Trans-Algarve Hinterland & Coast Tour 3.16
Discover the Diversity of the Algarve: A journey through the mountainous hinterland and along the rocky coast.
Overview
The stages are varied, from flats to hills, with some steep sections. Most of the cycling is on asphalt roads with very little traffic, and some are on good natural roads. Good physical condition is required. Also suitable for e-bikes.
Description
Discover the diverse landscape of the Algarve! Across the unspoiled mountainous hinterland to the fantastically beautiful rocky south coast of the Algarve...
The first 3 stages lead through the middle of the hills of the "Serra", an almost uninhabited and completely natural area. The landscape is dominated by cork oaks, eucalyptus, and pine groves, alternating with open terrain, low bushes such as broom, rock roses, medronho, and the typical maquis fields. Evergreen river valleys are crossed past deep blue reservoirs with breathtaking views over the endless sea of hills to the coastal area... always accompanied by the Atlantic Ocean, the route follows selected paths along the fascinating coast. Golden-yellow rocky cliffs, secluded bathing bays with fantastic views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean to the most south-westerly point in Europe, the "Cabo de São Vicente." Experience the varied and unique landscape on this cycling tour!
Itinerary
Individual arrival and check-in at the hotel in Faro.
In the morning transfer to Azinhal, near the Spanish border, for the tour start. A well-maintained road with little traffic leads through an avenue, out through the village towards the border river Guadiana. The road leads into the Serra do Caldeirão, the hilly, lonely hinterland. From a hill, you can already see the small, pretty village of Odeleite, with the deep blue reservoir behind it. The route runs along the lake for a few kilometers...Pure nature! On very good roads with little traffic, you cycle through the deserted landscape, the roads lined with low bushes such as broom and rock roses. In spring, a sea of flowers. Again and again, you pass small hamlets with whitewashed, mostly uninhabited houses. The route climbs gently towards Vaqueiros, where we spend the night.
Today's stage is characterized by constant uphill and downhill. The landscape changes. Spruce, almond, and eucalyptus trees, many different types of bushes, and medronho trees line the path. The quiet village of Cachopo, which has retained its original character, lies in the middle of the Serra. The route leads through dense, spicy-smelling spruce groves, over hilltops from which breathtaking views of the coastal area and the sea of hills of the Serra can be seen again and again. After Castelão, the route leads down to the small river Ribeira de Odeleite, which is crossed on an adventurous stone bridge. You cycle along the riverbank in the shade of lush vegetation. The route goes uphill to the village of Parizes and continues along the "Rota de Cortiça", a stretch lined with cork oaks, to Barranco do Velho, the end of today's stage.
Today we reach civilization again! On a newly asphalted road - without much traffic, it goes in a rushing and long descent, in the middle of an area densely forested with ancient cork oaks. Here time seems to stand still! On the beautiful panoramic road, the route always goes straight, in a slight up and down, passing many small villages in the direction of São Bartolomeu de Messines. There are always wonderful views of the coastal area. Shortly after Salir, there is a small turn around the "Rocha da Pena". Agricultural areas, orange plantations, and the typical trees of the Algarve, such as carob, figs, and almonds now characterize the area. After a short climb, a long descent will take us to the end of today's stage. The accommodation is in a renovated building from the 16th century, in which there is also a restaurant.
Today's route leads to the Atlantic Ocean. A mixture of well-consolidated natural paths and asphalted roads, at the beginning with some very curvy, as well as steep sections. Immediately after the start, it leads to a hill with a fantastic view of the deep blue reservoir "Barragem do Funcho", nestled in the green hills of the Serra. Lush vegetation lines the shore path, which goes along up to the dam wall, to reach afterward in a steep descent the next idyllic situated reservoir, the "Barragem do Arade". Afterward, the route leads along the Ribeiro Arade to Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The striking castle from the Moorish period dominates the cityscape. The route continues along the Arade River, always in the direction of the coast. From a hill, there is a beautiful view over the estuary delta and the city of Portimão. On a bicycle path you cycle along the generously designed harbor quay towards the beach, the "Praia da Rocha". Beautiful, situated below reddish brown cliffs, where today's hotel is located.
Today begins with a ride to the small fishing village of Alvor. Through winding alleys, you cycle up through the town to the wide estuary delta of the Rio Alvor, a huge marshland with canals and a mudflat-like lagoon landscape, a refuge for many water birds. Down to the sea, to the largest oyster farm in the Algarve, which is visible at low tide. Along the wide beach "Meia Praia" you reach Lagos. Crossing a bridge, we enter the marina and continue into the historic city. Along the palm-lined promenade, you reach the former slave market. At "Fort Bandeira," we continue to the lighthouse "Ponta da Piedade". The route continues along the coast to today's destination, Praia da Luz, a small tourist resort with beautiful stretches of beach.
Immediately after the start, the route continues over Burgau and a chain of hills, close to the steeply sloping cliffs. A fantastic view, of the deep blue Atlantic and the distant coast of Sagres, inspires. Crossing a lonely bay, we climb up to a hilltop from where we can see the small fishing village of Salema, situated on a sandy beach framed by high cliffs. From the small village of Figueiras, the route crosses a barren steppe landscape where megaliths can be seen in isolated places. Passing a small bay with a nice restaurant, we reach the village of Raposeira. Famous for the home of Henry the Navigator and a chapel built by him. Across a plateau, where you can already feel the salty sea wind of the nearby west coast and see the lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente from far away, you will reach the most southwestern point of Europe, which is located on the cliff surrounded by the sea surf. Then you will continue on a coastal road to Sagres, where the legendary seafaring school was located, where the best sailors of Portugal were trained, who later discovered the oceans of the world. Your destination is reached.
Individual departure or extension.
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2024/07/01 - 2024/09/15Single: 2150 € Double: 1300 €
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2024/09/16 - 2024/10/05Single: 1600 € Double: 980 €
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2024/10/06 - 2024/12/31Single: 1500 € Double: 900 €
Details
Services included in the price
- 7 nights with breakfast in 4*, 3* hotels and typical Portuguese guesthouses.
- Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
- Welcome, info talk, bike handover, and adjustment
- Transfer on the second day to the starting point in Azinhal
- Detailed route description, with references to places of interest and interesting facts on the routes
- 6 carefully designed routes to download to your mobile phone or tablet
- Mobile phone holder
- Map with daily km and elevation profile
- 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)
Extra / Person Bike Rental
- Touring bike: 110€
- Trekking bike: 140€
- MTB: 140€
- MTB+: 165€
- eTouring bike: 170€
- eTrekking bike: 190€
- eMTB: 190€
- Gravel: 165€
- eJunior: 190€
- Helmet: 10€
- Rack: possible on MTBs except MTB+
- Pannier: included (except MTBs)
- Included: Water bottle, Phone Holder, Air Pump, Lock, Repair kit, Spare tube
Bikes
eMTB-FS 29"
eTOURING plus
eMTB 29"
MTB plus 29"
MTB 29"
eTREKKING 29"
TREKKING 29"
eTOURING 28"
TOURING plus 29"
eGRAVEL
GRAVEL CARBON plus
GRAVEL G
GRAVEL S
eJUNIOR 26"
eJUNIOR 24"
Trans-Algarve Hinterland & Coast Tour 3.16
Discover the Diversity of the Algarve: A journey through the mountainous hinterland and along the rocky coast.
