Compare The Wild Algarve by Light Blue Travel vs Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve by Explore!

Day 1: Arrival

Dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only

Accommodation: In a nice guesthouse in the centre of the village.

Arrival at Faro or Lisbon airport and transfer to Odeceixe.

If you arrive early (flight to Faro) we suggest a visit to the historic centre of Faro before the transfer to Odeceixe.

Arrival to Odeceixe in time for a drink at the little square and maybe to visit the windmill or a short cycle to the beach, classified as one of the seven wonder beaches of Portugal.

Day 2: The Wild Beaches

Lunch and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only.

Accommodation: Vicentina Aparthotel 4*with swimming pool

Distances:
32kms
Total ascent: 350 mts

Level: Easy

Optional extra kms: 4 + 20 (to ride to the extra beach)

Cycling from Odeceixe to Aljezur.

Cycle along the river until we reach the gorgeous beach of Odeceixe.  Enjoy the stunning views and the rock formations near the beach.  Then travel through farmland with cornfields of green and yellow depending upon the season to reach another wild beach.

A typical café will be found for a stop to enjoy a cool drink and a light lunch while watching the surf schools in action.  Have a swim and then cycle to the village of Aljezur which was one of the last to conquer the moors.  The local artist shop and gallery deserve a visit, as well as the local museums.

If you want a liuttle more exercise it is possible ride to another beach or along a beautiful farmland valley.

Terrain: Secondary roads with no traffic at all. Some dirt tracks. One more adventurous descent where some people may prefer to walk but very short and easy (300m).

Day 3: From Impressive Cliffs to Charming Valleys

Picnic and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only.

Accommodation: Aldeia da Pedralva rural tourism, with swimming pool

Distances:
44kms
Total ascent: 650 mts

Level: Medium

Optional extra kms: 4 with 150 mts ascent

Cycling from Aljezur to Pedralva.

Start by conquering the Castle of Aljezur enjoying the beautiful views over the village and its neat and tidy vegetable gardens.  Then cycle to the coast again visiting a fortress with stunning views over the cliffs.  From here we can see the "needle rock", an imposing rock standing in the middle of the ocean.

We go inland again and start our dirt track adventure. First between eucalyptus, later between the wild endemic bushes and finally along a gorgeous little lake and along a valley. Completely wild, surprising and breathtaking.  Cycle to Bordeira, a lovely hamlet with a Manueline style church, and then ride along another enchanting valley until Carrapateira.  Here you will be stunned by the incredible views and rough coast line.  Cycle for a few kms along the cliffs. Take time to stop and enjoy the veiw. Picnic lunch will be served on a beach (on guided tours only).

The fisherman's museum is a visit not to be missed, with fantastic pictures of the man hanging from rocks to catch the famous local delicacy "percebes".  Learn about the lives of the people from the region that risk their lives to catch the best fish for your meal!

Riding along another green valley we reach tonight's accommodation, a lovely hamlet where half of the houses were carefully renovated for tourism.

Terrain: Difficult start with some steep climbs, always on asphalt. Then dirt tracks, most of them flat or down. One technical descent (400m) where some people may prefer to walk.

Day 4: Infant D. Henrique and the Sea Discoveries

Picnic and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only

Accommodation: Charming "Pousada", with swimming pool

Distances:
41kms
Total ascent: 500 mts

Level: Easy

Optional extra kms: 4

Cycling from Pedralva to Sagres.

Leave Pedralva through a dirt road along the valley. Pass under teh towering modern wind farms and reach the sanctuary of Guadalupe. Here learn about the interesting life of Infant D. Henrique, the sea discoveries prince amd then cycle through a couple of pretty villages to reach the wild coast again.

Have a swim at the beach and then cycle to the Cape of S. Vicente, the most SW point of Europe.

Stop for a swim again at a fantastic beach surrounded by huge cliffs. After visiting the Fortress of Sagres we continue to our very nice hotel with panoramic views over the cliffs and the fortress.

Terrain: Good dirt tracks, mostly flat, with a couple of short climbs. Steep climb on asphalt to come back from the beach where we have our lunch (guided trip only).

Day 5: Beach Roller Coaster!

Picnic included in van-guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.

Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli 4* with swimming pool

Distances:
43kms
Total ascent: 720 mts

Level: Medium

Cycling from Sagres to Lagos.

Today the route goes along the south coastline, visting wild beaches. Several stops for swims and drinks can be enjoyed. The ocean here is warmer and more tranquil than the west coast. The cliffs change colour, from the black schist to the orange sandstone. The villages are bigger and more touristic, with many cafés, restaurants and shopping opportunities. We pass a couple of fortresses with fantastic views and go up and down narrow secondary roads. The last few kms is an amazing ride along the cliffs from where we can see beautiful rock islands in which erosion has formed arches, caves and beautiful shapes. Lagos is a lively coastal city with charming architecture.

Visit the local museum, the beautiful church and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Terrain: Start with flat dirt track with some rocks to challenge our senses. This is a real dirt track! Steep valley passage to be done walking by everyone. Steep down and steep up, too technical to ride. (but what a gorgeous views!!!). Then asphalt roller coaster, always steep up and down but always short. Maximum 80 meters each time. In the end optional flat cliff dirt track or asphalt.

Day 6: The Charming Villages

Picnic included in van-guided and guided tours only. Dinner not included.

Accommodation: Charming "Pousada", with swimming pool

Distances:
30kms
Total Ascent: 220 mts

Level: Easy

Cycling from Lagos to Tavira.

The day starts with a train ride along the coast, the salt production lakes and the farmland away from the coast. Arriving to our destination we unload our bikes and cycle to a charming little village famous for its pottery.Then cycle back to the coast and have a drink by the lagoon of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. Cycle along this lagoon and enjoy the quietness and watch the bird life.

It's usual to see fisherman catching clams and razors in low tide and boats arriving from a fishing day in high tide.

Tavira is probably the prettiest and most traditional town in the Algarve. Its architecture is charming, the atmosphere relaxing. Save time to explore and buy some arts and crafts.

Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.

Day 7: The Local Economy

Picnic and dinner included in van-guided and guided tours only

Accommodation: Hotel Apolo 3* with swimming pool

Distances:
37kms
Total Ascent: 250 mts

Level: Easy

Optional extra kms: 13

Cycling from Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António.

From Tavira we cycle along the Natural Park again, passing several beaches and golf resorts that make it such an attractive tourist location. Beaches here are busy and lively. the lagoon sits between the maniland and the beach.To reach the beach you either walk over long wooden bridges over the river or take a charming little train or a local boat. Visit the charming Cacela-a-Velha and the views over the lagoon and then cycle inland to Castro Marim.

On the way we will visit a biological farm and learn about the fig and carob trees, and the local produces that are made from their fruits. In this farm the motto is “waste nothing”..everything the trees produce is harvested. After we visit the salt marshes (or salines) and learn about the local production process. Later we cycle to our final destination, Vila Real de Santo António, where the second language is the Spanish! All restaurants have the menus in Spanish as this is the main tourism market as Spain is literally across the river! On arrival we have one last surprise and the opportunity to visit a local pastry factory. On guided groups, besides visiting, you will have the chance to make some pastries and, of course, taste them!!!!

Terrain: Flat asphalt most of the way. Very few dirt tracks.

Day 8:Departure

Departure day

Transfer to Faro Airport

Day 1 Trip starts in Lisbon

Our trip begins in Lisbon, founded on seven hills overlooking the estuary of the River Tagus, the city became the capital of Portugal after its conquest from the Moors in 1147. As Portugal built a global empire from the 15th century onwards, Lisbon became the hub of international trade and the heart of this maritime Golden Age of discovery, reflected in the monumental architecture. A devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami almost totally destroyed the capital in 1755 and therefore Lisbon appears as a carefully planned 18th century city. The Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.00pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Lisbon Airport (LIS), which is a thirty minute drive from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Leave Lisbon and start cycling from Lagoa Albufeira to Sesimba through Cape Espichel

Today we leave the capital behind and strike south on our journey and transfer to Lagoa Albufeira. Once arrived, there will be some time to ensure all are happy with our bikes and to make any minor adjustments. We then begin the first cycling section of the holiday and ride south to Cape Espichel, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean to our hotel in Sesimbra. Once a small fishing village, Sesimbra is now a pleasant beach town with great seafood restaurants and an old Moorish fort overlooking the sands. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres/18 miles (total 375 metres/1230 feet accumulated ascent and descent).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Cycle through Arrabida Natural Park to Setubal

Today we ride to Setubal passing the rolling hills of the Serra da Arrabida. The stunning coastal scenery is somewhat greener than the south and contrasts the deep blue Atlantic with the greens of the pine-forested hills. There is a steep climb in the morning section of the ride where we gain about 200 metres/660 feet elevation over 3 kilometre/1.8 miles and a couple of shorter climbs in the afternoon. Along the way we pass little bays and beaches and will make time for a quick swim. Finally we reach our hotel in the thriving port town of Setubal where you can take a walk through the pedestrianised old town and even up to the hilltop fortress for panoramic views. Around 10% of the route today is on a unpaved surface. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres/20.5 miles (total 700 metres/2296 feet accumulated ascent and 720 metres/2360 feet descent).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Into the Alentejo region and cycle to Vila Nova de Milfontes

This morning, we catch the ferry to the Troia peninsula, where we cycle south into the region of Alentejo (literally the land 'beyond' the River Tagus) along the peninsula to Comporta beach (17 kilometre/10.5 miles). After a short transfer, we begin our second cycle of the day from the little coastal town of Sines where we head south to Vila Nova de Milfontes (27 kilometre/16.7 miles). Shortly after starting we enter the protected lands of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park - Europe's largest coastal natural park. The remainder of the trip is within this huge park as we cycle south to Sagres, mostly on inland routes but always returning occasionally to the stunning coastline of rugged cliffs and miles of unspoilt beaches constantly pounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Relax in the unhurried town of Vila Nova and take a stroll down to the harbour and explore the old quarter. There is one longer climb today after Odeceixe where we climb for about a mile. Around 25% of the route today is on good off road. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 44 kilometres/27.3 miles (total 220 metres/722 feet accumulated ascent and 230 metres/755 feet descent).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Free day with optional ride to nearby beaches

Today is a well deserved free day in Vila Nova. Relax on the local beaches or take an optional ride to the nearby beaches (approximatively 28 kilometre/17.3 miles). Or why not trying kayaking or standup paddleboarding? You can easily hire a kayak or a board for a few hours on one of the local beaches of Vila Nova.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Continue cycling down the Vicentine Coast to historic Aljezur village

Today is our longest ride as we continue south on another ride past wild coastlines and white-washed fishing villages. The final part of our ride is in the Algarve region, whose name dates back to Moorish time mean simply 'the west' in Arabic. We see the 'untouched' Algarve on the Atlantic Coast, far removed from the golf courses and beach resorts further east. Today's cycle ride ends in in the charming historical village of Aljezur. We recommend a stroll around its compact and well-preserved old quarter and, time permitting; you can choose to visit the ruins of the medieval castle with great views over the surrounding area. Around 15% of the route today is on a unpaved surface. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 66 kilometres/41 miles (total 650 metres/2132 feet accumulated ascent and descent).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 7 Cycle past great wild beaches to Cabo San Vicente. Drive to Faro

Our final ride passes some of the greatest wild beaches on the west coast. There is one steady and gentle uphill at the beginning of the ride, then another couple later in the day. Our final destination is the headland of Cabo San Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Portugal and of mainland Europe. After celebrating the end of our ride we will drive for around one-and-a-half hours on to our hotel in Faro. Around 8 kilometre/5 miles of the route today is on a slightly rougher, unpaved surface. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 54 kilometres/33.5 miles (total 760 metres/2500 feet accumulated ascent and 730 metres/2400 feet descent).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 8 Trip ends in Faro

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Faro. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Faro at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO), which is a fifteen-thirty minute drive away.

Meals Provided : Breakfast