Slow Tours Pty Ltd

by Tour provider https://www.slowtours.com

Region

Algarve

Duration

8 days

Guided Status

Self-Guided

Difficulty

Moderate

D-Score™

N/A - Unknown

Overview

A cycling holiday along the Algarve could not be more diverse. You cycle from Europe's southwesternmost point, the Cape St. Vincent all the way to the Spanish-Portuguese border town Vila Real de Santo Antonio. En route you experience stunning sceneries, romantic fishing villages with lots of tradition, bustling historic centres, secluded bays framed by steep cliffs, fabulous views across the sea and countless endless sandy beaches inviting you to linger or swim. Enjoy the Portuguese hospitality with its excellent cuisine and discover a multifaceted and stunningly beautiful coastline during this cycle holiday from West to East! Overall, you cycle on gently hilly terrain with mostly only short ascents. Often on cycle paths, agricultural paths and side roads with very little traffic, short sections however also on roads with heavy traffic. Over longer sections you also cycle on gravel paths. Accommodation in 4**** hotels, Breakfast, Welcome briefing (German, English), Luggage transfer, Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book, Service hotline.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Airport transfers

Catering services

Accommodation arrangements

Bike rental

About the Algarve

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.

EUR 959

per person

Go to Provider

Why Choose This Tour?

Lagos: In the 14th and 15th centuries, the small port town of Lagos was the starting point for many voyages of discovery such as by Vasco da Gama.
Several museums still commemorate this glorious time.
Capela dos ossos: The small chapel in Faro, which was built from bones and over 1200 monk skulls, is supposed to remind us of the transience of man.
Squid in Tavira: The area around Tavira is known for its delicious squid dishes.
Let yourself be pampered in a small inn!
Day 1: Arrival in Sagres.
Sagres lies in the far southwest of Portugal, where the Atlantic meets impressive sea cliffs.
Discover this windswept town with its historic fortress, rugged landscapes, wide beaches, and spectacular views.
A particular highlight is Europe’s southwesternmost point, Cabo de São Vicente, famous for its lighthouse and breathtaking sunsets.
Day 2: Sagres – Lagos approx.
45 – 55 km.
The first cycle tour already brings you to a very special highlight, the famous lighthouse situated at the Cape St.
Vinzenz, Europe’s southwesternmost point.
From the cliffs with a height of nearly 75 metres protruding vertically from the Atlantic you have a spectacular view over the sea and can listen to the roaring waves.
You continue over gentle hills into the fishing village Salema and proceed onto the beach of Burgau.
You will be impressed by the famous Ponta da Piedade situated before the gates of Lagos, a marvellous nature monument and one of the best-known picture postcard motifs of the Algarve.
In the lively harbour town of Lagos you can ponder this exciting day over a nice glass of wine.
Day 3: Lagos – Portimao approx.
35 km.
The beach of Meia offers you today the first opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing sea.
Here at low tide observe the countless beach combers on the lookout for delicacies.
In Odiáxere a visit to the church dating back to the 16th century is very rewarding and in Alvor a stroll across the market Morabito de São Pedro and through the narrow alleyways of the historic centre.
Enjoy a break here in a typical restaurant offering the catch of the day.
You continue cycling along the coast enjoying fantastic views across the sea.
Linger for a bit at the beautiful sandy beach Praia da Rocha, before arriving leisurely in your Day Finish Portimao in the afternoon.
Day 4: Portimao – Albufeira approx.
35 km.
Initially the cycle path leads you along the river Arade into the village Ferragudo with its beautiful church and marvellous views across the estuary.
You proceed past olive-, cypresses-, orange-, fig- and cork oak trees to Lagoa.
There we recommend you try a traditional Portuguese pastry und visit the chapel Senhora da Rocha situated on a ledge above the sea.
Extensive sandy beaches are en route to one of the best known holiday resorts on the Algarve.
Albufeira is also your Day Finish.
Day 5: Albufeira – Faro approx.
50 km.
In the fishing village Olhos de Água there is a stunning beach where you can take a break.
Feel the sea breeze on your face and enjoy the fine sand between your toes.
In Vilamoura you pass one of the largest marinas of the country and then cycle through pine forests towards the Ria Formosa nature park, one of Portugal‘s seven natural wonders.
Then already in the distance the capital of the Algarve, Faro, appears.
Discover the famous historic centre with its lovely restaurants and lively alleyways.
Day 6: Faro – Tavira approx.
40 km.
You continue along the cycle path through the Ria Formosa nature park.
Always with the offshore islands in your field of vision, the few clouds over the Atlantic are reflected in the salt lakes.
In Olhão you can take a coffee break at the busy market and enjoy observing the locals on their daily errands.
After that you leisurely continue into the fishing village Fuseta with its characteristic white houses.
Today’s cycle tour ends on the venerable Roman bridge in the town centre of Tavira.
Enjoy the evening in one of the most beautiful and most characteristic towns of the Algarve.
Day 7: Excursion to Vila Real de Santo Antonio approx.
60 km.
Today again the Ria Formosa nature park with its lagoons is your companion.
You cycle through pine forest at the beach of Monte Gordo and the dune forest of Vila Real de Santo António until the border between Portugal and Spain.
You follow the border river Guadiana for a bit northwards before you proceed over gentle hills, past orange- and olive groves back towards Tavira.
Now at the latest we recommend you toast to a successful and very eventful cycle holiday.