Road Bike Algarve and Alentejo 4.23
Overview
The routes are varied, from flat to mountainous, with some short, steep climbs and corresponding descents. Very well-maintained, tarmac roads with very little traffic.
Description
This cycling tour through the Algarve and the Alentejo will take you on a journey through diverse landscapes, from coastal towns to remote mountainous regions. Each day offers a unique experience of riding through traditional Portuguese villages, scenic roads, and natural beauty, all while exploring the cultural and historical richness of both regions.
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.
Your first tour starts and ends in Olhão, taking you through a variety of landscapes that define the Algarve. You'll ride past Quelfes and Moncarapacho, with their traditional whitewashed houses and rural charm, before heading towards Tavira, a beautiful town known for its Roman bridge and historic churches. From there, the route climbs into the Serra, towards Alcaria do Cume, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Algarve's rolling hills. The descent takes you through Santa Catarina, famous for its terracotta pottery, and continues towards Mesquita Alta, offering scenic rural roads lined with olive groves. Finally, you pass through Azinheiro before returning to Olhão
This tour begins in Olhão, taking you through the charming village of Pechão before heading towards Estoi, known for its beautiful 19th-century palace and Roman ruins of Milreu. From Estoi, you join the EN2, also known as Portugal's "Route 66," famous for being one of the longest roads in the country, spanning from Faro in the south to Chaves in the north. As you follow the EN2, you will pass through changing landscapes—from the fertile valleys around São Brás de Alportel to the more rugged and arid scenery of the Alentejo. The route takes you all the way up to Castro Verde, known for its wide plains and traditional agricultural heritage. The EN2 offers a smooth ride and plenty of picturesque spots, giving you a real feel for the diversity of the Portuguese landscape.
Today's tour takes you north towards Aljustrel. Aljustrel, with its deep mining history, offers a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the region, surrounded by hills that reveal layers of its geological past. Turning west, the route takes you through peaceful rural roads, passing through small, picturesque villages, which showcase the authentic Alentejo charm, with traditional whitewashed houses, rolling fields, and cork oak groves. Finally, you arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a beautiful coastal town located by the mouth of the Mira River. Known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Vila Nova de Milfontes is the perfect ending point to relax and soak in the fresh sea breeze.
Starting in Vila Nova de Milfontes, the journey heads south along Portugal’s stunning west coast, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. This route takes you through a series of coastal towns and villages, beginning with Almograve, known for its wild beaches and scenic coastal paths. Further along, you reach Cavaleiro, where you can glimpse the impressive Cape Sardão Lighthouse, a stunning point from which to observe the dramatic meeting of land and sea. Continuing south, the route passes through Zambujeira do Mar, particularly known for its beautiful beach and the annual music festival that brings life to this otherwise tranquil spot. The ride then continues to Odeceixe. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire Praia de Odeceixe, a stunning beach nestled by the river, framed by cliffs.The route’s end point is Aljezur, a historic town with its roots in Moorish times, surrounded by fertile fields and scenic landscapes. The entire ride is set against the backdrop of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, an area rich in biodiversity. This nature reserve is home to countless bird species, colorful wildflowers, and a unique coastal ecosystem, making your ride not only a physical challenge but also an experience of Portugal’s natural wonders.
Today's stage takes you through the "Costa Vicentina" nature reserve, around the most south-westerly point in Europe, and along the south coast to Lagos. The tour starts with a flat stretch as you cycle with the sea breeze from the nearby Atlantic Ocean in your face, traversing the unique nature reserve. Once you reach the bottom, you arrive at the "Cabo de São Vicente," where a lighthouse stands on 60-meter-high cliffs that drop sharply over the sea. The stunning view of the deep blue Atlantic offers a perfect opportunity for a break! The journey then continues along a picturesque coastal road to Sagres, the legendary site of Henry the Navigator's maritime school, where Portugal's finest sailors, who would go on to discover the world's oceans, were trained. Afterward, you follow the coastal route heading to your hotel in Lagos.
The final stage takes you back through the heart of the country to Faro. To bypass the heavy traffic near the coast, the route utilizes secondary roads through the center of the fertile Barrocal plain. Featuring a steady, yet very gentle series of ascents and descents, the route winds through numerous villages adorned with white-painted or colorfully painted houses and traverses rural areas characterized by typical Algarve tree cultures such as carob, almond, and olive trees, leading you back to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Conclude your journey with a satisfying dinner and take the time to reflect on the tour's highlights and experiences.
Individual departure or extension.
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2024/11/15 - 2024/12/21Single: 1700 € Double: 1250 €
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2024/12/22 - 2024/12/31Single: 1900 € Double: 1350 €
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2025/01/01 - 2025/03/30Single: 1700 € Double: 1250 €
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2025/03/31 - 2025/05/27Single: 1900 € Double: 1350 €
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2025/05/28 - 2025/07/06Single: 2100 € Double: 1500 €
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2025/07/07 - 2025/08/30Single: 2250 € Double: 1650 €
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2025/08/31 - 2025/09/26Single: 2100 € Double: 1500 €
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2025/09/27 - 2025/10/30Single: 1900 € Double: 1350 €
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2025/10/31 - 2025/12/21Single: 1700 € Double: 1250 €
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2025/12/22 - 2025/12/31Single: 1900 € Double: 1350 €
Details
Services included in the price
- 7 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
- 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
- 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:
- Rack and one pannier: possible on Gravel Bikes (Additional cost of 30€)
- Included: Water bottle, Phone Holder, Air Pump, Lock, Repair kit, Spare tube
Bikes
ROAD CARBON Di2
ROAD CARBON plus
ROAD CARBON
eGRAVEL Di2 Plus
eGRAVEL
GRAVEL CARBON plus
GRAVEL G
GRAVEL S
Road Bike Algarve and Alentejo 4.23
