THE ROUTES

The routes of Gravel Birds Ultracycling cross some of the most remote, isolated, and challenging territories in Portugal and Southwestern Europe. Gravel Birds is not a gravel race or an ultramarathon. The routes are designed for a true bikepacking and adventure cycling experience. Gravel Birds is much more than a long-distance ride — it is an environmental and sociocultural journey, deeply connected with the landscapes, traditions, and people of Alentejo.

In 2026, Gravel Birds Ultracycling will feature three routes: L’Abetarda, Gravel Birds Classic 750, and the brand new Gravel Birds XL 1000. All start and finish in the town of Castro Verde.

L'Abetarda is the smaller and more accessible version, forming a central loop in Baixo Alentejo and sharing much of its course with the larger routes. L’Abetarda avoids the harshness of the Guadiana Valley, but challenges riders in the rugged terrain of the Serra do Caldeirão. L’Abetarda has around 350 kilometers, an elevation gain of 5,000 meters and is 65% off-road. Designed as an introduction to bikepacking and a more relaxed adventure, Touring is the only category available — meaning all riders can help each other and ride together.

Gravel Birds Classic 750 is our traditional route, and the longest loop between 2022 and 2025 editions. The Classic 750 has played a pioneering role in the development of the bikepacking and gravel scene in Portugal: it was both the first established off-road bikepacking route and the backbone of the first off-road ultracycling event in the country. Gravel Birds Classic has around 750 kilometers and is 75% off-road. Route planning apps indicate an elevation gain of 8,000 meters of climbing, but according to the GPS riders' devices you can expect at least 11,000 meters of climbing. The Classic remains a landmark ride, combining endless gravel roads with cultural and natural diversity.

Gravel Birds XL 1000 is the new route and the longest loop of the event. It was designed to deliver a more diverse journey and a higher level of challenge. It follows the Classic route until Beja, then heads north to reach Évora, while also exploring the landscapes around Alqueva, the largest artificial lake in Western Europe. Gravel Birds XL has around 1,000 kilometers and is 70% off-road. Route planning apps register 11,500 meters of climbing, but we believe that GPS riders' devices will reach 15,000 meters of elevation gain. The XL promises an epic bikepacking odyssey, blending endless gravel, historical towns, and wild nature in a route made for those who want to push their limits.

castro verde biosphere reserve (UNESCO)

Where it all begins. In the heart of Baixo Alentejo lies the Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO - designated sanctuary where traditional cereal farming has sculpted sweeping steppes rich in wildlife. This living mosaic is home to a remarkable bird community — around 200 species — including the majestic great bustard, elegant little bustard, endangered lesser kestrel, and elusive black-bellied sandgrouse. It’s here, amid the balance of human history and wild nature, that the spirit of Gravel Birds Ultracycling takes flight.

Route(s):  L'Abetarda, Gravel Birds Classic, Gravel Birds XL.

Évora CITY CENTRE - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

At the heart of Alentejo rises Évora, a city of timeless charm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its medieval walls, Roman temples, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces and whitewashed alleys tell the story of over two millennia of culture. Surrounded by cork oak forests and rolling plains, Évora is more than a city — it’s a living museum and a crossroad of civilizations. On the Gravel Birds XL 1000, the city of Évora marks a turning point where ancient heritage inspires new adventures.

Route(s): Gravel Birds XL.

monsaraz AND alqueva DAM - DARK SKY RESERVE

Crowned on a hilltop, the medieval village of Monsaraz overlooks the vast waters of Alqueva, the largest artificial lake in Western Europe. Part of the Guadiana River, this landscape has long been a natural crossing point. Between ancient walls and endless waters, Monsaraz unites history, resilience and beauty. The silence of the plains meets the boundless horizon of Alqueva, under one of the clearest skies in the world, certified by Dark Sky Reserve. Riding at night becomes even more special, with stars lighting the way across timeless landscapes.

Route(s): Gravel Birds XL.

são domingos mines - Guadiana Valley natural park

Along the Gravel Birds route lies the haunting beauty of the São Domingos Mines, nestled in the corridor of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Once a booming industrial hub from 1854 to 1966—powered by one of the first electric grids and railway lines in the region—it now stands as a compelling witness of time. Rusted machinery, acid-blue lagoons, and silent shafts in the Achada do Gamo evoke a post-industrial dreamscape. More than a landmark, São Domingos is a powerful contrast: a reminder of past ingenuity and nature’s quiet resilience.

Route(s): Gravel Birds Classic, Gravel Birds XL.

mértola - guadiana valley natural park

At the crossroads of history and nature. The medieval town of Mértola, perched above the Guadiana Valley, reveals a rich Islamic legacy in its architecture, narrow streets, and ancient fortifications. Leaving the town, riders descend into the expansive Alentejo plains, home to steppe birds and a vibrant ecosystem. This region also celebrates the successful reintroduction of the Iberian lynx, Europe’s most endangered feline. Mértola offers a striking contrast between cultural heritage and wild nature, making it a memorable landmark on the experience.

Route(s): Gravel Birds Classic, Gravel Birds XL.

serra do caldeirão - The borderline territory

Caldeirão stretches along the border with Algarve, shaping some of the toughest sections of the Gravel Birds routes. Its rugged trails mirror the resilience and hardiness of the local communities who have used these paths for generations. Riders encounter Pico do Mú (577 m), the highest point of Baixo Alentejo and Gravel Birds’ routes, roughly halfway through an already challenging section. Beyond this peak, the route continues into even more isolated and demanding terrain, where supplies are scarce and self-reliance is essential.

Route(s): L'Abetarda, Gravel Birds Classic, Gravel Birds XL.

atlantic coast - costa vicentina natural park

Where land meets the sea. The Gravel Birds route takes a striking turn to the Atlantic coast, tracing about 50 km between Zambujeira do Mar and Porto Côvo within the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This coastal section contrasts sharply with the inland plains, offering dramatic cliffs, winding trails along the cliffs’ edge, and expansive ocean views. Charming fishing villages, now popular with visitors, invite a taste of fresh seafood and a moment to rest. After this coastal stretch, the route returns inland areas of Baixo Alentejo.

Route(s): Gravel Birds Classic, Gravel Birds XL.