Trans-Algarve Hinterland Tour 3.12
Discover the hidden treasures in the hinterland of the Algarve: From the Spanish border to Cabo de São Vicente
Overview
The stages are varied, from flat to hilly, with some steep sections. Most of the cycling is on asphalted roads with very little traffic, and some is on good natural roads. Good physical condition is required. Can also be done with an e-bike.
Description
Discover the hidden, lesser-known and untouched by tourism sections of the Algarve! Traverse the untouched, mountainous hinterland to the wild Atlantic West coast and experience nearly 290 km in 6 stages, from the Spanish border to the southwesternmost point of Europe, "Cabo de São Vicente." The first 5 stages take you through the sparsely populated, hilly "Serra", a seemingly endless hilly landscape. Cycle through cork oak forests, eucalyptus and pine groves, alternating with open areas of low shrubbery such as broom, rockrose, and arbutus. The air is filled with the aromas of wild thyme, sage, and rosemary. Explore the evergreen river valleys, pass by tranquil reservoirs, and occasionally encounter a herd of sheep or goats.
Experience the contrast on the last stage along the West coast in the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve. A unique flora and fauna, as well as rare animal species, can be found in this region of Portugal. The wild foaming sea, steep cliffs, and beautifully located, secluded bathing coves invite you to linger and dream. Look forward to a diverse and unforgettable cycling journey that exudes diversity and natural splendor!
Itinerary
Individual arrival in Faro.
In the morning transfer to Azinhal, at the Spanish border, for the start of the tour. On a well-maintained road, with hardly any traffic, in the shade of the trees, out through the village and on towards the border river Guadiana. Shortly before that, we enter the "Serra do Caldeirão", the hilly, mountainous hinterland. From a hill, you can already see the small, pretty village of Odeleite, with the deep blue reservoir behind it. A few kilometers along the reservoir then through a deserted area, pure nature! On very good roads - without traffic, you cycle through an open landscape with low bushes. The road is lined with broom and cistus roses. In spring, a sea of flowers. Again and again, you pass small hamlets with whitewashed houses, most of which are uninhabited. The route climbs gently towards Vaqueiros, where we spend the night.
Today's stage is characterized by constant uphill and downhill. Spruce, almond, and eucalyptus trees and many different types of bushes, especially medron bushes, characterize the landscape. We reach Cachopo, a quiet village with a character that has remained unspoiled. We continue through dense, fragrant spruce groves, over hilltops from which there are breathtaking views of the coastal area and the sea of hills in the Serra. Down to Castelão to the little river Ribeira de Odeleite, which is crossed on an adventurous stone bridge. Along the bank in the shade of the lush vegetation. Uphill to the village of Parizes and further along the "Rota de Cortiça" with many cork oaks to Barranco do Velho, the end of today's stage.
Today we reach civilization again! On a newly asphalted road - without traffic, in a rushing and long descent, in the middle of a densely forested area with ancient cork oaks. Time seems to stand still here! On the beautiful panoramic road, always straight ahead, in a gentle up and down, past many small villages in the direction of São Bartolomeu de Messines. There are always wonderful views of the coastal area. Shortly after Salir, however, there is a small turn around the "Rocha da Pena". Agricultural land, orange plantations, and the trees typical of the Algarve, such as carob, figs, and almonds, now characterize the area. After a short ascent, a long descent then brings us to today's. We have reached the end of the stage. The accommodation is in a beautifully renovated 16th-century building, which also houses the restaurant.
Today’s route is a combination of good off-road cycling and paved roads with some very winding and steep sections right at the beginning. As soon as you set off you will cycle immediately up to the top of a hill where you will have a fantastic view of the deep blue reservoir, the ‘Barragem do Funcho’, nestled in the green hills of the Serra. Rich vegetation lines the riverside path which you follow until you reach the dam and the next beautiful reservoir, the ‘Barragem do Arade’. It is a steep ride down to this point. You then follow the Ribeiro Arade until you come to Silves. After this, you have a long, flat section before climbing once again to Caldas de Monchique at the Ribeira de Odeluca. This thermal spa resort is situated in a magnificent, shady, evergreen valley.
Today we cycle across the Serra to the Wild West Coast! The day begins with a short climb in a northerly direction, up into the evergreen hills of the Serra de Monchique. Then always westwards towards the coast. On a high plateau, the route goes gently up and down to Marmelete and in a long descent towards Aljezur. Shortly before reaching Aljezur, the route makes a big loop that leads directly to the coast and the beach, "Praia de Monte Clérigo". You are already many kilometers into the "Costa Vicentina" nature reserve, one of the few best-preserved stretches of coastline in Europe, where numerous unique animal and plant species have their habitat. Wild herbs grow everywhere, which together with the wildflowers, numerous grasses, and eucalyptus groves give the area a wonderful scent. Over a hill and through the narrow streets of the old town of Aljezur we reach our accommodation.
The last stage leads along the coast. On a natural road first to Carrapateira, a small village situated on a hill in an extensive dune area, with the intact windmill visible from far away as a landmark. Right through the evergreen maquis landscape along the rocky cliffs, with breathtaking views over the deep blue Atlantic. Past two beautiful sandy bays on the country road lined with impressive large pine trees to Vila do Bispo. Across a steppe-like plateau, a detour to the most south-westerly point of Europe, the "Cabo de São Vicente". The lighthouse high above the cliffs offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coast and the deep blue Atlantic. Passing Fort Beliche, which once served as a defense against pirates, we reach the carefully renovated fortress Fortaleza de Sagres on the tip of an elongated headland. Afterwards, we head into Sagres, the legendary place where the seafaring school was located, where Portugal's best seafarers were trained, who later discovered the world's oceans.
Individual departure or extension.
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2024/07/01 - 2024/09/30Single: 1500 € Double: 1150 €
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2024/10/01 - 2024/10/31Single: 1350 € Double: 1100 €
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)
- Single traveler supplement €85 (not applicable if more than one room is booked)
Extra/ person bike rental
- Touring bike: 110€
- Trekking bike: 140€
- MTB: 140€
- MTB+: 165€
- eTouring bike: 170€
- eTrekking bike: 190€
- eMTB: 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 29"
MTB plus 29"
MTB 29"
eTREKKING 29"
TREKKING 29"
eTOURING 28"
TOURING 29"
GRAVEL S
eJUNIOR 26"
eJUNIOR 24"
Trans-Algarve Hinterland Tour 3.12
Discover the hidden treasures in the hinterland of the Algarve: From the Spanish border to Cabo de São Vicente
