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There is no doubt that the Algarve is best known for its sparkling coastline, dramatic cliff tops and long,
sandy beaches. And you will be sure to see all of these on this trip, which takes you from one end of the
Algarve coast to the other in 7 days. But that’s not all. Our bespoke route is designed to show you the best
that the Algarve Coast has to offer. Each day brings a new experience and, as a self-guided holiday, you are
your own boss, so you can go at your pace and take diversions to see interesting places whenever you like.
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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival at Faro Airport
Upon your arrival in the Algarve, we will collect you and take you to Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA), an interesting old town on the banks of the Guadiana River, which forms a natural border between Portugal and Spain.
Day 2
Cycle to Tavira (31km)
Your first day’s cycling takes you through several seaside towns, all with their own special characteristics.
The first of these is Monte Gordo, a resort that has been popular since the 70s. There’s a wide promenade that’s popular with cyclists of all description, and a vast, flat sandy beach that is the town’s main attraction.
It’s a pleasant start to your ride, though in the hotter months you may be relieved to reach the shade of one of the largest forests in the Algarve, the Mata Nacional da Dunas Litorais. Cycling along sandy trails, with the aromas of pine and other wild flora will give you a real zest for the day ahead.
Day 3
Tavira ~ Olhão (31 km)
After a fairly gentle route along the coast, through the quaint seaside village of Santa Luzia, famous for
octopus fishing, you will continue to Pedras del Rei, where you may spot the little train that takes
sunbathers to the beach of Barril and the old tuna fishing village.
Your next stop is Fuseta, where several fish restaurants with outdoor charcoal grills and excellent views
across the water will make this a tempting place to stop for lunch. From here you join the Ecovia Litoral: a
dedicated cycling path that spans across the Algarve from East to West.
Day 4
Olhão ~ Villamoura (40km)
Your third cycling day on the Algarve Coastal Cycle Route takes you through the regional centre of Faro. Whilst it is the capital city of the Algarve, the central area is really quite compact. An impressive archway leads into the old town, where you will discover cobbled streets, with interesting shops and cafés. An imposing square lined with orange trees is home to a small cathedral; it was built on the site of a mosque and is worth a visit to see the beautiful tiles and gilt carved wood inside
Day 5
Villamoura ~ Praia da Rocha (55km)
From Vilamoura you travel along easy dirt tracks beside Falesia (meaning Cliffs in Portuguese) beach towards Olhos de Àgua and then onwards, through mainly quiet roads, towards Albufeira.
There are some hills on the way out of Albufeira and some interesting views of the coast and the candy coloured Marina, before you head on towards the boardwalks of Salgados. These purpose-built walkways (and cycle ways) take you across the lagoon, a protected nature reserve, where there are plenty of opportunities to see the many species of birds, including flamingos and storks, plus maybe even a few turtles who are easy to spot if you have some leftover crumbs to throw to them
Day 6
Praia da Rocha ~ Praia de Luz (39km)
Today you head through the fishing village of Alvor, one of the quieter resorts, but growing in popularity.
Although the earthquake wiped out most of the traditional Moorish village in 1755, you can still see
remains of Alvor’s history in places such as the 16th century church. Alvor’s buildings are still mainly lowrise and the charm of the old town still remains, with the narrow cobbled streets leading down to the riverfront, where you can enjoy relax for a while and watch the fishing boats.
Day 7
Praia da Luz ~ Cabo de Sao Vincent (39km)
Your final day takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery and on to the southern most point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente.
Just a few kms West of Luz are the tiny villages of Burgau and Salema, which have few amenities in comparison to Luz, but both exude a specific charm that attracts day visitors throughout the year, so worth a swift diversion.
The next stage of your ride today will take you along some quiet back-roads and tracks towards Vila de Bispo, where you will join the final leg that transports you across a dramatic, weather beaten landscape towards Sagres. Sagres is a truly tranquil town with beautiful beaches, a picturesque harbour, a very pretty town square and stunning views.
- Quality bike and equipment hire included in tour price.
- Options for upgrade to E-Bike, €130.00 supplement
- Detailed maps and route suggestions
- Good quality hotels/apartments along the route
- Route assistance where necessary
- Airport Transfers
- Luggage Transfer.
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.
- We also offer options for daily route extensions.
On this tour hybrid bike rental is included.
The supplement for an e-bike is 130 euro.
Our Algarve trip was fantastic. We had excellent communication with the local contacts who provided top notch bikes, equipment, and detailed maps and directions for each section of the tour.
The ride itself was a wonderful mix of routes along the beach, more scenic rural areas, and in and around the resort towns. Not too difficult, very easy to navigate, and just the right length each day to give us plenty of time to stop and tour. The hotels were fantastic and the bag transfer seamless. A great mix of historic sites, fun rides, and wonderful accommodations. A spectacular trip. Thank you
J Stokes
This was a very cool trip and the format is just terrific. We love being able to stop and adventure along the way (with plenty of stops at the grocer because August weather is HOT!!!). The pathways keep you off the main roads well and the towns are great to explore. Great variety of scenery shifting from Ria Formosa and wet lands to beach to hills - a fun and varied ride. And the fish and seafood....great riding, great eating, great drinking!
We look forward to another ride in Europe through Cycling Safaris and we continue to tell all of our friends. This is really the greatest set up.
R Jericho
We loved the itinerary and the countryside. Having cycled on our own or with groups in Ireland, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand, we found that Portugal stands up to any other destination in terms of beauty and tranquillity. The hotels were very nice. Vila Lido in Praia da Rocha, for example, was a true haven.
Above all, we were grateful for the organization with which you attended to us as we planned the trip. To correspond with such competent professionals only builds confidence.
Karl Klotz
We had a good trip, which we could best describe as something of an adventure holiday. A memorable holiday nonetheless, and we would certainly consider a cycling holiday again.
Lovely mix and choice of hotels, bikes very suited to the terrain, and all connections and pick up arrangements went like clockwork... The supply of cycling shirts, and water bottles, the latter essential, was very welcome.
Colm Madigan
We loved our cycling trip in Algarve. It was everything we wanted and more! It was so lovely to get up every morning and have the day's decisions taken care of - all we have to do was enjoy it. We have been recommending the trip and Cycling Safaris to all our friends. All the arrangements worked super smoothly - we really appreciated the extra attention to our needs.
Christa and Thomas
2025 Tour prices
January €1240 per person sharing
February €1205 per person sharing
March €1245 per person sharing
April €1470 per person sharing
May €1545 per person sharing
June €1695 per person sharing
July €1855 per person sharing
August €1995 per person sharing
September €1795 per person sharing
October €1505 per person sharing
November €1245 per person sharing
December €1320 per person sharing
You can start this self-guided tour any day of the week, from January to December.
Hybrid bike included in tour price above.
Supplement for e-bike: €130
Helmets free of charge
How to get to the start point for tour:
For this route fly to Faro airport and we will organise airport collection.
As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).
VILA REAL DE SAN ANTONIO
Vila Real de san Antonio is a lovely sea side town and we use a selection of coastal hotels. All within a few minutes walk from the sea.
TAVIRA
Tavira is a coastal town on two sides of the river surrounded by bird life including flamingos. We use only the best of hotels all close to the fantastic beaches
OLHAO
Olhao It is full of character with Moorish-style houses,an influence from the commercial links with Africa. Our hotels are within a short walk to the beach, a perfect way to spend a evening
VILAMOURA
In Vilamoura we use the best of the coastal hotels. This attractive seaside resort town has a nice harbour with lots of restaurants, making it a lovely place to spend an evening.
PRAIA DA ROCHA
Praia Da Rocha is a lively town on the coast with fantastic beaches and cliff top views. Our hotels are new and mode with a fresh feel to them and close to the beach
PRAIA DA LUZ
Praia Da Luz is a lovely coastal town with some wonderful classic old buildings. Our hotels are once again within a short walk from the beach.
LOULE
Loule is coastal town with a traditional Portuguese market, and a delightful historic centre. Our hotels reflect the architecture of the town and are a real delight to stay in