Best of the Algarve - Long Distance Cycling
Holiday
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.
On the way, we will call at the local bike
hire shop to collect your bicycles and all
associated equipment.
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 Cycle 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 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 Cycle 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 Cycle to Loule (30km approx)
Todays ride of around 30 km heads inland away from the Ecovia do Litoral. Bypassing the regional capital Faro, you head up into the hills and through quiet villages to reach the lovely old town of Loule. Loule is an explorers heaven 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 Cycle 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 hilltop village of QuerenĈa,
a great coffee stop and a place to take in
the great 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 6 Cycle 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.
(Note :- Optional two night stop over in Silves)
 Day
7 Cycle 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 Priai 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.
(Note :- Optional two night stop over in Praia da Rocha to provide a relaxing beach day)
Day 8 Cycle to Praia da Luz (38 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. The old town of Lagos
is certainly worth a stop off en-route even
if only for a coffee or a lunchtime snack,
before heading out west towards your destination
of Praia da Luz.
Praia da Luz Hotel:- Situated along the coast a short distance from the centre of Praia da Luz, this hotel offers quality relaxed accommodation. There is a choice of three swimming pools in splendid gardens overlooking the sea.
Day 9 Cycle 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 10 Collection and transfer to Faro or optional extension
Or Contact
us for more details and to book
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