The Ecovia do litoral is a dedicated cycle route in Portugal that links Cape St. Vincent (Sagres) in the west to Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border. This cycle route combines trails in protected areas with linking stretches on traffic calmed or car free routes. With a total of 214 km, the Ecovia do litoral runs across 12 Algarve municipalities.

• Activity: Self guided touring holiday
• Bike type: Touring bike
• Duration: 7 nights, 6 day cycling
• Activity level: Intermediate
• Accommodation: 3 to 5 star hotels
• Daily average: 40 km
• Price: €750

Itinerary 

Day 1 Arrival and transfer to Vila Real de Santo António

We will collect you from Faro airport and equip you with your bicycle for the tour. Then we will transport you and your bicycles over to Vila Real de Santo António for your first night. Here you will stay in a comfortable hotel situated right in the centre of Vila Real de San António. Vila Real San António is a quaint old town on the edge of the Guadiana river just inside the Portuguese side of the border with Spain. Your accommodation here is on a bed and breakfast basis, though there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

Day 2 Cycle to Tavira (31km, 210m. elevation gain)

Following a well marked route, with supplied maps, you will cycle west towards Tavira a charming old fishing town that has been around since Roman times, your destination for this days cycling. Today's routes passes through a variety of scenic countryside and also some interesting coastal towns including Monte Gordo, Cacela Velha and Cabanas. Your hotel in Tavira lies on the riverside and is conveniently located for exploring the town on foot or by bike.

Day 3 Cycle to Olhão (31km, 180m. elevation gain)

Today's ride continues west towards Olhao and passes through unspoilt coastal countryside and quaint fishing villages. Your destination in Olhão is a charming little hotel set right in the heart of the old fishing town, renowned for its moorish style architecture. The marina, the fish and vegetable markets and restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine and sea food are only a few minutes walk away on the sea front.

Day 4 Cycle to Vilamoura (40km, 270m. elevation gain)

Your third day on the Algarve coastal cycle route takes you through the regional centre of Faro and onwards past the prestigious golf resorts and the seafront at Quarteira. Your overnight stay is in Vilamours, with its marina full of impressive yachts and a good selection of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Day 5 Cycle to Praia da Rocha (55km, 490m. elevation gain)

Another interesting days cycling through the popular resort of Albufeira and inland through the traditional old town of Lagoa, then on to Portimão and Praia do Rocha. Here you will stay in a charming hotel next to the old fort on the sea front. The hotel offers commanding views of the marina and the wonderful beach and is ideally located to enable you to explore the surrounding area.

Day 6 Cycle to Praia da Luz (39km, 350m. elevation gain)

Today you head through the fishing village of Alvor, towards bustling Lagos, a likely stop-over for lunch and a little exploration! from here you leave town along the old coastal road towards the popular coastal resort of Praia da Luz. There are lots of cafés and shops along the promenade and often market stalls and artists displaying their work, so it's worth getting there in time to explore.

Day 7 Cycle to Cabo de São Vicente (39km, 570m. elevation gain)

Your final day of the cycling tour takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery and on to the southern most point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente. The nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historical interest, provide plenty of opportunities to explore. We collect you and bring you to a quaint hotel, set in a quiet square in the heart of the old market town of Loulé. Loulé is an explorer's haven, with its narrow cobbled streets leading off the central avenida, along plenty tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants.

Day 8 Departure

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

PRICES

• January: €785
• February: €785
• March: €825
• April: €915
• May: €975 
• June: €1075
• July: €1135
• August: €1250
• September: €1150
• October: €965
• November: €795
• December: €795

Included:

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

• 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 to have the services of a dedicated guide, a support vehicle, or perhaps a luggage transfer service, we are happy to arrange these for you at the following rates:

• Luggage transfer: €210
• Support vehicle: POA
• Tour guide: POA

   

Bookings and inquiries: toursandtracks@mail.telepac.pt

In co-operation with Algarve Bike Holidays