8 days
Duration
183 km
Distance
Medium
Difficulty
Algarve, Coast
Location

Active Holidays in Portugal – Bike, Walk and Kaiak

Highlights

  • Active holidays in Portugal – Cycling, walking and kayaking 
  • Algarve’s picturesque and lively historical centers
  • Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP
  • Yellow sandstone cliffs on Lagos with amazing caves
  • Tasty picnics served at the beach or at local restaurants
  • Very nice hotels and fantastic beaches
  • Flexible tour. Add or cut days as you wish

Description

This active holidays in Portugal starts in Porto Covo, a fisherman village with a charming architecture and relaxing atmosphere. From here we have a fantastic view over the cliffs.

Your adventure starts with a walk throught the wild rugged area of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP, on the west coast.

Our 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, walking, kayaking and enjoying the amazing scenery, we invite you also to learn about the local economy.

The beaches are beautiful, on the first days with fun waves and impressive steep cliffs on the background while the last days offer us quiet and crystal blue waters.

The hotels are all great quality. There is a Pousada included and an old hamlet, time forgot, transformed into one of a kind hamlet/hotel tourism project.

Finally kayaking will give you a different perspective of all this amazing scenery!

You can make this active holidays in Portugal:

  1. with us on a guided tour getting all the interpretation and companionship.
  2. or friends on a self guided tour.

Welcome to our Active Holidays in Portugal! If you like multi activity holidays, you may see more options in our Turaventur website.

Additional information

Tour typeHeritage, Landscape, Ocean views
1

Day 1

Arrival
Transfer from airport to Porto Covo.

Briefing of your active holidays in Portugal.

Arrival to Porto Covo in time for a beer at the little square, or maybe a swim in the beach.

Dinner included in van guided and guided bike tours only.
Accommodation at Pensão Zé Inácio or the upgraded Hotel Porto Covo or Hotel Praia and SPA.
2

Day 2

Walking in The Island Route
Hiking from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Porto Covo is a fisherman village with a charming architecture and relaxing atmosphere. We start by visiting the fort of the Pessegueiro Island (no entrance), from where we have a fantastic view over the cliffs. We stroll along cliffs, sand dunes and beaches. In low tide we can walk along the beach for part of the day.

We visit the fishing port “Porto das Barcas” where we can walk to the “middle of the ocean”.You can talk to the fisherman and see the local fish.

Arriving to Vila Nova de Milfontes we’ll take in the gorgeous views over the river mouth, and enjoy a swim in the ocean or in the river. Vila Nova de Milfontes is a beautiful little town, and you’ll enjoy walking around its streets and maybe doing some shopping!

 Distance: 20km
  Total ascent: 393 mts
 Difficulty: medium
  Terrain: Some dirt tracks and single tracks with sand.
Lunch not included,  visit the market and get a picnic, and dinner not included.
Accommodation: HS Milfontes beach hotel, with a swimming pool.
3

Day 3

Half day Kayak or boat trip in the river Mira
Kayak or boat ride in Mira river.

This day allows the contact with the basin of the Mira River on a boat or on a Kaiak its your choice. Enjoy the tranquility of the river as well as all the surrounding fauna and flora. Get to know this region in a different way, the beaches, the fort, the cliffs …

Free afternoon to do some shoping or just relax and enjoy the sun in the beach.

Difficulty: easy +
Lunch not included,  visit the market and get a picnic, and dinner not included.
Accommodation: HS Milfontes beach hotel, with a swimming pool.
4

Day 4

Cycling the Cliffs route
Cycling from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Odeceixe.

On this day just set the camera to landscape mode and ride through roads only used by local people, mostly easy dirt roads. As always, alternative asphalt road is possible, but you would miss the amazing cliff ride!

Get ready to use all of your camera MB taking pictures of pinnacle rocks standing precariously in the ocean, ornamented by storks nests, unexplored hidden coves and small beaches and cliffs with an impressive array of colors and contrasts.

Capture all these moments and share them… yes, it’s selfies time!

The stage for the picnic is a beach, walled by tilted cliffs inviting to a lazy afternoon basking in the sun. Then when the time is right we go yo our final destination Odeceixe. How much are you loving your active holidays in Portugal?

Distance: 48km
Total ascent: 530 mts
Difficulty: medium
Terrain: Good dirt tracks, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs. Secondary asphalted roads. Some short sand tracks.
Optional extra kms: 8
 Lunch and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Pensão Celeste or Pensão Maria.

5

Day 5

Cycling from Impressive Cliffs to Charming Valleys
Cycling from Odeceixe to Pedralva.

Start the day by visiting one of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal. Already in Aljezur enjoy the beautiful views over the village and its neat and tidy vegetable gardens. Then cycle to the coast again, visiting a fortress with stunning views over the cliffs. The perfect defense setting! From here we can see the “needle rock”, an imposing rock standing in the middle of the ocean.

We go inland again and start our dirt track adventure. First between eucalyptus, later between the wild endemic bushes and finally along a gorgeous little lake and along 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.

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 that risk their lives to catch the best fish for your meal!

Riding along another green valley we reach tonight’s accommodation, a lovely hamlet where half of the houses were carefully recovered for tourism. This could be a nice place for an extra night and maybe an extra adventure activity. Fancy a surf lesson?

Distance: 63km
Total ascent: 880 mts
Level: medium
Terrain: Start with secondary roads with no traffic at all. Some dirt tracks. in the middle some steep climbs, always on asphalt. Then dirt tracks, most of them flat or down.
Lunch and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation:  Aldeia da Pedralva, rural tourism, with a swimming pool.

6

Day 6

Take a walk on the cliffs
  Hiking in Bordeira.

This is a short and relaxing day. With a small bike ride to Carrapateira. In here you can walk around Bordeira cliffs circuit, here you will be stunned by the incredible views and rough coastline. Take time to stop and enjoy. After just enjoy the rest of the day in Bordeira beach! In the end of the day just ride back to your hotel.  Lunch and dinner no included.

You may take a taxi to walking area if you want to rest from the bike.

Distance: 10km
Total Ascent:
Difficulty: easy +
  Terrain: Secondary roads on asphalt and dirt roads on the bike and flat dirt track to hike
Accommodation: Aldeia da Pedralva, rural tourism, with a swimming pool.

7

Day 7

Cycling in the South coast
Cycling from Vila do Bispo to Lagos.

If you have an extra day you can do the option Pedralva to Sagres (Day 7) and then Sagres to Lagos (Day 8).

In the morning you have a transfer from Pedralva to Vila do Bispo. Visit the beautiful church in the village.

You reach the South coast of Portugal, the ocean here is warmer than on the west coast, the waters are quieter.  The cliffs change colour, from the black schist to the orange sandstone.

The villages are bigger, more touristic, with many cafés, restaurants and shopping opportunities.

We 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 we can see beautiful rock islands in which erosion formed arches, caves and different shapes.

Lagos is a lively coastal city with charming architecture, perfect for a stop in our Algarve bike tours. Visit the local museum, the beautiful church and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere

 Distance: 37km
Total Ascent: 500 mts
Difficulty: medium
Terrain: Good secondary roads, mostly flat, with a couple of climbs.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli, 4*, with swimming pool.

Option for the Day 7 for the extra day
Cycling from Pedralva to 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 cycle through a couple of lovely villages to reach the wild coast again. Have a swim at the beach and then cycle to the Cape of S. Vicente, the most SW 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. We feel small!!!!

After visiting the Fortress of Sagres we continue to our very nice hotel with gorgeous views over the cliffs and the fortress. These visits make our Portugal bike tours special!

 Distance: 41km
Total Ascent: 500 mts
Difficulty: medium
Terrain: Good dirt tracks, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Pousada de Sagres, with swimming pool. 

Option for the Day 8 for the extra day
Cycling from  Sagres to Lagos

Today the route goes along the southern coastline, in and out to wild beaches. Stop several times for swims and drinks. Enjoy!

The ocean here is warmer than on the west coast, the waters are quieter.  The cliffs change colour, from the black schist to the orange sandstone.

The villages are bigger, more touristic, with many cafés, restaurants and shopping opportunities.

We 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 we can see beautiful rock islands in which erosion formed arches, caves and different shapes.

Lagos is a lively coastal city with charming architecture, perfect for a stop in our Algarve bike tours. Visit the local museum, the beautiful church and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

 Distance: 46km
Total Ascent: 720 mts
Difficulty: medium +
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation:  Hotel Tivoli, 4*, with swimming pool. 
8

Day 8 or 9

Kaiak or boat trip in Lagos
Kayak in Lagos

This day invites you to make the most out of your time in Lagos and the beauty of the scenery around you.

This area is famous for the stunning caves and grottoes that you’ll explore through fascinating rock formations, observing their every detail in a way that would be impossible if you were traveling on a boat!

You will  have a chance to stop at some breathtaking beaches and jump into the water. Just you, the beaches and the sea!

Difficulty: easy +
Dinner not included,  visit the market and get a picnic, and dinner not included.
Hotel Tivoli, 4*, with swimming pool. 
8

Day 9 or 10

Departure
Transfer to airport

Tour extension: Continue Cycling with us to the gorgeous inland of the Alentejo and do the Castles and Wine Tour.

Notes:
On Van guided tours the guide will be the driver. He/she will guide you from a distance. The car will be near enough so that you can see it on the junctions. The guide will stop at important or interesting places to give history explanations or tell a story. Some people call this a supported tour, though in our case it is more than that because you are actually being guided.

On Guided tours groups are accompanied by one or two cycling guides, besides a guide who takes the support car, prepares the picnics and transports your luggage. Lunches are picnic type with traditional foods from the area where we are cycling. Sometimes we also use local restaurants.

In dinners arranged by us and you can be sure you will try the best gastronomy as we choose restaurants well known by us for its good traditional food. No «touristy» places included!

On van guided or guided cycling tours, you can expect full service from your guides. They will do their best to make your holiday an unforgettable one.

Our guides are all Portuguese and know our region very well. They are very service minded and most of them have been working with us for many years. They are bikers themselves and love to go cycling on their holidays, so they know what you expect from them!

MAP

PROFILES


1st walking day from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes

Altitude gain: 167mt/  547ft
Total Distance: 20 km/  12mi
Level: medium


2nd kayaking day in River Mira

Level: easy +


3rd cycling day from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Odeceixe

Altitude gain: 530 mt/ 1738ft
Total Distance: 48 km/  29mi
Level: medium


4th cycling day from Odeceixe to Pedralva

Altitude gain:  450mt/ 1476ft
Total Distance: 63 km/ 39mi
Level: medium


5th walking day in Bordeira

Altitude gain: 20mt/ 65ft
Total Distance: 10 km/ 6mi
Level: easy plus


6th cycling day Vila do Bispo to Lagos

Altitude gain: 520mt/  1706ft
Total Distance: 37 km/ 22mi
Level: medium

6th cycling day Pedralva to Sagres (optional for extra day)

Altitude gain: 614mt/  2014ft
Total Distance: 44km/27mi
Level: medium

7th cycling day Sagres to Lagos (optional for extra day)

Altitude gain: 840mt/ 2755ft
Total Distance: 46km/ 28mi
Level: medium


7th or 8th Kayaking day Lagos

Level: medium

Prices for 2022

PRICES FOR THE 9 DAYS/ 8 NIGHTS OPTION

conditions SELF GUIDED TOUR GUIDED TOUR
Price per person (minimum 4 adults) 1 070 €* 2.216 €*
Price per person (minimum 2 adults) 1 340 €* 3.350 €*
*plus season supplement if applicable
Included
Accommodation in double/ twin room with breakfast
Route informations
24h phone support
Personal accident insurance
Luggage transfer
Basic tools
VAT tax
Souvenir
2 kayak tour or boat trip
Portugal Best Cycling jersey
Transfer on private bus from Faro airport to Porto Covo
Transfer on private bus from Lagos to Faro airporto
Support car with guide
Bicycle, helmet, back rack and pannier or similar
Water and fruit
4 Picnic lunches
1 Lunch at regional restaurant
4 Dinners with wine
1 liqueur tasting
Entrance fee at Municipal museum of Aljezur
Entrance fee at Fisherman's museum
1st aid assistence
Guide to ride and hike with the group (one or two, depending on group size)
* Season supplement
Jun 1 to Jun 30 174 € 174 €
Jul 1 to Sep 15 325 € 325 €
Sep 16 to Sep 30 109 € 109 €
Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve and national holidays under request
Supplements
Single** 312 € 312 €
Single** - Jun 1 to Jun 30 659 € 659 €
Single** - Jul 1 to Sep 15 937 € 937 €
Single** - Sep 16 to Sep 30 537 € 537 €
** Single supplement applys for a 3rd person in a group of 2.
Departure different then Saturday 100 € 100 €
Food restrictions 90 € 90 €
We are happy to supply vegan and gluten free meals. If you require this options, please let us know at the time of booking. Produce for these meals are quite expensive, so we are obliged to charge an extra fee.
Transfers
Lisbon's Airport transfer to Porto Covo
Per person (min 4) 81 € -
Per person (min 2) 123 € -
Faro's Airport transfer to Porto Covo
Per person (min 4) 64 € -
Per person (min 2) 128 € -
Transfer from Lagos to Lisbon Airport
Per person (min 4) 78 € -
Per person (min 2) 156 € -
Transfer from Lagos to Faro Airport
Per person (min 4) 24 € -
Per person (min 2) 49 € -
Transfer from Lisbon Airport insted of Faro, for guided tours only, where transfer is included 91 €
Rentals
Bicycle rental with helmet, back rack and pannier or similar 100 € -
E-bike rental 200 € 100 €
GPS Rental 50 € -
Phone rental (plus calls) 10 € 10 €


PRICES FOR THE 10 DAYS/ 9 NIGHTS OPTION

conditions SELF GUIDED TOUR GUIDED TOUR
Price per person (minimum 4 adults) 1 145 €* 2.599 €*
Price per person (minimum 2 adults) 1 430 €* 3.749 €*
*plus season supplement if applicable
Included
Accommodation in double/ twin room with breakfast
Route informations
24h phone support
Personal accident insurance
Luggage transfer
Basic tools
VAT tax
Souvenir
2 kayak tour or boat trip
Portugal Best Cycling jersey
Transfer on private bus from Faro airport to Porto Covo
Transfer on private bus from Lagos to Faro airporto
Support car with guide
Bicycle, helmet, back rack and pannier or similar
Water and fruit
4 Picnic lunches
1Lunch at regional restaurant
4 Dinners with wine
1 liqueur tasting
Entrance fee at Municipal museum of Aljezur
Entrance fee at Fisherman's museum
1st aid assistence
Guide to ride and hike with the group (one or two, depending on group size)
* Season supplement
Jun 1 to Jun 30 184 € 184 €
Jul 1 to Sep 15 398 € 398 €
Sep 16 to Sep 30 119 € 119 €
Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve and national holidays under request
Supplements
Single** 392 € 392 €
Single** - Jun 1 to Jun 30 760 € 760 €
Single** - Jul 1 to Sep 15 1163 € 1163 €
Single** - Sep 16 to Sep 30 638 € 638 €
** Single supplement applys for a 3rd person in a group of 2.
Departure different then Saturday 100 € 100 €
Transfers
Lisbon's Airport transfer to Porto Covo
Per person (min 4) 86 € -
Per person (min 2) 130 € -
Faro's Airport transfer to Porto Covo
Per person (min 4) 68 € -
Per person (min 2) 136 € -
Transfer from Lagos to Lisbon Airport
Per person (min 4) 83 € -
Per person (min 2) 165 € -
Transfer from Lagos to Faro Airport
Per person (min 4) 26 € -
Per person (min 2) 51 € -
Transfer from Lisbon Airport insted of Faro, for guided tours only, where transfer is included 91 €
Rentals
Bicycle rental with helmet, back rack and pannier or similar 100 € -
E-bike rental 200 € 100 €
GPS Rental 50 € -
Phone rental (plus calls) 10 € 10 €

Departures everyday for all types of Tour.

Discount price if you book 2 tours!

Tour extension: Continue Cycling with us to the gorgeous inland of the Alentejo and do the Castles and Wine Tour.

Upgrade: You can upgrade your night in Odeceixe to the hotel Casas do Moinho. Upgrade costs between 25 € and 70 € per person, depending on date.

Notes:

  • For a single person tour Contact us.
  • For a massage Contact us.
  • Extra nights – we strongly recommend that you do one or two breaks along the way. There are great places that deserve an extra night (see the programme). We will charge you only the cost of the hotel and 5 € per day per bike.

Not Included: Bikes insurance, Travel insurance, Tour cancellation insurance, and all items not mentioned above. See Terms & Conditions for more details.

Turaventur uses the REDUNIQ @Payments System. These payments are made in a simple, practical and secure way. The payment link is sent to your email, which will be redirected to a secure UNICRE page. Here the customer places the card details and makes the payment. After the data is validated and authorized by the bank, the transaction is finish. At the end you are notified of payment via email.

Guided group tour dates


Subject to availability, you can do this tour at any date as a private guided tour or as a self guided tour. The fact that a group date is full does not mean you cannot do a private tour on that date. So contact us anyway!

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Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 1 review
02/09/2019

I loved the trip. I added 2 nights in Arrábida, near Lisbon, and recommend that option. I did a kaiak trip in Sesimbra and then cycled from Sesimbra to Setubal. Really gorgeous. Then took the transfer to Porto Covo. They were really flexible in adapting the trip to what we wanted, which is very rare in Cycling companies. They have another company, Turaventur, so it makes it easier to put different tours together, I suppose.

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