General

Cycling Week

Activity: One centre, guided
Bike type: Road bike (optional e-bike)
Duration: 7 nights, 6 days cycling
Activity Level: Intermediate
Accommodation: 4 star hotel
Daily Average: 95 km
Price: From €800

This holiday is ideal for enthusiastic cyclists who want to improve their fitness, whilst enjoying the excellent cycling conditions the Algarve has to offer. Our action-packed cycling programme includes 5 guided tours along scenic cycling routes.

Programme

Based in a quality 4 star hotel on the main beach in Albufeira, there will be plenty of time to recover from your day’s cycling, as the hotel features an outdoor pool, gym, wellness and spa facilities, including hydro massage and Turkish bath.

Below is our suggested cycling programme which, from experience, works well for most. However, routes can be altered to suit different groups, varying pace, distance and climbs according to ability.

Reviews

We are all very satisfied about our cycling trip and your organisation: it was all punctual, reliable, friendly…  not a single remark to be made! Our special thanks to Fred for the breakdown assistance the first day and his explanations about the routes!  We will surely promote algarve bike holidays among our cycling friends.  Thank you and all the best, hopefully 2021 will bring you more tourists! Best wishes, Johan (September 2020)

I booked in for the 5-day road cycling, guided tour with a rented carbon bike. Turning up on the Monday morning, my bike was adjusted quickly and efficiently by Marco, then we were off. I had a fabulous week – the scenery was beautiful, the coffee and cakes plentiful and Marco was an excellent guide – very knowledgeable about the area, adjusting routes on the move to suit our abilities, considerate, encouraging and challenging in the right amounts! Many thanks 🙂
Zoe T (June 2017)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival in the Algarve, we will transfer to your hotel accommodation in the lively fishing town of Albufeira. We recommend you plan to arrive Sunday, allowing you to join all of our 5 guided tours during the week starting Monday.

Day 2: Albufeira – Ferragudo: 77 km

After your morning briefing and bike fitting, you will head west along the coastal cycling route through Armação de Pêra, Benagil, Carvoeiro and on towards Ferragudo, a pretty village on the eastern bank of the Arade river. From here you will travel inland to the historical town of Silves, before returning to Albufeira along traffic calmed roads in the picturesque countryside.

Day 3: Albufeira – Benafim: 83 km

Today’s route takes you inland to Benafim, a small town set amongst rolling hills and countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the traditional tourist resorts. It is a little more challenging, but you are rewarded with superb views of the surrounding area, as well as the chance to savour the peace and quiet of agricultural life, amidst lush fields and cultivated farmland.

Day 4: Albufeira – Malhão: 90 km

Taking yesterday’s experience one step further, you will head into the central Caldeirão hills and join a classic training route up to the Alto de Malhão. It is a fairly long climb of 2500 metres and will test your fitness, but you will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you have completed an important stage in the pro Tour of Algarve!

Day 5: Albufeira – Querença: 101 km

This is a day to fully appreciate road cycling in the ‘real’ Algarve. Starting from Albufeira you will cycle inland to Tor, a traditional rural village that remains largely unchanged,  Gently cruising on low traffic, good quality roads it’s a picturesque circuit, avoiding major climbs and clocking up plenty of kilometres. It’s hard to resist a quick detour to Querença, though; a hilltop village, characterized by white houses and a medieval church. It’s a short, steep climb, but well worth a coffee stop to take in the parochial atmosphere and surrounding countryside views.

Day 6: Albufeira – Foía: 134 km

This is your last opportunity to make the most out of your time in the Algarve. Foía is the Algarve’s highest peak (902 mtrs) situated in the Monchique mountain range. The southern  and northern ascent of the Monchique slopes offers several route possibilities, with varied distances and altitude. We also have different options for your return to the coast, with routes between 120 and 160 kms. You can be sure that this last day of riding will take you through contrasting scenery and will be a satisfying finish to our guided group tours this week.

Day 7: Free Programme

Cyclists who arrived on Sunday have an extra day to finish off your holiday. You can spend it at leisure (there are plenty of activities available locally) or, if you opted for bike hire with us, the use of your top quality carbon fibre bike is included for this day. So you can take the opportunity to re-visit some of your favourite places, ending your week’s cycling in the Algarve.

Day 8: Departure

We will transfer you from your hotel for your journey home.

Prices

January€800
February€800
March€800
April€905
May€965
June€1265
July€1335
August€1480
September€1265
October€965
November€910
December€910

INCLUDED:

  • 5 guided tours
  • Daily briefing and route documentation
  • Detailed cycling map
  • B&B stay in 4 star hotel
  • Airport transfers
  • Cycling jersey
  • Water bottle
  • 1 bottle isotonic drink and energy bar daily
  • Secure bike storage
  • Bike washing and maintenance facilities

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Flights
  • Bike hire
  • Holiday insurance – recommended.

  • Prices are per person, based upon two people sharing a twin/double bedded room on a B&B basis.
  • Discounts are available for large groups, please contact us for details.
  • This cycling week is available all year round, but we need a minimum of 4 participants. Keep an eye on our spring time training weeks (see our Events page) in January, February and March. These cycling weeks have a similar set up and are open for individual participation.

EXTRAS:

  • Hire of a top quality road bike, full carbon fibre frame, Shimano 105 equipped, per week,  €105
  • Cyclist massages (these need to be booked the day before) €25
  • Safety helmet, €12 euro per week (we suggest you bring your own)
  • A choice of pedals, €18 euro per week (we suggest you bring your own)
  • Extra Isotonic, energy and recovery powders/drinks and energy bars available