Arrive into Faro airport and you will be met by our transfer to take you to our hotel in Cabanas de Tavira. After check-in, take the opportunity to explore this small and authentic village. Your hotel has a private boat connection to the beach located on the other bank of Ria Formosa so check this out before dinner.
The first day of cycling will acclimatise you to Portugal and is a circular loop. You will head along the promenade by the Ria Formosa. and then on to the EuroVelo 1. Explore Cacela Velha, located on a hill right overlooking the Ria Formosa, where you can enjoy views from the church and the fort over the sea. After passing through the towns of Manta Rota, Altura and Monte Gordo, you will reach Vila Real de Santo António a western village of the Algarve located on the banks of the Guadiana River, forming a natural border between Portugal and Spain. Keep riding inland towards Castro Marim before your only climb of the day takes you over toward Santa Rita and back to your hotel.
Today you will leave the Cabanas de Tavira passing by the Algarve saltpans and reaching the historic city of Tavira. The area next to the Gilão River is perfect for a stop and you can explore the Roman bridge and the large gardens. As you continue your ride, you will cycle out towards Olhão and pass by traditional fishing villages such as Santa Luzia, known as the octopus capital. Today’s destination is faro, the capital of the Algarve. It’s a big city so spend some time enjoying the old town, the cobbled streets and the bustling neighbourhoods.
Today you’ll ride through the luxurious resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo before you arrive into Vilamoura, famous for its marina, golf courses and nightlife. As you head to the centre of the Algarve, sandy beaches give way to dramatic cliffs and the Falesia cliffs offer some stunning views. Keep riding west and you’ll reach Albufeira and Salgados the natural park with its salty lake. From here you’ll ride along a wooden path along the dunes to the the town of Armação de Pêra where you will spend the night.
This day starts with a visit to the famous chapel of Senhora da Rocha, located on a cliff overlooking the waters of the Atlantic. From here, you’ll head inland passing through Lagoa, an area well known for its wine. Keep cycling west where you will enjoy a fast section to Ferragudo, a beautiful fishing village on the banks of hte Rio Arade, with Portimão on the other side of the river. Grab a drink or some lunch in the central square before continuing your journey to Portimão. The EuroVelo Route will take you out along the Arade river to Praia da Rocha before reaching Lagos.
The last day of cycling is astounding in its beauty. Leaving Lagos you will visit one of the most famous Algarve spots the Ponta da Piedade. From here you’ll ride through the villages of Aldeia da Luz and then Burgau, hidden treasures amongst the locals for there incredible beaches. The landscape here begins to change dramatically and the route to Cape Saint Vincent located on the most western point of Europe is mostly on gravel roads. It’s supremely quiet here and once you’re in Cape Saint Vincent, take some time to explore the ancient building and the lighthouse before you ride east to Sagres, where you will spend the night.
We will take you back to the airport or if you prefer, spend some more time enjoying the beaches.
Ride along the Algarve coastline and spend some time on the EuroVelo 1 AlgarveCoast Route. Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Castro Marim Marshland Natural Reserve as well as stunning secluded beaches. Visit historical cities with its castles and churches and ride to Europe’s most westerly point, Cape St Vincent.
