GUIDED TOUR: Gravel Algarve Coast Short trip 3.42

Explore the Algarve's Scenic Coastline with Our Ultimate Gravel Bike Tour

5 days / 4 nights / 3 days cycling Level: Medium Price From: 750€ Category: Gravel Tours, Group Tours

When

People

Overview

Self-guided cycling tour: 5 days / 4 nights / 3 cycling routes of around 200 km. Most of the cycling is done on good natural roads or asphalted side roads. Along the coast, the route is flat to hilly.

Description

Embark on an exciting Gravel Bike Tour from Vila Real de Santo António to Sagres and discover the Algarve's breathtaking coastline. Pedal alongside the deep blue Atlantic, explore charming towns, and enjoy both the dreamy sandy beaches of the east and the golden cliffs of the west. From secluded coves to the roaring ocean waves against steep cliffs, this adventure promises unmatched coastal beauty.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

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

Day 2

Bike tour 1 Faro - Vila Real de Santo António (by train) - Olhão 67km/557hm

The tour begins with a train ride to Vila Real de Santo António. From there, cycle along the Guadiana River to the sea, passing through pine forests and citrus plantations. Explore the historic town of Cacela Velha, perched on a cliff above the sea. Ride through the Ria Formosa nature reserve, with its mussel fields and salt basins, to Tavira, a charming historic town. Continue along scenic paths past Santa Luzia to Pedras del Rei, where you can take a train to Praia do Barril beach. End the day in Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve, known for its excellent fish restaurants.

Day 3

Bike tour 2 Olhão - Portimão 100km/980hm

Start your day with a short ride to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Follow cycle paths to the historic center, then pass the marina and pedal through the Ria Formosa nature reserve, home to many migratory birds. Continue along the coast past the luxury golf courses of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, reaching the long beach promenade of Quarteira. From Vilamoura, cross a small bridge to the sandy beach of Falesia, then continue to Albufeira, a vibrant tourist hub. Explore the nature trails of the Ribeira de Alcantarilha and the sandy beaches to Armação de Pera. A detour to the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha offers breathtaking cliffside views. The coastline now features steep golden cliffs and sandy bays as you head to Ferragudo, a charming village reminiscent of old Saint-Tropez. Cross the Rio Arade to reach Portimão, a lively town with shops and restaurants. End the day at the stunning Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches.

Day 4

Bike tour 3 Portimão - Sagres 91km/1210hm

Today, start with a visit to the small fishing village of Alvor. Pedal through winding alleys to the wide estuary delta of the Rio Alvor, then head to the sea, passing the largest oyster farm in the Algarve, visible at low tide. Follow the wide Meia Praia beach to Lagos. Cross the marina bridge to reach this historic town, once home to a slave market. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic city center, surrounded by city walls, and visit the ornate church of Saint Anthony.From Lagos, head to Ponta da Piedade, a stunning coastal section with uniquely shaped golden rocks and steep rocky needles. Detour to Praia da Luz, a quiet seaside village with an old church and fortress. Continue to the village of Figueiras and traverse a barren steppe landscape dotted with ancient megaliths, then pass a small bay with a cozy restaurant to reach Raposeira, home to Henry the Navigator and his chapel. With the salty sea breeze in your face, pedal to Cabo de São Vicente, the most south-westerly point in Europe, where an imposing lighthouse stands 60 meters above the sea. Conclude the journey on the coastal road to Sagres, the legendary site of Portugal's famed seafaring school, where the country's best navigators were trained to explore the world's oceans.

Day 5

Departure

Individual departure or extension