Best of the Algarve - Long Distance Cycling
Holiday
Week 1 Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
If you are arriving at Faro airport to start
with then we will collect you from the airport
and take you to your first nights hotel in
Vila Real de San Antonio.
We will collect your bicycles and all associated
equipment on the way to Vila Real.
Vila Real is an interesting old town on the
banks of the Guadiana river which forms the
border between Spain and Portugal. The town
is full of character and not particularly
touristy, but there are plenty of bars and
restaurants. Depending upon your arrival time,
you may be able to catch the ferry across
the Guadiana and try a short bike ride around
Ayamonte and its surrounding coastline, just
to give you a brief taste of Spain before
heading west across the Algarve region of
Portugal.
Vila Real de San Antonio hotel:-
Your hotel is a modern hotel right in the
centre of town so everything is right on your
doorstep. The hotel provides en-suite accommodation,
air conditioning, bar and swimming pool and
breakfast is included.
Day 2 Vila Real de San Antonio to Tavira
(28km approx)
 Your
first days of cycling is a gentle run along
the Ecovia do Litoral to Tavira, a ride of
approximately 28km. Along the way you will
pass through the coastal resorts of Monte
Gordo and Altura as well as passing by the
interesting old coastal town of Cacela Velha,
definitely worth a visit if only to try out
one of the many cafes and restaurants that
are located there. You should be able to arrive
in Tavira with plenty of time to have a good
look around this lovely old town, a major
coastal town since as long ago as Roman times.
Tavira hotel:- Your hotel
is located close to the river in the centre
of Tavira, so is well located for exploration
of the town by bike or on foot. The hotel
provides bed and breakfast accommodation with
clean modern rooms with en suite facilities.
Day 3 Tavira to Olhao (26km approx)
 Another
gentle days cyling along the mostly flat Ecovia
do Litoral, which should enable you to arrive
in Olhao in good time for more sight seeing.
There are cafes and restaurants along the
way and the route also passes through the
charming old fishing village of Fuseta. If
you arrive in Olhao early enough, you may
like to take a ferry or water taxi over to
one of the islands Armona, Culatra or Farol
for an afternoon on the beach or dinner in
one of the fine seafood restaurants located
on the islands.
Olhao hotel:- Your hotel
in the centre of Olhao is a traditional style
hotel with basic but clean facilities. There
is also a lovely roof terrace with great views
over to the islands. The hotel provides accommodation
only, but there are many cafes and restaurants
in the immediate vicinity for a great evening
meal and also breakfast.
 Day
4 Olhao to Loule (30km approx)
Todays ride of around 30 km heads inland
away from the Ecovia do Litoral. By-passing
the regional capital Faro and passing by the
famous roman remains at Estoi, you head up
into the hills and through quiet villages
to reach the lovely old town of Loule. Loule
is an explorers haven with its narrow cobbled
streets leading off the central avenida, tiny
shops and hidden away bars and restaurants,
well worth a couple of hours walk upon arrival.
Loule Hotel:- A short walk
from the centre of Loule and close to many
bars and great restaurants, this hotel features
rooms with air conditioning, satellite tv
and bars, breakfast room, roof terrace swimming
pool and also a laundry service.
Day 5 Rest Day
An opportunity to relax and explore the fascinating
old town of Loule or relax by the roof top
swimming pool at the hotel, right in the centre
of town. If you are still feeling energetic,
then you may choose to cycle down to the coast
where some of the finest beaches in the Algarve
can be found.
Day 6 Loule to Alte (34km approx)
 A
more challenging day in the rolling hills
to the north of Loule, but well worth the
effort for the tremendous scenery. Taking
the gentlest hill up out of Loule, you head
towards the tiny hill-top village of Querenca,
a great coffee stop and a place to take in
the splendid views. Heading north and west
with a choice of great routes, your final
destination for the day is the lovely hillside
village of Alte. Famous for its white painted
houses and fresh water springs, the year round
presence of water in the river adds a certain
unique charm, to the village.
Alte Hotel:- The hotel is
located a short walk from the village centre
and offers wonderful and relaxed accommodation.
The rooms are air conditioned and modern and
there are excellent facilities including a
pool.
 Day
7 Alte to Silves (32km approx)
A cycle ride to remember with some great
views all along the way, but views usually
mean hills and this is no exception today.
There is a lovely ride along a dirt track
road alongside the Barragem do Funcho, and
then gently cruising down the valley to your
destination for the day in the lovely historic
town of Silves. It is well worth planning
to get here in good time as there is plenty
of opportunity for exploration of the castle
and also the town itself.
Silves hotel:- The hotel
in Silves is a short walk across the Rio Arade
from the town and offers splendid views of
the town and of course the Castle at the heart
of the town. The hotel provides good quality
and relaxed accommodation and there is also
an outdoor swimming pool.
Week 2 Itinerary Day 1 Arrival
Arrival at Silves hotel:- The hotel in Silves
is a short walk across the Rio Arade from
the town and offers splendid views of the
town and of course the Castle at the heart
of the town. The hotel provides good quality
and relaxed accommodation and there is also
an outdoor swimming pool.
Day 2 Silves to Praia da Rocha (22km approx)
 A
great track alongside the Rio Arade gets you
on your way from Silves and then up and over
the hills to Estombar, before arriving in
Ferragudo, a quaint little fishing village
which is on the Ecovia do Litoral route. Following
the Ecovia route again takes you over the
new bridge into Portimao, and then along the
waterfront down to Praia da Rocha.
Praia da Rocha Hotel:- The
hotel in Praia da Rocha takes prime position
by the old fort overlooking the mouth of the
Rio Arade and the beautiful and renowned beach.
The hotel offers character accommodation with
splendid rooms each en suite. The hotel is
on the doorstep of the seafront where many
bars and restaurants are located and the hotel
is also renowned for providing cycling clients
with a hearty breakfast before their next
days riding.
Day 3 Praia do Rocha to Lagos (30 km approx)
Back on the Ecovia do Litoral for most of
today's ride, a longer journey, but flatter
than previous days in the hills, taking you
through the popular coastal resort of Alvor
and along the beach towards Lagos.
Lagos Hotel:- Situated alongside
the river overlooking the Marina, the hotel
offers splendid accommodation within eay walking
distance of the town centre.
Day 4 Lagos to Sagres (40 km inc Cape St
Vincent option)
This is quite a challenging days cycling
as there are a few hills as the terrain changes
as you approach the rugged cliff lined coastline
around Sagres and Cape St Vincent. The route
is all along the Ecovia do Litoral and passes
through some great scenery and quaint little
coastal villages. Once you arrive in Sagres,
you have the option of checking into your
hotel and then cycling the 6 extra kilometres
to the edge of Europe, Cape St Vincent. This
is well worth it to say that you have done
it and there are some splendid views of the
cliffs. You can probably even buy a celebratory
beer at one of the mobile snack bars (depends
upon the time of year) before returning to
the comfort of your hotel by the old fort
in Sagres.
Sagres Hotel:- This modern
boutique style hotel offers splendid accommodation
in which to celebrate the end of your cycling
journey. Top quality individually designed
boutique bedrooms with Air conditioning, LCD
TV and mini bar are available. There is also
a splendid tropical garden overlooking the
beach in case you feel like a bit more sunbathing,
if not relax in the Italian style coffee shop
on site or try a pizza in the on site restaurant.
Day 5 Rest Day in Sagres
An opportunity to relax on some fine beaches,
try your hand at surfing or wind surfing or
simply explore the old fortress at Sagres
! You may also want to cycle to the southern
most tip of Portugal and Europe at Cap St
Vincent !
Day 6 Sagres to Aljezur
This is a good days riding heading North
up the unspoilt western coast line of Portugal
to your overnight stay in Aljezur !
Aljezure Hotel:- A comfortable
modern aparthotel not far from the centre
of Aljezur, offering easy access to the towns
bars and restaurants.
Day 7 Aljezur to Monchique
A challenging ride today in that it is mostly
up hill to the lovely old town of Monchique
high up in the hills.
Monchique Hotel:- Here you
will stay in an old Granite built Inn overlooking
the town of Monchique. This Inn provides memorable
accommodation in a unique atmosphere with
splendid views over the nearby town and surrounding
countryside.
Day 7 Rest day in Monchique / transfer to
Airport
Or Contact
us for more details and to book
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