Algarve Cycle

8 days (Faro Airport)

Destinations visited: Portugal, Faro, World

Grading:

moderate

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

from
USD$990

Book now

Experience the best of the western Algarve at handlebar level

Traditional fishing villages, a dramatic rocky coastline interspersed with unspoilt sandy beaches, historic sights and a backdrop of the forested mountains of Monchique and Caldeirão are all features of Portugal's western Algarve. Away from the busy centres, there are quiet roads and trails ideal for cycling and exploring the pretty landscapes in the Cape St Vincent Natural Park where for the most part our trip is focused. Enroute there is ample opportunity to swim in the azure coastal waters, sample delicious seafood for which the area is renowned and take in the many sights including the historic town of Lagos. Staying in comfortable atmospheric hotels ensures this holiday delivers an ideal balance of activity and relaxation.

Highlights

Cycling along the stunning south west Algarve coast
Exploring interesting port towns and villages including historical Lagos
Experiencing the untouched beauty of the Monchique Bio Park and the Cape St. Vincent Natural Park
Enjoying the culinary specialties such as the excellent seafood
Soaking up the hospitality of family run hotels

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Faro Airport, transfer to Monchique

Arrive in the Algarve and transfer to Monchique. Overnight Monchique in an Albergaria just outside the town. Nestled between the hills of Foia and Picota, the rustic town of Monchique with its cobble stone alleys and the crumbling facades of historic buildings such as the 17th Century Franciscan monastery, is a delightful introduction to the Algarve’s hidden gems. Spend some time wandering the streets or maybe try the local speciality “medronho”, a type of schnapps which is made by distilling fruit from the arbutus bush.

Day 2 Cycle through the foothills of Picota and return to Monchique (32km)

A circular ride around the foothills of Picota and Foia with a chance to visit the old spa town of Caldas de Monchique. Throughout the day you will enjoy stunning views down to the coast and over the foothills. Overnight Monchique. Terrain - all on surfaced roads with a few gentle climbs

Day 3 Cycle west to the picturesque Ribeira de Seixe valley (40 or 58km)

The route today takes you westwards to the small coastal town of Odeceixe. There are two choices of routes today: either a drop 400m and cycle along the beautiful Ribeira de Seixe valley where time really has stood still (40km) or you cycle across the serra to the Alentejo border, then along the valley to S. Teotonio and onward to Odeceixe (58km). This is a special day. Overnight Odeceixe in small Portuguese guesthouse. Terrain - some short climbs at the beginning and one near Odeceixe – a mixture of surfaced roads and good tracks.

Day 4 Circular cycle from Odeceixe (24 or 50km)

Today you can choose to take a circular ride down to the beach and then through the countryside to Rogil where you can visit the tiny nature reserve of Esteveira perched on the cliff tops, (24km) or a ride to the beautiful beach village of Zambujeira and the cliffs of Cabo Sardo (50km). Overnight Odeceixe. Terrain - one real climb, mostly surfaced roads.

Day 5 Transfer south then cycle along the Pontal headland to the fishing port of Sagres (47km)

This morning we transfer you to Monte Rosa (35km south) and you then continue southwards to Carrapateira where you make a circular tour of the beautiful Pontal headland. The cycle continues to Vila do Bispo and from there along the Sagres peninsula to Cape St Vincent and the fishing port of Sagres. Overnight in an Albergaria in Sagres. Terrain - one real climb, half the day on surfaced road and half on good tracks

Day 6 To Salema via lovely beaches and Montes des Amantes (24km)

From Sagres you journey eastwards to Montes des Amantes famous for its standing stones and then on to the beautiful unspoilt beaches of Ingrina and Zavial before passing through quiet countryside to the fishing village of Salema. Overnight comfortable guesthouse in Salema. Terrain - a few gentle climbs, all on surfaced roads

Day 7 Rest day to visit Lagos or cycle through the national park to Bravura Lake (35 or 45km)

For your final day we suggest you take time off from the saddle and use the bus to visit the historical town of Lagos. If you prefer to ride we recommend a circular route to the National Forest with the option of visiting Bravura lake, Overnight Salema. Terrain - several climbs a mixture of tracks and quiet roads

Continue reading ...

Day 8 Transfer to airport, trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Additional Information

Inclusions

7 breakfasts - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
7 nights in small 3 to 4 star hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis with private facilities in low season
Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
Bike rental and helmet
Back-up support
Transfers to and from Faro airport or arrival point in the Algarve
Maps, route information and tourist information
Note: High season is April to September and a supplement applies

Summary

ALBERGARIA & GUESTHOUSE

Trip Main Activities

SELF GUIDED CYCLE

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Bike helmet (provided locally), wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. (A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site

from
USD$990

Book now

Traveller reviews for Algarve Cycle (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.

Why we recommend World Expeditions

Pioneers in responsible travel.
No local payments.
True adventures in every sense.
Expert guides and support.
Quality facilities and transport.

Customer care

World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.

Contact World Expeditions customer service