Algarve by bike : Ecovia's way
8 days / 6 days riding / ref. PT6 / Difficulty Easy / Round tripper person
Your cycling tour from Tavira to Sagres
The Algarve, the southernmost region of continental Portugal, is a destination appreciated for its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, abundant nature and agreeable climate. Without doubt, one of the best ways to get to know the region is by cycling, since this lets you enjoy its natural beauty, discover its biodiversity, admire its heritage and learn about its culture.
Tour highlights
- Cape São Vincente and Sagres Fort by bike
- Diversity and beauty of Algarve Coast
- Historic sites of Cacela Velha, Castro Marim and Tavira
Day 1Arrival in Faro
Arrival at Faro airport and transfer (20min) to your hotel in city center. Welcome and move.
Day 2Faro – Tavira | 42 km / 29 km
Cycling from Faro to Tavira, passing by Olhão, largest fishing port in the Algarve. We suggest you to visit Olhão market before continue along nature reserve of Ria Formosa until Tavira, one of the most charming town in the region.
Day 3Trip around Tavira | 25 km
Following bucolic Gilão river, discovery of Barrocal, inland region softly rolling covered by orange, olive, carob and almond trees. The itinerary takes you to a waterfall or arbutus eau de vie factory. Return through quaint octopus fishing village of Santa Luzia.
Day 4Trip around Tavira | 40 km
Through bike path, cyclable, you cycle along salt manufacturing and Formosa River to spectacular fortified market town of Cacela Velha which overlook barrier island and lagoon frequente by fishermen and oyster farmers.
Then you reach pombal town of Vila Real, then Castro Marim, whose medieval castle overlook Guadiana, river and natural border with Spain. You can continue along the river. Train return (not included).
Day 5Transfer to Odiaxere + Odiaxere – Burgau by bike | 35 km
Transfer to Odiaxere (1h30).Then, through a little rustic road, you reach Meia Praia and arrive in Lagos, from where left first caravels in XVth century. After visiting this city linked with Age of Discovery, cycling to spectacular Ponta da Piedade, one if the most beautiful geological place in Algarve, with its small islands and eroded ochre cliffs plunged into the ocean. You continue towards village of Burgau. Night in Burgau.
Day 6Burgau – Sagres by bike | 38 km
From Burgau, you will cycle through market town of Vila di Bispo towards the the place where the land ends and the sea begins : Cape São Vicente! The South Western most point of Europe is wild. From the Cape, West Coast appears and cliffs covered with multicolor moors rise above turbulent ocean. You continue to the tip of Sagres where can’t miss fortress visit ! Transfer and night in Burgau.
Day 7Transfer to Faro
Transfer to Faro (2h). Free day.
Possibility to explore Ria Formosa by boat or kayak, walks and bathing possible on large sandy island beaches!
Day 8Departure during the day
Transfer (20min) to Faro airport during the day.
Documents
> Download tour programSelect your category
Your accommodation
• – 7 nights with breakfast (in a room for 2 people) in 2 / 3 * hotels
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– Luggage transport during cycling stages
•
– Rental of a fully-equipped VTC bike for 6 days (including 1 helmet) and repatriation of the bike
•
– 1 detailed roadbook (in French)
•
– Transfers mentioned in the program
•
– 7/7 telephone assistance
• – Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
– Entrance fees and site visits
•
– Optional insurance (Cancellation Insurance OR Peace of Mind Insurance)
•
– Single room supplement (7 nights included)
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– Return train from Castro Marim to Tavira on day 4 (approx. 3 euros/person)
• – 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast (in a room for 2 people) in charming 4-star establishments
•
– Luggage transport during cycling stages
•
– Rental of a fully-equipped VTC bike for 6 days (including 1 helmet) and repatriation
•
– 1 detailed roadbook (in French)
•
– Transfers mentioned in the program
•
– 7/7 telephone assistance
• – Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
•
– Entrance fees and site visits
•
– Optional insurance (Cancellation Insurance OR Peace of Mind Insurance)
•
– Single room supplement (7 nights included)
•
– Return train from Castro Marim to Tavira on day 4 (approx. 3 euros/person)
VTC Winora Louisiana 27 speed gears or similar
Man or Lady frame
- 1 rear pannier (saddlebag)
- 1 front pannier with map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 lock
- Helmet
E-bike Winora Tria 9 or similar
Universal frame
- 1 rear pannier (saddlebag)
- 1 front pannier with map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 lock
- Helmet
Practical details
- Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
- Leave your bike rental at your hotel in Sagres. We take care of its repatriation.
Your journey
You mostly cycle on minor roads and bike ways (natural roads and minor roads with low traffic). You roam from 25 to 50km per day, approximately 150km in total with difference in height almost close to zero. However there are few short climbs that can be conquered easily by pushing the bike.
Your arrival in Faro
On Day 1: car transfer from Faro airport to Faro hotel is included in your package.
By plane :
Faro airport.
Car transfer from Faro airport to Faro hotel is included in your package.
By train :
From Faro station: reach your hotel on foot or by taxi (to be organized on your own)
By car :
Garage at the hotel in Faro, costs approx. 5€/day.
Return
Car transfer from your hotel in Faro to Faro airport is included in your package.
