Portugal’s 600 miles of coastline are the big draw for most
but, inland, the eastern backlands of the Alentejo region
present a quieter beauty. Here farmland undulates between
vineyards, olive groves and cork forests. Instead of whizzing
past this gentle landscape in a metal box, soak in
uninterrupted views on Flexitreks’ three-night cycling
holiday ƺ$0-+˅Ƣ̮#6'20#)1Ɵ!-+ƻ. Choose from daily
itineraries setting off from your base, a farmhouse-turned-
guesthouse with a swimming pool, just outside Evora, the
regional capital known for its Roman ruins. Options include
a cycle along a disused railway line, passing white-painted
villages, wineries and cheese farms, and a route taking
', $-02'̭#"2-5,5'2& +#"'#4 ! 12#Ơ 15#** 1-,#
of the world’s richest groupings of ancient megaliths.
ARRIVE Evora is a two-hour train or bus ride from Lisbon airport,
served by easyJet (from £100; easyjet.com).
20
Bike through
Portugal’s
backlands
(^52) BEST
WEEKENDS
AWAY