Algarve

This incredible cross country bike tour in Portugal runs along the Algarve, from the border with Spain to Sagres, where it ends by crossing at the most westerly point in Europe, Cape São Vincente. Starting along the sea and through the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, you'll be amazed by the lagoon system that extends itself over 60 km along the coast. Continuing on, you'll explore inland Algarve, riding on old roads and finding lost villages on the hills and in the beautiful cork-oak forests. Explore the rugged rock- face lined coast from Lagos to Sagres and end this incredible tour in the southwesternmost point of Europe, Cape São Vicente - the place where the land ends and the sea begins!

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Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Vila Real de Santo António - Tavira, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Tavira - Marco, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 4: Marco - Alte, 35 mi. (57 km) 
Day 5: Alte - Silves, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Silves - Lagos, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 7: Lagos - Sagres, 38 mi. (61 km) 
Day 8: Departure

*All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival, Transfer from LISBON (4 hour drive) or FARO (1 hour drive)
Vila Real is an interesting old town on the banks of the Guadiana river, forming the border between Spain and Portugal. The town is full of character but not yet discovered by many tourists. Lodging tonight is in the Apolo Hotel. 

Day 2: Vila Real de Santo António - Tavira, 22 mi. (35 km)
The first cycling day is a gentle ride along the Ecovia do Litoral to Tavira, a ride of approximately 28 km. Along the way, you will pass through the coastal resorts of Monte Gordo as the interesting coastal town of Cacela Velha, with the best view over the “Ria Formosa” Natural Park. The route rolls through the Sapal area where you can admire a huge variety of birds. Upon arrival to Tavira, you will cross the Roman bridge over Gilão river. Tavira is a lovely old town, the most beautiful and historical town of Algarve. The night will be spent at the Vila Galé Tavira. (250 m ascent)

Day 3: Tavira - Marco, 22 mi. (36 km)
After a great breakfast, begin cycling along the Ria Formosa in one of the most beautiful natural parks of the country. After that, your riding will be among small villages, old roads, and rural paths crossing a vast area of orange trees. Take a deep breath, pick up a fruit and sit down between green and orange fields. Towards Marco village you will feel the landscape changing and among Mediterranean vegetation arrive at Pego do Inferno, the most beautiful waterfall in the Algarve. Such a day! Lodging at Herdade da Corte. (400 m ascent)

Day 4: Marco - Alte, 35 mi. (57 km)
Today is a challenging ride in the rolling hills close to the Algarve Mountains, but the tremendous scenery is well worth the effort. You will cross a hilly region, passing small villages and riding close to streams and valleys full of luxurious Mediterranean forest. Beautiful roads and trails will lead you to 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. Tonight's lodging is at Alte Hotel 3*. (1050 m ascent)

Day 5: Alte - Silves, 22 mi. (35 km)
You begin cycling inland with magnificent views along the way. You will ride along ancient and narrow roads where the landscape is mainly carob and fig trees until reaching a large valley of cork-oak trees. The best part of this day is a lovely ride on a road close to the Arade Dam, and then a gentle cruise down the valley to your destination for the day in the lovely historic town of Silves. It is well worth planning to get there with time to spare, as there is plenty to explore of the castle and the rest of the lovely Moorish town. The night will be spent at Colina dos Mouros Hotel 3*. (700 m ascent)

Day 6: Silves - Lagos, 32 mi. (52 km)
You leave Silves on asphalt through a valley following rural areas and fine golden sand beaches. Straight to the sea you must feel delight with incredible local culture and coastal fisherman lifestyle. You will cross a footbridge over the river Bensafrim and reach the city of Lagos the oldest town of Algarve, with evidence of the moorish wall surrounding the town. Lagos is also a historic center of the Portuguese age of discoveries, home of the famous Henry the Navigator. Reserve some time to walk through down town and dine at one of the many restaurants. Accommodations at the Hotel Marina Rio. (550 m ascent)

Day 7: Lagos - Sagres, 38 mi. (61 km)
Today is another challenging cycling day with a few hills, as the terrain changes and you approach the rugged cliff-lined coast around Sagres and Cape St. Vincent. Amazing trails along the coastline lead to Ponta da Piedade, where you can find fantastic sceneries of rock faces and caves with an amazing mixture of colors. The route continues west and passes through some beautiful landscapes and quaint little coastal villages. Once you arrive in Sagres, you have the option of checking into your hotel and then cycling an extra 6 km to Cape St Vincent, the southwestern-most point of Continental Europe. Lodging tonight is at Sagres in Memmo Baleeiro Hotel, a brand new 4* hotel over the sea surrounded by stunning desert beaches. (800 m ascent)

Day 8: Departure, Transfer to FARO (1.5-hour drive) or LISBON (3.5 hour drive)
Tour ends after breakfast.

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Accommodations in 4* Hotels and charming Guesthouses.