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Trans-Algarve Barrocal & Coast Tour 3.10

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Trans-Algarve Barrocal & Coast Tour 3.10

Discover the Diversity of the Algarve: A journey through the barrocal and along the rocky coast.

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days cycling Level: Medium Price From: 1000€ Category: Leisure Cycle Tours

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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

Around 260 km in six stages, starting in the Barrocal, a transitional region between the Algarve's coastline and mountains, known for its rolling hills, rich agriculture, and charming villages. From here, the route takes you to Ferragudo and then along the stunning coast all the way to "Cabo de São Vicente," the most south-westerly point of Europe. After the peaceful Barrocal, you’ll ride along the dramatic Atlantic coast, passing golden cliffs and sandy beaches. Farther west, the breathtaking "Costa d'Oiro" begins, where steep cliffs meet the foaming surf. This tour also takes you through Portugal’s fascinating history, with reminders of the Age of Discovery and the former Muslim influence scattered throughout. Get ready for an unforgettable cycling experience!

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 32km / 327hm

Starting off with a train ride to Vila Real de Santo António, a town with a rich history dating back to the 18th century, you will then head north on your bike along quiet roads towards Castro Marim. This town is famous for its medieval castle, which played a key role in defending the Algarve, and for its salt pans, which are still in use today. You’ll ride through peaceful countryside, surrounded by orchards and open fields, before descending towards the coast.

The next stop is Cacela Velha, a small, picturesque village perched on a hill overlooking the Ria Formosa. The views from here are breathtaking, and it’s the perfect spot for a short break. Continuing along the coast, you’ll cycle through traditional fishing villages and beautiful beaches until you reach Tavira. Known for its Roman bridge, historic churches, and vibrant atmosphere, Tavira is one of the most charming towns in the Algarve

Day 3

Bike tour 2 Tavira - Loulé 54km / 1073hm

Today you’ll cycle inland through rolling hills and olive groves towards Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. This small village is famous for its traditional pottery and the surrounding countryside filled with almond and carob trees.

As you climb towards São Brás de Alportel, the landscape changes to cork oak forests, an important part of the local economy. São Brás, once the center of Portugal’s cork industry, is a lovely town where you can explore its historical charm and maybe visit the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the region's rural traditions.

From São Brás, you head downhill through more stunning countryside to Loulé. Known for its lively market, Loulé is a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage, including a medieval castle and beautiful architecture. The ride offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural insights, making it a rewarding journey through the heart of the Algarve.

Day 4

Bike tour 3 Loulé - São Bartolomeu de Messines 37km / 691hm

This tour takes you north into the countryside. You ride through rolling hills and pass small villages as you head towards Benafim, a quiet rural spot surrounded by almond and fig orchards.

Next, you arrive in the charming village of Alte, one of the most picturesque villages in the Algarve. Known for its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and natural springs, Alte is the perfect place to take a break and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

From Alte, the route continues through scenic countryside, with beautiful views over the surrounding hills, as you make your way to São Bartolomeu de Messines. This town, with its roots in the Middle Ages, offers a mix of rural charm and history, making it a pleasant end to your ride.

Day 5

Bike tour 4 São Bartolomeu de Messines - Portimão 46km/ 760hm

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.

Day 6

Bike tour 5 Portimão - Praia da Luz 48km / 520hm

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.

Day 7

Bike tour 6 Praia da Luz - Sagres 44km/ 590hm

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.

Day 8

Departure

Individual departure or extension.