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Grand Atlantic Tour 3.14

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Grand Atlantic Tour 3.14

Experience the ultimate in cycling holidays and explore the beauty of the Algarve and the Costa Vicentina on two wheels!

14 days / 13 nights / 11 days cycling Level: Medium Price From: 2050€ Category: Leisure Cycle Tours

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Overview

Cycle along the two most beautiful coasts of Europe!

Cycling tour (14 days / 13 nights / 11 tours) An unforgettable experience awaits you on these two unique stretches of coastline. The trip takes you along the varied south coast from east to west and in the southwest of Portugal, right through the nature reserve "Costa Vicentina" further north, along the breathtaking, lonely beaches and cliffs.

Description

Begin your journey in Vila Real de Santo António and finish near Lisbon, in Setúbal. Experience the breathtaking coastal region of the Algarve on an unforgettable bike tour. From the extensive sandy beaches and lagoons in the eastern Sotavento to the reddish, rugged cliffs and picturesque coves in the western Barlavento. Discover the unique variety of the coastal landscape during your bike tour, ranging from marsh areas and dune formations to the wild beauty of Costa Vicentina. Immerse yourself in a natural park covering an area of 75,000 hectares, which is a habitat for numerous species and is cherished by zoologists and botanists from around the world. This bike tour offers you the opportunity to experience the diverse natural beauty of the Algarve up close, away from the tourist centers and larger cities.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

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.

Day 2

Bike tour 1 Faro-Vila Real (by train) - Tavira 34km / 240hm

Start your journey with a train ride to Vila Real de Santo António (included). From there, mount your bike and follow the path along the river Guadiana towards the sea. As you ride through pine forests, and past citrus and vine plantations, you'll pass the historic town of Cacela Velha. This marks the beginning of the beautiful "Ria Formosa" nature park, a lagoon area dotted with many sandbanks, islands, and waterways. Here, large mussel fields and salt basins, the source of the famous "Flor de Sal," are interspersed throughout the landscape. Continue cycling on well-maintained paths through this area to Tavira. Tavira is a historical town that has preserved its character throughout the centuries, where the architecture reflects its rich history and economic evolution.

Day 3

Bike tour 2 Tavira – Faro 45km /300hm

With the sea breeze from the nearby Atlantic Ocean in your face, you cycle along beautiful paths through the fishing villages of Santa Luzia and Pedras del Rei to Fuseta. During a rest at the harbour promenade, you can observe fishermen working on their colourfully painted boats, specialising in catching octopus. The journey then takes you to Olhão, home to the largest, still active fishing port. Exploring the old town is a must, with its many restaurants serving seafood specialties and the bustling harbour. Your next destination is Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Well-maintained, clearly marked bike paths lead to the historic old town, encircled by ancient city walls. After cycling around the marina and through the beautifully kept "Manuel Bivar" park, you arrive at the hotel.

Day 4

Bike tour 3 Faro – Olhos de Água 42km / 330hm

Shortly after restarting, you head back into the "Ria Formosa'' natural park. As you cycle through picturesque lagoons teeming with water birds, groups of flamingos, and storks, the path takes you along the sea, past sophisticated villas, parks, and beautifully landscaped golf courses. Following the promenade of Quarteira, you arrive at one of Portugal's largest marinas, Vilamoura, where numerous restaurants offer a pleasant break. After crossing a small bridge, you reach the expansive white sandy beach of Falesia and continue along it until you arrive at Olhos de Água, where your next accommodation awaits.

Day 5

Bike tour 4 Olhos de Água – Portimão 57km/ 750hm

You begin your journey through Albufeira, a former fishing village that has transformed into a vibrant tourist resort in the Algarve, and cycle towards Galé. From there, continue along a lengthy wooden plank path through the protected dune area of "Salgados" until you reach the village of Armação de Pêra. A noteworthy site is the chapel "A Nossa Srª da Rocha", perched on a cliff that extends far into the sea. Beyond this point, the coastline shifts dramatically. Steep, reddish cliffs with small sandy bays now shape the landscape. Riding close to the cliffs and alongside the deep blue Atlantic, you make your way to the wide estuary delta of the Rio Arade. Excellent bike paths guide you along the delta to Portimão and the stunning "Praia da Rocha" beach, nestled directly below towering cliffs.

Day 6

Bike tour 5 Portimão – Luz 49km / 500hm

Today's journey starts with a ride to the quaint fishing town of Alvor. As you navigate through its winding alleys, you'll ascend to the expansive estuary delta of the Rio Alvor, a marshland crisscrossed with channels and a mudflat-like lagoon landscape that serves as a haven for numerous water birds. From there, you head down to the sea to the largest oyster farm in the Algarve, visible at low tide. Following the expansive "Meia Praia" beach, you'll make your way to Lagos. After crossing a bridge, you enter the marina and move into the historic city. Travelling along the palm-lined promenade, you come to the former slave market. Continuing past the "Bandeira" fort, you'll experience the "Costa d'Oro," the most picturesque section of the Algarve coastline, characterised by golden-yellow, uniquely shaped rocks and towering rock spires. After passing the "Ponte de Piedade" lighthouse, you cycle to Praia da Luz, today's stopping point, a serene village by the sea featuring an ancient church.

Day 7

Bike tour 6 Luz – Sagres 37km / 520hm

Immediately after starting, the route takes you over Burgau and through a series of hills near the cliffs, offering a clear view of the Atlantic and the distant coast of Sagres. After crossing a secluded bay, you ascend to a hilltop with a view of Salema, a small fishing village nestled on a sandy beach below high cliffs. The path then leads to the village of Figueiras, passing through a barren steppe dotted with isolated megaliths that indicate ancient settlements. Continuing past a small bay with a welcoming restaurant, you arrive in the village of Raposeira, known for being the residence of Henry the Navigator and the chapel he built. The journey proceeds across a plateau to Sagres, a town situated on a promontory where the extensively renovated fortress of Sagres stands.

Day 8

Rest day in Sagres

The area is notable for its rugged, rocky landscape featuring high cliffs. Sagres' history has been shaped by its unique geographical position and the striking landscape of the headland that extends into the sea.

Day 9

Bike tour 7 Sagres - Cabo de São Vicente - Carrapateira or Pedralva approx. 38 or 41 km / 490 or 590 hm

Starting from the hotel, you will first visit Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwestern point of Europe, where a lighthouse stands high above the cliffs. From there, the route takes you over a hilltop to "Praia da Cordama" and then down a steep path to the mostly secluded bay of "Praia Barriga." Both beaches are enclosed by impressive, tall cliffs. At low tide, you can cycle along the sandy beach from one beach to the other, avoiding the hilltop crossing. Afterward, a steep, winding road leads you up to the main road. You will then cycle through a landscape dominated by evergreen macchia towards Carrapateira or Pedralva.

Day 10

Bike tour 8 Carrapateira or Pedralva - Aljezur - Odeceixe approx. 47 or 52 km / 480 or 600 hm

Starting off today’s journey you’ll turn off towards "Praia do Amado", onto an exceptionally scenic bike route that follows the cliffs, offering stunning views over the deep blue Atlantic and two sandy bays. Afterwards, you will rejoin the main road for 2 km, then return to a natural road that leads you to Aljezur. You enter the town via a hill topped with the ruins of an old Moorish castle, then navigate through the narrow streets of the old town and across the river "Ribeira de Aljezur". Your journey starts across expansive fields where wild herbs mingle with wildflowers, grasses, cork oaks, and eucalyptus groves, infusing the air with a delightful fragrance. You will arrive in the town of Odeceixe, characterised by its picturesque whitewashed houses with red roofs, perched above one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the tour.

Day 11

Bike tour 9 Odeceixe – Vila Nova de Milfontes 49km/ 520hm

After leaving the village of Odeceixe, you cross the river, which marks the boundary between the Algarve and Alentejo regions. As you traverse the typical Alentejo landscape characterised by large flat fields, cork oak, and pine groves, you cycle to the charming village of Zambujeira do Mar. This village features a picturesque circular square perched high above the cliffs, providing a spectacular view of the rocky coastline and the sea. Your journey continues past the "Sentinela do Cabo Sardão" lighthouse. A notable highlight here is the white storks nesting on the rock cliffs—a unique phenomenon as this is the only place in the world where storks breed on sea reefs and are native to the area, visible throughout the year. Afterward, you will reach Vila Nova de Milfontes via a large bridge that spans the wide "Ribeira Mira" as it flows into the sea. This attractive village is located on the edge of a cliff above the riverbank and the sea. Below the cliffs and on both sides of the river, you'll find beautiful bathing bays.

Day 12

Bike tour 10 Vila Nova de Milfontes – Vila Nova de Santo André 60km/ 450hm

First, you’ll venture inland where the landscape alternates between cultivated and uncultivated fields, with lush vegetation primarily found along streams and rivers. Here and there, olive trees and cork oaks dot the fields. After travelling 15 km, you return to the rocky coast and encounter a ruined fortress from the 17th century, originally built to defend against pirates. Far out at sea, you can spot the "Ilha do Pessegueiro," home to another fortress serving a similar purpose. Shortly after, you reach a remarkable viewpoint offering panoramic views of the entire coastal area and the small fishing town of Porto Côvo. From here, you cycle through the town and continue mostly along the shoreline to Sines. This route features frequent small, scenic sandy bays. Following this, you'll continue your journey along a designated bicycle path before taking a side road that leads directly to your next accommodation.

Day 13

Bike tour 11 Vila Nova de Santo André – Tróia (by Ferry) – Setúbal 55km/ 520hm

Shortly after starting your ride, you'll pass by the extensive "Lagoas de Santo André" natural park, a lagoon-dune system teeming with water birds such as storks and flamingos. Soon after, near Melide, you'll come across a small, idyllic lake located right by the sea, offering a perfect spot for a swim. As you continue, the landscape transitions to rice fields and pine groves, alongside a flat, fine sandy beach that stretches to Tróia and sporadic colourfully painted standalone houses. At the end of the rice fields in Comporta, you can explore a small museum that delves into the local rice harvesting and processing methods. Continuing on a straight road running alongside the long sandy beach, concealed by dunes, you'll cycle through the dune landscape of the Tróia peninsula up to the ferry terminal. From here, a ferry (included in the tour) takes you across the Sado estuary delta to Setúbal. The Sado estuary is a vast nature reserve known for its fertile wetlands, expansive rice fields, and as a nesting ground for over 200 species of birds, including storks. The area is also known for its large dolphin colony, which you might spot during the ferry crossing. Upon arriving in Setúbal, you will return the bikes.

Day 14

Departure

Individual departure or an extension to your holiday.