Difficulty Rating : 7 Start : Vila Real Finish : Monchique Terrain : Some dirt tracks, rolling hills and a few tougher days Daily Average : 22-40km Weekly Average : 315 Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : The Algarve is famous for its coastline, however there was also a lot to offer inland including great scenery and traditional Algarvean places to visit.
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The Algarve is famous for its coastline, however there was also a lot to offer inland including some great scenery and traditional Algarvean places to visit. The best of the Algarve tours provides up to 2 weeks of cycle touring where you can choose to ride week 1 Eastern Algarve to Silves, or week 2 Silves and western Algarve tour, or both weeks consecutively.

Week one starts along the famous Algarve coastline, passing some old coastal towns with plenty of opportunities to stop in one of the many seaside cafes and restaurants. You head inland towards the lovely town of Loule with its cobbled streets, where you spend a rest day with the possiblity of relaxing in the roof top pool in our hotel. We head further inland into the hills and the historic and occasionally whitepainted villages of Querenca, Alte and Silves.

The second week takes us back towards the coast and the "Ecovia de Litoral" cycle path. The cycling is a mixture of terrains, some days quite flat and others quite undulating, as you pass through the coastal villages the have made the Algarve famous. A rugged coastline takes you to your rest day, the town of Sagres, where you can relax on the beach or explore its old fortress. Our last day takes us back inland to the lovely old town of Monchique high up in the hills.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival

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.

Largely redeveloped after the great earthquake of 1755, VRSA was recreated on a grid system, yet still retains a character of its own. It has a relaxed atmosphere and the central square, edged with orange trees and host to an array of shops and cafes, is an ideal place to spend your first evening; enjoy a spot of people watching as you tuck into some fresh local food and wine. This should get you in the mood before you set off on your trip across the Algarve.

Day 2

Vila Real de San Antonio to Tavira 31km approx

Your first day’s cycling takes you through a number of 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.

Next comes a pleasantly sleepy town, Manta Rota. It’s worth a quick stop to look at the unspoilt beach, but if you can hold out a little longer continue to Caçela Velha, a tiny whitewashed village set on a hill overlooking the lagoon with a little church and the remains of an 18th century fort. 

Day 3

Tavira to Olhão 31km approx

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). You are now in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a UNESCO heritage site situated on low-lying coastline amidst a maze of lagoons, channels, salt marshes and islands. 
Your final destination is Olhão, still the hub of the fishing industry, but with a charming old town, renowned for its Moorish style architecture. It’s the perfect place to sample local specialities at local prices! 

Day 4

Olhão to Loulé 32km approx

Today’s ride heads into the hills, through quiet villages, small hamlets and working farmland, where you will begin to see a different side to this region. It’s a genuine opportunity to soak up the relaxed atmosphere that is the cornerstone of life in the real Algarve. Here, in one of the many roadside cafés, you can experience the soul of the community. Plus, you will no doubt pick up some of the best tasting coffee and homemade cakes for a fraction of the price you pay on the coast!
After a meandering ride through the countryside you will approach the outskirts of Almancil, a busy working town and the furthest point north of what is known as the Golden Triangle (where luxury accommodation and golf courses are in abundance). 

Day 5

Rest Day

Today you will have an opportunity to take a short break from the saddle and get to know Loulé. It’s an explorer’s haven, with narrow cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants. You could easily spend the morning strolling through the fascinating old town with its quaint old buildings, visiting the town’s art galleries, museums and chapels, picking up souvenirs at the indoor market. You can lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants that serve fresh local produce and are frequented as much by locals as visitors, leaving the afternoon to relax by the roof top swimming pool at your hotel.

Day 6

Loulé to Alte 38km approx image 1 Loulé to Alte 34km approx

This is a more challenging day of riding as you navigate your way through the rolling hills to the north of Loulé, but worth the effort for the tremendous scenery.
Leaving town it won’t be long before you notice the levels of traffic decrease as you cycle towards the hill-top village of Querença. It’s a short hop up to the beautiful church square, where you can enjoy some local biscuits with your morning coffee. Querença is well known for its agricultural products, just as the rather strong “medronho” (a sort of fruit brandy) and the famous “chouriço” (smoked sausage). But it’s sitting outside the authentic and welcoming cafe, taking in the tranquil setting and beautiful backdrop of the small church that we think is the real attraction here.

Day 7

Alte to Silves 32km approx

Leaving the village on the West side, just past the cemetery, you will cycle quiet, undulating roads to Messines – a typical agricultural town, with narrow streets and yet another church as the centre piece. On the other side of town you will enter lush green valleys, with tiny hamlets and farmsteads amidst an abundance of thick vegetation. Following some fabulous dirt tracks you will then skirt the Barragem do Arade (a huge reservoir that is one of a few providing much needed water to the region) where, again, you can expect to be overwhelmed by the totally unspoilt surroundings and dramatic views.

Day 8

Silves to Praia da Rocha 17km approx

It’s a short hop down to the coast, today, so you can take you time and enjoy a relaxing day’s cycling. Before you leave Silves, it’s worth stopping for a moment as you cross the Roman bridge; the view of the town and castle from the other side of the river is one of the best. From here, you can follow a much frequented track alongside the Rio Arade, which eventually leads you up and over the hills to Estombar, another very typical Portuguese village, virtually untouched by the development of mass tourism in the region. From here you will head to the coast and to Ferragudo, a pretty village overlooking the estuary.

Day 9

Praia do Rocha to Lagos 31 km approx

Today’s ride takes you along the coast you come to 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 low-rise and the charm of the old town still remains, with the narrow cobbled streets leading down to the riverfront, where you can enjoy a leisurely coffee and watch the fishing boats. From here you will need to head inland briefly to negotiate around the estuary and back down through country lanes to the 4km long Meia Praia beach and on towards Lagos. It’s a bustling town with lots to offer; from the modern marina and waterfront restaurants, to the lively town square and the maze of cobbled streets within the old city walls, there is plenty to explore.

Day 10

Lagos to Sagres 40 km inc Cape St Vincent option

Today’s ride will prove more challenging as you encounter the hills that hug the coastline between Lagos and the rugged cliffs of Sagres.
But, as always, there’s a positive, because along the way you can enjoy the refreshing sea air and you will have opportunities to take a break in some very pretty coastal towns and villages. Luz, for example, is a sprawling seaside town with a long promenade, often host to local market stalls and artists displaying their work.
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, where you will spend the night.

Day 11

Rest Day in Sagres

Sagres is a truly tranquil town with beautiful beaches, a picturesque harbour, a very pretty town square and stunning views. It is very popular in summer with visitors, but all year round with fishermen and surfers because of the western Atlantic waters creating such good waves for surfing. It is mostly known as the place where Henry the Navigator brought together great mariners, astronomers, ship-builders and cartographers to build and navigate great ships in the period of the Age of Discoveries. 

Day 12

Sagres to Aljezur 54k approx

Having reached ‘the end of the world’ as Cape St. Vincent is historically known (being the furthermost point in Western Europe), it’s time to head North along the unspoilt western coastline of Portugal. After finding your way back to Vila de Bispo, through the wild flowers and along the rugged rocks of the clifftops, you will join a long tree-lined road that stretches for miles. An ancient village, Pedrelva, that has been brought back to life from being a cluster of abandoned ruins, is perhaps worth a quick detour. Otherwise, the long undulating road is ideal for getting some decent kilometres under your belt before a possible lunch stop at Carrapatira.
Carrapateira is a village of fisherman and farmers alike and the perfect spot to take a little time out. From the easily accessible peninsula at Pontal da Carrapateira, you can enjoy dramatic views of the cliffs and crags dropping to the Atlantic.

Day 13

Aljezur to Monchique 35km approx

Your final day’s riding is shorter but challenging and it is well worth it. Your destination, Monchique, is a market town up in the Serra de Monchique, which is a thickly wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from the winelands of the Alentejo. The journey up to Monchique offers spectacular scenery and is totally different from coastal Algarve.
Heading out of Aljezur, you will embark on a steep ascent towards the tiny hamlet of Pedascas, where you will begin to appreciate your efforts as you enjoy the views to the South across the Algarve. The road becomes more undulating as you approach Marmelete, where there is a roadside café that is accustomed to serving sugar and caffeine in various forms to those tackling this breath-taking climb.

Day 14

Departure

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

• Bike rental included in basic price : Quality bike and equipment hire. Options for upgrade to E-Bike.
• 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.

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2025 TOUR PRICES  

Algarve - Best of Algarve for 13 nights / 14 days 
€2040 per person sharing (January)
€2035per person sharing (February)
€2140 per person sharing (March)
€2410 per person sharing (April)
€2420 per person sharing (May)
€2690 per person sharing (June)
€2900 per person sharing (July) 
€3195 per person sharing (August)
€2870 per person sharing (September)
€2420 per person sharing (October)
€3015 per person sharing (November)
€2220 per person sharing (December)

Eastern Algarve to Silves for 7 nights / 8 days
€1045 per person sharing (January, February)
€1060 per person sharing (March) 
€1260 per person sharing (April)
€1270 per person sharing (May) 
€1415 per person sharing (June) 
€1495 per person sharing (July) 
€1645 per person sharing (August)
€1515 per person sharing (September)
€1270 per person sharing (October)
€1085 per person sharing (November)
€1115 per person sharing (December)

From Silves to Western Algarve for 7 nights / 8 days

€1190 per person sharing (January)
€1160 per person sharing(February)
€1220 per person sharing (March)
€1360 per person sharing (April)
€1370 per person sharing (May)
€1500 per person sharing (June)
€1720 per person sharing (July)
€1870 per person sharing (August)
€1670 per person sharing (September)
€1360 per person sharing (October)
€1270 per person sharing (November)
€1280 per person sharing (December)

Self Guided Tour Information

Tour is available all year round and can start any day of the week

How to get to the start point for both tours: 

For either route fly to Faro airport and we will organise airport collection.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

VILA REAL DE SAN ANTONIO

Vila Real de san Antonin is a lovely sea side town and we use a selection of fresh coastal hotels. All within a short walk of the sea. Typically we stay in a traditional style hotel is in the centre of Olhao with a lovely roof terrace with great views over to the islands. The hotel provides accommodation only, but there are many cafés and restaurants in the immediate vicinity for a great evening meal and also breakfast

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

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 .    Your hotel is located close to the river in the centre of Tavira, so it is well located for exploration of the town by bike or on foot.

TAVIRA image 1TAVIRA image 1

OLHAO

Hotel Real Marina 5*

 

LOULE

Our hotel is a short walk from the centre of Loule and close to many bars and great restaurants, this hotel features rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV and bars, breakfast room, roof terrace swimming pool and also a laundry service.

LOULE image 1LOULE image 1

ALTE

Alet is known as one of the most unspoiled villages in all of Portugal. With beautiful waterfalls and waterways its a town to remember. Our hotel is a classic villa style house friendly and refreshing a real gem of the tour.     

ALTE image 1ALTE image 1

SILVES

Zitur Hotel

Mosaiko Hotel 

 

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.