8 Day Guided Cycling Tour: Wild Algarve Picturesque and Historical Algarve in Portugal

Accommodation

During this tour, you will stay in various accommodations along the route.

Day 1: nice guesthouse in the village center
Day 2: Vicentina Aparthotel
Day 3: Aldeia da Pedralva
Day 4: Memmo Baleeira
Day 5: Hotel Tivoli
Days 6 and 7: Vila Galé

You can upgrade your first night to the hotel Casas do Moinho. The upgrade costs between 25 and 70 EUR per person, depending on date.

Program

You start cycling in a wild rugged area of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina National Park, on the west coast. Then, you cycle along the popular south coast, the true Algarve, including very picturesque spots closer to the Spanish border. Your days have lots of variety with visits to places such as the Fisherman’s Museum, the Cape of Sagres, and several fortresses. The Portuguese Sea Discoveries of the 15th century are always present. Besides cycling and enjoying the amazing scenery, Portugal Best Cycling invites you to learn about the local economy.

One of the learning highlights is a visit to an organic farm where its fruit is transformed into jams, chutneys, cakes, and chocolates. The salines visit is another one and, to a sweet end, a visit to a pastry factory where you will have the chance to learn to bake some cakes and in the end taste them (cooking on van guided and guided tours only). The beaches are beautiful, on the first days with fun waves and impressive cliffs in the background while the last days offer you quiet and crystal blue waters.

You will find out that even in the more touristy Algarve areas there are still hidden empty beaches. Though the Algarve is flat, there are several short ups and downs along the day, so you should be fit enough to handle the hills. On the sixth day, there is a transfer by train or van to avoid the more busy area of the Algarve. The hotels are all top quality and have a swimming pool, (except for the first one), though they hope you do not have much time to spend there.

Enjoy your stay at the monumental Pousadas of Portugal and relax at the recovered village, time forgotten, transformed into a one-of-a-kind hamlet or hotel tourism project. The Algarve usually is a bit warmer than the rest of the country in autumn and spring, so you may end up swimming in late October or early April. You can do the Algarve bike tours all year round.

Distance: 250 kilometers / 156 miles

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

Arrive at Faro or Lisbon airport and transfer to Odeceixe. Briefing of your Portugal cycling tour. If you arrive early, Portugal Best Cycling suggests a visit to the historic center of Faro before the transfer to Odeceixe (if you flew to Faro). Arrival to Odeceixe in time for a beer at the little square, and maybe to visit the windmill. Also possible to use your bike to ride to the beach, classified as one of the seven wonder beaches of Portugal. Dinner is included. Accommodation at a nice guesthouse in a village center or possible upgrade to Casas do Moinho.

Day 2 - The Wild Beaches: Odeceixe - Aljezur

Cycle along the river until the gorgeous beach of Odeceixe. Enjoy the stunning views and the rock formations near the beach. Then you go through farmland with some green cornfields that contrast with the yellow grass in the warm seasons and reach another wild beach. A nice café will be a perfect place for a stop, enjoying a cool drink and a light lunch while watching the surf schools in action.

Swim and then cycle to the village of Aljezur, one of the last ones to be conquered by the moors. The local artist shop and gallery deserve a visit, as well as the local museums. If you want to do some extra kilometers, it is possible to ride to another beach or along a beautiful farmland valley. One more adventurous descent where some people may prefer to walk, but very short and easy to walk (300 meters). Lunch and dinner are included.

Distance: 32 kilometers / 20 miles
Elevation: 350 meters / 1149 feet
Difficulty: easy+
Terrain: Secondary roads with no traffic at all. Some dirt tracks.
Accommodation: Vicentina Aparthotel, four-star, with a swimming pool
Optional extra kilometers: 4 + 20 (to ride to the extra beach)

Day 3 - From impressive cliffs to charming valleys: Aljezur - Pedralva

Start by conquering the Castle of Aljezur, enjoying the beautiful views over the village and its neat vegetable gardens. Then cycle to the coast again, visiting a fortress with stunning views over the cliffs. The perfect defense setting. From here, you can see the “needle rock”, an imposing rock standing in the middle of the ocean. You go inland again and start your dirt track adventure.

First between eucalyptus, later between the wild endemic bushes, and finally along a gorgeous little lake and a valley. Completely wild, surprising, and breathtaking. Cycle to Bordeira, a lovely hamlet with a Manueline-style church, and then ride along with another enchanting valley until Carrapateira. Here you will be stunned by the incredible views and rough coastline. Cycle for a few kilometers along the cliffs. Take time to stop and enjoy. Picnic lunch will be served by one of these beaches.

The fisherman’s museum is a visit not to be missed, with fantastic pictures of the man hanging from rocks to catch the famous local delicacy “percebes“. Learn about the lives of the people from the region who risk their lives to catch the best fish for your meal. Riding along another green valley, you reach tonight’s accommodation, a lovely hamlet where half of the houses were carefully recovered for tourism.

Distance: 44 kilometers / 28 miles
Elevation: 650 meters / 2133 feet
Difficulty: medium+
Terrain: Difficult start with some steep climbs, always on asphalt. Then dirt tracks, most of them flat or down. One technical descent (400 meters) where some people may prefer to walk.
Accommodation: Aldeia da Pedralva, rural tourism, with a swimming pool
Optional extra kilometers: 4 with 150 meters ascent

Day 4 - Infant D. Henrique and the sea discoveries: Pedralva - Sagres

Leave Pedralva through a dirt road along the valley. Pass just under some modern wind farms and reach the sanctuary of Guadalupe. Here learn about the interesting life of Infant D. Henrique, the sea discoveries prince. After cycling through a couple of lovely villages to reach the wild coast again. Swim at the beach and then cycle to the Cape of S. Vicente, the most southwest point of Europe.

From there on, only the sea discoveries and the adventures of the sea sailing. Stop for a swim again at a fantastic beach surrounded by huge cliffs. After visiting the Fortress of Sagres, you continue to your very nice hotel with gorgeous views over the cliffs and the fortress. These visits make your Portugal bike tour special. Picnic lunch and dinner are included.

Distance: 41 kilometers / 26 miles
Elevation: 500 meters / 1641 feet
Difficulty: medium
Terrain: Good dirt tracks, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs. Steep climb on asphalt to come back from the beach where you do your lunch.
Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira, a charming “Pousada“, with a swimming pool under request
Optional extra kilometers: 4

Day 5 - Beach roller coaster: Sagres - Lagos

Today, the route goes along the southern coastline, in and out to wild beaches. Stop several times for swims and drinks. The ocean here is warmer than on the west coast, the waters are quieter. The cliffs change color, from black schist to orange sandstone. The villages are bigger, more tourist, with many cafés, restaurants and shopping opportunities. You pass a couple of fortresses with fantastic views and go up and down on narrow secondary roads.

The last kilometers will be on an amazing trek along the cliffs from where you can see beautiful rock islands in which erosion forms arches, caves, and different shapes. Lagos is a lively coastal city with charming architecture, perfect for a stop in this Algarve bike tour. Visit the local museum and the beautiful church and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Picnic lunch is included. Dinner is not included.

Distance: 43 kilometers / 27 miles
Elevation: 720 meters / 2363 feet
Difficulty: medium+
Terrain: Start with a flat dirt track with some rocks to challenge your senses. This is a real dirt track! Steep valley passage to be done walking by everyone. Steep down and steep up, too technical to ride. Then asphalt roller coaster, always steep up and down but always short. Maximum 80 meters each time. In the end optional flat cliff dirt track or asphalt.
Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli, four-star, with a swimming pool

Day 6 - The charming villages: Lagos - Tavira

The day starts with a 9:30 a.m. transfer from Lagos to Olhão. Arriving at your destination, unload the bikes and cycle to a little village famous for its pottery. It is a quiet and charming place. Then cycle back to the coast and have a drink by the lagoon of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. Cycle along this lagoon and stop to enjoy the quietness and watch the bird life.

It is usual to see fishermen catching clams and razors in low tide and boats arriving from a fishing day in high tide. Tavira is probably the prettiest village in the Algarve. Its architecture is charming, the atmosphere relaxing. Save time to explore. Here it is a good place to buy some arts and crafts, at the local association. Picnic lunch is included. Dinner is not included.

Distance: 30 kilometers / 19 miles
Elevation: 220 meters / 722 feet
Difficulty: easy+
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Accommodation: Vila Galé, with a swimming pool

Day 7 - The local economy: Tavira - Vila Real de Santo António

From Tavira, you cycle along the Natural Park again, passing several beach and golf resorts that make wonders for tourists and golfers. Beaches here are busy and lively. To reach them, you either walk over a wooden board over the river or take a little charming train or a local boat. Between the mainland and the beach, there is always the lagoon. Visit the charming Cacela-a-Velha and the views over the lagoon and then cycle inland to Castro Marim.

On the way, you will visit a biological farm and learn about the fig and carob trees, and the local products that are made from their fruits. On this farm, the motto is “waste nothing”, and everything the trees give you is used. After you visit the salt lakes and learn about this local production. Here you may immerse yourself in a wonderful outdoor salt-mud spa experience. It is time to cycle to your final destination, Vila Real de Santo António, where the second language is Spanish.

All restaurants have menus in Spanish as this is the main tourism market. After all, Spain is just across the river. On arrival, you have a last surprise. You have the opportunity to visit a local pastry factory. Besides visiting, you will have the chance to make some pastries and, of course, taste them. Picnic lunch and dinner are included.

Distance: 37 kilometers / 23 miles
Elevation: 250 meters / 821 feet
Difficulty: easy
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Accommodation: Vila Galé, with a swimming pool
Optional extra kilometers: 13

Day 8 - Departure

Transfer to Faro airport. You can also continue cycling with them to the gorgeous inland of the Alentejo and do the castles and wine tour.

Bikes

The bikes are trekking bikes. They were chosen because they are the best for the type of Portugal cycling tours Portugal Best Cycling does. They use trekking tires, which are good for asphalt but also for dirt roads in good condition. They have e-bikes (electric bikes) available for rent.

1. KROSS Evado 6.0

Frame: Aluminium
Fork: Sr Suntour NEX HLO (travel 63 millimeters)
Rear shock: no
Gears: 27
Front derailleur: Shimano Altus FD-M370
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M591
Brakes: Shimano BL-M315 (hydraulic)
Brake levers: Shimano BR-M315 (disc, hydraulic, rotor: 160 millimeters)
Shifters: Shimano Alivio SL-M4000 (3x9)
Crankset: Shimano Acera FC-T3010 (48/36/26Tx170 millimeters)
Bottom bracket: FP-B902
Chain: Shimano CN-HG53
Casette: Shimano Alivio CS-HG300-9 (11-32T)
Front hub: Shimano Deore FH-M475
Rear hub: Shimano Deore HB-M475
Tires: Schwalbe CX Comp PP (28 inches x1.5 inches, reflex)
Rims: Kross Disc (alumininum, double wall)
Handlebar: Aluminium (DM/S-620 millimeters DL/M/L-640 millimeters, XL-660 millimeters, 31.8 millimeters)
Stem: Aluminium (DM/DL/S-100 millimeters, M/L-110 millimeters, XL-120 millimeters, 31.8 millimeters, rise 7°)
Seatpost: Aluminium (DM/DL/S/M/L-350 millimeters, XL-400 millimeters, 27.2 millimeters)
Headset: FP-H816 (1 1/8 inches)
Saddle: Selle Royal Shadow
Grips: Herrmans Oxy
Pedals: VP-519A
Weight: 13,5
Extras: Carrier, bag, fenders, kickstand

2. Focus Aventura 1.0

Make: Focus
Model: Aventura Impulse Speed 1.0
Body position: Forward
Suggested use: Urban, commuting, touring
Class: Speed pedelec (class 3)
Model year: 2015
Total weight: 54 pounds / 24.49 kilograms
Battery weight: 6.5 pounds / 2.94 kilograms
Motor weight: 8.4 pounds / 3.81 kilograms
Frame material: Aluminum alloy
Frame fork details: RST pulse RL magnesium air suspension with remote lockout
Attachment points: Rear rack bosses, fender bosses, bottle cage bosses (1 on Trapez, 2 on Diamont)
Gearing details: 11-speed Shimano Alfine inter-11 internally geared hub, 46-tooth front sprocket, 22-tooth rear sprocket
Shifter details: Shimano Alfine trigger shifters on the right bar
Cranks: Focus, aluminum alloy
Pedals: Aluminum alloy and plastic platform, rubber tread
Stem: Concept EX
Handlebar: Concept EX Riser, 660 millimeters
Brake details: Magura MT5 hydraulic disc with 180-millimeter front rotor and 160-millimeter rear rotor
Grips: Ergon flat rubber with lockers
Saddle: Fizik Rondine
Seat post: Concept EX
Seat post length: 350 millimeters
Seat post diameter: 31.6 millimeters
Rims: Concept EX Disc
Tire brand: Schwalbe Energizer Pro, 700 x 38c
Wheel sizes: 28 inches (71.12 centimeters)
Motor brand: Impulse 2.0
Motor type: Mid-mounted geared motor
Display type: Fixed, monochrome backlit LCD with adjustable angle by impulse
Readouts: Speed, battery status, trip distance, odometer, drive mode (eco, sport, power, power or sport), walk assist (hold the + button)
Display accessories: Backlit independent button pad near left grip
Drive mode: Advanced pedal assist (measures wheel speed, cadence, and pedal torque)

3. Cube Touring Hybrid ONE 400

Frame: Aluminium Superlite, trekking premium sport, double-butted, disc-only
Fork: SR Suntour NEX-E25 HLO, 63 millimeters, lockout
Headset: FSA Orbit 1.5B ZS-1-R, Top Zero-Stack 1 1/8 inches (OD 44 millimeters), Bottom Zero-Stack 1 1/2 inches (OD 56 millimeters)
Stem: CUBE Performance Stem Pro, 31.8 millimeters; EE: Satori Up2 Plus, 31.8 millimeters, adjustable
Handlebar: CUBE rise trail bar, 680 millimeters
Gribs: CUBE natural fit comfort
Rear derailleur: Shimano RD-M4000-DSGS, 9-speed
Shifters: Shimano SL-M2000, Rapidfire-Plus
Brake system: Shimano BR-M315, Hydr. Disc Brake (180/160)
Crankset: FSA Metropolis Comfort, 38T, Chainguard
Chain: KMC X9
Color: iridium and black
Cassette: Shimano CS-HG200, 11-34T
Front hub: Shimano HB-TX505, QR, centerlock
Rear hub: Shimano FH-TX505, QR, centerlock
Rims: CUBE SX20, 36H, disc
Tires: Schwalbe Range Cruiser, Active, K-Guard, 47×622
Pedals: CUBE PP trekking
Saddle: Selle Royal Ariel
Seat post: CUBE suspension seatpost, 27.2 millimeters
Seatclamp: CUBE Varioclose, 31.8 millimeters
Front light: Trelock LS230, 12V, DC
Rear light: Trelock LS611 Duo Flat
Kickstand: CUBEstand Cmpt
Mudguards: SKS Black Shiny
Bell: Humpert
Carrier: Racktime AddIt CUBE edition
Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400
Drive unit: Bosch Drive Unit Active Plus (50Nm) Cruise (250Watt)
Display: Bosch Intuvia
Charger: Bosch 2ª
Total weight: 23,2 kilograms

Location

The tour will take place in Portugal.

+−

Food

You will be served daily breakfast, water, and fruit as well as six lunches, five dinners with wine, and one liqueur tasting included in the price. Vegan meals are available at an additional cost of 90 EUR.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Drinks

The following drinks are included:

Water
Alcoholic beverages

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegan
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

What's included

Cycling tour
7 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast
6 lunches
5 dinners with wine
Water and fruit
1 liqueur tasting
Faro airport transfers
Luggage transfer
Transfer from Lagos to Olhão
Maps, route instructions, and history notes
24-hour phone support
Personal accident insurance
Basic tools
VAT
Souvenir
Support car with a guide
Bicycle, helmet, back rack, and pannier or similar
Entrance fee at Fortress of Sagres
Entrance fee at the Municipal Museum of Aljezur
Entrance fee at Fisherman's Museum
1st aid assistance
Portugal's Best Cycling jersey
Guide

What's not included

Airfare
Single supplement fee for a 3rd person in a group of 2
Supplement fee for departure different than on Saturday
Vegan meals (90 EUR)
Lisbon's airport transfer to Odeceixe
Faro's Airport transfer to Odeceixe
Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Lisbon Airport
Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro Airport
Transfer from Lisbon Airport instead of Faro
E-bike rental (100 EUR)
Phone rental (plus calls) (10 EUR)
Cycling shorts (65 EUR)
Extra cycling jersey (20 EUR)
Cycling apron (20 EUR)
First-night accommodation upgrade fee (25 - 70 EUR per person, depending on dates)
Single-person tour supplement fee
Massage
Extra nights
Bikes insurance
Travel insurance
Tour cancellation insurance

How to get there

Recommended Airports

FAO

Faro Airport

85 km

Transfer included

LIS

Lisbon Portela Airport

152 km

Transfer not provided

Airport: Faro Airport Airport transfer included: Faro Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 21% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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