Discovering the Algarve by bike – Easier version
Explore the Algarve at a leisurely pace. The short stages of the stay allow you to fully appreciate the charm and specialties of the region.
- Algarve
- 10 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 33 km/day
- Itinerant
A quieter version of exploring the Algarve by bike
This trip is aimed at those who want to discover the beautiful Algarve region at a leisurely pace with small stages by bike. You start the tour in Vila Real de Santo António, on the Spanish border, then cross the Ria Formosa natural park with its many migratory birds. You will stop in the charming fishing ports of Tavira and Olhão. You continue your route along the beautiful golden sandy beaches and green golf courses. Then discover the liveliest part of the Algarve via Albufeira and Portimão.
Once the frenzy of the large seaside resorts has passed, continue your journey along the "Costa d'Oiro" and get closer to the magnificent steep cliffs. En route you will appreciate the charm of Lagos with its old historic center, the small town seaside of Salema or the tranquility and naturalness of Sagres.
You end your tour at Cape Saint-Vincent, the extreme southwest of Europe. Admire the exceptional panorama that extends beneath your feet and makes you want to go elsewhere. A stay that perfectly combines gastronomy, beaches, traditions and nature and which will suit all those who want to take their time to discover and appreciate the Algarve .
Program
Arrival at Faro airport and transfer by cab (approx. 25 €) to your hotel in Faro. At 6pm, our team will welcome you in the reception hall, where you will have a detailed discussion about your bike trip. The bikes are then picked up and adapted to your wishes. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that some towns in the Algarve are subject to a tourist tax. The tax must be paid at the reception. The tax varies between 1,50 € and 2,50 € per person/night.
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You discover Faro, capital of the Algarve, and its charming marina. Take the time to stroll through the old town surrounded by ramparts and admire the facades of the azulejo houses. Don't forget to look up to see the local storks nesting on the roofs of Faro.
- 34 km
- + 336 m
In the morning, we provide assistance at the Assam train station in Faro at 09:30h. The bikes are loaded in the last car. The train leaves at 09:55 and arrives at 11:00 in Vila Real de Santo António. This is the end of the railroad line, so you have enough time to unload the bikes.
Then, let's get on the bike and let's go! The route first crosses Vila Real do Santo António in the direction of the sea. Then, the route continues on bike paths and natural roads through pine through pine forests, citrus groves and vineyards, always along the sea, passing through the sea, passing through the tourist resorts of Monte Gordo and Manta Rota, which are crowded with
crowded with vacationers in summer, but quiet and deserted in winter. Along the way, you will see typical Algarve trees, such as typical trees of the Algarve, such as almond, olive, carob and fig trees, which were once the main source of income for farmers. But today, due to the fall in prices they are no longer sufficient to meet their needs. You pass through the villages of Cacela Velha, Fabrica and then Cabanas, with a beautiful paved promenade and its fortress from the 17th century fortress. We continue through the numerous lagoons, passing by the salt ponds, the famous salt exploitation "Flor de Sal" and along the unique natural park "Ria Formosa" towards Tavira, the final destination of today's stage. The Gilão River flows through the middle of Tavira and along the shore of a beautiful promenade with many small and romantic fish restaurants.The countless small bridges are reminiscent of Venice, which is why Tavira is also called the "Venice of the Algarve".
- 32 km
- + 221 m
Some of the best fish restaurants in the region are located in front of the promenade.
- 42 km
Start your day by reaching Faro in just a few pedal strokes. Following the cycle paths, you'll cross the historic city centre before reaching the marina. You'll then take small paths through the lagoons and salt marshes to reach the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a refuge for numerous migratory birds.
You'll then continue along the sea and golf courses, passing Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, one of Portugal's largest and most beautiful seaside resorts. Finally, circle the bay before reaching the Quarteira seaside promenade.
- 33 km
Leave Quarteira and follow the route to the Vilamoura marina. You then reach the town of Albufeira. This former fishing village is now one of the most famous tourist resorts in the Algarve (avoid it in summer!). Then set off to explore the pristine wetland of Ribeira de Alcantarilha by cycling along nature trails.
Then, continue along the fine sandy beaches to the charming village of Armação de Pêra. We recommend making a detour to the Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel, located on a clifftop promontory, whose view is breathtaking!
- 35 km
Start your day by cycling to Benagil, where you can admire its breathtaking sea cave, accessible on foot from the beach. You then cycle to the mouth of the Arade River, then pass through the charming village of Ferragudo, which has the feel of old Saint-Tropez with its flower-lined, stepped streets and small fishing port.
Finally, cross the Arade River to reach the lively town of Portimão with its many shops and restaurants. End your day's stage by reaching the large golden sand beach of Praia da Rocha, one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in the Algarve.
- 32 km
Today's stopover begins with a visit to the village of Alvor, located on the edge of the Alvor Lagoon (or Ria), a large protected wetland in the Algarve. The marshes and dunes of the estuary provide a privileged refuge for numerous migratory birds. Continue your journey over small hills until you reach the sea.
You then follow the coast to reach Lagos, nestled in a bay. Don't miss a stroll through the historic city center, surrounded by ramparts, and a visit to the sublime Church of Saint Anthony, whose interior is richly decorated with numerous azulejos and carved wood.
- 24 km
You leave Lagos to reach its cape, Ponta da Piedade. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Algarve from the top of the eroded cliffs with their ochre reflections. Your route continues along the golden coast "Costa d'Oiro" to Praia da Luz, a small, quiet seaside village with its old church and fortress.
You then take small paths through the hills that will lead you to a sublime little beach. After a final, slightly sporty climb, your efforts will be rewarded by the exceptional view offered by the descent to the charming town of Salema.
- 32 km
You leave Salema and cycle through rolling fields to the village of Raposeira. Wind your way through the village's narrow streets before continuing your journey to Vila da Bispo. You then cross a large plateau to reach the Cape St. Vincent lighthouse, located on an 80m-high rocky promontory. Considered the end of the world until the 14th century, Cape St. Vincent offers a breathtaking panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and its impressive cliffs.
Finally, you end your stage by cycling along the coast to the small town of Sagres. A haven for surfers, the town stands out from other seaside resorts thanks to its tranquility and natural surroundings. Don't miss a visit to the imposing Sagres Fortress, which once housed Henry the Navigator's navigation school and bears witness to the great Portuguese explorations of the 15th century.
After breakfast, enjoy one last glimpse of the majestic surroundings of Sagres. Then, you'll be transferred by minibus to Faro Airport.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.
To get to the departure point
By plane : Take a flight to Faro. From Faro airport, take a taxi to your hotel (approx 12€/15min)
To get back to the starting point
The price of the stay includes the return transfer from Sagres to Faro airport (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes).
All practical information will be communicated to you in your travel documents.
- Algarve
- 10 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 33 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Algarve
- Moderate
- ~ 33 km/day
- Itinerant