Coastal Portugal

Algarve Coastal Route

Tour Description: Guided

The Ecovia do litoral is a dedicated cycle route in Portugal that links Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border with Cabo de São Vicente (Sagres) in the west. The 133-mile/214km route combines trails in nature protection areas with stretches on traffic calmed or car-free routes.

Although the 214km is easily achievable within 4 days of cycling, some of our clients prefer to approach this trip in a more relaxed fashion, so we decided to offer this extended 7 night trip. This provides more relaxing cycling days and allows more time to investigate the contrasting sights along the way. Each of the hotels is located within easy reach of a choice of places to eat and explore.

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

The Ecovia do litoral is a dedicated cycle route in Portugal that links Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border with Cabo de São Vicente (Sagres) in the west. The 133-mile/214km route combines trails in nature protection areas with stretches on traffic calmed or car-free routes.

Although the 214km is easily achievable within 4 days of cycling, some of our clients prefer to approach this trip in a more relaxed fashion, so we decided to offer this extended 7 night trip. This provides more relaxing cycling days and allows more time to investigate the contrasting sights along the way. Each of the hotels is located within easy reach of a choice of places to eat and explore.

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• 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

Highlights: Self-guided

• 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

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

Average cycling distance is around 25 miles/40 km per day.

Day 1: Arrival at Vila Real de Santo Antonio
We will collect you from Faro airport and equip you with your bicycle for the tour. Then we will transport you and your bicycles over to Vila Real de Santo Antonio for your first night.
Overnight in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.  

Day 2: Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Tavira 
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
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.
Overnight in Olhao.  

Day 4: Olhao - Boliqueime
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 Marina at Vilamoura to the overnight stay in the traditional Algarvian village of Boliqueime.
Overnight in Boliqueime.  

Day 5: Boliqueime - Praia da Rocha
Another interesting day’s cycling through the popular resort of Albufeira and inland through the traditional old town of Lagoa, then on to Portimao 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 - Salema
Today you head towards Lagos, a likely stop-over for lunch and a little exploration. Continuing on through the well known coastal resort of Praia da Luz and then onto quieter resorts Burgau and your destination for today, the quaint little fishing village of Salema.
Overnightin Salema. 

Day 7: Salema - Cabo de Sao Vicente
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 Sao Vicente. The nearby town of Sagres with its ancient fort and sights of historical interest, provide plenty of opportunities to explore. We collect you and return you to a quaint boutique hotel, set in a quiet square in the heart of the old market town of Loule. Loule 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

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Daily departures, year-round, for parties of 2 or more

Packages and Prices: Guided

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
November-March Note: This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants.
Per person, double occupancy €685 Support vehicle (per group, per day) €100 Tour guide (per group, per day) €100 Luggage transfers (for groups who do not hire support vehicle) €210 Bike Rentals Bike rental included in tour price €0 High Season Surcharges April, May, October departures €20 June, September departures €100 July departures €190 August departures €200

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• Airport transfers
• Quality bike and equipment hire
• Detailed maps and route suggestions
• Cycling mainly on a mixture of dirt tracks and traffic-calmed roads
• Interesting towns to stay with a choice of good restaurants
• Good quality hotels/apartments along the route
• Route assistance where necessary
• Flexible arrival day enabling you to choose the best flights to suit you.

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Vila Real de Santo António – Apolo Hotel
http://www.apolo-hotel.com/default.aspx
This is a modern, comfortable hotel, situated in the heart of Vila Real de San Antonio, close to restaurants. The hotel rooms are equipped with private balcony, bathroom, air conditioning and satellite TV. There is also a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

Tavira –Residencial Mares
http://www.residencialmares.com/
The hotel looks onto the Rio Gilão, which runs through the centre of the town. It offers a simple and classic accommodation, in an ideal setting to explore the old town. Air-conditioned rooms are tastefully decorated and include en suite bathrooms. They are all equipped with TV and some open out onto private balconies with views over the river. For guests’ enjoyment there is a relaxing sauna, a sunny terrace with lounge chairs and free Wi-Fi connection. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Olhão – Pension Bicuar
http://www.pensionbicuar.com/
This is a cosy Guest House nestled within the cobbled streets and Moorish-style whitewashed houses of Olhão’s historic town centre, just a few minutes’ walk to the waterfront where restaurants, cafes & shops are plentiful. There are just fifteen rooms, a guest kitchen and a roof terrace overlooking the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and cable TV. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Boliqueime – Hotel São Sebastião
http://www.hotelboliqueime.com/
This is a bright, contemporary hotel is set right in the middle of the traditional Algarvean hillside village of Boliqueime. The hotel offers all modern amenities including ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, Internet, and a swimming pool. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Praia da Rocha – Hotel Vila Lido
http://hotelvilalido.com/uk/index.html
Surrounded by a little garden, this lovely boutique hotel overlooks Praia da Rocha, one of Portugal's most beautiful beaches, and is next to the old fortress, Santa Catarina, located above the new marina. As a small family hotel, it offers a personal service and the owners, Julia and Karla, do their utmost to make guests feel at home. It has 10 rooms, all with sea view, private bathroom with hairdryer, telephone, air-conditioning, satellite TV, internet access and mini-bar. 8 rooms also have a terrace. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

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

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Vila Real de Santo António – Apolo Hotel
http://www.apolo-hotel.com/default.aspx
This is a modern, comfortable hotel, situated in the heart of Vila Real de San Antonio, close to restaurants. The hotel rooms are equipped with private balcony, bathroom, air conditioning and satellite TV. There is also a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

Tavira –Residencial Mares
http://www.residencialmares.com/
The hotel looks onto the Rio Gilão, which runs through the centre of the town. It offers a simple and classic accommodation, in an ideal setting to explore the old town. Air-conditioned rooms are tastefully decorated and include en suite bathrooms. They are all equipped with TV and some open out onto private balconies with views over the river. For guests’ enjoyment there is a relaxing sauna, a sunny terrace with lounge chairs and free Wi-Fi connection. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Olhão – Pension Bicuar
http://www.pensionbicuar.com/
This is a cosy Guest House nestled within the cobbled streets and Moorish-style whitewashed houses of Olhão’s historic town centre, just a few minutes’ walk to the waterfront where restaurants, cafes & shops are plentiful. There are just fifteen rooms, a guest kitchen and a roof terrace overlooking the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and cable TV. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Boliqueime – Hotel São Sebastião
http://www.hotelboliqueime.com/
This is a bright, contemporary hotel is set right in the middle of the traditional Algarvean hillside village of Boliqueime. The hotel offers all modern amenities including ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, Internet, and a swimming pool. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Praia da Rocha – Hotel Vila Lido
http://hotelvilalido.com/uk/index.html
Surrounded by a little garden, this lovely boutique hotel overlooks Praia da Rocha, one of Portugal's most beautiful beaches, and is next to the old fortress, Santa Catarina, located above the new marina. As a small family hotel, it offers a personal service and the owners, Julia and Karla, do their utmost to make guests feel at home. It has 10 rooms, all with sea view, private bathroom with hairdryer, telephone, air-conditioning, satellite TV, internet access and mini-bar. 8 rooms also have a terrace. The accommodation here is on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

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

Bike Rentals: Guided

For this tour, we offer Trek Navigators hybrid bikes. They are very solid and reliable touring bikes with shimano twist shift gears , sprung seat post and comfy seat and front suspension , comfortable upright riding position. These bikes come with rear luggage racks and can be supplied with one or two pannier bags as required. Optional handlebar bags and trip computers can also be supplied. These bikes come with gel filled tubes and typically have a very good puncture record. For 2013 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 .

Mountain bikes are also available and feature Trek 3900 or similar, a good solid basic mountain bike with front suspension, Shimano 27 speed click shift gears. Optionally available are slightly better quality bikes, usually Trek or Giant with hydraulic brakes and generally better spec gear changes and lighter weight frames. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

For this tour, we offer Trek Navigators hybrid bikes. They are very solid and reliable touring bikes with shimano twist shift gears , sprung seat post and comfy seat and front suspension , comfortable upright riding position. These bikes come with rear luggage racks and can be supplied with one or two pannier bags as required. Optional handlebar bags and trip computers can also be supplied. These bikes come with gel filled tubes and typically have a very good puncture record. For 2013 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 .

Mountain bikes are also available and feature Trek 3900 or similar, a good solid basic mountain bike with front suspension, Shimano 27 speed click shift gears. Optionally available are slightly better quality bikes, usually Trek or Giant with hydraulic brakes and generally better spec gear changes and lighter weight frames. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

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

The tour is rated leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.  

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

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

The tour is rated leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.  

How To Get There: Guided

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

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

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

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Activity Algarve: Guided

Activity Algarve, established in 2006, is based in the centre of the Algarve region of Portugal, an area well known for its warm climate and which is ideal for all year round mountain biking, cycling and walking, as well as a wide range of other outdoor pursuits.

Through our many cycling activities, day trips and bespoke holidays, we have introduced well over 500 individuals to the hidden gems of the Algarve in the last year alone, helping them to make the most of their time in Portugal, opening their eyes to the best of what this sunny region has to offer, from glorious sandy beaches and coves to quaint inland villages that seem to have stood still in time.

For the more independent traveller, we can arrange self-guided tours, providing you with all the information you need to explore the many wonders of the Algarve. Alternatively, we can provide a complete service including airport and luggage transfer, technical support and local guides. We offer a diverse range of tours covering all terrains suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrid tourers. Plus, whatever your level of fitness and cycling ability, we have routes to match.

Why Activity Algarve? Owner Paul Beesley has an unrivalled knowledge of excellent cycling routes within the Algarve. In the last year he has personally covered over 10,000 kms of cycling. Activity Algarve is based centrally, meaning we can easily transport clients from Faro airport to any part of the Algarve. We have been established for over five years and have excellent contacts with local accommodation and can provide information on a variety of local places of interest.

We have a range of self-guided tours already established; these are tried and tested holidays and have evolved in response to the needs of our clients over the last few years. Additionally, we can provide bespoke tours. Just tell us what you are looking for and we are happy to use our local knowledge and our biking experience to create a special holiday for you.

Tour Company Background: Activity Algarve: Self-guided

Activity Algarve, established in 2006, is based in the centre of the Algarve region of Portugal, an area well known for its warm climate and which is ideal for all year round mountain biking, cycling and walking, as well as a wide range of other outdoor pursuits.

Through our many cycling activities, day trips and bespoke holidays, we have introduced well over 500 individuals to the hidden gems of the Algarve in the last year alone, helping them to make the most of their time in Portugal, opening their eyes to the best of what this sunny region has to offer, from glorious sandy beaches and coves to quaint inland villages that seem to have stood still in time.

For the more independent traveller, we can arrange self-guided tours, providing you with all the information you need to explore the many wonders of the Algarve. Alternatively, we can provide a complete service including airport and luggage transfer, technical support and local guides. We offer a diverse range of tours covering all terrains suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrid tourers. Plus, whatever your level of fitness and cycling ability, we have routes to match.

Why Activity Algarve? Owner Paul Beesley has an unrivalled knowledge of excellent cycling routes within the Algarve. In the last year he has personally covered over 10,000 kms of cycling. Activity Algarve is based centrally, meaning we can easily transport clients from Faro airport to any part of the Algarve. We have been established for over five years and have excellent contacts with local accommodation and can provide information on a variety of local places of interest.

We have a range of self-guided tours already established; these are tried and tested holidays and have evolved in response to the needs of our clients over the last few years. Additionally, we can provide bespoke tours. Just tell us what you are looking for and we are happy to use our local knowledge and our biking experience to create a special holiday for you.

Terms and Conditions: Activity Algarve: Guided

Cancellation or changes to your holiday

Activity Algarve 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 Activity Algarve, 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 publicised 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 organisation(s) can be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss to yourself.

Terms and Conditions: Activity Algarve: Self-guided

Cancellation or changes to your holiday

Activity Algarve 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 Activity Algarve, 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 publicised 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 organisation(s) can be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss to yourself.