Trans Algarve Cycling 8D

A pure adventure through the deepest soul of Algarve!
An incredible cycling route along Portugal's most southern region, from the border with Spain until Sagres, where you reach Cape São Vicente, the place where the land ends and the sea begins. In the meantime, you will have a taste of what the Algarve has best to offer. Ride along valleys with mediterranean vegetation, clear water streams and typical villages. Explore the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a lagoon system that extends itself over 60km of coast with hundreds of different birds. Discover the lovely Moorish town of Silves or the cliff site of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos. Nothing is missing in this trip, only you!

Tour difficulty: Fit

Day 1. Arrival.
Welcome to Algarve! In Vila Real de Santo António you will find an interesting old town on the banks of Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal. The town is full of character and not particularly touristy. Enjoy your rest here because tomorrow new adventures await you!

Day 2. Bike Vila Real De Santo António to Tavira (35km +250m)
Let's start smoothly! Your first day of cycling is a gentle ride along the Ecovia do Litoral. The way will pass through the coast of Monte Gordo and Cacela Velha, where you have the best view over Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is wild paradise with clean water and blue shaped landscapes. Your trail will roll over the Sapal area, with huge variety of birds above your head, look up and record the moment. Arriving at Tavira take sometime to explore a mix between Roman, Arab and Christian architecture heritage!

Day 3. Bike Tavira to Marco (37km +400m)
After a great breakfast start still along Ria Formosa, ready for an experience of contemplation in one of the most beautiful natural parks of the country. After that your riding will be among small villages, old roads and rural paths crossing a vast area of orange trees. Take a deep breath, pick up a fruit and sit down between green and orange fields. Towards Marco village you will feel the landscape changing and among Mediterranean vegetation arrive at Pego do Inferno the most beautiful waterfall in the Algarve. Such a day!

Day 4. Bike Marco to Alte (56km +1100m)
Today is the most challenging day rolling up and down through the hills, very close to Algarvean mountains, but well worth the effort for the tremendous breathtaking scenery. After that you will meet small villages with Moorish architecture details and historical references. A great choice of roads and trails will take you to the lovely hillside village of Alte, famous for its white painted houses, fresh water springs and delicious pastry with fig and corob. Look for the famous fountains and dive in natural swimming pool.

Day 5. Bike Alte to Silves (51km +1000m)
After wake up at the highest point of the tour and start riding towards Arade Dam. Today between fruit trees, green valleys, blue sky and some unique singe tracks enjoy one of the greatest experiences of this tour. Later discover a large forest of corkoak trees, which Portugal is a big producer and then gently cruise down the valley towards your destination. Silves is a is a lovely historic town in which worth to explore the castle and the Moorish architecture sites. Finish your day with a good meal with Castle view.

Day 6. Bike Silves to Lagos (49km +500m)
You leave Silves on asphalt through a valley following rural areas and fine golden sand beaches. Straight to the sea you must feel delight with incredible local culture and coastal fisherman lifestyle. You will cross a footbridge over the river Bensafrim and reach the city of Lagos the oldest town of Algarve, with evidence of the moorish wall surrounding the town. Lagos is also an historic center of the portuguese age of discoveries, home of the famous Henry the Navigator. Reserve sometime to walk at the down town and dinner.

Day 7. Bike Lagos to Sagres (58km +800m)
You will be dazzled! Even though today will be quite a challenging cycling with a few hills and irregular terrain, as you approach the rugged coastline around Sagres. Follow amazing trails along the cliffs passing through Ponta da Piedade, dramatic sceneries, caves and rocks with an amazing mixture of colors! Today you will be surrounded by nature, colors, smells and sounds. Close to Sagres you have the opportunity to step on the most southwest continental point of Europe, named Cape São Vicente. Enjoy your last night with Atlantic view.

Day 8. Transfer to the Lisboa Airport, Schedule in accordance to Flights. End of program.