8 days

Duration

250 km

Distance

Medium

Difficulty

Algarve

Location

Portugal Cycling Tour- Wild Algarve

Highlights

Algarve’s picturesque and lively historical centers
Portugal cycling tour through incredible and wild scenery on the coast of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP
Backwaters and salt mines of Ria Formosa
Visit to an organic farm and to local pastry factory
Tasty picnics served at the beach or at local restaurants
Very nice hotels, including a night in a convent

Description

This medium level cycling tour begins where our Along the Coast tour finishes. You can complement your cycling holiday by doing the two bike tours together. You can also do a walking tour to get to the starting point.

We start cycling in a wild rugged area of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina NP, on the west coast. Then, we cycle along the popular south coast, the true Algarve, including very picturesque spots closer to the Spanish border!

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 and enjoying the amazing scenery, we invite you also to learn about the local economy. One of the learning highlights is a visit to an organic farm where its fruit is transformed in 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 steep cliffs on the background while the last days offer us quiet and crystal blue waters. You will find out that even in the more touristy Algarve areas there are still hidden away empty beaches.

Though the Algarve is apparently flat, there are several short ups and downs along the day, so you should be fit enough to handle the hills.

On the 6th 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 we hope you don’t 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 one of a kind hamlet/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 having a swim in late October or early April! You can do the Algarve bike tours all year round!

You can make this trip Portugal cycling tour:

with us on a guided tour getting all the interpretation and companionship
with us, having the support car guiding you
together with your friends on a self guided tour.

Additional information

Tour type	Heritage, Landscape, Ocean views

Day 1

Arrival

Arrival at Faro or Lisbon airport and transfer to Odeceixe.

Briefing of your Portugal cycling tour.

If you arrive early we suggest a visit to the historic centre 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 included in van guided and guided bike tours only.
Accommodation at Casas do Moinho.

Day 2

The Wild Beaches

Cycling from Odeceixe to Aljezur.

Cycle along the river until the gorgeous beach of Odeceixe. Enjoy the stunning views and the rock formations near the beach.

Then we 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.

Have a swim and then cycle to the village of Aljezur, one of the last ones to be conquered to the moors.

The local artist shop and gallery deserve a visit, as well as the local museums.

If you want to do some extra kms, it is possible to ride to another beach or along a beautiful farmland valley.

Distance: 32
Total ascent: 350 mts
Difficulty: easy +
Terrain: Secondary roads with no traffic at all. Some dirt tracks.

One more adventurous descent where some people may prefer to walk, but very short and easy to walk (300m).

Optional extra kms: 4 + 20 (to ride to the extra beach).

Lunch and dinner included in van guided and guided bike tours only.
Accommodation: Vicentina Aparthotel, 4*, with a swimming pool.

Day 3

From Impressive Cliffs to Charming Valleys

Cycling from Aljezur to Pedralva.

Start by conquering the Castle of Aljezur, enjoying 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. Here you will be stunned by the incredible views and rough coastline.

Cycle for a few kms along the cliffs. Take time to stop and enjoy. Picnic lunch will be served by one of these beaches (on guided tours only).

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.

Distance: 44
Total ascent: 650 mts
Difficulty: medium +
Terrain: Difficult start with some steep climbs, always on asphalt. Then dirt tracks, most of them flat or down. One technical descent (400m) where some people may prefer to walk.
Optional extra kms: 4 with 150 mts ascent.
Picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Aldeia da Pedralva, rural tourism, with a swimming pool.

Day 4

Infant D. Henrique and the Sea Discoveries

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: 41
Total ascent: 500 mts
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 we do our lunch (guided trip only).
Optional extra kms: 4
Picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Charming “Pousada“, standard with a swimming pool OR Memmo Baleeira

Day 5

Beach Roller Coaster!

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: 43
Total ascent: 720 mts
Level: medium +
Terrain: Start with flat dirt track with some rocks to challenge our 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. (but what a gorgeous views!!!). 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.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli, 4*, with a swimming pool.

Day 6

The Charming Villages

Cycling from Lagos to Tavira.

The day starts with a 9:30 am transfer from Lagos to Olhão. Arriving at your destination, unload the bikes and cycle to a little village famous for its pottery.

It’s 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’s usual to see fisherman catching clams and razors in low tide and boats arriving from a fishing day in high tide.

Tavira is probably the prettiest village of the Algarve. Its architecture is charming, the atmosphere relaxing. Save time to explore. Here it’s a good place to buy some arts and crafts, at the local association.

Distance: 30
Total Ascent: 220 mts
Difficulty: easy +
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Picnic included in van guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Charming “Pousada“, with a swimming pool.

Day 7

The Local Economy

Cycling from Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António.

From Tavira we cycle along the Natural Park again, passing several beach and golf resorts that make the wonders of tourists and golfers. Beaches here are busy and lively.

To reach then you either walk over a wood 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, we will visit a biological farm and learn about the fig and carob trees, and the local products that are made from their fruits. In this farm the motto is “waste nothing”, and everything the trees give us is used.

After we visit the salt lakes and learn about this local production. Here you may immerse yourself on a wonderful outdoor salt-mud SPA experience!

It is time to cycle to our 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 it’s just across the river!

At arrival, we have a last surprise! We have the opportunity to visit a local pastry factory! On guided groups, besides visiting, you will have the chance to make some pastries and, of course, taste them!!!!

Distance: 37 km
Total Ascent: 250 mts
Difficulty: easy
Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.
Optional extra kms: 13
Picnic and dinner included in van guided and guided tours only.
Accommodation: Same hotel

Day 8

Departure

Transfer to Faro 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 cycling day from Odeceixe to Aljezur

Altitude gain: 361 mt/ 1184 ft
Total Distance: 34.2 km/ 21 mi
Level: easy plus

2nd cycling day from Aljezur to Pedralva

Altitude gain: 825 mt/ 2706 ft
Total Distance: 54,8 km/ 34 mi
Level: medium plus

3rd cycling day from Pedralva to Sagres

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

4th cycling day from Sagres to Lagos

Altitude gain: 840 mt/ 2755 ft
Total Distance: 46,4 km/ 28 mi
Level: medium plus

5th cycling day from Olhão to Tavira

Altitude gain: 281 mt/ 921 ft
Total Distance: 32,7 km/ 20 mi
Level: easy

6th cycling day from Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António

Altitude gain: 389 mt/ 1276 ft
Total Distance: 38.7 km/ 24 mi
Level: easy plus

Prices per person – 2024

Departures everyday for all types of Tour.

Come on our set dates and Get a Better Price.

conditions	SELF GUIDED TOUR	VAN-GUIDED TOUR	GUIDED TOUR
Price per person (group tour dates)	-	-	-
Price per person (minimum 4 adults)	1 280 €*	2 600 €*	2 960 €*
Price per person (minimum 2 adults)	1 700 €*	3 700 €*	4 380 €*
*plus season supplement if applicable
INCLUDED
Double room with breakfast
Route informations
24h phone support
Personal accident insurance
Luggage transfer
Basic tools
Transfer from Lagos to Olhão
VAT tax
A gift
Portugal Best Cycling jersey
Guide on bike
Support car with assistant guide
Faro airport transfer
Bicycle, helmet, back rack and pannier or similar
Water and fruit
6 lunches
5 Dinners with wine
1 liqueur tasting
Entrance fee at Fortress of Sagres
Entrance fee at Municipal museum of Aljezur
Entrance fee at Fisherman's museum
1st aid assistence

HOTEL SUPPLEMENTS
* Season supplement
April, May, June, October	225 €	225 €	225 €
July, August, September	490 €	490 €	490 €
Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve and national holidays under request
Single supplements
Single**	455 €	455 €	455 €
Single April, May, June, October**	805 €	805 €	805 €
Single July, August, September**	1 440 €	1 440 €	1 440 €
** Single supplement applys for a 3rd person in a group of 2. Solo traveller price under request

TRANSFERS
Lisbon airport, minimum 2 people	365 €	181 €	181 €
Lisbon airport to Odeceixe	146 €	38 €	38 €
Tavira to Lisbon airport	219 €	142 €	142 €

Faro airport, minimum 2 people	184 €	-	-
Faro airport to Odeceixe	108 €	-	-
Vila Real de Santo António to Faro airport	76 €	-	-

Lisbon airport, minimum 4 people	219 €	90 €	90 €
Lisbon airport to Odeceixe	110 €	19 €	19 €
Vila Real de Santo António to Lisbon airport	109 €	71 €	71 €

Faro airport, minimum 4 people
Faro airport to Odeceixe	54 €	-	-
Vila Real de Santo António to Faro airport	38 €	-	-

RENTALS
Bicycle rental with helmet, back rack and pannier or similar	100 €	-	-
E-bike rental	225 €	125 €	125 €
Phone rental (plus calls)	10 €	10 €	10 €
EXTRAS
Departure different then Saturday - depends on date	From 120 €	From 120 €	From 120 €
Food restrictions	-	90 €	90 €
Recycled plastic water bottle (from ocean plastic)	10 €	10 €	10 €
Cycling shorts	65 €	65 €	65 €
Extra cycling jersey	20 €	20 €	20 €
Cycling apron	20 €	20 €	20 €

From Mid June to mid September the accomodation for this trip is complicated to manage. Be aware that many times we have to suggest alternative hotels and some hotels have minimum 2 nights; the premium option is more complicated in medium and high season

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.

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

Dates	Availability
May 4th 2024	Not Available
September 24st 2024 - charm hotels	Available

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!