Cycling Tour along the Algarve

Your bike tour in the Algarve begins in Sagres. The small town has a fortress, the Fortaleza de Sagres, which you should visit immediately after check-in at the hotel. N umerous myths entwine around the fort, which was originally built in the time of Henry the Navigator. Or how about a short trip to the Cabo de São Vicente? The light house, located above the 60-meter-high barren cliffs, marks the southwestern point of the European mainland. Hundreds of years ago, the end of the world was thought to be here. In the evening, at Praia do Tonel, you can watch not only the expansive beach, but also the sunset.

If you didn‘t have a chance to visit Cabo de São Vicente on yesterday‘s bike tour in the Algarve, you‘ll have plenty of opportunity to do so today. Over gentle hills you will reach the fishing village of Salema, on whose beach a longer bathing break is worthwhile. Via Burgau we continue towards Lagos. On the headland south of the city, a grandiose landscape awaits you: jagged rocks form a labyrinth of caves and rock needles jutting out of the water. It is amazing what has been created solely by the power of nature. Ponta da Piedade is particularly worth seeing. The tip of a headland is one of the most beautiful rock formations in the Algarve and makes an excellent photo opportunity. You will spend the night in the harbor town of Lagos.

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Cycling towards the morning sun, you will first reach the beach of Meia. Take a refreshing dip in the sea before getting back on the saddle. Via the small town of Odiáxere with its church worth seeing in the style of Emanuelism and Baroque, you will head to Alvor. In this town, which is not far from the coast, it is worthwhile to stop for lunch, which you can spend in a typical restaurant with freshly caught fish. Portimão is the largest city in the western Algarve. The most famous beach of the town is Praia da Rocha. It offers golden rock formations and a wide range of leisure activities.

After crossing the Arade River, you will pass olive, cypress, orange and cork oak trees and return to the sea via Lagoa. About halfway, it is worth stopping at the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. The chapel is located on a narrow headland and offers a beautiful view of the roaring waves of the Atlantic. Continue on to your overnight destination of Albufeira. The city center nestles picturesquely on a spacious bay. Not far from the center is the Praia dos Pescadores. Formerly a place for fishermen, today it is one of the city‘s most popular beaches.

Your bike tour today takes you to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. On the way you can stop at the many sandy beaches, which invite you to take a break and sunbathe. Via Vilamoura, which was established as a vacation resort only a few decades ago, you will reach Faro. Just outside Faro is the Ria Formosa Nature Park. It is one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. The lagoon-like park provides a protected habitat for fish and birds among the numerous channels, mudflats and sandbanks. In Faro, a walk through the Centro histórico with its city gates and old churches is a must.

Today‘s stage first takes you a few more kilometers through the Ria Formosa Nature Park to Olhão. Take a coffee break in the lively market hall before cycling via the fishing village of Fuseta to your destination of the day, Tavira. Palaces, churches, the ruins of the castle as well as the river Gilão flowing through the middle of the town determine the townscape. Spend the evening at the Gilão with a typical Portuguese meal and delicious wine.

Not far from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, you will cycle to the small town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio on your Algarve bike tour. It lies on the Guadiana, the border river between Portugal and Spain. Built in the 18th century in just a few months, the neighboring Spain should be impressed. As you stroll through the city, you will certainly notice the chessboard-like arrangement of the streets. You will then follow the Guadiana north for a few kilometers before cycling back to Tavira.

After breakfast you start your individual return journey home or extend your stay.