Right in front of Lisbon, on the left margin of the Tagus River, we can find several bays where small towns were born, connected by roads and paths ideal for cycling journeys.

A much humanized landscape full of signs from those days when the river itself was the “big road” that linked the capital Lisbon to the south.  A doorway to Alentejo and to the Algarve.

Formerly an industrialized area, from the tide  mills * to the salinas, from the shipyards to the cod fish dries, where big glass and textile industries operated, from siderurgical and chemical industries to naval and military facilities.

In the last 30 years, as most of the aboved mentioned activities ended, whether by economical or social reasons, a big part of the left bank of the river was transformed and today is the dormitory with blocks of flats  for those who work in Lisbon. The moment came when people look out for their identity and history and are set to restore the unique features that we can still find here and to show them to those visiting.

In these journeys the human presence is very strong but so is the river standing out, with the beauty of its margins, wet areas and wildlife.

There are only two bridges connecting the river banks of the Tagus (they can not be made by bicycle), but several connections are done by boat. To access these small towns by boat the visitors are presented with a completely different view and peaceful ambience.

* Note: In 1403, Nuno Álvares Pereira, proprietor of almost all the lands bathed by the river, ordered the building of the Corroios Mill, the first to be constructed in Seixal. In 1404, all of Pereira’s lands were donated to the Carmelite Order. Lisbon’s earthquake of 1755 inflicted great damage on the mills and they had to be restored after that. The City council of Seixal declared the existing tide mills Built Cultural Patrimony as a means of preventing their destruction, therefore safeguarding them. Currently there are ten tide mills. Nevertheless, the Corroios Mill, which is municipal property along with St Paul’s Friars’, is the only one that works. This mill is part of the Ecomuseu and it belongs to the Industrial Patrimony Component. Besides the activities related to the milling, the mill hosts temporary exhibitions and other events that promote the study and make the Ecomuseu known.

First Stage – Seixal Bay

Return from Seixal city to Ponta do Mato

Access – By boat from Lisbon – Cais do Sodré

Grade – Moderate if you considering de traffic and the distance

Time – 5 hours

Distance – 60 km (37 miles)

Points of interest – Seixal historical centre, Quinta da Fidalga gardens, on the coast tide mills in Corroios and Sapal

Equipment – Any bicycle can do this tour. Consider a small back pack to carry those items you usual take in a bicycle tour – water, binoculars, camera, bicycle fixing gear…

Second Stage – Barreiro to Alcochete

Starts in Barreiro along the river side, evoking a far away past of an industrial era for which Barreiro was known and goes along the left bank of the river, Palha Sea, Moita and Montijo bays.

ReturnTour from Barreiro to Alcochete passing Lavradio, Baixa da Banheira, Alhos Vedros, Moita, Gaio-Rosário, Sarilhos Pequenos, Sarilhos Grandes, Afonseiro and Montijo towns. Don’t miss the cyclovia from Alhos Vedros to Moita that contours N11 Road and continues till Gaio-Rosário, as well as the small road CM1120 that connects Gaio-Rosário to Sarilhos Pequenos.

Access – By boat from Lisbon – Terreiro do Paço boat connection

Grade – Moderate if you considering de traffic and the distance

Time – 5 hours

Distance – 50 km (31 miles)

Points of interest – Because this tour is done along the river bank, all the way something can arouse your interest and curiosity. Besides the rich environment given by the tides variations something always catches our eyes in various forms, it’s therefore a discovery tour. The places to visit and photograph are Alhos Vedros, Moita, Gaio-Rosário and Sarilhos Grandes and we suggest a closer look to the traditional boats of the Tagus River.

Equipment – Any bicycle can do this tour. Consider a small back pack to carry those items you usual take in a bicycle tour – water, binoculars, camera, bicycle fixing gear…

Third Stage – Alcochete Samouco

Visit to Alcochete, Samouco and return

Access – From Lisbon – by car through Vasco da Gama Bridge

Grade – Easy. Inexistence hilliness

Time – 3 hours

Distance – 13 km (8 miles)

Points of interest – Alcochete  historical centre, Salt Museum can be visited with previous appointment to Alcochete Town Hall- dial +351 212348653.

Don’t miss the Pallafite Harbour in Samouco fishing village

Equipment – Any bicycle can do this tour. Consider a small back pack to carry those items you usual take in a bicycle tour – water, binoculars, bicycle fixing gear…

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