Arrive into Faro airport and you will be met by our transfer to take you to the picturesque village of Estói, where you will be staying for the first night. Your hotel is a former palace built in 1840 with a stunning terraced garden. Enjoy an authentic village lunch experience in Estoi before heading out on a test ride to the village of São Brás de Alportel.
Today’s ride is a stunning undulating ride through the valleys until you arrive at the historical city of Tavira. Take some time to relax by the Gilão river and the famous Roman bridge that crosses it. Your ride will then take you inland to enjoy the panoramic view over the Ria Formosa national park. You will ride through the medieval village of Castro Marim, which has it’s forr that was used to protect the border between Portugal and Spain, perfectly preserved.
You’ll end your ride today on the beach in Monte Gordo.
Today your ride will take you north alongside the Guadiana River. The roads are almost empty as you climb to Azinhal. Your ride will take you between the Beliche and Odeleite dams before the toughest climb of the day where parts pitch up at 20%!. At the summit, you’ll see a huge section of the Guadiana river and how it separates Portugal and Spain. Your ride finishes in Alcoutim, a former smuggling port between Portugal and Spain.
Today you will be able to ride the quiet and peaceful roads of the Algarve interior. Your ride will take you over hills and down valleys as you make your way across the countryside to Alte. Once you’ve checked in, explore the Fonte Grande, a natural water pool in the area.
You’ll leave Alte and head towards Foia passing Silves, the first capital of the Algarve. Once you’re past Silves, the roads begin to pitch up as you ascend to the Monchique mountain and Fóia, the highest peak of the Algarve. Once you summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the western Algarve. Your day will end at the Caldas de Monchique, a thermal site on the slopes of Serra de Monchique. Enjoy the spa and relax.
The ride continues through the Serra de Monchique before you arrive at the village of Aljezur, famous for growing sweet potatoes.
You’ll roll down the Vicentin coast and the natural reserve before you arrive at Cape Saint Vincent, the most southwestern point of Europe. Check out the lighthouse and and the fort before stopping in Sagres, an ancient fishing village.
Enjoy breakfast before checking out taking our transfer back to the airport.
Discover the authentic Algarve with a road cycling holiday taking you to small hamlets, fishing villages and through beautiful countryside. Most of the roads you will ride are part of the Volta ao Algarve professional road race so you will test yourself on high quality tarmac with sweeping views over the Algarve. Explore a route along the Guadiana river, ride inland and head up into the Sierra de Monchique.
