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

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days cycling Level: Medium Price From: 980€ Category: Leisure Cycle Tours

When

People

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

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 Azinhal - Vaqueiros 39km/ 920hm

In the morning, you'll be transferred to Azinhal at the Spanish border to start your tour. From there, you'll set out on a well-maintained road that sees little traffic, shaded by trees, as you leave the village and head towards the border river Guadiana. Shortly before that you enter the "Serra do Caldeirão", a hilly, mountainous region in the hinterland. From one of the hills, you can already spot the small, charming village of Odeleite, with the deep blue reservoir behind it. You'll cycle a few kilometres along the reservoir, then through a deserted area that offers unspoiled nature. On very good roads, free from traffic, you'll ride through an open landscape dotted with low bushes, with the road bordered by broom and cistus roses. In spring, this area becomes a sea of flowers. As you continue, you'll pass through small hamlets with whitewashed houses, most of which are uninhabited. The route climbs gently towards Vaqueiros, where you will spend the night.

Day 3

Bike tour 2 Vaqueiros - Barranco do Velho 39km/ 940hm

Today's ride involves a series of constant climbs and descents. The landscape is marked by spruce, almond, and eucalyptus trees, along with a variety of bushes, notably medronho bushes. You'll reach Cachopo, a serene village whose traditional character remains preserved. The journey continues through dense, aromatic spruce groves, over hilltops offering spectacular views of the coastal regions and the undulating hills of the Serra. The route then descends to Castelão, leading to the small river Ribeira de Odeleite, which you'll cross via an adventurous stone bridge. Following the riverbank, you'll ride in the cool shade provided by lush vegetation. The path ascends to the village of Parizes and continues along the "Rota de Cortiça," lined with numerous cork oaks, culminating in Barranco do Velho, where today's stage ends.

Day 4

Bike tour 3 Barranco do Velho - São Bartolomeu Messines 45km/ 640hm

Today, we return to civilization! On a newly asphalted road, remarkably free of traffic, we experience a thrilling and lengthy descent through a densely forested area filled with ancient cork oaks, where time seems to stand still. Continuing on a scenic panoramic road that gently rises and falls, we pass numerous small villages en route to São Bartolomeu de Messines, enjoying spectacular views of the coastal area along the way. Shortly after passing Salir, the route diverts around "Rocha da Pena". The landscape shifts to agricultural land dotted with orange plantations and trees typical of the Algarve, such as carob, figs, and almonds. After a brief climb, a long descent brings us to the conclusion of today’s journey. Our accommodation is in a beautifully renovated 16th-century building, which also features a restaurant.

Day 5

Bike tour 4 São Bartolomeu de Messines - Caldas de Monchique 54km/ 890hm

Today's journey combines excellent off-road cycling with paved roads featuring some winding and steep sections right from the start. As you begin, you'll immediately ascend to the top of a hill, where you're greeted with a stunning view of the deep blue 'Barragem do Funcho' reservoir, cradled in the lush green hills of the Serra. The route follows a vegetation-rich riverside path leading to the dam and on to another picturesque reservoir, the 'Barragem do Arade'. The descent to this spot is quite steep. From there, you continue along the Ribeiro Arade until you reach Silves. After passing through Silves, a long, flat stretch awaits before you climb again towards Caldas de Monchique at the Ribeira de Odeluca. This thermal spa resort is nestled in a beautiful, shady, evergreen valley, offering a serene respite from the day's rigorous cycling.

Day 6

Bike tour 5 Caldas de Monchique - Aljezur 53km/ 930hm

Today, we embark on a ride across the Serra to the wild West Coast! The day starts with a brief climb northward into the lush hills of the Serra de Monchique, then heads west towards the coast. The route traverses a high plateau, gently undulating to Marmelete and then descending towards Aljezur. Just before Aljezur, the route veers in a large loop that takes you directly to the coast and the beach at "Praia de Monte Clérigo". You are now deep within the "Costa Vicentina" nature reserve, one of Europe's best-preserved coastal stretches, home to numerous unique animal and plant species. The landscape is fragrant with wild herbs, wildflowers, various grasses, and eucalyptus groves. After cresting a hill, you'll wind through the narrow streets of Aljezur's old town to reach your accommodation.

Day 7

Bike tour 6 Aljezur - Sagres 60km/ 740hm

The final stage takes you along the coast. Starting on a natural road, you first head to Carrapateira, a small village perched on a hill within an expansive dune area, where an intact windmill stands as a prominent landmark. The route continues through the evergreen maquis landscape along the rocky cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the deep blue Atlantic. You'll pass two beautiful sandy bays on a country road lined with impressive large pine trees, leading to Vila do Bispo. From there, a detour across a steppe-like plateau brings you to the most south-westerly point of Europe, the "Cabo de São Vicente." The lighthouse atop the cliffs provides a stunning panoramic view of the coastline and the Atlantic. Passing Fort Beliche, which historically served as a defense against pirates, you'll arrive at the carefully restored Fortaleza de Sagres at the tip of an elongated headland. Finally, you enter Sagres, the legendary site of the maritime school where Portugal’s most skilled seafarers were trained, those who later ventured across the world's oceans.

Day 8

Day 8 Departure

Individual departure or extension.