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Algarve Coastal Route: From the Spanish Border West Along the Sea

  • 4.1

    (7)

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  • 7 nights | 25 miles/day
  • Difficulty Level: 2
  • Self-guided from: €950
  • View Dates

Level of difficulty

Tours using road, hybrid or touring bikes:

  1. Mostly flat
  2. Flat with some gentle slopes
  3. Rolling, hilly terrain
  4. Some long and/or steep climbs
  5. Extensive climbing

Tours using mountain bikes:

  1. Mostly flat, wide trails
  2. Some gentle slopes, wide trails
  3. Rolling, hilly terrain and/or narrow trails
  4. Some long and/or steep climbs and/or technical trails
  5. Extensive climbing and/or highly technical trails

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  1. Variety: Choose from more than 200 tours offered by local operators in 35 countries.
  2. Advice: Our informed advisors help you choose the trip that's right for you.
  3. Lower cost: You pay local tour company prices—less than what big American companies charge.
  4. Great exchange rates: Pay low rates thanks to the millions of dollars in foreign currency we buy each year.
  5. Convenience: We handle the full booking and payment process.
  6. Support: We’re your advocates from initial planning through final pedal stroke.
Tour Type: Guided Self-guided
Description

Tour description

Experience Portugal's "Ecovia do Litoral," a cycle route linking Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Spanish border with Cabo de Saifo Vicente (Sagres) in the west. The Algarve is often called Europe's sunniest spot and offers year-round cycling for travelers seeking a warm Mediterranean breeze.

The 146-mile/235km route combines trails in nature preserves with stretches on low-traffic roads and car-free paths. You'll wind along the coastline between fishing villages with Moorish architecture, cobbled lanes, and Roman ruins. Beaches, lagoons, and inlets offer the perfect spot for rest breaks and a snack.

This program affords a relaxed pace and plenty of time off the bike to experience stunning coastal vistas or linger over a traditional Portuguese lunch along the way.

Note: You may start this tour on any date, year-round (minimum of 2 participants). Prices shown are for May-Oct, 2019. If you wish to book a tour starting in Jan-Apr or Nov-Dec, please inquire for prices.

Highlights

  • Vila Real de Santo Antonio
  • Tavira, a charming old fishing town that has been around since Roman times
  • Olhao, an old fishing town, known for its Moorish style architecture
  • Traditional Algarvian village of Boliqueime
  • Quaint fishing village of Salema
  • Cabo de Sao Vicente

Learn more

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Program

Daily program

Note: You may start this tour on any date, year-round (minimum of 2 participants). Prices shown are for May-Oct, 2019. If you wish to book a tour starting in Jan-Apr or Nov-Dec, please inquire for prices.

Day 1: Arrival at Vila Real de Santo António
Your tour operator will transfer you from Faro airportto Vila Real de Santo António and equip you with your bicycle for the tour.
Overnight in Vila Real de Santo António.

Day 2: Vila Real de Santo António – Tavira (19 miles/31 km)
Following a well marked route, with supplied maps, you will cycle west towards Tavira, a charming old fishing town that has been around since Roman times, your destination for this day’s cycling.
Overnight in Tavira.

Day 3: Tavira – Olhao (19 miles/31 km)
Today's ride continues west towards Olhao and passes through unspoilt coastal countryside and quaint fishing villages. Your destination in Olhao is a charming little hotel set right in the heart of the old fishing town, renowned for its moorish style architecture. It's the perfect place to sample local specialities at local prices!
Overnight in Olhao.  

Day 4: Olhao – Vilamoura (25 miles/40 km)
Your third day on the Algarve Coastal Cycle Route takes you through the regional centre of Faro and onwards past the prestigious golf resorts and the seafront at Quarteira, to your overnight stay in Vilamoura, with its marina full of luxury yachts and a good selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Overnight in Vilamoura.

Day 5: Vilamoura – Praia da Rocha (35 miles/55 km)
Another interesting day’s cycling through the popular resort of Albufeira and inland through the traditional old town of Lagoa, then on to Portimão and Praia da Rocha. Here you will stay in a charming hotel next to the old fort on the sea front.
Overnight in Praia da Rocha.

Day 6: Praia da Rocha – Praia da Luz (24 miles/39 km)
Today you cycle through the fishing village of Alvor, towards bustling Lagos, a likely stop-over for lunch and a little exploration. Continuing on through the well known coastal resort of Praia da Luz. There are lots of cafes and shops along the promenade and often market stalls and artists displaying their work, so it's worth getting here in time to explore.
Overnightin Praia da Luz. 

Day 7: Praia da Luz – Cabo de São Vicente (24 miles/39 km)
Your final day of the cycling tour takes you through some dramatic and interesting scenery and on to the southern most point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente. The nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historical interest, provide plenty of opportunities to explore. The tour operator will collect you and return you to a quaint hotel, set in a quiet square in the heart of the old market town of Loulé. Loulé is an explorer’s haven, with its narrow cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants. So there are plenty of opportunities to buy last minute souvenirs and to sample local delights before your flight home tomorrow.
Overnight in Loule.  

Day 8: Departure
Departure day. If transfer is needed to the airport, the tour operator will arrange this.

Surface and terrain

This tour is on a mixture of dirt tracks and mostly traffic-calmed roads. It features relaxed cycling with occasional hills and distances of up to 35 miles per day.

Approximately 65% quiet roads, 30% dirt tracks, and 5% main roads with shoulder.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Your hotels will be located within easy reach of a choice of places to eat and explore.

Vila Real de Santo António – Apolo Hotel
www.apolo-hotel.com

Tavira –Residencial Mares
www.residencialmares.com

Olhão – Pension Bicuar
www.pensionbicuar.com

Boliqueime – Hotel São Sebastião
www.hotelboliqueime.com

Praia da Rocha – Hotel Vila Lido

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Faro, Portugal
Nearest train station: Loulé, Portugal

The tour operator will arrange pick-up from airport in Faro. They can also do pick-ups from the Loulé train station, located a convenient 1 km from the bike fitting shop.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Map

Route map

Maps reflect your approximate overnight locations and do not reflect your actual cycling route.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Daily: year-round, 2019 (minimum 2 persons)
Off season: May 01, 2019 - May 31, 2019, Oct 01, 2019 - Oct 31, 2019
Low season: Jun 01, 2019 - Jun 30, 2019
Shoulder season: Jul 01, 2019 - Jul 31, 2019, Sep 01, 2019 - Sep 30, 2019
High season: Aug 01, 2019 - Aug 31, 2019

Prices

Tour package
Per person, double occupancy
€950
Low season surcharge
€60
Shoulder season surcharge
€180
High season surcharge
€260
Support vehicle (per group)
€800
Tour guide (per group)
€800
Luggage transfer, per group (for groups with no support vehicle)
€210
Bike Rentals
Electrically assisted bike
€120

Included services

  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels and holiday apartments with breakfast
  • Airport transfers
  • Welcome briefing
  • Hybrid touring bikes, Trek Navigator
  • Route assistance where necessary
  • Detailed maps and route suggestions

Note: To customize your desired level of support on this self-guided tour, you may book additional support services including luggage transfers, a guide, support van, and/or GPS system.

Bike rentals

Bikes available and included in the tour package (must be reserved at time of booking) include:

  • Hybrid touring bike, Trek Navigator

Bikes available to rent (must be reserved at time of booking):

  • Electrically assisted bike

More about the hybrid tour bikes:
These solid, reliable touring bikes come with shimano twist shift gears, sprung seat post and comfy seat and front suspension, comfortable upright riding position. These bikes come with gel filled tubes and typically have a very good puncture record. There will probably also be some Giant hybrid tourers, probably the Giant Sedona model , featuring 24-speed click shift shimano gears, front suspension and comfy upright riding position.

The hybrid bikes come equipped with:

  • Rear luggage racks (can be supplied with one or two pannier bags as required)
  • Handlebar bags and trip computers can also be supplied upon request

Pedals
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets
Helmets are available. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Tour Company Terms

Terms & Conditions

Please note: Instead of operating bicycle tours ourselves, BikeTours.com represents local bicycle tour operators around the world. Review the tour operator's information and terms below, then submit your booking request through BikeTours.com. The primary benefits of booking your tour through BikeTours.com include:
  • Lower cost: You pay local tour company prices—less than what big American companies charge
  • Variety: Choose from more than 200 tours offered by local operators in 35 countries.
  • Advice: Our informed advisors help you choose the trip that's right for you.
  • Great exchange rates: Pay low rates thanks to the millions of dollars in foreign currency we buy each year. Or pay in euros!
  • Convenience: We handle the full booking and payment process.
  • Support: We’re your advocates from initial planning through final pedal stroke.
Contact us with any questions about booking and paying for your tour through BikeTours.com. We look forward to serving you!

Algarve Bike Holidays Terms and Conditions

Cancellation or changes to your holiday

The tour operator reserve the right to make cancellation charges as follows:

  • 60 days or more prior to departure:  50% of the deposit paid
  • 31 to 60 days prior to departure:  50% of all charges paid
  • 15 to 30 days prior to departure:  75% of all charges paid
  • 14 days or less prior to departure:  100% of all charges paid.

If you need to make alterations to your holiday after your deposit has been received and accepted by thetour operator, we’ll do our best to help, but this may incur an additional charge.

Alterations inside 8 weeks before departure would, in effect, be a cancellation and re-booking.

In February 2005 a Europe-wide law relating to denied boarding, delays and cancellation of flights came into force. This law granted rights to passengers including in certain circumstances the right to cancel their flight and receive reimbursement of the cost of the flight from their airline.

Full details of these rights are publicized at EU airports and are also available from affected airlines. However, you should note that reimbursement of the cost of a flight that forms part of your holiday is the responsibility of your holiday airline and will not automatically entitle you to reimbursement of the cost of your holiday from us. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Air Transport Users' Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk

Force Majeure
We cannot accept liability or pay compensation where your booking or holiday is affected by 'force majeure' or Act of God. In the context of these terms and conditions, 'force majeure' is any event that we could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. These events include but are not limited to war, threat of war, flood, explosion, sabotage, riot, civil commotion or strife, hostilities, industrial dispute, natural disaster, fire, acts of God, terrorist activity, nuclear disaster, adverse weather, government action, technical problems with transportation or other events outside our control.

Client’s responsibility
During the tour the client is responsible for the rented bike. The bike cannot be left unattended and must be handled properly. If the bike is stolen or if any part is damaged due to misuse, the client must pay for the respective loss. Our rental bikes are checked regularly. However, it is the responsibility of the client to satisfy themselves that the rental bike is in roadworthy condition. Clients are responsible for their own safety and should be able to ride competently on a variety of road surfaces and traffic conditions. You participate at your own risk and no person(s) or organization(s) can be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss to yourself.

All photos used by permission. ©Algarve Bike Holidays

Reviews

Ratings

Ratings Snapshot

  • 5 Star 2
  • 4 Star 4
  • 3 Star 1
  • 2 Star 0
  • 1 Star 0

Average Ratings

  • Overall

    4.1

  • Difficulty level (Actual vs. expected) 3.4
  • Value 4.1
  • Included meals 4.4
  • Bikes & equipment 3.4
  • Hotels or boat 4.7
  • Scenery 4.7
  • Ease of navigation 4.1
  • Tour documents 3.9
  • Local tour company services 4.3
  • Route selection 4.4

Reviews

NoPensionWillTravel December 9, 2018

Sunny Cycling in a Very Popular Spot

The tour operator provided very responsive and friendly service throughout this trip. The hotels were excellent, being mostly four-star (although we're usually happy with two or three.) We particularly liked the staff at the Hotel Apolo in Vila Real de Santo António. As the description says, this is one of the few places you can cycle warm, sunny weather in Europe in late November! We would caution prospective riders to do their research, though. If, like we, you imagine the Algarve as quaint and quiet - as it may have been in the past - you may be surprised at how built up it has become. We were rarely out of sight of high-rise hotels or flashy marinas. The "fishing villages with Moorish architecture, cobbled lanes, Roman ruins, beaches, lagoons, and inlets" all exist - but there's a lot of development in between, and growing. And this also means traffic and more challenging cycling. When we see a "2" rating, we usually expect we could invite capable non-cyclists, but in this case, the preponderance of busy, sometimes narrow roads, and complex traffic circles made us glad we didn't have newbies with us. So, do your homework - but if you know what to expect, this is a well-run operation with nice bikes and a super GPS route-finder.

Chuck1 December 19, 2017

Great adventure !!!

This was a wonderful trip.
Other than 2 issues I thought this was a well planned trip, great hotels / flawless luggage connections / good route aided by supplied GPS.
The 2 issues were :
The bicycles were not very good. Shifting was erratic as they obviously hadn’t been tuned prior to our trip.
The other issue was the promosed transfer to the airport at the end of the trip did not happen, we waited almost an hour in the hotel lobby only to hear through the consierge that the ride to the airport was not happening forcing us to catch a cab and rushing to make our flight connection.

Responses from Biketours.com

Brittany January 18, 2019
Chuck, thanks so much for your thoughtful review. We're glad to hear that you had a great time but sorry that you had some troubles. I'll follow up with you via email to make things right. Thanks again!
DebbieFL September 18, 2017

Debbie & Phyllis' Excellent Adventure

This was our 7th trip with Biketours.com, and one of our favorite routes, by far. The route was spectacular, and unlike a few of our previous trips - the towns were we spent the night each offered a delightful mix of sightseeing & dining options to take advantage of. And we can't say enough about Fred and the rest of the group at Algarve Bike Holidays. From the materials they provided ahead of time to the extra TCL by helping us with a flat on Sunday afternoon, so we didn't lose time on Monday waiting for the local bike shop to open - they went above and beyond. The hotels were particularly nice - some of the best breakfast buffets we've experienced so far. This was the first time we took a trip that was guided via GPS - and it is definitely the way to go!

Shiftin July 15, 2017

Beautiful Algarve!

Cycling in Portugal was an amazing adventure! The scenery was exceptional, the routes were mostly flat, some hills at the end of the week, food along the coast (grilled fresh fish, fruit and vegetables) was all part of a very special week. Fred, part owner in Algarve Bike Holidays, could not have been more friendly and supportive. We were provided with a Garmin that had the routes already downloaded. We were a little challenged with this when construction blocked our route. Regardless, we always made it to our end location which included large resort hotels as well as quaint bed and breakfast inns. We went in July which turned out to be exceptionally hot so be sure to carry lots of water and start your trek early in the morning.

PeteN September 30, 2016

Algarve Coastal Route

Very enjoyable scenic route. Great seafood, excellent weather (September). Good logistics. Challenging in parts however, due to traffic on roads and more hills than expected. We were glad to have ebikes. Tires supplied were not up to the trails and we suffered several punctures. I recommend checking equipment carefully before setting out.

Shifty September 27, 2016

Good trip

The scenery, transportation and accommodation were top notch. Several of the bicycles were difficult to shift, no water bottle holders and poor tread (five punctures). The GPS supplied did not always follow the route. The comment about most road riding is on traffic calmed roads is not correct. If any of your group has trouble riding in traffic you may want to look elsewhere. Having said all that I would repeat the trip after addressing the comments above.