Trans-Algarve Hinterland Tour 3.12
Explore the Untouched Algarve - From Mountains to Wild West Coast
Description
Algarve Adventure – Cycle Through Mountains, Forests & Wild Coasts
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the Algarve’s hidden gems - far from crowded tourist spots. This 6-stage journey covers nearly 290 km, taking you from the Spanish border all the way to Europe’s southwesternmost point, the iconic Cabo de São Vicente.
Discover the authentic beauty of Portugal as you ride through the peaceful, mountainous hinterland. The first five stages lead you deep into the hilly “Serra”, where cork oak forests, eucalyptus, and pine groves blend with open landscapes of aromatic broom, rockrose, arbutus, wild thyme, sage, and rosemary. Pedal through tranquil river valleys, past shimmering reservoirs, and watch as herds of sheep and goats graze undisturbed.
Your final stage offers a breathtaking contrast as you cycle along the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve on the wild Atlantic West Coast. Experience dramatic cliffs, hidden golden coves, and a pristine natural world home to rare plants and animals.
This is more than a tour - it’s a journey through untouched nature, rich aromas, and authentic Portugal.
What to Expect
You’ll ride mainly on secondary roads and mixed terrain, with low traffic. The routes are varied from flat to hilly, offering a rewarding cycling experience while showcasing the Algarve’s diverse landscapes.
This tour is best suited for cyclists with a good level of fitness. The average cycling distance per day is 48 km, with daily riding times of around 3 - 4 hours.
Whether you're an experienced cyclist or an active explorer craving a rewarding adventure, this self-guided Algarve ride blends the freedom of the open road with expertly crafted routes, seamless luggage transfers, and handpicked places to stay - so you can focus on the landscapes, the climbs, and the unforgettable journey.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast, your journey comes to an end - perhaps with sand in your shoes, salt on your skin, and a heart full of unforgettable moments.
You want more Algarve? We are happy to extend your stay!
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2026/01/01 - 2026/05/25Single: 1420 € Double: 1030 €
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2026/05/26 - 2026/07/13Single: 1575 € Double: 1155 €
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2026/07/14 - 2026/09/01Single: 1730 € Double: 1260 €
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2026/09/02 - 2026/09/30Single: 1575 € Double: 1155 €
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2026/10/01 - 2026/12/31Single: 1420 € Double: 1030 €
Details
Services included in the price:
- 7 nights with breakfast in 4*, 3* hotels and typical Portuguese guesthouses.
- Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
- Welcome, info talk, bike handover, and individual adjustment
- Transfer on the second day to the starting point in Azinhal
- Detailed route description, with references to places of interest and interesting facts on the routes
- 6 carefully designed routes (GPS tracks) 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
Bikes Accessories:
- Touring and Trekking bikes: Rack and one pannier included
- MTBs and Gravel Bikes (except MTB+): Rack and one pannier optional against surcharge
- All bikes come with: Water bottle, phone holder, air pump, lock, repair kit, spare tube
Optional against surcharge:
- Airport and location transfers on request
- GPS device rental
- Half-board and room upgrades
Bikes
eMTB-FS 29" Giant Stance E+ 2
eMTB-FS 29" Liv Embolden E+ Pro
eMTB PLUS 29" Swift Dynax-E Pro
MTB PLUS 29" Merida BIG.NINE
eTREKKING 29" Be-Veloo
eTREKKING 29" Bianchi T-Tronik
eTOURING PLUS Giant Anytour X E+
eTOURING 29" Giant Express E+2
TOURING PLUS 29" Giant Roam Disc 2
eGRAVEL Di2+ Giant Revolt E+
eGravel MMR X-Beat 00
eGRAVEL Merida eSilex 400
GRAVEL CARBON PLUS Giant Revolt ADV 2
GRAVEL Giant Revolt 1
eJUNIOR 26" Giant Talon e+ Junior
eJUNIOR 24" Giant Talon e+ Junior
Trans-Algarve Hinterland Tour 3.12
Explore the Untouched Algarve - From Mountains to Wild West Coast
