road widens and urban traffic slowly replaces the calm of the countryside.

With the entrance into Beja, this penultimate stage of A Rota 18 comes to an end. After leaving behind hundreds of kilometres of solitary roads, dehesas, olive groves and small villages full of authenticity, it is time to rest and enjoy a city with an important historical heritage before tackling the final day of this great adventure through Portugal.

End of section