Description
This tour is an excellent opportunity to get to know the Algarve on two wheels. Tavira and Lagoa are two of the most historic and important cities of Southern Portugal, preserving several of their cultural and historical features.
In this package, we propose a stay of 4 days in Tavira and 4 days in Lagoa, enough to cover the eastern and western roads of the Algarve. We have no doubt that you will be fascinated by the cities, the castles, the fortresses and the natural landscapes, from the hills to the coast.
We are certain you will fall in love with the Algarve!
Â
Highlights
- 2 Hotels accommodation to fully explore the Algarve region
- The city of Tavira;
- Alcoutim and Guadiana river;
- Lagoa, Carvoeiro Beach and Cliffs;
- Portimão and Lagos;
- Serra de Monchique and Fóia;
- Sagres and the west wild coast;
- White sandy beaches;
Â
Program
Day 1: Welcome to the Algarve
Upon arriving in Faro, a member of the Bikesul staff will warmly welcome you, providing detailed information about the region and the Tour. Then, the transfer will take you directly to the hotel in Tavira. After the check-in, take the opportunity to explore the city and the area along the Gilão River.
Accommodation in Tavira.
Day 2: The Guadiana River and Alcoutim (110kms/69mi - 1200m/3940ft elevation gain- Level 3)
On the first day of cycling, you will cover the entire Lower Guadiana region, with superb panoramic views over the mountains, the Odeleite and Beliche dams and the Guadiana river, a natural border between Portugal and Spain.
The goal is to reach Alcoutim, a small village on the bank of the Guadiana River, which was a smuggling port between Portugal and Spain for many years.
Then comes the hardest part of this first day when entering the mountain roads, however, the return to the hotel will be made more downhill, with a magnificent view of the coast and the sea.
Accommodation in Tavira.
Day 3: Conquering the "Serra" (80kms/ 50mi - 980m/3215ft elevation gain- Level 3)
On this day, a large part of the "Serra de Tavira" will be covered. A demanding route, through low traffic roads, where you can enjoy the peaceful and green landscape of the Algarve's interior. This route will pass through small towns in the mountains, such as Umbrias de Camacho, Alcaria do Cume and Malhada do Judeu, which preserve the authenticity of the times when the countryside was lived.
Accommodation in Tavira.
Day 4: Recovery Day and visit to the city of Tavira (45kms/28.5mi - 250m/825ft elevation gain - Level 1)
A day to recover your energies by taking a soft ride, without any difficulties, along the coast. Thus, you can enjoy the company of the Ria Formosa, a natural reserve, protected due to its enormous biodiversity. However, if you prefer, you can choose to stay and visit the city of Tavira and its cultural resources. In addition, you can enjoy the white sandy, golden beaches of Tavira's Island, Santa Luzia or Cabanas.
Accommodation in Tavira.
Day 5: Crossing the Algarve - From Tavira to Lagoa (100kms/62.5mi - 1200m/4000ft elevation gain - Level 2)
This will be the longest day on the bike, which will take you to cycle along the roads of the Algarve barrocal, that local cyclists ride all the time, passing through villages like Salir, Alte, São Bartolomeu de Messines and Silves.
With Tavira behind, you will cross the central area of ​​the Algarve towards the city of Lagoa, in the western Algarve. Bikesul will be responsible for transporting your luggage to the new hotel in Lagoa, where you will be staying for the second half of your vacation.
Accommodation in Lagoa.
Day 6: The Costa Vicentina (90kms/56.25mi - 950m/3200ft elevation gain - Level 2)
Leaving Lagoa, the first part of this day will be done along the coast passing by the famous towns of Praia da Luz and Burgau. Towards inland pass the village of Barão de São João. Here, the landscape is characterized by extensive fields of undergrowth and small shrubs, which extend in all directions. You will be fascinated by the views over the Bravura dam with the Monchique Mountain Range in the backdrop.
The last part of the route is through the barrocal, passing Portimão before you finish at your hotel.
Accommodation in Lagoa.
Day 7: Serra de Monchique and Conquest of Fóia (100kms/60mi - 1350m/4455ft elevation gain- Level 3)
A physically demanding day that will take you to the highest point in the Algarve, Fóia, at an altitude of 904m.
The first half will almost always be uphill passing the small village of Casais, then bypassing Fóia already in the heart of the Serra de Monchique. The ascent to the top will be made by a rural road through the North access. After reaching the top and contemplating the 360º view over the western Algarve, it will be time to go down the main road to Monchique. Then follow to Alferce to descend through a nice car free road with great views.
Accommodation in Lagoa.
Day 8: Departure
If you have some time left, you can stroll through the city of Lagoa or Portimão.
Transfers to the airport will be arranged but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with a few recommendations.
What's Included
- 7 nights of accommodation Bed & Breakfast, 4 nights in Tavira and 3 nights in Lagoa (half board basis available upon request );
- Transfer from and to the airport;
- Luggage transfer between hotels;
- Briefing and travel road book;
- BikeSul App with navigation function or GPS device with pre loaded courses;
- KTM Revelator 105;
- Saddle bag with an extra inner tube, levers, mini pump;
- Helmet;
- Bikesul exclusive water bottle offer;
- Bikesul jersey offer;
- Personal Accidents and liability Insurance;
- Nutrition and Hydration Kit;
Not Included:
- Flights;
- Lunches;
- Any beverages consumed with meals that are included in the package;
- Extra equipment non-specified as included;
- Mini-bar and extra consumptions not mentioned on the program;
- Personal expenses;
- Travel Insurance;
Extras:
- Side and handlebar bags;
- Extra-nights (under availability);
- Bike Upgrade;
Bike Rental
This Tour includes:
KTM Revelator 3500 Shimano 105 11s (Carbon)
Available for upgrade:
KTM Revelator Alto Elite Shimano Ultegra 11s (Carbon)
KTM Revelator Ultegra Di2 11s (Carbon)
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance:
Our tours include Personal Accidents and Liability Insurance only while riding. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. We strongly recommend that you take out a policy for your travel which covers delayed baggage, medical repatriation and other areas.
Please note: Our cycling tour is a "living thing", being influenced by multiple factors such as weather conditions, group riding abilities and trail damage, to name a few. Your local guides are experts in guiding cyclists and will be continually assessing these factors making tweaks to the itinerary where necessary to ensure that every member of the group has the best experience possible.
Safety and Responsibility
Your safety and pleasure on this event are of paramount importance to us. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the routes we choose are safe, enjoyable, challenging but still within each rider’s ability. All routes are carefully evaluated for their safety and we avoid hazards and traffic as much as is practicably possible. We expect every rider to attend the daily briefings to familiarise themselves with each day’s route.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To check and read our terms and conditions for Tours and Cycling Holidays pressÂ
here
Dates and Prices
Self-Guided - Minimum 2 persons
From November to March*: from 950€
October, April and May*: from 995€
June or September*: from 1,169€
*Â (price per person, except festive days, based on double/ twin room shared accommodation)
HB Supplement: 150€
Guided - Minimum 4 persons (for larger groups, tour prices upon request)
From November to March*: from 1.340€
October, April and May*: from 1.410€
June or September*: from 1.630€
*Â (price per person, except festive days, based on double/ twin room shared accommodation)
HB Supplement: 150€
Please Log in to share your experience
LOGIN