Along the Via Algarviana

3 great days of self guided mountain biking through Algarve's back yard.

The Via Algarviana is a newly created long distance walking route, part of the European network of long distance GR routes, linking Alcoutim on the Spanish border with Cape St. Vincent, the south western tip of Portugal, a journey of 300 km. Whilst growing in popularity with keen long distance walkers from all over Europe, the route has also attracted the interest of local mountain bikers who have enjoyed this new challenge. The route is generally well signposted and offers a variety of surfaces from tarmac to challenging rocky slopes, dirt track roads and single track sections.

In collaboration with local riders who have ridden the entire route we have selected a section of the Via Algarviana to provide 4 nights accommodation and three days riding, ideally suited for a long weekend break. However, you may choose your arrival day to suit your preferred flights. 

Our chosen section of the Via Algarviana, starting in the beautiful hillside village of Alte and heading west, offers the best scenery, the most interesting places to visit along the way and good quality accommodation close to the route. This part also represents the most ride-able section for competent mountain bikers, though we can also recommend alternative routes for those clients wishing to avoid the trickiest sections.

On day four, you may cycle all the way to Cape St. Vincent, so your total journey would be around 168 km, an average of 56 km per day over three days. Note Day 4 is predominantly downhill so if you wish to make it all of the way to Cape St. Vincent, this is possible. If you wish to be collected at a convenient stop elsewhere along the way then this can be arranged on the day.

This Via Algarviana bike holiday is aimed at fit and competent mountain bikers, people who probably bike regularly at home. It is for this reason that the holiday price does not include bike hire, as our experience is that keen and regular bikers will want to bring their own bikes with them for this type of holiday. However hire of good quality mountain bikes can be arranged if required. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Faro airport & transfer to Alte for overnight accommodation.

Day 2 Bike from Alte to Silves, around 47 km, overnight in Silves.

Day 3 Bike from Silves to Monchique, around 30 km, but nearly all up hill, overnight in Monchique.

Day 4 Bike from Monchique towards Cape St Vincent, 92 km. Collection en route & transfer to Boliqueime for overnight.

Day 5 Transfer to Faro airport.  

Included

• Transfer from airport to Alte
• Bed & Breakfast accommodation for 4 nights
• Via Algarviana guide book, maps & route recommendations (1 set per group)
• Collection from Cape St Vincent at the end of the tour (or other agreed destination as agreed on the day)
• Transfer back to airport

Not included

• Luggage transfer between hotels, option available for 75 euro per group per day
• Guide service, option available for 100 euro per day
• Bike hire, available from 12 euro per day, based upon 3 days hire
• Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend you have
• Lunches and evening meals

Cost per person

January - March: 225 euro

April - May: 255 euro

June: 275 euro

July: 315 euro

August: 325 euro

September: 295 euro

October: 255 euro

November - December: 225 euro

The above mentioned prices are based upon two persons sharing a twin room.

Bookings and inquiries: toursandtracks@mail.telepac.pt

 In cooperation with Activity Algarve