Leisure East & West in Spa Hotels in Olhão & Lagos 3.05

A combination of cycling and wellness! Double centre based tour departing from Olhão & Lagos

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days cycling Level: Easy Price From: 900€ Category: Centerbased Tours

When

People

Overview

The routes are varied, from flat to mountainous, with sometimes steep climbs and great descents. You cycle mostly on unpaved, but easily passable natural roads and asphalted side roads. Sometimes the paths are flat, a bit hilly, but rarely difficult.

Description

Experience the benefits of this unique double center based tour! Begin this unforgettable journey in the picturesque fishing village of Olhão, at a 5-star wellness hotel. The first three tours along the East Algarve offer diverse insights into the region's diversity – from charming old towns in the east to the luxurious "Golden Triangle," from unspoiled villages to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve – it's all there. A wellness hotel in Lagos serves as the starting point for the second part of your journey. Discover the history and beauty of Silves and Lagos, explore the breathtaking rock formations of the Algarve and the Costa d'Ouro, the region's most beautiful coastal stretch. Also, enjoy the lush vegetation, including cork, almond, and carob trees, vineyards, orange and lemon groves, as well as pine, acacia, and eucalyptus trees, all accompanied by breathtaking viewpoints.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Individual arrival and check-in at the hotel. Personal welcome, travel briefing, handover and adjustment of the bikes according to your wishes by Algarve Cycling.

Day 2

Biketour 1 - 62km / 590hm

You cycle inland from Olhão via Quelfes and Moncarapacho to Tavira. The narrow streets are lined with fine white houses with red roofs and curved balconies as well as new flat blocks. The charming old town and the lively fishing harbour on the riverbank form a delightful contrast. The route continues on cycle paths through Santa Luzia and Pedras d'el Rei to Fuseta. There you can take a break on the harbour promenade and watch the fishermen at work. You then return to Olhão via the largest active fishing harbour in the Algarve, where you can enjoy the wonderful sunset on the harbour front.

Day 3

Biketour 2 - 43km / 740hm

This tour takes you around the "São Miguel" mountain, which rises out of the valley and can be seen from afar. In the interior of the Algarve, there are many small villages that have preserved their authenticity and convey the charm of Portuguese country life. The route leads uphill through a sparsely populated, unspoilt area with little traffic to "São Miguel", the second highest mountain in the Algarve. A fantastic view of the hills of the Serra to the north and over the coast awaits you. Then it's a relaxed downhill ride through the idyllic hinterland back to Olhão.

Day 4

Biketour 3 - 58km / 500hm

Today you will cycle from Olhão around Faro to the "Golden Triangle". You pass the "Ribeiro de Lourenço" river valley, drive through orange groves and reach the luxury resort of Quinta do Lago. There you can admire the beautiful golf courses and sprawling villas. Cycle through the Ria Formosas nature reserve on a nature trail to the offshore island of "Ilha do Faro". Through salt marshes and lagoons that provide a unique habitat for plants and animals. Then cycle back through the village of Montenegro to the capital of the Algarve, Faro and visit the historic old town before making the short return journey to Olhão.

Day 5

Biketour 4 - 61km / 750hm

The 4th tour begins with a transfer to Silves. The historic town with its well preserved Moorish castle above, lies inland surrounded by cork, almond and carob trees. You cycle through vineyards, orange and lemon groves down to the famous Cliff Algarve to Carvoeiro. Steep reddish cliffs sloping down to the sea with small sandy bays now characterise the landscape. Via Portimão and through the small fishing village of Alvor, you cycle up to the wide estuary delta of the Rio Alvor. A huge marshland with canals and a refuge for many water birds. Down to the sea and along the wide beach "Meia Praia" you reach your second location just outside Lagos, the Hotel Vila Galé Lagos.

Day 6

Biketour 5 - 48km / 650hm

Drive along the marina to the historic town of Lagos, with many remnants of its maritime past still visible. Cross the palm-lined promenade to reach the former slave market. Visit the "Fort Bandeira" and cycle to the "Costa d'Ouro", the most beautiful stretch of coastline in the Algarve with golden-coloured cliffs and rocky pinnacles rising steeply out of the sea. Passing Praia da Luz, Burgau and a ridgeline with fantastic views of the Atlantic and the coast as far as Sagres, you cycle through the fishing village of Salema up to the picturesque village of Barão de São João. Cycle through the interior past pine, acacia and eucalyptus trees back to Lagos.

Day 7

Biketour 6 - 51km/ 750hm

Cycle northwards into the unspoilt countryside. The vegetation is characterised by low bushes, herb meadows and oak trees. You cycle up and down hills to the small village of Barão de São João. Through an extensive nature park to Bensafrim, a small village with charming, typically white houses. You continue through rolling hills and narrow valleys through the rural surroundings to Catifo and then further up to the idyllic Bravura dam with its wonderful variety of flora and fauna - pure nature. The return journey is a relaxed downhill ride to your hotel.

Day 8

Departure

Individual departure.