The last time I was in the Alentejo, a local shared with me an acronym that he thought best defined the Alentejo experience. ‘ABC’, meaning ‘Another Bloody Castle’ or ‘Another Bloody Church’. While that was the first time I’ve heard of this acronym, I had already lost count of how many castelos and igrejas I had visited in this calm corner of Portugal.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my castles, and one more church is never too many, but it can get a little monotonous. While searching for fun things to do in the Alentejo, I came across a one-of-a-kind experience, a rail bike tour in Marvão! With specially adapted bicycles that run on old train tracks, we cycled through breathtaking landscapes filled with wildlife, centuries-old oak trees, and even ancient burial sites. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind experience in the Alentejo!
Rail Bike Marvão – Rail Bike Tours in Beirã
The rail bike tours in Beirã are operated by Rail Bike Marvão. They offer two different tours of different durations, all departing from Cais Coberto. This old warehouse converted into a café/bar is the meeting point of those partaking in the tours. You can choose between two different tours, the shorter tour is around 16 km and lasts approximately 2,5 hours. The longer one has double the distance (32 km), lasts approximately 5 hours and includes a picnic. They cost per person €25, and €50, respectively.
How to Book a Rail Bike Tour in Marvão?
To book one of the rail bike tours, you need to contact Rail Bike Marvão via email, specifying the tour of choice, desired date, number of participants, and if you prefer morning or afternoon. A deposit of 50% is required to secure the booking, the remaining 50% is paid in cash on the day. Admission is free for children weighing 20 kg or less, as they occupy a special seat placed between the parents. Make sure to request the extra seat in your email too! As of now, they’re not listed on any of the usual platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator you can only book direct.
The Rail Bike Tour – Cycling Through ‘Alto Alentejo’
When you arrive at the tour, the first thing you will be asked is your height so the pedals can be adjusted accordingly. Each bike accommodates two people. These are guided tours, so before the tour starts, they cover some basics and talk you through the route. We did the 16km tour which felt pretty easy even when we cycled uphill. The guides Adolfo and Lenny spoke both Portuguese and English and were very attentive throughout the tour, making sure to stop so everyone could catch up.
Are There Stops on the Way?
In the first 8 km we stopped a couple of times, one of them to take a look at an ancient grave sight or ‘Sepultura Celta’. The final stop was at a 1930s bridge where we got to dismount and take in the views of Marvão and surroundings. If you are doing the shorter tour, that’s when the bikes will get turned around. On the trip back to the train station there are no stops, unless there are some overgrown branches in need of a trim, or in our case, a partridge crossing with her chicks.
Is Rail Bike Marvão Suitable for Children?
Yes, the rail bike tours in Marvão are suitable for children of all ages. Keep in mind that in order to reach the pedals, participants must have at least 1.25m of height. If not, they can still join in, but their partner will be in charge of all the cycling. Any children weighing up to 20 kg will be placed on a special seat between those pedaling. Needless to say, children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate.
Know Before You Go
You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts, the meeting point is at Cais Coberto, where you can grab coffee and refreshments. The tours are fairly easy to follow, however, taking water and a hat is recommended, as well as wearing sun cream.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and adequate footwear. This rail bike tour is suitable for people of all age groups. Something to keep in mind though is that the bikes can only take up to 100 kg per person. The rail bikes are meant for 2 people, however, if you are joining solo, you will be paired with one of the guides.
Where to Stay if You are Doing the Rail Bike Tours
If you are looking for places to stay nearby, still on the train theme, Train Spot Guesthouse offers affordable rooms with breakfast included. The building was originally the restaurant of the, now deactivated, train station ‘Beirã-Marvão’. The architecture is stunning, and the hosts are incredibly friendly, with the bonus that’s next door to Rail Bike Marvão. If you rather stay in an actual town, Castelo de Vide has more accommodation and restaurants to choose from.
