Difficulty Rating : 4 Start : Villa Real Finish : Cabo de Sao Vincent Terrain : Along a dedicated cycle route, nature trails & traffic calmed routes. Daily Average : 38km Weekly Average : 235km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : We have put together a comprehensive cycling package to enable you to get the most out of the Algarve Coastal Cycle Route called Ecovia do Litoral.
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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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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.   

VILA REAL DE SAN ANTONIO image 1VILA REAL DE SAN ANTONIO image 1

TAVIRA

Vila Gale Tavira hotel

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    

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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     

OLHAO image 1OLHAO image 1

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. 

VILAMOURA image 1VILAMOURA image 1

PRAIA DA ROCHA

Jupiter Algarve hotel

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 ROCHA image 1PRAIA DA ROCHA image 1

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.

PRAIA DA LUZ image 1PRAIA DA LUZ image 1

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  

LOULE image 1LOULE image 1

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.