Feb 24, 2025 - Sines to Almograve - Random Acts of Kindness (Tour 27) - 2025 🇵🇹

February 24, 2025

Feb 24, 2025 - Sines to Almograve

Paved roads, sandy roads and oh the coastal riding

Sines to Almograve, Fisherman's House $77

I WOKE up early just too excited to get cycling because I knew it was going to be a good one, plus, I am now getting into my stride.

There was no breakfast here, so I guzzled down my litre of mango juice to get me some distance along with the idea that I'd stop somewhere along the route for a latte and some sustenance.

Though the sky was clear it was somewhat hazy and I could feel the water in the air. Methinks a weather system of some kind is on its way. I slowly braked down the steep incline below the fortress to the seaside where the waves were gently rolling in. I headed south and within about 11 km I came to the head of the Fisherman's Trail hiking path that MA and Christina had walked just last month. The starting point was at Sao Torpes beach. There were a few people about (I think in hgh season it would be packed with beach goers and surfers).

It was not until I was about 20 to 25 km along and reached Porto Covo that I stopped at a cafe for breakfast and it was while I sat there that a few walkers went past. There were a few more when I continued along my route. This time I decided to follow the walking path down to the harbour, across the dribbling creek then up the steep hill on the other side. This cut off quite a length of paved road but the day would be long enough as it was so this was fine with me.

There were a few spots where the path was right alongside the cliffs overlooking the sea and at times was fairly soft sand. Of course, this meant no traffic at all save for a couple of cyclists going the opposite direction. Sometimes the route followed a minor road where the traffic started to pick up a little bit. The last little bit was along a nicely packed sandy road that wound through fields and forests until I emerged in a tiny village which surrounded one of the old windmills - I remember seeing a group of cyclists pausing beside it in 2019. They weren't there today!

Again today, I hadn't dwelt on my accumulated distance, and just past noon I came to the welcome sign to Almograve. I came over toward my guest house where the cleaners were at work. I messaged the off-site hosts to inquire if I could at least leave my bags there to make things easier for me to explore and head for lunch. I heard nothing from them.

Still fully loaded, I headed down the street to a tiny restaurant where I had cod, potatoes and chick peas (?) and a drink. Still nothing from the guest house, I decided to head toward the beach where it appeared there was a dirst path or road with some nice views. Nice views - let me tell you that they were spectacular. Once at the beach, the packed sand road followed along the top of the cliff for a couple of kilometres. I stopped at a few spots to just sit and watch the waves. Some of them must have been 10 to 15 m high and the breaking of the wave was really interesting as it then churned and bubbled up against the black rocks or all the way through the rocks and on to the sandy beaches. Though the waves were interesting, I don't think they would have been 'fun' and would probably have turned a person into minced meat.

While sitting there for quite a while I noticed quite a number of hikers. I would imagine that it must be really busy at other times in the year when thr tourists really show up. I don't remember seeing any when I was here six years ago. Not that either is bad; just interesting.

I was getting a bit tired so decided to try again at my guest house so rode the dirt road and paved road back to town. I came in to the deck area and checked my tablet to see that I still had not received a reply to my message. I sent another - and heard nothing back. I called - and there was no reply. I called again - and this time he answered saying that he had sent a message on the booking site - and then it appeared, and I was able to get in. Then after some confusion, I find that I am at the first place that has ever denied me a safe place to store my bike overnight. I'm disappointed.

At the start point of the Fisherman's Trail where MA and Christina started their hike just last month. -- Sao Torpes Beach, Portugal

And then the cliffs and beaches showed themselves in all of their beauty. -- near Porto Covo, Portugal

These days almost every town has one of these, but I had to do it. -- Porto Covo, Portugal

There was no breakfast where I stayed last night so I knew I'd have to stop somewhere. I recognized this wee place from the last time I was here and filled up. Happy tummy. -- Porto Covo, Portugal

Just south of town is the cove where I imagine the fishing boats would come in.There is a foot path down and across the beach and up the other side which I tried and suceeded this time. -- Porto Covo, Portugal

Sandy roads, cliffs, foaming water on black rocks and the beautiful blue Atlantic. -- between Porto Covo and Almograve, Portugal

Crossing the bridge just outside of Milfontes. -- Vila Nova da Milfontes, Portugal

Unable to contact my guest house, I WAS able to order cod, potatoes, chick peas and a drink for lunch. It was all good. -- Almograve, Portugal

When I looked on the cycling map I could see a dirt path/road with numerous lookout spots so I took a ride after lunch to go explore. What an amazing afternoon. The 10 to 15 m waves breaking and crashing against the rocks and up the beaches were truly spellbinding. -- Almograve, Portugal

A nice room but poor communication from the off-site owner. Not recommended. -- Almograve, Portugal

Out that road to the left is the way to those spectacular seaside views. -- Almograve, Portugal

Today's ride: 53 km (33 miles)
Total: 182 km (113 miles)

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