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Best of the Algarve

We have combined the best of the coastal routes with the delights of inland country side to provide you with the 'Best of the Algarve' cycling holiday. See the Algarve in just 6 days of cycling. This tour is designed to show you the highlights of this beautiful region, from the dramatic coastline to the picturesque countryside and lots more besides!

Activity: Self guided touring holiday
Bike type: Touring bike
Duration: 7 nights, 6 days cycling
Activity level: Reasonably experienced
Accommodation: 3 to 5 star hotels
Daily average: 55 km
Price: From €750

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Vila Real de Santo António

Upon your arrival in the Algarve, we will collect you and take you to Vila Real de Santo António, an interesting old town on the banks of the Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.

Day 2 Cycle to Olhão (62km, 510m. elevation gain)

Cycling along the Ecovia do Litoral (a dedicated cycle route that spans the Algarve coast), you will pass through the coastal resorts of Montegordo and Altura, as well as the ancient village of Cacela Velha, where you can take in the panoramic views across the lagoon and out to sea. From here you head through the ancient Roman town Tavira, well worth a linger and then on to the picturesque fishing village of Fuseta. Your destination for tonight is Olhão, a bustling town that is known for its fish market.

Day 3 Cycle to Alte (65km, 1180m. elevation gain)

Today's ride heads inland, by-passing Faro and skirting the Roman remains at Estoi.. You will cycle into the hills, through quiet villages, to reach the old market town of Loulé, with its narrow cobbled streets off the main avenida. You will then aim for the tiny hilltop village of Querença, a great place to take in the splendid views. For the night you will stay in the lovely hillside village of Alte, famous for its white painted houses and fresh water springs.

Day 4 Cycle to Praia da Rocha (50km, 670m. elevation gain)

This is a lovely ride, setting out surrounded by inland scenery until the town of São Bartolomeu de Messines after which you'll find small quiet roads along the Funcho reservoir, then gently cruising down the valley to the historic town of Silves. Cycling alongside the Rio Arade leads you up and over the hills to Estombar, before arriving at Ferragudo, a quaint fishing village on the eastern Arade river bank. You then head over the old bridge into Portimão, and along the waterfront down to the seaside resort of Praia da Rocha and its beautiful beaches.

Day 5 Cycle to Sagres (66km, 1080m. elevation gain)

Today's ride takes you through the popular coastal resort of Alvor and along the beach towards Lagos, a bustling tourist destination. This is mostly a flat route with plenty of opportunity to stop and soak up the fresh sea air. But then comes the challenging bit! You will encounter a few hills as you approach the rugged cliff-lined coast in direction towards Sagres. But you will be rewarded with dramatic scenery and quaint coastal villages such as Salema, Raposeira and Vila do Bispo.

Day 6 Cycle to Aljezur (54km, 750m. elevation gain)

This is a good day's riding heading north up the unspoilt western coastline of Portugal. It's worth stopping at Carrapateira, which is a pretty fisherman's and surfer village with an impressive lagoon at the beach where the Bordeira river ends up into the ocean. As you progress northwards, the landscape changes approaching your overnight stay in Aljezur, an ancient Moorish town situated in a lush green valley and built on either side of a river that runs through it.

Day 7 Cycle to Monchique (35km, 1210m. elevation gain)

This is a challenging ride, but well worth it. Monchique is a market town up in the Serra de Monchique, which is a thickly wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from the farm and winelands of the Alentejo. The journey up to Monchique offers spectacular scenery and is totally different from the coastal Algarve. It is a quiet and relaxed mountain town, which is ideal for pottering around and, if you have the energy, you can cycle the road from Monchique up to Foía, the highest peak of the Algarve. It's an 8km climb, but the view doesn't get any better than this!

Day 8 Departure

We will transfer you from your accommodation for your journey home.

Prices

January: €750
February: €750
March: €765
April: €905
May: €905
June: €1025
July: €1055
August: €1145
September: €1105
October: €945
November: €785
December: €785

Included:

Quality bike and equipment hire
Detailed maps and route suggestions
Good quality hotels along the route
Route assistance where necessary
Airport transfers

Not included:

Flights
Holiday insurance - recommended

Prices are per person, based upon two people sharing a twin/double bedded room.
Discounts are available for large groups, please contact us for details.

This tour is designed and priced as a 'self guided, carry your own luggage' holiday as this is how we can provide the best value for money for our clients. However, if you prefer the services of a dedicated guide, a support vehicle, or perhaps a luggage transfer service, we are hapy to arrange these for you at the following rates:

Luggage transfer: €275
Support vehicle: POA
Tour guide: POA