We’ll leave Lisbon to visit Montijo and visit Samouco beach. We’ll ride along the Tagus, in the middle of water channels, we’ll see the salt flats and thousands of birds, of various species, that reside there.
Before we reach Alcochete, the land where D. Manuel I (king of Portugal) was born in 1469, we’ll discover why this was the most important place Portuguese cod drought.
Montijo is the first visit of our tour, a very nice land, where the colors and drawings on the house facades are amazing. In this village, where the mark of a life connected to the Tagus is clearly visible, we will have the possibility to see one of the typical Tagus tidal mills and an urban art work signed by Bordalo II (The Donkey).
After the first day visit, always close to the Montijo Air Base, we will cycle to the area of Samouco beach.
Now, by the river, through the wet sand, with the Tagus and Lisbon on the horizon, we’ll arrive at the Palafítico Pier, where we will have the possibility to see a lot of fishing boats and the way this small fishing community lives.
Careful not to get your feet wet, something that will be almost inevitable, we’ll cross a small water line to start a dirt path, absolutely extraordinary, that will lead us to Alcochete.
This path that passes by the famous Samouco salt pans, under the Vasco da Gama Bridge and through the old cod drought zone, is a sanctuary for countless bird’s species.
Here, where flamingos are kings, with some care not to frighten these beautiful birds, we’ll be able to observe and photograph countless families of this friendly species enjoying the snacks (authentic banquets) that the Tagus River offers them.
The ruins of the cod drought factories are located at the end of this path. Here, we can see how the cod was dried and how these complexes were organized. Nothing was left to chance, it’s still possible to identify the drought zone, storage area, administrative services and support services for employees, such as the old nursery, cafeteria and medical post.
Passing by Moinhos beach, we’ll now reach Alcochete, where in 1469 King D. Manuel I, the Fortunate, was born.
We’ll visit this historic village, crossing its small streets and alleys. In the bay facing Lisbon, before we start to cycling back to Lisbon, we’ll see hundreds of fishermen, standing in the middle of the river, dedicated to collecting clams.
Important Note: We only carry out this tour for groups, for that you'll have to send us an email (info@freebiketourslisbon.com) with the date and number of people.