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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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