Algarve Cycling Holiday
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Category
Cycle Touring
Self GuidedGrade
ModerateDuration/s
7 nightsStart / Finish
Vila Real de Santo António / SagresDistance
171 miles/276 kmsThemes
Accommodation
SuperiorTour code
049-101CPT
Overview
Discover southern Portugal on this Algarve cycling holiday, from the Atlantic coast to the stunning countryside of the interior in a surprisingly varied region. There’s a mix of on and off-road cycling as you travel from the Spanish border to Europe’s most westerly point. Quaint villages, bustling seaside towns and panoramic views await.
Your journey starts in Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east and follows the rugged coast to the nature-filled Ria Formosa lagoons and then inland along quiet roads to sleepy hillside villages, sprawling cork oak forests and fragrant orange and almond groves. Then there’s the historic Moorish town of Silves plus Lagos, the Algarve’s oldest town and one of its most lively. The trip ends at Sagres, close to Cape St. Vincent – the southwesternmost tip of continental Europe.
Beach at Sagres
Around two thirds of the route will be on the road with the rest on smooth off-road trails, and you’ll cover an average of around 25 miles a day. Much of the riding will be on the flat although as you enter the interior of Algarve the terrain is more varied with some short steep climbs to tackle, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness to get the most out of this highly scenic cycle tour.
Itinerary & Map
Around two thirds of the route will be on the road with the rest on smooth off-road trails, and you’ll cover an average of around 25 miles a day. Much of the riding will be on the flat although as you enter the interior of Algarve the terrain is more varied with some short steep climbs to tackle, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness to get the most out of this highly scenic cycle tour.
Day 1: Arrive Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Vila Real de Santo Antonio
On arrival into Lisbon or Faro Airport you will be transferred to your first hotel in Vila Real de Santo Antonio. After check-in you’re free to relax or explore this interesting old town on the banks of the River Guadiana, which marks the border between Portugal and Spain.
Day 2: Vila Real de Santo Antonio – Tavira, 22 miles/35 kms
Tavira
For your first day in the saddle you’ll enjoy a gentle ride to Tavira, following the coast. The route will take you through bustling seaside resorts and the old town of Cacela Velha, with its wonderful views across to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Later you’ll enter the Sapal area, well known for its abundant bird life, then arrive at your overnight destination via the Roman bridge that crosses the River Gilao. Tavira is arguably one of the Algarve’s most beautiful towns and certainly one of its most historic.
Day 3: Tavira – Marco, 23 miles/37 kms
Today you’ll continue along the coast then turn northwards to enter the lesser-visited rural interior of the Algarve. Taking quiet country roads you’ll pass traditional villages and huge, fragrant orange groves. You’ll also have the chance to see the beautiful Pego do Inferno waterfall before climbing briefly to arrive at your rustic hilltop hotel in Marco.
Day 4: Marco – Alte, 36 miles/57 kms
Alte
You’ll now be riding in a part of the Algarve’s interior characterised by rolling hills. The cycling may be slightly harder but you’ll be well rewarded by the views, wonderful rural scenery and fantastic hillside towns and villages on your way. As you continue pass babbling streams and cool Mediterranean forests as you approach hilltop Alte, a town of fresh water springs and typical white-painted houses.
Day 5: Alte – Silves, 25 miles/40 kms
Silves
You’ll be treated to more great views today plus varied scenery, passing numerous fig and carob trees and an enchanting cork-oak valley. Another highlight of this day’s riding is following the road around the Arade Dam before heading down the valley to the Moorish town of Silves. Make sure you arrive in time to explore the fine castle and warren-like streets of this beautiful old town.
Day 6: Silves – Lagos, 30 miles/48 kms
Cyclists near Lagos
Leaving Silves you’ll cycle by the babbling Odelouca stream in its pretty valley. The route leads you past typical rural villages before turning south back to the coast. You’ll reach the ocean where the golden sands of Meia Praia beach frame a sweeping bay. A short distance further west you reach the bustling city of Lagos, one of the Algarve’s oldest settlements and a hive of activity.
Day 7: Lagos – Sagres, 37 miles/59 kms
Cape St. Vincent
Your last day of riding takes you to Sagres along the rugged coastline of the south western tip of Portugal. Cycle along scenic trails to the rugged and colourful limestone cliff formations around Ponta da Piedade and then through quaint fishing villages to Sagres – your overnight destination. It’s only a few miles more to Cape St Vincent, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe.
Day 8: Sagres
After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure.
Dates & Prices
| 2018 Arrival Dates | |||||
| Arrivals daily from 01 March to 15 November excluding July & August |
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| 2018 Prices |
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049-101CPT
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26 Mar
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29 Aug
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26 Sep
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15 Nov
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| Double/twin | £1146 | £1477 | £1131 | £1256 | £1333 | £1477 | £1333 | £1256 | ||||
| Single* | £1365 | £1917 | £1498 | £1498 | £1641 | £1917 | £1641 | £1498 | ||||
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| Deposit per person | £200 | ||
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Price Includes
Board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Luggage transfer
Maps & route information
Welcome briefing
Arrival transfer from Faro or Lisbon Airport
Departure transfer to Lisbon or Faro Airport
GPS device and tracks
Local assistance
Price Excludes
Bike hire (see supplements)
Supplements
Electric bike with pannier & lock. (£268)
Notes
Practical Information
Bikes
Example of the male bike used on this tour
The bikes provided on this tour are modern alloy framed, hybrid/mountain bike models with 27 speeds and comfortable saddle with upright riding position. The bikes comes equipped with back pannier, handlebar bag, lock, map holder, water bottle and holder. Plus an extra inner tube and one tool kit per couple. In addition, one GPS is provided per couple.
We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets are provided on arrival.
Accommodation
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Comfortable guestrooms in 3 and 4 star hotels with private en suite facilities
Vila Real de Santo Antonio: Apolo Hotel
Tavira: Vila Galé Tavira
Marco: Herdade da Corte
Alte: Alte Hotel
Silves: Colina dos Mouros Hotel
Lagos: Hotel Marina Rio
Sagres: Meemo Baleeira Hotel
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Getting There
Fly to Lisbon or Faro from where you will be picked up and dropped off at either end of your holiday.
Gallery
Current rating for this cycling holiday based on 2 reviews
4.3
- Date - 22/10/2017
- Name - Sharon Buehner
- Service rating - 5.0
- Service comment - I felt very confident going into the trip because the communication was so good. They answered all my questions quickly so I could coordinate this trip with other plans.
- Product rating - 5.0
- Product comment - The trip notes were excellent: great suggestions of what to see, where to eat.
My first trip with a GPS and it certainly made it easy to go exploring off course and to easily join the main route again.
We were very impressed with the level of support with the office when our bike needed some repairs: arrangements were made to fix itand get us back out on the road.
The local cell phone that was loaned as part of the tour was also quite handy to book reservations, etc.
We really enjoyed seeing the Algarve by way of dirt roads and quieter country roads - Flexitreks response - Thanks Sharon. GPS routes are becoming more popular across our programme and with good reason. Like you say, they make navigation a cinch and allow you to deviate with confidence!
- Date - 10/05/2017
- Name - Alison Walton
- Service rating - 3.0
- Service comment - Good service but not exceptional
- Product rating - 4.0
- Product comment - Airport collection and drop off excellent.
Arrival information excellent and tour guide great and GPS and mobile phone and repair kits supplied very useful.
Bikes good but a bike stand would have been helpful.
Routes very easy to follow and good routes with great scenery and wildlife and plenty to see along the route.
Hotels mixed.
Ranged from rather poor to exceptionally good
Hotel Alte Hotel Colina in Silves - both poor. - Flexitreks response - Thanks for the review Alison. We're glad you enjoyed your holiday overall and are addressing your comments about the two hotels with our local suppliers.
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