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 : 312 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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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival

If you are arriving at Faro airport to start with then we will collect you from the airport and take you to your first nights hotel in Vila Real de San Antonio. We will collect your bicycles and all associated equipment on the way to Vila Real.
Vila Real is an interesting old town on the banks of the Guadiana river which forms the border between Spain and Portugal. The town is full of character and not particularly touristy, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants. Depending upon your arrival time, you may be able to catch the ferry across the Guadiana and try a short bike ride around Ayamonte and its surrounding coastline, just to give you a brief taste of Spain before heading west across the Algarve region of Portugal.

Vila Real de San Antonio Hotel: Your hotel is a modern hotel right in the centre of town so everything is right on your doorstep. The hotel provides en-suite accommodation, air conditioning, bar and swimming pool and breakfast is included.

Day 2

Vila Real de San Antonio to Tavira 28km approx

Your first day of cycling is a gentle run along the Ecovia do Litoral to Tavira, a ride of approximately 28km. Along the way you will pass through the coastal resorts of Monte Gordo and Altura as well as passing by the interesting old coastal town of Cacela Velha, definitely worth a visit if only to try out one of the many cafés and restaurants that are located there. You should be able to arrive in Tavira with plenty of time to have a good look around this lovely old town, a major coastal town since as long ago as Roman times.

Tavira Hotel: Your hotel is located close to the river in the centre of Tavira, so it is wel located for exploration of the town by bike or on foot. The hotel provides bed and breakfast accommodatoin with clean, modern rooms and en suite facilities.

Day 3

Tavira to Olhão 26km approx

Another gentle day cyling along the mostly flat Ecovia do Litoral, which should enable you to arrive in Olhao in good time for more sight seeing. There are cafes and restaurants along the way and the route also passes through the charming old fishing village of Fuseta. If you arrive in Olhao early enough, you may like to take a ferry or water taxi over to one of the islands Armona, Culatra or Farol for an afternoon on the beach or dinner in one of the fine seafood restaurants located on the islands.

Olhao Hotel: The traditional style hotel is in the centre of Olhao with basic but clean facilities. There is also 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.

Day 4

Olhão to Loulé 30km approx

Todays ride of around 30 km heads inland away from the Ecovia do Litoral. By-passing the regional capital Faro and passing by the famous roman remains at Estoi, you head up into the hills and through quiet villages to reach the lovely old town of Loule. Loule is an explorer’s haven with its narrow cobbled streets leading off the central avenida, tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants, well worth a couple of hours walk upon arrival.

Loule Hotel: 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.

Day 5

Rest Day

An opportunity to relax and explore the fascinating old town of Loule or relax by the roof top swimming pool at the hotel, right in the centre of town. If you are still feeling energetic, then you may choose to cycle down to the coast where some of the finest beaches in the Algarve can be found.

Day 6

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

A more challenging day in the rolling hills to the north of Loule, but well worth the effort for the tremendous scenery. Taking the gentle hill up out of Loule, you head towards the tiny hill-top village of Querenca, a great coffee stop and a place to take in the splendid views. Heading north and west with a choice of great routes, your final destination for the day is the lovely hillside village of Alte. Famous for its white painted houses and fresh water springs, the year round presence of water in the river adds a certain unique charm to the village.

Alte Hotel: The hotel is located a short walk from the village centre and offers wonderful and relaxed accommodation. The rooms are air conditioned and modern and there are excellent facilities including a pool.

Day 7

Alte to Silves 32km approx

A cycle ride to remember with some great views all along the way, but views usually mean hills and this is no exception today. There is a lovely ride along a dirt track road alongside the Barragem do Funcho, and then gently cruising down the valley to your destination for the day in the lovely historic town of Silves. It is well worth planning to get here in good time as there is plenty of opportunity for exploration of the castle and also the town itself. Tomorrow will be your departure day or you can continue on with the tour.

Silves Hotel: The hotel in Silves is a short walk across the Rio Arade from the town and offers splendid views of the town and of course the caste at the heart of the town. The hotel provides good quality and relaxed accommodation and there is also an outdoor swimming pool.

Day 8

Silves to Praia da Rocha 22km approx

A great track alongside the Rio Arade gets you on your way from Silves and then up and over the hills to Estombar, before arriving in Ferragudo, a quaint little fishing village which is on the Ecovia do Litoral route. Following the Ecovia route again takes you over the new bridge into Portimao, and then along the waterfront down to Praia da Rocha.

Praia da Rocha Hotel: This hotel takes prime position by the old fort overlooking the mouth of the Rio Arade and the beautiful and renowned beach. The hotel offers character accommodation with splendid rooms each en suite. The hotel is on the doorstep of the seafront where many bars and restaurants are located and the hotel is also renowned for providing cycling clients with a hearty breakfast before their next days riding.

Day 9

Praia do Rocha to Lagos 30 km approx

Back on the Ecovia do Litoral for most of today's ride, a longer journey, but flatter than previous days in the hills, taking you through the popular coastal resort of Alvor and along the beach towards Lagos.

Lagos Hotel: Situated alongside the river overlooking the Marina, the hotel offers splendid accommodation within walking distance of the town centre.

Day 10

Lagos to Sagres 40 km inc Cape St Vincent option

This is quite a challenging days cycling as there are a few hills as the terrain changes as you approach the rugged cliff lined coastline around Sagres and Cape St Vincent. The route is all along the Ecovia do Litoral and passes through some great scenery and quaint little coastal villages. Once you arrive in Sagres, you have the option of checking into your hotel and then cycling the 6 extra kilometres to the edge of Europe, Cape St Vincent. This is well worth it to say that you have done it and there are some splendid views of the cliffs. You can probably even buy a celebratory beer at one of the mobile snack bars (depends upon the time of year) before returning to the comfort of your hotel by the old fort in Sagres.

Sagres Hotel: This modern boutique style hotel offers splendid accommodation in which to celebrate the end of your cycling journey. Top quality individually designed boutique bedrooms with air conditioning; LCD TV and mini bar are available. There is also a tropical garden overlooking the beach in case you feel like a bit more sunbathing. If not, relax in the Italian style coffee shop on site or try a pizza in the onsite restaurant.

Day 11

Rest Day in Sagres

An opportunity to relax on some fine beaches, try your hand at surfing or wind surfing or simply explore the old fortress at Sagres! You may also want to cycle to the southernmost tip of Portugal and Europe at Cape St Vincent!

Day 12

Sagres to Aljezur 35k approx

This is a good days riding heading North up the unspoilt western coast line of Portugal to your overnight stay in Aljezur!

Day 13

Aljezur to Monchique 35km approx

A challenging ride today in that it is mostly uphill to the lovely old town of Monchique high up in the hills.

Monchique Hotel: Here you will stay in an old Granite built Inn overlooking the town of Monchique. This Inn provides memorable accommodation in a unique atmosphere with great views over the nearby town and surrounding countryside.

Day 14

Departure

After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport.

- Accommodation in quality hotels
- All breakfasts
- Route details & maps
- Bike hire & equipment
- Luggage transfers
- Phone helpline
- Airport transfers from/to Faro

Bike hire IS included in the tour price

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2024 TOUR PRICES  

Eastern Algarve to Silves for 7 nights / 8 days
€  965 per person sharing (January, February)
€  990 per person sharing (March) 
€1090 per person sharing (April)
€1130 per person sharing (May) 
€1265 per person sharing (June) 
€1275 per person sharing (July) 
€1385 per person sharing (August)
€1295 per person sharing (September)
€1150 per person sharing (October)
€1015 per person sharing (November)
€1025 per person sharing (December)

From Silves to Western Algarve for 7 nights / 8 days
€1085 per person sharing (January, February)
€1160 per person sharing (March)
€1275 per person sharing (April)
€1280 per person sharing (May)
€1410 per person sharing (June)
€1620 per person sharing (July)
€1780 per person sharing (August)
€1565 per person sharing (September)
€1245 per person sharing (October)
€1200 per person sharing (November & December)

2024 TOUR PRICES for 13 nights / 14 days 
(From Silves to Western Algarve)
€1915 per person sharing (January & February)
€2016 per person sharing (March)
€2165 per person sharing (April)
€2240 per person sharing (May)
€2390 per person sharing (June)
€2740 per person sharing (July) 
€3025 per person sharing (August)
€2690 per person sharing (September)
€2175 per person sharing (October)
€1975 per person sharing (November)
€2050 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

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 makes perfect way to spend a evening We also stay in a traditional style hotel is in the centre of Olhao with a lovely roof terrace with great views over to the islands. 

OLHAO image 1OLHAO image 1

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

Silves is a delightful fortified town, which was once the ancient capital of the Algarve. Our hotel is just on the edge of the town and has fresh and mode feel. Along with views of the the fortified walls on the hill makes this a easy place to spend an evening  

SILVES image 1SILVES 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.