Grand Algarve Tour 3.15
Explore the unique, diverse, and fascinating scenery of the Algarve! Enjoy a bike tour along the deep blue Atlantic and discover the untouched nature in the hinterland with its rich vegetation. From the Spanish border to the most south-wester point of Europe.
Overview
Self-guided cycling tours 14 days / 13 nights / 12-day tours in almost 530 km. Most of the cycling is done on good natural roads or asphalted side roads. Along the coast, the route is flat to hilly. In the interior, there are a few steep climbs and descents on the program.
Description
Diverse and fascinating landscape ......
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from the Spanish border to the most southwestern tip of Europe and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape of the Algarve. Cycle alongside the deep blue Atlantic, adorned with exquisite, fine sandy beaches and striking cliff formations, with invigorating excursions into the pristine hinterland. Discover charming, authentic towns, and indulge in the enchanting splendor of the long, dreamlike sandy beaches in the east, and the golden, picturesque cliffs and secluded coves of the renowned Gold Coast in the west. Adorned with steep cliffs cascading into the sea and the roaring, foaming ocean waves, the coastal beauty is simply unparalleled.
Venture inland from the coast and step into a different time, where untouched and scarcely inhabited landscapes greet you. Explore solitary lakes surrounded by lush, verdant vegetation, all easily accessible via well-paved roads with minimal traffic. This tour offers not just a cycling odyssey but also a fascinating journey through the eventful history of Portugal. Get ready to indulge in an enriching, unforgettable experience on this immersive cycling expedition!
Itinerary
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.
The tour kicks off with a train ride to Vila Real de Santo António. From there, you hop on your bike and begin your journey. You'll traverse a vast protected wetland nestled in the estuary of the Rio Guadiana, characterised by salt and peat soils. This area serves as a breeding ground for thousands of water birds and provides a crucial resting spot for migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa. Next, you'll head to the quaint town of Castro Marim, known for its fortress and castle nestled between two hills, remnants of a time when the border with Spain required defence. Then, it's on to the "Serra," an almost deserted natural area dominated by pine trees, cork oaks, and sparse shrubbery in fields that have seen little cultivation. The highest point of the journey is reached at the Monte Rei golf course. From there, the route descends through the Barrocal, the fertile region of the Algarve dotted with orange and vegetable plantations. Afterward, you'll pass through the nature reserve once more before reaching your overnight stay in Monte Gordo, situated right by the sea with a beautiful beach perfect for bathing.
Today's adventure begins with a brief boat trip across the border river Guadiana to Ayamonte. You'll depart from the charming fishing town of Ayamonte along a disused railway line, cycling through the prominent marsh area of the province of Huelva, the Marismas de Isla Cristina. Along the way, you'll pass by salt flats, strawberry fields, and pine forests en route to Lepe. Continuing, the route meanders back toward the coast, passing by the renowned Islantilla Golf Club. Following the path parallel to the expansive dune beach, you'll pedal through pine forests back to Isla Cristina, a contemporary village steeped in fishing tradition. The final leg of the journey winds through the marshy coastal landscape back to Ayamonte, where you'll board the small ferry back to Portugal and return to your hotel in Monte Gordo.
The route travels along well-maintained cycle paths through shady pine forests, behind which lie hidden, beautiful bathing beaches. As you cycle, you'll notice citrus and vine plantations alternating along the way. The journey continues through the tourist resorts of Altura and Manta Rota, leading to the small historic town of Cacela Velha. Here, white houses and an old fort stand prominently on a cliff overlooking the sea. This marks the beginning of the world-famous "Ria Formosa" nature reserve. The reserve features lagoons with countless sandbanks, islands, and waterways that serve as a sanctuary for many rare bird species and marine animals. Extensive mussel fields and salt flats, the source of the renowned "Flor de Sal," are interspersed throughout. You will cycle through this captivating lagoon landscape until you reach Tavira, a historic town that has preserved its character through the centuries, with buildings that reflect its rich history.
Along the "Rio Gilão," you cycle up into the Serra. Lush green meadows give way to citrus and vegetable plantations, interspersed with fields of almond and fig trees. You'll encounter the "Pego do Inferno" waterfall, which offers a refreshing spot for a bath. As you continue, the landscape shifts, with cork oaks becoming the dominant feature. The route reaches its highest point at 210 metres above sea level, where a steady climb and descent provide a splendid view over the Serra hills and out towards the coastal area. Some stretches of the road are unpaved, but they are well-maintained natural paths. Small stone walls, frequently seen along the route, mark property boundaries, constructed by local farmers in the past. Throughout this quiet area with minimal traffic—mostly farmers heading to their fields—you'll also notice old Moorish wells, some in ruins and others meticulously restored. Once back in Tavira, you cross a Roman bridge to return to the hotel.
Today's route takes you along small paths and trails beside the lagoon towards Olhão. After passing through the picturesque fishing village of Santa Luzia, you arrive at Pedras del Rei. Here, you have the option to take a small train across the lagoon to the stunning Praia do Barril. Once back in Pedras del Rei, the route leads to the fishing port of Fuseta, where you can observe fishermen handling their daily catch or preparing to go out to sea. The final leg of today's journey brings you to Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Opposite the promenade, some of the finest fish restaurants in the region await your discovery.
If you choose not to take a rest day, ride to the capital of the Algarve, Faro. You'll first pass by the Pousada de Estoi, a meticulously renovated rococo palace with beautiful gardens. Taking side roads into rural areas and then following a scenic cycle path, you will arrive at the historically rich old town of Faro. Explore the old town, encircled by ancient city walls and filled with beautifully restored buildings from the 16th and 18th centuries, including a cathedral, a bishop's seat, a monastery, and several museums. Passing through the town gate "Arco da Vila," adorned with stork nests, you reach the marina, where small cafés and restaurants offer a pleasant break. From Faro, you'll cycle through small typical villages and return to Olhão via side roads.
Departing from Olhão, you’ll ride alongside roads adjacent to the "Ria Formosa" nature reserve, heading towards Faro and the airport. You'll cycle through picturesque lagoons teeming with water birds, groups of flamingos, and storks, as you follow narrow paths beside the sea. Your route takes you past elegant villas, lush parks, and beautifully manicured golf courses. Continuing along the promenade of Quarteira, you eventually arrive at one of Portugal's largest marinas, Vilamoura, where numerous restaurants offer a welcoming break. After crossing a small bridge, you reach the expansive, white sandy beach of Falesia and ride leisurely along it to Olhos de Água, where your next accommodation awaits.
Today's tour ventures inland on well-paved paths and roads towards Paderne, where you can spot the ruins of a mediaeval castle perched high on a hill. The route continues past vast orange plantations and leads up to Alte, a typical Portuguese village that once served as a Moorish trading centre. The village's narrow streets and whitewashed houses create a welcoming atmosphere for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing pause at the renowned water springs. Leaving Alte, the landscape is dotted with orange plantations and trees typical of the Algarve, such as carob, figs, and almonds. After a brief climb, a long descent marks the final stretch of today's journey. Your accommodation is set in a beautifully renovated 16th-century building that also features a restaurant.
Today's route takes you to the Atlantic Ocean, combining well-surfaced natural paths and asphalt roads that feature some winding and steep sections at the beginning. Right after starting, the route ascends a hill offering a stunning view of the deep blue "Barragem do Funcho" reservoir, nestled in the lush green hills of the Serra. Dense vegetation lines the path along the shore, leading to the dam wall, followed by a steep descent to the next idyllically located reservoir, the "Barragem do Arade". The journey then proceeds along the Ribeiro Arade to Silves, the former capital of the Algarve, where the prominent Moorish-era castle dominates the skyline. Continuing along the Arade River towards the coast, you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint over the estuary delta and the town of Portimão. From there, a cycle path takes you across the harbour quay towards "Praia da Rocha". The route ends beautifully situated below reddish-brown cliffs, where today's hotel is also located.
The day begins with a ride to the fishing village of Alvor. As you navigate through the town's winding alleys, you'll make your way to the expansive estuary delta of the Rio Alvor, a vast marshy area filled with canals and a lagoon landscape reminiscent of mudflats, serving as a sanctuary for numerous water birds. Heading down to the sea, you'll pass by the largest oyster farm in the Algarve, which becomes visible at low tide. Your journey continues along the broad "Meia Praia" beach towards Lagos. After crossing a bridge to the marina, you will enter the historic town. Along the palm-lined promenade, you will come across the former slave market. From "Fort Bandeira," the route heads to the lighthouse "Ponta da Piedade," then continues along the coast to today's destination, Praia da Luz / Burgau.
The route meanders through rural countryside and villages that have retained their traditional charm, leading towards Bensafrim where time seems to stand still. Heading north through the sparsely used natural landscape of the "Serra," you cycle to the "Barragem Bravura" reservoir. The path is flanked by pine trees, pines, broom, and macchia fields. After a steep climb to a hilltop followed by a thrilling descent, you reach another branched lake set against a green hilly backdrop. A short stretch along the shore brings you to a picnic area, perfect for a restful break. The journey then continues towards the sea, where it becomes busier as you approach the coast. You’ll return to the hotel via a side road.
Immediately after starting, the route takes you over Burgau and through a chain of hills close to steeply sloping cliffs. The expansive views of the deep blue Atlantic and the distant coast of Sagres are breathtaking. Crossing a secluded bay, you ascend to a hilltop where you can view the quaint fishing village of Salema, nestled on a sandy beach framed by towering cliffs. From the small village of Figueiras, the journey continues across a barren steppe landscape dotted with isolated megaliths that bear witness to ancient settlements. Passing a small bay with a charming restaurant, you arrive in the village of Raposeira, known for being the home of Henry the Navigator and the chapel he built. Moving across a plateau, you can feel the salty sea breeze from the nearby west coast and see the distant lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's most south-westerly point. A few enjoyable cycles bring you to this dramatic spot, set on high cliffs battered by the surf. From here, the route follows a coastal road to Sagres, the site of the legendary seafaring school where Portugal's greatest sailors were trained before they set off to explore the world's oceans. You have now reached your destination.
Individual departure or extension
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2025/01/01 - 2025/03/24Single: 2360 € Double: 1500 €
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2025/03/25 - 2025/05/24Single: 3030 € Double: 1750 €
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2025/05/25 - 2025/07/06Single: 3790 € Double: 2100 €
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2025/07/07 - 2025/08/27Single: 4220 € Double: 2300 €
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2025/08/28 - 2025/09/23Single: 3790 € Double: 2100 €
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2025/09/24 - 2025/11/19Single: 3030 € Double: 1750 €
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2025/11/20 - 2025/12/31Single: 2360 € Double: 1500 €
Details
Services included in the price
- 13 nights with breakfast in 5*, 4*, 3* hotels and typical Portuguese guesthouses.
- Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
- Welcome, info talk, bike handover, and adjustment
- Rail journey Faro -> Vila Real do Santo António
- Ticket for boat trip Vila Real - Ayamonte - Vila Real (incl. but to be bought locally by the guest)
- Detailed route description, with references to places of interest and interesting facts on the routes
- 12 carefully designed routes to download to your mobile phone or tablet
- Mobile phone holder
- Service hotline Mon-Fri 09:00 to 18:00, weekends and public holidays in case of emergency
Optional against surcharge
- Transfers Faro Airport <-> Hotel on request
- GPS device with all daily tours
- Room upgrade
- Half-board (on Portuguese public holidays and bridge days, there may be a surcharge that may apply)
Single traveler supplement (not applicable if more than one room is booked.)
Bikes Accessories:
- Touring and Trekking bikes include a rack and one pannier
- Rack and one pannier: possible on MTBs and Gravel Bikes except MTB+ (Additional cost of 30€)
- Included: Water bottle, Phone Holder, Air Pump, Lock, Repair kit, Spare tube
Bikes
MTB plus 29" Merida BIG.NINE
eMTB-FS 29" Giant Stance E+ 2
eMTB 29" Ridley
MTB 29" Merida
eTREKKING 29" Be-Veloo
TREKKING 29" Specialized
eTOURING plus Giant Anytour X E+
eTOURING 28" Merida
TOURING plus 29" Giant Roam Disc 2
eGRAVEL Di2 Plus Giant Revolt E+
eGRAVEL Merida eSilex 400
GRAVEL CARBON plus Giant Revolt ADV 2
GRAVEL Giant Revolt 1
GRAVEL Swift Enduravox GR
eJUNIOR 26" Giant Talon e+ Junior
eJUNIOR 24" Giant Talon e+ Junior
Grand Algarve Tour 3.15
Explore the unique, diverse, and fascinating scenery of the Algarve! Enjoy a bike tour along the deep blue Atlantic and discover the untouched nature in the hinterland with its rich vegetation. From the Spanish border to the most south-wester point of Europe.
