Difficulty Rating : 4 Start: Villa Real Finish: Cabo de Sao Vincent Terrain: Along a dedicated cycle route, nature trails & traffic calmed routes. Daily Average: 36km Weekly Average: 220km 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.
  • Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • FAQ
  • What people say...
  • Pricing
  • Travel
  • Accomodation
  • Resources
  • Booking

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.

The Ecovia do litoral is a dedicated cycle route in Portugal that links Cabo de S. Vicente (Sagres) in the west to Vila Real de S. Antonio on the Spanish border. This new cycle route combines trails in nature protection areas with linking stretches on traffic calmed or car-free routes. With a total of 240 km, the Ecovia do Litoral runs across 12 Algarve municipalities and is designed to provide you with four moderately challenging days of cycling.

The tour starts with a transfer from Faro airport to Vila Real de San Antonio. This is a quaint old town on the edge of the Guadiana river just inside the Portuguese side of the boarder with Spain. Following a well marked route accompanied by route notes, you head west passing through unspoilt coastal countryside and quaint fishing villages. The route also takes in the more well known resorts of Albufeira and Praia do Rocha. The final day of the tour takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery and on to the southern most point of Europe, Cabo de S.Vincente. You have a chance to explore the nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historical interest, before we collect you and bring you back to the town of Loule for a final night on the tour.

No details found.

A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival at Faro Airport

Upon your arrival in the Algarve, we will collect you and equip you with your bicycle for the tour. Then we will transport you and your bicycles over to Vila Real de Santo António for your first night.

Day 2

Villa Real ~ Tavira (31km)

Following a well-marked route, with supplied maps, you will cycle west towards Tavira, a charming old fishing town that has been around since Roman times, your destination for this day’s cycling.

Day 3

Tavira ~ Olhão (31 km)

Today’s ride continues west towards Olhão and passes through the unspoilt coastal countryside and quaint fishing villages.Your destination in Olhão is a charming little hotel set right in the heart of the old fishing town, renowned for its Moorish style architecture.

Day 4

Olhão ~ Villamoura (40km)

Your third day on the Algarve Coastal Cycle Route takes you through the regional centre of Faro and onwards past the prestigious golf resorts and the seafront at Quarteira, to your overnight stay in Vilamoura, with its marina full of luxury yachts and a good selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Day 5

Villamoura ~ Praia da Rocha (55km)

Another interesting day’s cycling through the popular resort of Albufeira and inland through the traditional old town of Lagoa, then on to Portimão and Praia da Rocha. Overnight is in a charming hotel next to the old fort on the sea front.

Day 6

Praia da Rocha ~ Praia de Luz (39km)

Today you head through the fishing village of Alvor, towards bustling Lagos, a likely stop-over for lunch. From here you leave town along the old coastal road towards the popular coastal resort of Praia da Luz. There are lots of cafés and shops along the promenade and often market stalls and artists displaying their work, so it’s worth getting here in time to explore.

Day 7

Praia da Luz ~ Cabo de Sao Vincent (39km)

Your final day of the cycling tour takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery and on to the southernmost point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente. The nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historical interest is also worth exploring. We collect you and bring you to a quaint hotel, set in a quiet square in the heart of the old market town of Loulé. Loulé is an explorer’s haven, with its narrow cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants.

  • 7 Overnight in good quality hotels/apartments
  • All breakfasts
  • Maps and route details
  • Quality bike and equipment hire
  • Luggage transfers
  • Phone helpline
  •  Airport transfers from/to Faro airport

E-bike available for a supplement of €130

On this tour, unlike most others, bike rental is included in the tour price

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 ( Algarve Cycle 2019 )

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 ( Portugal Algarve 2019 )

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 (Algarve Tour, 2017)

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 (Algarve Coast 2015)

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 (Algarve Coastal self led April 2016)

2024 TOUR PRICES

€1130 per person sharing (January & February)   
€1165 per person sharing (March)   
€1305 per person sharing (April)   
€1325 per person sharing (May)  
€1550 per person sharing (June)   
€1595 per person sharing (July)   
€1690 per person sharing (August)  
€1575 per person sharing (September)   
€1300 per person sharing (October)  
€1250 per person sharing (November & December)

Single occupancy and solo tour on request. 
Discount available for a party of three or more.

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

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    

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, 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

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

Book now

Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

Section Divider

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

Section Divider (copy)

Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

Third person details

Fourth person details

Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

Ninth person details

 

Tenth person details

 

Section Divider (copy) (copy)

Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy)

Other Information

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

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 €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing 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.

Hide Terms and Conditions

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.