Best of the Algarve by Road Bike

Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival in the Algarve, you'll be collected from Faro Airport and transferred to your first destination - Vila Real de Santo Antonio - an interesting old town on the banks of the Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.
Overnight in Vila Real de San Antonio.

Day 2: Vila Real de Santo Antonio – Loulé
44 miles/71 km; 765m elevation gain

After breakfast, you'll receive your bike and a briefing for the tour. The first day's cycling starts with a gentle ride along the coast towards Tavira, an elegant old town dating back to the Roman era. From here, you'll head inland through unspoilt countryside where few tourists venture, encountering São Bras de Alportel – a typical Algarvian working town, which offers a mixture of old and new. From here, it's only a short onward ride to the market town of Loule, an explorer's haven with its narrow cobbled streets sequestering atmospheric restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.
Overnight in Loule.

Day 3: Loulé – Silves
40 miles/65 km; 700m elevation gain

Venturing north into the rolling hills, you'll find yourself on fabulous winding roads leading to the hilltop village of Querença, a perfect place to sip a superb coffee with splendid views. Passing through Alte, famous for its white painted houses and freshwater springs, you'll head towards the barragens (reservoirs) before cycling on to Silves.

Once the Moorish capital, Silves is steeped in interesting history and home to the best-preserved castle in the Algarve. A very atmospheric place to explore!
Overnight in Silves.

Day 4: Silves – Sagres
46 miles/74 km; 735m elevation gain

Heading west towards the southern tip of Portugal, there are a few hills and frequent headwinds, so this ride can be challenging. However, it's well worth the effort to experience the dramatic scenery that unfurls as you approach the rugged coastline around the Sagres fortress and high cliffs of Cape St. Vincent (the southernmost tip of Portugal and Europe).
Overnight in Sagres.

Day 5: Sagres – Aljezur
37 miles/60 km; 550m elevation gain

Enjoy a fabulous day of riding as you venture northwards up the unspoilt western coast of Portugal to Aljezur. Aljezur is an ancient Moorish town situated in a lush green valley and built on either side of the winding river.

Starting out from Sagres, there's the option to visit Cape St. Vincent (12 km detour) if you decided not to yesterday. Passing through Vila do Bispo and onwards to Carrapateira, choose again whether you'd like to take the 5 km detour to the Pontal Headland, a great viewpoint that provides a lovely mid-journey cafe/lunch stop. The road ahead to Aljezur is straightforward with a few hills but with pleasant scenery every pedal of the way.
Overnight in Aljezur.

Day 6: Aljezur – Monchique
24 miles/38 km; 930m elevation gain

Today's ride is not about the distance but the climb! It's an initially steep cycle that becomes more gradual as you make your way to Marmelete and beyond. Upon reaching Monchique, a market town in the Serra de Monchique mountain range, you'll discover panoramic views from the thickly wooded mountain region that separates the Algarve from the winelands of Alentejo. The journey up to Monchique is totally different from the coastal views of the Algarve. When you arrive, you'll have myriad choices of places to stop for refreshments, before journeying a little further along to your hotel.
Overnight in Monchique.

Day 7: Monchique – Albufeira
37-44 miles/60-70 km; c.496m elevation gain

There are many options for the route down to the coast today! Our recommendation is neither the shortest nor longest option, but instead one which offers great scenery and more quiet roads. Passing through Silves again and onwards into several sublime little villages, you'll reach your final destination in Albufeira. This bustling tourist town boasts lots of things to see and do. You'll be staying in a good quality 4-star hotel within walking distance of Old Town, where you can discover atmopsheric restaurants and bars, perfect for celebrating the end of your cycling trip!
Overnight in Albufeira.

Day 8: Departure

You will be transferred you from your accommodation to Faro Airport for your journey home. Don't want the adventure to end? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Portugal.