FarWest 300 | Randonneurs Portugal (Ambassador Route)

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Vila Franca de Xira, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, PT

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Route Overview

Randonneurs Portugal

Long Distance Cycling in Portugal

194 mi.

12,497 ft.

FarWest 300 - A cycling adventure into the West coat
This is a 300 km route exploring the West coast, that's where the name, FarWest 300, came from.

As many of our routes, FarWest 300 is a loop from Vila Franca de Xira. It goes North along the Atlantic through farmlands and small villages up to Nazaré and goes inland on the way back.

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Route Details

# FarWest 300 - A cycling adventure into the west coast
This is a 300 km route exploring the West coast, that's where the name, FarWest 300, came from.

As many of our routes, FarWest 300 is a loop from Vila Franca de Xira. It goes North along the Atlantic through farmlands and small villages up to Nazaré and goes inland on the way back.

## Highlights of the FarWest 300 route

**Starts in Vila Franca de Xira** - On the first 55 km, we cycle through the rural landscapes of the West. Gentle slopes through farmland and small villages;

**@point[Mafra](d,57072.47)** | km 55 | @photo[Jardim das Portas do Sol](7899735) - Time to take a close look at the Mafra Convent, it served as a royal palace and as a Franciscan friary. Don't forget to taste a Fradinho, a pastry that is worth it.

**@point[Santa Cruz](d,65238.21)** | km 65 | A bit of Gravel, and there's the Atlantic. Here the air is salty. From here on we will have the sea in line of sight for many kms.

**@point[Porto Novo](d,88992.46)** | km 89 | Time to snack by the sea and head out to Peniche in a mix between rural and ocean views;

**@point[Peniche](d,110139.55)** | km 110 | Peniche reflects the fishing industry. It has a raw appearance, which has barely changed with the increase in tourism. Our route takes us around its peninsula so that we can have a look at the Fortaleza de Peniche build in the 17th century to keep the harbor safe from pirates. The fort was notorious during the "Estado Novo" dictatorship (1932 to 1974), as it was used as a political prison. 
We can also spot the Cabo Carvoeiro, one of the most westerly points of mainland Europe.
Before leaving, remember that this is an excellent spot to have a snack;

**@point[Óbidos](d,150695.59)** | km 150 | It was settled before the Romans arrived in the Iberian Peninsula. The town prospered after being chosen by the royal family. King Dinis offered it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century and became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens' Estate). 
We find a well-preserved castle within the walls and a maze of streets.
A must-have here is the ginginha, a liqueur made from sour cherries. Not the most fabulous hydration for cyclists;

Heading to **@point[Nazaré](d,177239.35)** | Getting to Nazaré is demanding but with rewarding views. We rejoin the sea in Foz do Arelho and again at the bay of São Martinho do Porto;

**@point[Nazaré](d,192989.76)** | Last 193 km | It retains colorful fishing traditions. It's not uncommon to encounter fishmongers who still wear the traditional seven skirts. 
Facing Nazaré, we see an impressive headland, Sítio, a 318-meter rock face with a sheer drop to the sea.
It's an excellent opportunity to grab a snack and contemplate the sunset on one of the waterfront terraces.
Its time to say farewell to the Atlantic and head inland;

**@point[Alcobaça](d,206025.63)** | 206 km | Owes its fame to the Monastery or Royal Abbey of Santa Maria. Building began in 1178 on land donated by Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal. The Monastery is classified by UNESCO as World Heritage.
The bakery has been strongly influenced by the Cistercian monasteries, the most famous sweet is Pão de ló;

**@point[Caldas da Rainha](d,232966.44)** | 233 km | As we are heading home, this the last major village along the route. Caldas da Rainha is a spa town founded in the 15th century, one of Europe's first hydrotherapy resort since Roman times. 
As a place where nobility and the bourgeoisie gathered, Caldas da Rainha has lots of distinguished architecture from the Baroque to Art Nouveau;

Into **@slice[Vila Franca de Xira](d,280188.74,311412.52)** | Last 30 km | The last 30 km are mostly rolling hills. Upon arriving, you can quickly get to Lisbon by train or freeway. Different logging options are available if you prefer to stay in this charming town and enjoy the local cuisine.

# Reach Out

* [Site](https://www.randonneursportugal.pt)
* [Email](mailto:randonneurs@randonneursportugal.pt)
* [Facebook](https://www.randonneursportugal.pt/)
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* [Twitter](https://twitter.com/RandoPortugal)

#
# More Information
The FarWest 300 goes throughout landscapes, full of color, varying with the seasons of the year.

The route is dictated by rolling hills with scattered, whitewashed villages and the characteristic windmills, building a unique harmony between the coast and the countryside.

The passing of time left in the West Coast region a remarkable track of Medieval Castles, Renaissance Palaces, Manor Houses, Churches, Convents remembering past times.

Check out some photos of this route ridden as a 300k Brevet des Randonneurs Mondiaux (Audax ride)

* [2020 Edition](https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z5BKT2JYepTBGXkb9)

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FarWest 300 | Randonneurs Portugal (Ambassador Route)

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