Day 1 Arrival

Upon your arrival in the Algarve, we will collect you and take you to your first hotel in Loule, just a few kms up the road from Faro. Loulé is a quaint traditional market town that has escaped mass tourism and retains a traditional and relaxed feel. It’s an explorer’s haven, with narrow cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants. You could easily spend an hour or two strolling through the fascinating old town with its quaint old buildings, visiting the town’s art galleries, museums and chapels, and picking up souvenirs at the indoor market. Later you can dine on fresh local produce and finish your evening off with a coffee and liqueur in one of the many street cafés that are frequented as much by locals as visitors.

Day 2 Cycle to Alte: (35km/569m elevation gain)

Today’s ride heads into the rolling hills northwest of Loulé, through quiet villages, small hamlets and working farmland, where you will immediately begin to see a different side to this region. It’s a genuine opportunity to soak up the relaxed atmosphere that is the cornerstone of life in the real Algarve.

Leaving Loulé town behind you, the traffic will quickly start to thin out as you cycle towards the hill-top village of Querença. This is a worthwhile diversion if you don’t mind adding an extra climb to your day. It’s just a short hop up to the beautiful church square, where you can enjoy some local biscuits with your morning coffee. Sitting outside the authentic and welcoming cafe, taking in the tranquil setting and beautiful backdrop of the small church is the real attraction here. You will need to tear yourself away from this but there is a lot more to see as you cross the valley to join a surprisingly quiet main road. With sweeping country scenes to your left and right, this road leads you past the traditional working town of Salir, where you can add a quick loop that takes in Rocha de Pena, a natural rock that offers 360 degree views if you are energetic enough to climb to the top.

From here you will cycle along mostly traffic-free roads, with sweeping country scenes to your left and right. Finally, you reach your destination, the charming village of Alte, famous for its fresh water springs. There is a beautiful church in the centre of the village, surrounded by cafes and craft shops, selling locally produced goods. A short stroll around the village will reveal some lovingly restored houses and lots of little surprises, including a village donkey!

Day 3 Cycle to Silves: (34km/300m elevation gain)

Leaving Alte village on the West side, just past the cemetery, you will cycle quiet, undulating roads to Messines – a typical agricultural town, with narrow streets and yet another church as the centre piece. On the other side of town you will enter lush green valleys, with tiny hamlets and farmsteads amidst an abundance of thick vegetation. Following some fabulous dirt tracks you will then skirt the Barragem do Arade (a huge reservoir that is one of a few providing much needed water to the region) where, again, you can expect to be overwhelmed by the totally unspoilt surroundings and dramatic views. There’s a little climbing involved, but you get to cycle across the huge dam and then freewheel down afterwards, so you’re well rewarded.

As you approach Silves you cannot miss its imposing castle, the best-preserved in the whole of the Algarve. It is a place steeped in history, once the Moorish capital, and you will certainly want to make the most of your stay here. The views from the castle over the town and the surrounding countryside justify the rather steep ascent along narrow cobbled streets. There’s a café just by the entrance to the castle where they play live music, a great spot to while away an hour or two. Despite playing host to an annual Medieval Festival (one of the biggest in the region), Silves is ordinarily a sleepy town, where you get the real feeling of taking a step back in time as you wander through the myriad of back streets. There are lots of local cafés and restaurants, where you can have a leisurely dinner, so just take your pick.

Day 4 Cycle to Lagos: (43km/505m elevation gain)

This is another lovely day’s ride, full of contrasting scenery as you track your way down to the coast. From Silves town centre you will head west along the river (not before stopping for a photo on the old roman bridge). It is a gentle meandering route that follows the river valley amongst fields of cork and carob trees. You may be surprised to find yourself cycling away from the coast for a short spell, but this is to avoid the main roads and it takes you across the foothills of the Monchique mountains. It is a truly spectacular region with winding roads and views that will take your breath away. Before heading South you might want to stop in the tiny village of Casais for a quick coffee. Then it is a free wheel down the mountain until you reach Odiaxere, a charming village displaying rural authenticity and a square that serves as a shady gathering place for locals, providing you with an ideal lunch stop. Feeling refreshed you will wind your way down through country lanes towards Lagos. It’s a bustling town with lots to offer; from the pristine and expansive 4km Meia Praia beach, the modern marina and waterfront restaurants, to the lively town square and the maze of cobbled streets within the old city walls.  You will want to take time out to explore it thoroughly.

For dinner there are lots of places to choose from, including traditional local restaurants, tapas bars, cafes and bakeries, plus international options. Many of these are concentrated around the marina, the river and the old town, all of which provide a very pleasant backdrop whilst you enjoy your last night’s meal.

Day 5 Departure

From here we will transfer you for your journey home.

Note

Prices are per person based upon two people sharing a twin/double room

Discounts are available for large groups

Included

• 4 nights B&B accommodation in good hotels
• X 1 Garmin and map – per group
• Airport / train transfer in Algarve upon arrival & return
• Quality bike and equipment hire. Options for upgrade to E-Bike
• Luggage transfer.

Not Included

• Your flights
• Lunches & evening meals, lunches can be had in cafes along the way and evening meals at local restaurants or in some cases at the hotel
• Insurance , which we recommend that you have.