Roadbike East & West in Spa Hotels in Olhão & Lagos 3.21
Overview
The gradients vary from flat to hilly with some steep climbs, for which the corresponding excited descents more than compensate! You will enjoy many wonderful views of the coast or inland. You cycle almost exclusively on quiet, well-surfaced roads.
Description
Algarve Cycling Tour – Mountains, Coast, and Authentic Hinterland
Experience the Algarve on this diverse cycling journey that takes you through its unspoiled inland and along breathtaking coastal routes. Starting in Olhão, ride past peaceful orange groves, charming villages, and into the rolling hills of the Serra do Caldeirão. Enjoy views of flowering broom and rockrose bushes, with valleys lined by cork oak and eucalyptus forests.
The stages lead you through historic Tavira, the mountain town of São Brás de Alportel, and up to Barranco do Velho, offering stunning panoramas over the Serra. Discover remote regions like Cachopo and Alcaria Cume before heading towards the coast. A true highlight is climbing Foia, the Algarve's highest peak, where spectacular ocean views await.
Along the West Coast, ride past the golden cliffs of the Costa d'Oiro, Praia da Luz, and reach the legendary Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's southwesternmost point. Your journey concludes in Lagos, famous for its picturesque old town, beaches, and relaxed atmosphere.
This tour combines athletic challenges with cultural gems and natural beauty – perfect for anyone wanting to discover the Algarve's true diversity.
Itinerary
Welcome to the Algarve!
We will greet you either on your day of arrival or, if it falls outside our business hours or on a public holiday, on the first day of your cycling tour. At the welcome meeting, we will perfectly adjust your bike and provide you with all the essential information for your journey.
This is the moment your Algarve adventure truly begins – with comfort, confidence, and a smile.
The tour begins with a relaxed warm-up ride through Quelfes to Moncarapacho. You then continue through the rural Barrocal, passing small villages and orange groves, to Luz de Tavira. A short stretch on the EN125 takes you to the Pedras del Rei resort, located in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Cycling along the lagoons and salt flats, you'll arrive in Tavira, known as the "Venice of the Algarve." After crossing the Gilão River and another brief section on the EN125, the route climbs gently through Santa Margarida, passing through rolling hills and scenic landscapes over Stª Catarina and São Brás to Corotelo. A downhill ride takes you to Estoi, and from there, it's mostly a gentle descent through the Barrocal back to the hotel in Olhão.
The tour takes you through Estoi, Corotelo, São Romão, and Amendoeira, with alternating climbs and descents leading to the road that ascends to Barranco do Velho. Leaving the inhabited areas behind, you enter the secluded hills of the Serra. On a newly paved road with no traffic, a steady 12 km climb begins. The route winds through dense forests of cork oaks, pines, carob, and eucalyptus trees. As you approach the final kilometers, breathtaking views of the Serra unfold, giving you a sense of timelessness. Once you reach the highest point of the tour at 500 meters above sea level, it's worth taking a short detour (about 70 meters) into the village of Barranco do Velho to enjoy the region's best wild boar at the "Tia Bia" restaurant or take a break at the local café. The descent leads through a narrow, winding, untouched valley, up to a plateau where you ride a few kilometers to a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the coast and the Serra. After soaking in the scenery, a thrilling descent back to civilization awaits. The final part of the tour takes you through the fertile midlands, ending at your hotel.
Today's route takes you into the quiet, hilly Serra, heading east into the "Serra de Calderão." Starting in Estoi, you ride along a winding road up to São Brás de Alportel. Once out of town, the traffic disappears, and you're on a smooth, quiet road toward Barranco do Velho. From there, the landscape becomes more remote, with open terrain, typical Algarve trees, and low shrubs. You'll pass wind turbines, either nearby or on the distant hills. The road crosses three hills with stunning views of the Serra and the coast. In Cachopo, take a break and refill your water bottles, as there are no stops until Stª Catarina. From here, a newly paved road leads you on a descent toward Tavira. After 17 km, be sure to turn at Alcaria Cume in a sharp left turn. The next 10 km are rolling, with short climbs and descents, followed by a final downhill into Porto Carvalhoso. The route offers great coastal views before passing Stª Catarina and leading back to your hotel through small villages.
Your day begins with a transfer to Porto Lagos, the starting point of today's ride. The route takes you through gentle hills and rural landscapes, offering scenic views of the surrounding nature. As you climb toward Monchique, a charming mountain village, you'll enjoy stunning views. A steady 4-5% incline takes you up to Foia, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view over the Serra and the coast.
From Monchique, you ride through the Monchique Natural Park to Marmelete, passing pine forests and winding roads. You continue west towards the quiet village of Aljezur, known for its historical landmarks, including an old fortress. The final leg along the N120 towards Lagos is relatively flat and well-maintained, with beautiful sea views as you approach your hotel.
Today's stage starts in Lagos, leading along the stunning cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. Following the “Costa d'Ouro,” with its golden cliffs and unique rock formations, you'll reach Praia da Luz, a peaceful seaside village.
From there, the route takes you across a steppe-like landscape to Raposeira, famous for its connection to Henry the Navigator and his chapel. You'll continue to Europe's southwestern tip, Cabo de São Vicente, where the majestic lighthouse towers above the sea. The day ends in Sagres, home to the legendary navigation school.
Today's tour takes you through the rural and historic villages of the hinterland. After leaving your hotel, you'll head north on the N120 toward Cotifo, passing through hilly landscapes with scenic views. Cotifo and the nearby village of Romeiras are known for their traditional architecture.
The route then leads past the Bravura reservoir, a perfect spot for a break in nature. From there, you continue towards Marmelete at the foot of the Serra de Monchique. Riding through Casais and Figueira, you'll pass through agricultural landscapes before returning to your hotel.
Individual departure or extension.
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2026/09/25 - 2026/10/28Single: 1835 € Double: 1185 €
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2026/10/29 - 2026/12/21Single: 1535 € Double: 985 €
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2026/12/22 - 2026/12/31Single: 1835 € Double: 1185 €
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2027/01/01 - 2027/02/01Single: 2270 € Double: 1220 €
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2027/01/03 - 2027/03/19Single: 1870 € Double: 1020 €
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2027/03/20 - 2027/03/27Single: 2270 € Double: 1220 €
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2027/03/28 - 2027/04/27Single: 2140 € Double: 1160 €
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2027/04/28 - 2027/04/30Single: 2270 € Double: 1220 €
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2027/05/01 - 2027/05/27Single: 2420 € Double: 1300 €
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2027/05/28 - 2027/07/11Single: 2900 € Double: 1550 €
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2027/07/12 - 2027/08/28Single: 2900 € Double: 1550 €
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2027/08/29 - 2027/09/24Single: 2900 € Double: 1550 €
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2027/09/25 - 2027/09/26Single: 2420 € Double: 1300 €
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2027/09/27 - 2027/10/29Single: 2270 € Double: 1220 €
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2027/10/30 - 2027/12/18Single: 1870 € Double: 1020 €
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2027/12/19 - 2027/12/21Single: 2270 € Double: 1220 €
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2027/12/22 - 2027/12/31Single: 2420 € Double: 1300 €
Details
Services included in the price
- 7 nights with breakfast in 5* and 4* hotels.
- 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 PERFORMANCE - Ridley Noah Fast 3.0 Powermeter (all accessories included)
eROAD Di2 - Conor eRush
ROAD+ Di2 CW - Giant DEFY ADV 0 12v Di2 Carbon Wheels
ROAD Di2 - Giant TCR ADV 1 PC Di2
ROAD Di2 - Merida Scultura Endurance 6000
ROAD - Giant Propel Advanced 2
eGRAVEL+ Di2 Giant Revolt E+
eGRAVEL MMR X-Beat 00
GRAVEL+ Giant Revolt ADV 2
GRAVEL Giant Revolt 1
Roadbike East & West in Spa Hotels in Olhão & Lagos 3.21
