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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 10 Nights |
| Distance: | 40 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily departures available year-round for parties of 2 or more. |
| Tour price: | €835 |
| Start city: | Faro, Portugal |
| End city: | Faro, Portugal |
By popular demand, we have developed this ten day road bike tour, which is based on our highly successful ‘Best of the Algarve’ hybrid tour.
It is designed as a self-guided riding experience, covering around 50km every day, taking advantage of a fantastic network of quiet tarmac roads that stretch across the whole of the Algarve. It can be adapted to suit your individual needs.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
By popular demand, we have developed this ten day road bike tour, which is based on our highly successful ‘Best of the Algarve’ hybrid tour.
It is designed as a self-guided riding experience, covering around 50km every day, taking advantage of a fantastic network of quiet tarmac roads that stretch across the whole of the Algarve. It can be adapted to suit your individual needs.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
This tour covers around 31 miles/50 km per day.
Day 1: Arrival
If you are arriving at Faro airport to start with, we will collect you and take you 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 Santo Antonio.
Day 2: Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Loule
Your first day’s cycling starts with a gentle run along the coast towards Tavira, an elegant old town dating back to Roman times. From there you will head inland through unspoilt countryside, where few tourists venture, to São Bras de Alportel - a typical Algarvian working town, which offers a mixture of old and new. Then it is only a short stretch on to the market town of Loule, an explorer’s haven with its narrow cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants.
Overnight in Loule.
Day 3: Loule - Silves
Leaving Loule and venturing north into the rolling hills, you will find some fabulous winding roads, almost traffic free, leading to the tiny hill-top village of Querença, a great coffee stop and a place to take in the splendid views. Passing through Alte, famous for its white painted houses and fresh water springs, there is the option to head towards the barragens (reservoirs) before aiming for the ancient old town of Silves. Once the Moorish capital, Silves is steeped with history. It is an enchanting town on the banks of the Rio Arade and home to the best preserved castle in the Algarve.
Overnight in Silves.
Day 4: Silves - Sagres
Heading west towards the southern tip of Portugal, there are some hills and very often headwinds, so this can be a challenging ride. But it is well worth it to experience the dramatic scenery as you approach the rugged coastline around the fortress at Sagres and the high cliffs at Cape St Vincent (the southernmost tip of Portugal and Europe).
Overnight in Sagres.
Day 5: Sagres - Aljezur
This is a fabulous day’s riding, northwards up the unspoilt western coast of Portugal to your overnight stay in Aljezur, an ancient Moorish town situated in a lush green valley and built on either side of a river that runs through the valley.
Overnight in Aljezur.
Day 6: Aljezur - Monchique
This is a demanding ride, but well worth it. Monchique is a market town up in the Serra de Monchique, which is a thickly wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from the winelands of the Alentejo. The journey up to Monchique offers spectacular views and is totally different from coastal Algarve. It is a very quiet and relaxed place, which is ideal for pottering around and appreciating the fantastic views.
Overnight in Monchique.
Day 7: Rest Day
Today you have the chance to take a rest from cycling. You can either explore the old town of Monchique, relax and enjoy the sun or, if the day is clear, it is well worth trekking up to the highest point in the Algarve - Foia - which is 902 metres high. The view from here is fantastic - you can see from Cape St. Vincent in the west, to Faro in the east and to the Serra da Arrabida, near Lisbon, to the north!
Overnight in Monchique.
Day 8: Monchique - Lagos
With plenty of route options, this could be one of the easiest cycling days as it is mostly downhill to the coast, where your ultimate destination is the historical old port of Lagos. There is lots to see and do here as it is a bustling tourist destination full of wonderful restaurants and entertaining street life, with some great beaches nearby.
Overnight in Lagos.
Day 9: Lagos - Armacao de Pera
Heading back east, mostly along the coast, there is the chance to take in the pretty coastal towns of Alvor and Praia da Rocha before heading over to Armaçao de Pera. This is a popular tourist resort with an excellent beach that stretches miles.
Overnight in Armacao de Pera.
Day 10: Armacao de Pera - Loule
Your last day’s cycling back to Loule presents a choice of heading inland to the hills or cruising along the coast, via the Algarve's largest tourist resort of Albufeira. There is lots to see here; the old town with its pretty cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops; the marina with its sugar candy coloured apartments and not to mention the lovely sandy beaches. You can also take a detour through Vilamoura, a world famous golf and leisure resort, boasting a 1,000- berth marina that attracts the wealthy, yachtsmen, golfers, and celebrities alike.
Overnight in Louie.
Day 11: Departure
Daily departures available year-round for parties of 2 or more.
| Tour package (self-guided) |  |
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Please note that luggage transfers are not included but are available for 350 euros per party.
The hotels along the route will be 3-star and above.
Vila Real de San Antonio
Your hotel is a modern hotel right in the centre of town so everything is right on your doorstep. The hotel provides en-suite accommodation, air conditioning, bar and swimming pool and breakfast is included.
Loule
A short walk from the centre of Loule and close to many bars and great restaurants, this hotel features rooms with air conditioning, satellite tv and bars, breakfast room, roof terrace swimming pool and also a laundry service.
Silves
The hotel in Silves is a short walk across the Rio Arade from the town and offers splendid views of the town and of course the Castle at the heart of the town. The hotel provides good quality and relaxed accommodation and there is also an outdoor swimming pool.
Sagres
This modern boutique style hotel offers splendid accommodation in which to celebrate the end of your cycling day. Top quality individually designed boutique bedrooms with Air conditioning, LCD TV and mini bar are available. There is also a splendid tropical garden overlooking the beach in case you feel like a bit more sunbathing, if not relax in the Italian style coffee shop on site or try a pizza in the on site restaurant.
Aljezur
This newly-refurbished aparthotel is ideal for exploring the quaint town of Aljezur, which is built up on either side of the river. It has a fully equipped kitchen and is conveniently located near a supermarket, so you can relax and enjoy some home cooking. They also serve dinner in their restaurant, plus there are some great local restaurants in the town itself.
Monchique
This modern, sophisticated boutique hotel is in a stunning setting on the way between the hilltop town of Monchique and Foia, the highest point in the Algarve. Just ten minutes walk from a cluster of traditional Portuguese restaurants, the hotel has luxurious accommodation with panoramic views over the valley and the Atlantic ocean beyond.
Armação de Pera
Golden sandy beaches are only steps from the hotel, which faces the Atlantic ocean and is surrounded by beautiful coastline and quiet fishing villages. Dip in the outdoor pool as you take in the coastal panorama, enjoy a cocktail on the sunny terrace or go for a stroll on the promenade and watch fishing boats dock with hauls of fresh fish and seafood. Guest rooms are all ensuite and have wireless Internet.
The hotels along the route will be 3-star and above.
Vila Real de San Antonio
Your hotel is a modern hotel right in the centre of town so everything is right on your doorstep. The hotel provides en-suite accommodation, air conditioning, bar and swimming pool and breakfast is included.
Loule
A short walk from the centre of Loule and close to many bars and great restaurants, this hotel features rooms with air conditioning, satellite tv and bars, breakfast room, roof terrace swimming pool and also a laundry service.
Silves
The hotel in Silves is a short walk across the Rio Arade from the town and offers splendid views of the town and of course the Castle at the heart of the town. The hotel provides good quality and relaxed accommodation and there is also an outdoor swimming pool.
Sagres
This modern boutique style hotel offers splendid accommodation in which to celebrate the end of your cycling day. Top quality individually designed boutique bedrooms with Air conditioning, LCD TV and mini bar are available. There is also a splendid tropical garden overlooking the beach in case you feel like a bit more sunbathing, if not relax in the Italian style coffee shop on site or try a pizza in the on site restaurant.
Aljezur
This newly-refurbished aparthotel is ideal for exploring the quaint town of Aljezur, which is built up on either side of the river. It has a fully equipped kitchen and is conveniently located near a supermarket, so you can relax and enjoy some home cooking. They also serve dinner in their restaurant, plus there are some great local restaurants in the town itself.
Monchique
This modern, sophisticated boutique hotel is in a stunning setting on the way between the hilltop town of Monchique and Foia, the highest point in the Algarve. Just ten minutes walk from a cluster of traditional Portuguese restaurants, the hotel has luxurious accommodation with panoramic views over the valley and the Atlantic ocean beyond.
Armação de Pera
Golden sandy beaches are only steps from the hotel, which faces the Atlantic ocean and is surrounded by beautiful coastline and quiet fishing villages. Dip in the outdoor pool as you take in the coastal panorama, enjoy a cocktail on the sunny terrace or go for a stroll on the promenade and watch fishing boats dock with hauls of fresh fish and seafood. Guest rooms are all ensuite and have wireless Internet.
We have some TREK carbon fibre models available, which are ultra light weight and high spec bikes. These are the top of the range option, though there are some aluminium framed road bikes available also.
We have some TREK carbon fibre models available, which are ultra light weight and high spec bikes. These are the top of the range option, though there are some aluminium framed road bikes available also.
This tour features mostly quiet tarmac roads that take you through coastal towns and hilltop villages.
The tour is rated Moderate, and includes generally rolling or hilly terrain with average daily distances up to 45 miles (70 km.) It is for cyclists in good physical condition.
This tour features mostly quiet tarmac roads that take you through coastal towns and hilltop villages.
The tour is rated Moderate, and includes generally rolling or hilly terrain with average daily distances up to 45 miles (70 km.) It is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Faro, Portugal
Nearest train station: Faro, Portugal
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Faro, Portugal
Nearest train station: Faro, Portugal
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cancellation or changes to your holiday
Activity Algarve reserve the right to make cancellation charges as follows:
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.
Cancellation or changes to your holiday
Activity Algarve reserve the right to make cancellation charges as follows:
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.
