Discovering the Algarve by bike – Easier version

Arrival at Faro airport and transfer by cab to your hotel. A welcome briefing will take place at your hotel, and your bikes will be dropped off in the meantime. 

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.

 

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".

 

The day's stage leads along small roads and paths along the lagoon to Olhão. Passing through the charming fishing village of Santa Luzia, we reach Pedras del Rei. Here it is possible to take a small train that crosses the lagoon and leads to the beautiful beach of Praia do Barril on the island of Tavira. Back to Pedras del Rei, we continue to the fishing port of Fuseta, where you can observe the fishermen with their catch of the day or preparing their out to sea. The last stop for today is Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve.
Some of the best fish restaurants in the region are located in front of the promenade.

After a few pedal strokes, we quickly reach the capital of the Algarve region, Faro. Following the bicycle paths, we arrive in the historical center of the city, before leaving the marina on the left and cross the natural reserve of the "Ria Formosas" through small paths, lagoons and salt flats. The unspoiled nature of the Ria Formosa is a refuge for many migratory birds which is a paradise for birdwatchers. Following the coastline, the golf courses of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, two of the most exclusive luxury residential areas in Portugal, also known as the "Golden Triangle". After skirting the bay, you arrive at the long promenade of Quarteira which you follow until you reach Vilamoura, your destination of the day.

We continue, after having bypassed the Vilamoura marina, crossing a small bridge to the large and long sandy beach of Falesia, then we continue to Olhos de Água, to then reach the city of Albufeira. This former fishing village is now one of the country's best-known holiday resorts and as well as a very animated tourist station of the Algarve. It's especially in summer that it moves! Then, you will leave on natural paths to the discovery of the Ribeira de Alcantarilha, before going along the beautiful sandy beaches to the charming village of Armação de Pera. A small detour to the Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel, located on a rocky promontory, offers a breathtaking view!

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.

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.

Today's stage starts from Lagos and passes by the Ponta da Piedade, a part of the Algarve coastline of breathtaking beauty.
Algarve coastline of breathtaking beauty. Following the golden coast "Costa d'Ouro", the most beautiful part of the Algarve coast with its uniquely shaped golden rocks and rocky spires the sea, we will make a detour to Praia da Luz, a small and quiet village on the seaside with an old church and a fortress.  

You leave Praia Da Luz or Salema and cycle through rolling fields to the village of Raposeira. Wind through the narrow streets of the village before continuing your journey to Vila da Bispo. You then cross a large plateau to reach the Cape Saint-Vincent lighthouse located on a rocky promontory 80m high. Considered until the 14th century as the end of the world, Cape Saint-Vincent offers a breathtaking panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and its impressive cliffs.

 

Finally, you finish your stage by pedaling along the coast to the small seaside resort of Sagres. 

After breakfast, enjoy one last glimpse of the majestic surroundings of Sagres. Then, you'll be transferred by minibus to Faro Airport.