The Finest Cycling Tour in The Algarve from €920

TOUR DESCRIPTION

We’ve selected the very best cycling trails in The Algarve for you, with this incredible 7 day, self-guided cycling tour full of stunning landscape views and amazing trails.

From Sagres to Vila Real de Santo António, visiting beaches, fortresses and getting a sense of the true Algarve, her hidden gems and people, not forgetting the food and incredible sights.

Our main goal is to make sure that you enjoy your days here so much, that you will be talking about your experiences here in The Algarve for years to come!

Be ready! Because we are ready to show you the time of your life!

We have created this tour with our friends at Algarve Nature Tours, so that you can enjoy an authentic Portuguese experience as you discover the local culture, typical cuisine and the quiet beauty of the Algarve in the low and mid seasons.

DETAILED ITINERARY

 DAY 1:

ARRIVAL AT FARO AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO SAGRES

We hope you had a great flight and that you are excited to start your tour. One of our staff members will welcome you at the airport and give you the full briefing of the tour and the days ahead.

We have then organised a transfer to take you to Sagres.

Overnight, you will be staying in a wonderful boutique hotel in Sagres, the Hotel Memmo Baleeira*

CYCLING FROM SAGRES TO LAGOS

The beginning of the day will be a great introduction to the Algarve and the little, picturesque villages along the coast. Starting by cycling to Cape São Vicent, passing in Vila do Bispo Council, then following to the coastline and relaxed villas, like Salema and Burgau.

Without a doubt, this will be a great way to start discovering the amazing seafood and traditions that we have in the Algarve.

We want you to experience the very best of the Algarve, so tonight you will be staying in the Hotel Vila Galé Lagos* overlooking the sea.

Base kms: 43
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: medium

FROM LAGOS TO ARMAÇÃO DE PÊRA

Today you will be taking in views of some of the most iconic stretches of beach in the Algarve.

You will cycle along the coastline as you pass by the Lagoon of Alvor, Benagil Cave (the most photographed cave in the Algarve), the amazing Praia da Marinha and much more.

NB: A boat tour is a must to appreciate the incredible caves here.

On this day you can also stop in a vineyard to try some of the finest wines produced in the Algarve.

The views are breathtaking, and the sea will be a good companion on this trip.

Overnight at the Pestana Viking Beach Spa Resort*.

FROM ARMAÇÃO DE PÊRA TO VILAMOURA

You will have been impressed with everything you have seen in the first 3 days but get ready, because the landscape will change today as you will pass through some of the most iconic and famous areas of the Algarve!

The Salgados Lagoon has become one of the most visited birdwatching sites in the Algarve, and a worthwhile spot to make a stop and see if you can spot any of the “locals”.

Albufeira is the largest, liveliest and most energetic of all of the resort towns that line southern Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coastline.

The day ends in Vilamoura – the biggest resort in the Algarve, full of great restaurants, a huge Marina to walk along and an amazing sandy beach for avid swimmers.

Overnight in Vila Gale Marina Hotel*.

Base kms: 37
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: medium

 DAY 5:

FROM VILAMOURA TO OLHÃO

Get impressed with the diversity of Algarve.

From Vilamoura, you will cycle to Quarteira, once a modest fisherman’s village, located by the sea, that become a popular tourist destination in the 1960’s. Nowadays, this village is well known for its extensive beach, its fresh seafood and its pine tree forests.

Going from Quarteira to Faro, you’ll be able to visit the famous resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, with their stylish and contemporary architecture as well as the golf courses, blended with the indigenous landscape, its beautiful coastline and the Ria Formosa natural reserve. Ria Formosa, recently elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, is a salty lagoon protected from the sea by 5 barrier-islands and 2 peninsulas and is a paradise for birdwatchers. It’s actually one of the most important areas for aquatic birds in Portugal, hosting more than 20,000 birds on a regular basis during the winter period.

Crossing Quinta do Lago you will be cycling until Faro – the capital of Algarve. We will stop in the city center for some historical sightseeing before ending our day in Olhão.

Overnight at the Hotel Real Marina*

Base kms: 53
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: easy

 DAY 6:

FROM OLHÃO TO TAVIRA

Olhão is the largest fishing port in the Algarve and is full of character with Moorish-style houses, an influence from the commercial links with Africa. If you’re up for a bit of discovery, you can even find the fortresses that used to defend the region from pirates.

Olhão maintains its cultural traditions well and this can be evidenced when you visit the market, where the stalls sell fish which has been freshly caught that morning. You will also see Olhão’s unique skyline, which still has the presence of hundreds of roof terraces – the “açoteias” -, typical of the Algarve.

Cycling till Fuzeta, you might like to make time for a relaxing coffee overlooking the Ria Formosa salty lagoon.

The day will end in one of the most iconic and picturesque cities of Algarve: Tavira.

Overnight at the Hotel Vila Gale Albacora*

Base kms: 30
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: easy

 DAY 7:

FROM TAVIRA TO VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

From Tavira we cycle along the Natural Park.

Tavira is a beautiful Portuguese city, crossed by the river Gilão, a fantastic location with beautiful island beaches (Tavira Island and Praia do Barril) , and a multitude of restaurants, cafes and shops to choose from. The city has life about it all year round without being too busy, and its narrow streets present us with remains of ancient bridges, castles, and churches.

On the way to Vila Real we visit the charming Cacela-a-Velha and the views over the lagoon. Rated as one of the best beaches in the world, “Fabrica” beach, just below the village, is well worth your visit!

Overnight in Duna Mar Hotel*

Base kms: 35
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: easy

 DAY 8:

The week is over. You feel rejuvenated and ready for all that the year can throw at you!  If you have any more days to spare here in the Algarve, there are plenty more wonderful trails we can recommend for you.  But for now, we have to say goodbye! This is the day of your departure flight! We hope that the Portuguese coast has captured a special place in your memory and we hope to see you again soon.