Grand Algarve Tour 3.15
Explore the unique, diverse, and fascinating scenery of the Algarve! Enjoy a bike tour along the deep blue Atlantic and discover the untouched nature in the hinterland with its rich vegetation. From the Spanish border to the most south-wester point of Europe.
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Overview
Self-guided cycling tours 14 days / 13 nights / 12-day tours in almost 530 km. Most of the cycling is done on good natural roads or asphalted side roads. Along the coast, the route is flat to hilly. In the interior, there are a few steep climbs and descents on the program.
Description
Diverse and fascinating landscape ......
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from the Spanish border to the most southwestern tip of Europe and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape of the Algarve. Cycle alongside the deep blue Atlantic, adorned with exquisite, fine sandy beaches and striking cliff formations, with invigorating excursions into the pristine hinterland. Discover charming, authentic towns, and indulge in the enchanting splendor of the long, dreamlike sandy beaches in the east, and the golden, picturesque cliffs and secluded coves of the renowned Gold Coast in the west. Adorned with steep cliffs cascading into the sea and the roaring, foaming ocean waves, the coastal beauty is simply unparalleled.
Venture inland from the coast and step into a different time, where untouched and scarcely inhabited landscapes greet you. Explore solitary lakes surrounded by lush, verdant vegetation, all easily accessible via well-paved roads with minimal traffic. This tour offers not just a cycling odyssey but also a fascinating journey through the eventful history of Portugal. Get ready to indulge in an enriching, unforgettable experience on this immersive cycling expedition!
Itinerary
Individual arrival and check-in at the hotel in Faro. Personal welcome, travel briefing, handover, and adjustment of the bikes according to your wishes by Algarve Cycling.
The tour starts with a train ride to Vila Real de Santo António. There you get on your bike and off you go! Through a huge, protected wetland with salt and peat soils in the middle of the estuary of the Rio Guadiana. Thousands of water birds have their breeding grounds here and are an important resting place for migratory birds on their way between Europe and Africa. Then we go to the small town of Castro Marin. The fortress and a castle situated between two hills determine the townscape, witnesses from a time when the border to Spain had to be defended. Now we go up into the "Serra", an almost uninhabited natural area. The landscape is characterized by pine trees, cork oaks, and matrix shrubs in fields that have hardly been cultivated. The highest point is reached in the middle of the route at the "Monte Rei" golf course. From here, the route descends through the Barrocal, the fertile region of the Algarve with many orange and vegetable plantations. Afterward, it goes through the nature reserve again before it leads to the overnight stay in Monte Gordo, situated directly at the sea with a beautiful bathing beach.
Today we start with a short boat trip across the border river Guadiana to Ayamonte. You leave the small fishing town of Ayamonte on a disused railway line and cycle along the most important marsh area in the province of Huelva, the Marismas de Isla Cristina. It goes past salt flats, strawberry fields, and pine forests to Lepe. From here, the route heads back towards the coast past the renowned Islantilla Golf Club. Parallel to the long dune beach, you cycle through pine forests back to Isla Cristina, a modern village with a deep-rooted fishing tradition. The last stage leads back through the marshy coastal landscape to Ayamonte, where you take the small ferry back to Portugal and your hotel in Monte Gordo.
On beautifully maintained cycle paths, the route leads through shady pine forests, behind which beautiful bathing beaches are hidden. Citrus and vine plantations alternate. We reach the tourist resorts of Altura and Manta Rota and then the small historic town of Cacela Velha. White houses and an old fort, perched on a cliff high above the sea, dominate the picture. This is where the world-famous "Ria Formosa" nature reserve begins. Lagoons with countless sandbanks, islands, and waterways, are a refuge for many rare bird species and marine animals. Large mussel fields and salt flats, where the famous "Flor de Sal" comes from, alternate with each other. We cycle through the middle of this lagoon landscape before we reach Tavira on beautifully laid-out cycle paths. Tavira is a historic town that has retained its character over the centuries, and its buildings are a good indication of its eventful history.
Along the "Rio Gilão," we cycle up into the Serra. Lush green meadows alternate with citrus and vegetable plantations, and fields with almond and fig trees. We pass a waterfall, the "Pego do Inferno", which invites us to take a bath. The landscape then changes, with cork oaks now dominating the area. The highest point, 210 meters above sea level, is reached in a steady climb and descent, offering a wonderful view over the hills of the Serra and as far as the coastal area. Some parts of the road are not asphalted, but they are well-paved natural roads. The small stone walls, which can be seen again and again, are property boundaries. They were built by local farmers in the past. Here you will also see old Moorish wells, some half-ruined, others lovingly restored. It is a quiet area with little traffic, mostly just farmers driving their vehicles to the fields. Back in Tavira, we cross a Roman bridge to return to the hotel.
The day's stage leads along small paths and trails along the lagoon to Olhão. Passing the charming fishing village of Santa Luzia, you reach Pedras del Rei. Here there is the option of taking a small train across the lagoon to the beautiful beach of Praia do Barril on the island of Tavira. Back in Pedras del Rei, the route continues to the fishing port of Fuseta, where you can watch the fishermen with their catch of the day or prepare to go out to sea. The last stage for today is to Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Some of the best fish restaurants in the area can be found opposite the promenade.
If you don't want to take a rest day, cycle to the capital of the Algarve, Faro. First you pass the Pousada Estoi. A former rococo palace carefully renovated and with a beautiful park. Via side roads into rural areas and further, on a beautiful cycle path, we reach the old town, which is steeped in history. A visit to the old town is worthwhile. Surrounded by a city wall, you will find many renovated buildings from the heyday of the 16th and 18th centuries, such as a cathedral with the bishop's seat, a monastery, and many museums. Through the town gate "Arco da Vila", on which one stork's nest is enthroned next to the other, you reach the marina. Small cafés and restaurants invite you to linger here. Out of Faro, through small typical villages, you return to Olhão on side roads.
You leave Olhão and cycle on side roads along the nature reserve "Ria Formosa" towards Faro and the airport. Through picturesque lagoons with many water birds, groups of flamingos, and storks, you cycle on narrow paths along the sea, past sophisticated villas, parks, and beautifully landscaped golf courses. Via the promenade of Quarteira, you then reach one of Portugal's largest marinas, Vilamoura, with its many restaurants that invite you to take a break. Crossing a small bridge, you reach the wide, long, white sandy beach of Falesia and drive leisurely along it to Olhos de Água, where your next accommodation is located.
Today's tour heads inland on well-paved paths and roads past Paderne, where the ruins of the medieval castle can be seen high up on the hill. Continue past large orange plantations up to Alte, a typical Portuguese village and former Moorish trading center. The narrow streets and whitewashed houses invite you to linger or take a refreshing break at the famous water springs. We leave Alte, on the last stage orange plantations and the trees typical of the Algarve, such as carob, figs, and almonds now characterize the area. After a short climb, a long descent brings us to the end of today's stage. The accommodation is in a beautifully renovated 16th-century building, which also houses the restaurant.
Today's route leads to the Atlantic Ocean. A mixture of well-surfaced natural paths and asphalt roads, with some very winding, as well as steep sections at the beginning. Immediately after the start, the route leads up a hill with a fantastic view of the deep blue reservoir "Barragem do Funcho", nestled in the green hills of the Serra. Lush vegetation lines the path along the shore, which leads to the dam wall and then a steep descent to the next idyllically situated reservoir, the "Barragem do Arade". The route then continues along the Ribeiro Arade to Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The striking castle from the Moorish period dominates the townscape. The route continues along the Arade River, always in the direction of the coast. From a hill, there is a wonderful view over the estuary delta and the town of Portimão. On a cycle path you cycle across the harbor quay towards the beach, the "Praia da Rocha". Beautiful, situated below reddish-brown cliffs, where today's hotel is also located.
Today starts with a ride to the fishing village of Alvor. Through winding alleys, you cycle through the town up to the wide up to the wide estuary delta of the Rio Alvor, a huge marshy area with canals and a lagoon landscape similar to mudflats, a refuge for many water birds. Down to the sea, to the largest oyster farm in the Algarve, which is visible at low tide. Along the wide beach "Meia Praia" you reach Lagos. Cross a bridge to the marina and continue into the historic town. Along the palm-lined promenade, you reach the former slave market. At "Fort Bandeira" we continue to the lighthouse "Ponta da Piedade". The route continues along the coast to today's destination, Praia da Luz / Burgau.
Through rural countryside and villages that have remained urban, the route leads towards Bensafrim. Time seems to stand still here. Continuing in a northerly direction through the lonely, hardly agriculturally used, natural landscape of the "Serra", you cycle to the reservoir "Barragem Bravura". Pine trees, pines, broom, and macchia fields line the path. After a steep climb up a hilltop, followed by a rushing descent, another branched lake is reached, with a green hilly landscape. A short stretch along the shore leads to a picnic area, which invites you to take a break. Then continue towards the sea. Only near the coast does it get busier again. We return to the hotel on a side road.
Immediately after the start, the route continues over Burgau and a chain of hills, close to the steeply sloping cliffs. A fantastic view of the deep blue Atlantic and the distant coast of Sagres is inspiring. Crossing a lonely bay, we climb up to a hilltop from where we can see the small fishing village of Salema, situated on a sandy beach framed by high cliffs. From the small village of Figueiras, the route continues across a barren steppe landscape, where megaliths can be seen in isolated places, testifying to a settlement several thousand years ago. Passing a small bay with a nice restaurant, we reach the village of Raposeira. Famous for the home of Henry the Navigator and a chapel built by him. Across a plateau, where you can already feel the salty sea breeze of the nearby west coast and see the lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente from afar, you head to the most south-westerly point in Europe. This exciting place, perched on high cliffs tossed by the surf, can be reached with a few pleasurable pedals. From here, the route continues along a coastal road to Sagres, the site of the legendary seafaring school that trained Portugal's best sailors, who later discovered the world's oceans. Your destination has been reached.
Individual departure or extension
Availability
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DatesPrice per person
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2024/03/22 - 2024/05/31Single: 2795 € Double: 1625 €
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2024/06/01 - 2024/06/30Single: 3450 € Double: 1900 €
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2024/07/01 - 2024/09/17Single: 3950 € Double: 2250 €
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2024/09/18 - 2024/10/01Single: 3450 € Double: 1900 €
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2024/10/02 - 2024/10/31Single: 2795 € Double: 1625 €
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2024/11/01 - 2024/12/31Single: 2590 € Double: 1500 €
Details
Services included in the price
- 13 nights with breakfast in 5*, 4*, 3* hotels and typical Portuguese guesthouses.
- Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
- Welcome, info talk, bike handover, and adjustment
- Rail journey Faro -> Vila Real do Santo António
- Ticket for boat trip Vila Real - Ayamonte - Vila Real (incl. but to be bought locally by the guest)
- Detailed route description, with references to places of interest and interesting facts on the routes
- 12 carefully designed routes to download to your mobile phone or tablet
- Mobile phone holder
- Map with daily km and elevation profile
- Service hotline Mon-Fri 09:00 to 18:00, weekends and public holidays in case of emergency
Optional against surcharge
- Transfers Faro Airport <-> Hotel on request
- GPS device with all daily tours
- Room upgrade
- Half-board (on Portuguese public holidays and bridge days, there may be a surcharge that may apply)
Extra / Person Bike Rental
- Touring bike: 220€
- Trekking bike: 280€
- MTB: 280€
- MTB+: 330€
- eTouring bike: 340€
- eTrekking bike: 380€
- eMTB: 380€
- Gravel: 330€
- eJunior: 380€
- Helmet: 10€
- Rack: possible on MTBs except MTB+
- Pannier: included (except MTBs)
- Included: Water bottle, Phone Holder, Air Pump, Lock, Repair kit, Spare tube
Bikes
eMTB 29"
eMTB 29"
The e-MTB is prepared to ride steep slopes without great physical effort. Whether busting down a dirt path or cruising to class, the e-bike delivers versatility and value. The 29-inch wheels make quick work of rough terrain, and with disc brakes and a tunable suspension fork trail chatter is no obstacle.
- 3 support levels
- Frame Premium Aluminium
- Gears Shimano XT 11-Speed
- Battery Shimano 36V, 504Wh
- Motor Shimano steps E8000
- Hydraulic disc brake Tektro, dual piston
- 29” Wheels
- Saddle bag with spare tube and repair kit
- Frame pump, lock, bottle cage
- Fender front and back on request
- Rack on request
MTB plus 29"
MTB plus 29"
THE "BIG FOOT" MOUNTAIN BIKE
Whether busting down a dirt path or cruising to class, the bike delivers versatility and value. The 29-inch wheels make quick work of rough terrain, and with disc brakes and a tunable suspension fork trail chatter is no obstacle. Combining practicality and performance, the bike features provide a hassle-free transitions from campus to the trail.
- Frame Premium Aluminium
- Gears 1x11 speed
- Hydraulic disc brakes, dual piston
- Front suspension with lock out
- 29” Wheels
- Frame pump, bottle cage
- Saddle bag with spare tube and repair kit
- Fenders on request
MTB 29"
MTB 29"
THE "BIG FOOT" MOUNTAIN BIKE
Whether busting down a dirt path or cruising to class, the bike delivers versatility and value. The 29-inch wheels make quick work of rough terrain, and with disc brakes and a tunable suspension fork trail chatter is no obstacle. Combining practicality and performance, the bike features provide a hassle-free transitions from campus to the trail.
- Frame Premium Aluminium
- Gears 2x10-speed or 3x9-speed (depending of availability)
- Hydraulic disc brakes, dual piston
- Front suspension with lock out
- 29” Wheels
- Frame pump, bottle cage
- Saddle bag with spare tube and repair kit
- Fenders on request
- Rack on request
eTrekking 29"
eTrekking 29"
The eTrekking bike is prepared to ride steep slopes without great physical effort. Whether busting down a dirt path or cruising to class, the e-bike delivers versatility and value. The 29-inch wheels make quick work of rough terrain, and with disc brakes and a tunable suspension fork trail chatter is no obstacle.
- 3 support levels
- Frame Premium Aluminium
- Suspension HeadShock
- Gears Nexus 7-Speed
- Battery 36V 630Wh
- Motor 250W 105Nm
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 29” Wheels
- Saddle bag with spare tube and repair kit
- Frame pump, lock, bottle cage
Trekking 29"
Trekking 29"
Whether busting down a dirt path or cruising to class, the bike delivers versatility and value. The 29-inch wheels make quick work of rough terrain, and with disc brakes and a tunable suspension fork trail chatter is no obstacle. Combining practicality and performance, the bike features provide a hassle-free transition from campus to the trail.
- Frame premium aluminium
- Shifting Shimano 3x9 speed
- Fork suspension
- Hydraulic disc brakes or V-brakes, dual piston
- 29” wheels
- Front and back fenders on request
- Rack
eTouring 28"
eTouring 28"
The Merida – the classic comfort leisure e-bike. Very low access, comfortable, upright riding position and stable 28“ wheels with wide puncture protection tires, exactly the right equipment for your individual mobility. The Merida with the classic elegant frame design in the „retro look“ is for cyclists of all ages equally popular. Three support modes and a powerful battery to provide maximum cycling pleasure.
- User console LCD digital, 3 levels assistant
- Shifting Shimano, 9-speed
- Battery Shimano E6001 500Wh, battery with charger
- Range 70-90 km
- Shimano steps motor E6000
- Lights
- Puncture-proof tires
- Lock
Touring 29"
Touring 29"
- Leisure comfort bike
- Alu-Frame
- Front suspension and gel seat
- 24 gears
- V-brakes
The touring bike is a comfortable bike for relaxed cruising on paved roads or dirt roads. Racks, fenders and 24 gears. A reliable bike in all weather and different road conditions.
Gravel S
Gravel S
This Gravel bike is an aluminum bicycle designed to provide all riders with comfort and good performance for all types of pedaling, from flat to mountain tops, from asphalt to dirt roads. Its endurance geometry offers a pleasant riding position for long distances, ideal for challenging yourself or exploring new roads with much more comfort and quality.
- Premium 6069 aluminum frame with triple thickness hydroformed tubes.
- Carbon fork.
- Shimano GRX group.
- Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes.
- Aluminum cockpit and internal cabling.
- Tapered headset.
- E-thru axle pattern.
- Points for fixing up to three water bottles.
- Approved by ISO 4210.
eJunior 26"
eJunior 26"
BUILT TO MAKE MOUNTAIN BIKING FUN FOR YOUNG RIDERS
Lightweight aluminum frame with kid-friendly geometry, 80mm of front suspension travel with tubeless tires helps young riders hit the trail with confidence and control and the SyncDrive Move rear motor delivers natural-feeling pedal assistance so young riders can climb hills with less effort and have more fun.
- Giant SyncDrive Move, Rear Hub, 30Nm
- 3 support levels
- Giant EnergyPak 250Wh, CO2 Neutral production
- Giant RideControl Dash high-angle visibility, full color LCD display
- Frame Premium Aluminium
- Hydraulic disc brake Tektro, dual piston
- 26” Wheels
- Lock, bottle cage
eJunior 24"
eJunior 24"
BUILT TO MAKE MOUNTAIN BIKING FUN FOR YOUNG RIDERS
Lightweight aluminum frame with kid-friendly geometry, 80mm of front suspension travel with tubeless tires helps young riders hit the trail with confidence and control and the SyncDrive Move rear motor delivers natural-feeling pedal assistance so young riders can climb hills with less effort and have more fun.
- Giant SyncDrive Move, Rear Hub, 30Nm
- 3 support levels
- Giant EnergyPak 250Wh, CO2 Neutral production
- Giant RideControl Dash high-angle visibility, full color LCD display
- Frame Premium Aluminium
- Hydraulic disc brake Tektro, dual piston
- 24” Wheels
- Lock, bottle cage
Grand Algarve Tour 3.15
Explore the unique, diverse, and fascinating scenery of the Algarve! Enjoy a bike tour along the deep blue Atlantic and discover the untouched nature in the hinterland with its rich vegetation. From the Spanish border to the most south-wester point of Europe.