The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its year round sunshine and wonderful coastline along which beaches are strung out embellished with coves, caves, dramatic cliffs and sea-carved archways and offshore sand strips are reachable by boat.
Perhaps lesser known are the many listed Natural Parks, salt pans old and new, extraordinary bird life and centuries old traditions. Culinary skills remain a proud tradition and the seafood is to die for. Groves of oranges and almonds and acres of vines and pines clothe undulating inland areas. The Moorish influence is never far away in the architectural details of the ancient towns and Portugal's legacy as a nation of discovery pops up here and there not least in its whitewashed villages.
This bike tour weaves it way through this fascinating area, from the Spanish border in the east to the southern most point of Europe at Cabo de São Vicente in the west, cleverly revealing the authentic Algarve and neatly avoiding the misgivings of tourism.
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
-
from £1,580 – £2,680 per person
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
What’s included?
Transfers to and from Faro airport. See what’s included as standard
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily except January and February. arriving and departing from Faro. The tour is available in January and February but with classic hotels at some of the stops at a reduced price. Please email us for prices.
Hotels
- Luxury
-
7 unique luxury stays including a Convent, 4 modern hotels and 2 boutique town centre hotels.
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Not so gentle cycling. More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
6 days of cycling 16 - 29 miles (25-47 km)
Terrain
Gentle slopes to start and some hills on the last 2 days
Traffic-free
5%
Options
-stay a 2nd night at any of the stops to relax and enjoy the wonderful hotels
Itinerary day-by-day
-
1. Day one
Arrive Faro
Arrive in Faro where we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your first hotel - its a wow! Splash in the sea and enjoy a splendid dinner. We will brief you on your trip, share our local tips and fit you with your bicycles.
-
2. Day two
Vila Real to Tavira
Explore Vila Real where you can touch the Spanish border, oggle at the fish market and sample a really good cup of coffee. Then follow the cycle path west from here taking back roads through orchards and loving the Ria Formosa which will be part of your journey for some time. This wondrous, sea water lagoon sits behind a series of natural barrier islands and beaches, beyond which lies the open sea. Its a protected Natural Park and yours to enjoy with plenty of beach side cafes to stop for a refreshment. Close by the old and historic fishing town of Tavira is your hotel for tonight, located on an island.
19 miles (31 km)
-
3. Day three
Tavira to Olhao
Continuing west along the coast with plenty of opportunities for a dip in the sea, you pass unspoilt countryside, old orchards, salt pans galore and a string of fishing villages offering some lovely refreshment stops and authentic cooking. Local fish dishes are ace and the locals know how to enjoy their lunches out. Join them! Your destination is a fishing town with an authentic Arab medina as its heart where you will spend the night.
19 miles (31 km)
-
4. Day four
Olhao to Albufeira
You pedal through Faro today, cobbles and all and head onwards on tracks and back roads past immaculately manicured golf courses. Approaching Quarteira, you meet the seafront again, whilst a little further on at Vilamoura, the luxury yachts head in and there's a great selection of cafes and bars. Head on through the popular resort of Albufeira and its candy coloured apartments to find your overnight boutqiue stay.
34 miles (55 km)
-
5. Day five
Albufeira to Praia da Rocha
The route now leads inland - think stone walls and orchards of oranges and almonds. Next up is the traditional old town of Lagoa, famous for its winery, the most productive in the Algarve, with acres of vineyards in the surrounding area. Reaching Portimão, a buzzing port a little further on, where you will want to explore the fascinating old quarter, you cross the river to find your beach side stay.
-
6. Day six
Praia da Rocha to Praia da Luz
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 arriving here in time to explore.
-
7. Day seven
Praia da Luz to Cabo de São Vicente
Your final day of the cycling tour takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery to the southern most point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente. The nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historic interest, provide plenty of opportunities to explore. We transfer you late afternoon to Quita da Lago, where you will stay for your final night.
-
8. Day eight
Depart Faro
Perhaps you have time for a final swim in the pool today before we transfer you from your hotel near Faro to the airport .
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive Faro
Arrive in Faro where we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your first hotel - its a wow! Splash in the sea and enjoy a splendid dinner. We will brief you on your trip, share our local tips and fit you with your bicycles.
-
2. Day two
Vila Real to Tavira
Explore Vila Real where you can touch the Spanish border, oggle at the fish market and sample a really good cup of coffee. Then follow the cycle path west from here taking back roads through orchards and loving the Ria Formosa which will be part of your journey for some time. This wondrous, sea water lagoon sits behind a series of natural barrier islands and beaches, beyond which lies the open sea. Its a protected Natural Park and yours to enjoy with plenty of beach side cafes to stop for a refreshment. Close by the old and historic fishing town of Tavira is your hotel for tonight, located on an island.
19 miles (31 km)
-
3. Day three
Tavira to Olhao
Continuing west along the coast with plenty of opportunities for a dip in the sea, you pass unspoilt countryside, old orchards, salt pans galore and a string of fishing villages offering some lovely refreshment stops and authentic cooking. Local fish dishes are ace and the locals know how to enjoy their lunches out. Join them! Your destination is a fishing town with an authentic Arab medina as its heart where you will spend the night.
19 miles (31 km)
-
4. Day four
Olhao to Albufeira
You pedal through Faro today, cobbles and all and head onwards on tracks and back roads past immaculately manicured golf courses. Approaching Quarteira, you meet the seafront again, whilst a little further on at Vilamoura, the luxury yachts head in and there's a great selection of cafes and bars. Head on through the popular resort of Albufeira and its candy coloured apartments to find your overnight boutqiue stay.
34 miles (55 km)
-
5. Day five
Albufeira to Praia da Rocha
The route now leads inland - think stone walls and orchards of oranges and almonds. Next up is the traditional old town of Lagoa, famous for its winery, the most productive in the Algarve, with acres of vineyards in the surrounding area. Reaching Portimão, a buzzing port a little further on, where you will want to explore the fascinating old quarter, you cross the river to find your beach side stay.
25 Miles (40 km)
-
6. Day six
Praia da Rocha to Praia da Luz
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 arriving here in time to explore.
24 miles (39 km)
-
7. Day seven
Praia da Luz to Cabo de São Vicente
Your final day of the cycling tour takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery to the southern most point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente. The nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historic interest, provide plenty of opportunities to explore. We transfer you late afternoon to Quita da Lago, where you will stay for your final night.
24 miles (39 km)
-
8. Day eight
Depart Faro
Perhaps you have time for a final swim in the pool today before we transfer you from your hotel near Faro to the airport .