The Algarviana Route, starting in Alcoutim and ending in the Cape Saint Vicent, is a route of more than 300 kilometers, which crosses the rural Algarve and immerses itself in the nature of the region. The path is thought to have originated from an old Mozarabic religious trail, traveled in the Middle Ages by pilgrims from the Alentejo and the interior of the Algarve, towards the promontory of Sagres, where the relics of Saint Vicent were found.
This is not an easy journey and requires physical preparation because in total there are more than 7000 meters of elevation gain in just 6 days.
Along the way, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the landscape of the interior of the Algarve, composed of plants, rockrose, flowers, trees and shrubs such as arbutus, cork and carob trees.
In the towns and villages where the route passes through, friendly and welcoming populations keep the traditions of the rural world alive and transform what the land gives them into delicacies - arbutus brandy, liqueurs, honey, cheese or sausages are some of the products you can try.
The Algarve is much more than just "Sun and Beach" and the Algarviana route proves it!

- Journey along the Algarve's inland countryside;
- Cycling from the border with Spain to Cape St Vicente, the southwestern-most point of continental Europe;
- Immersion in the wild nature and hidden inland villages of the “real” Algarve;
- Diversity of trails and landscapes;
- Demanding and challenging courses;
- Taking a refreshing dip in the azure Atlantic Ocean.

Day 1 - Serra do Caldeirão (35 km / 22 mi, 710 m / 2330 ft elevation)
For this program we let you plan your own arrival in Faro.
The meeting point will be at the Marina of Faro early in the morning (between 8 and 9 am). Be prepared to ride as we will go directly from Faro to the small village of Barranco do Velho (40 minutes by car), the place where you will start cycling this journey.
As soon as you start cycling you will be faced with a breathtaking panoramic view! After a few kilometers in an uphill and downhill terrain, there is a long and high speed descent that takes you very close to the village of Salir.
Salir is a typical village in the interior of the Algarve, belonging to the municipality of Loulé. In Salir there was a rural Islamic settlement, initially an unfortified brickwork, with scattered houses, in direct contact with agricultural fields and small vegetable gardens and orchards. From the initial community defense of the village (castle-barn, with an abundance of silos), during the Almohad period, a rammed earth fortification emerged, of which only four towers and walls remain embedded in buildings that overlapped them.
Following a journey through agricultural fields and small settlements, we then climb the slope of the protected area of ​​Rocha da Pena to the town of Penina. Going down the hill you will first find the village of Benafim and then Alte, one of the best preserved traditional villages. The entrance to Alte is made by the magnificent Fonte Grande. Take the opportunity to explore the Village and why not take the opportunity to recover your energy at Bike Café Germano Bicirte.
Accommodation at Alte.


Day 2 - Through the Barrocal to Silves (50 km / 27 mi, 760 m / 2560 ft elevation)
Leaving the typical village of Alte and already in the Algarvian barrocal area, you will climb a bit to the place of Santa Margarida and then enter in a valley of enormous beauty that will take you to the friendly village of São Bartolomeu de Messines, already in the municipality of Silves. Leaving the village you will proceed to the Funcho dam.
After encircling the dam in a magnificent setting, you will arrive at the famous city of Silves, the first capital of the Algarve, which boasts a majestic medieval castle at the top.
Accommodation in Silves.


 
Day 3 - Serra de Silves and Picota (45 km / 28 mi, 1800 m / 5905 ft elevation)
Although not very extensive, this is the most demanding day, facing the Serra de Silves. Passing the Odelouca dam, there comes the hardest climb of this stage as from this entire Tour as well, the ascent to Picota!
Despite the difficulty, the stunning panoramic views over the Algarve and even over the Alentejo region will make up for the effort. The descent to Monchique is relatively technical and the trail winding.
On this day, however, you can opt for a more peaceful stage following from the Odelouca dam straight to Caldas de Monchique, which will allow you to arrive earlier and, eventually, relax in the medicinal spa of Monchique.
Accommodation in Caldas de Monchique.


Day 4 - Foia - Monchique's Mountain Range (73 km/45 mi, 1645 m/5413 ft elevation)
This sector connects Monchique to Praia da Luz, on the coast, being the longest stage of this tour, starting with a long and difficult climb to the highest peak of the Algarve, Fóia, with over 900 meters of altitude. Then follows a long descent through Marmelete that will take you to the Bravura dam.
The final part is along the beautifull countryside landscape of Lagos region, passing through small villages of the wild western Algarve such as Bensafrim and Barão de São João.
Accommodation in Praia da Luz.


Day 5 - The Costa Vicentina and the Atlantic Ocean (59.5 km/37 mi, 730 m/2395 ft elevation)
On this last day of activity you will have the opportunity to cycle along the coast with stunning views over the ocean, until you reach the small town of Burgau. Riding towards the inland, the landscape becomes wilder, with large pine forests.
The arrival at Cape Saint Vicent, the most southwestern point of Europe, will undoubtedly be a remarkable moment! There you can visit the lighthouse and the fort that are located on a cliff.
Accommodation in Sagres.


Day 6: Departure
After a relaxing and tasty breakfast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is time to pack and say "adeus".
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.

- 5 nights accommodation in B&B basis in typical countryside boutique inns, manor houses and seaside hotels (half board available on request)
- Transfer from Faro airport to Alcoutim upor your arrival;
- Briefing;
- E-MTB KTM Macina Team bike rental or KTM Scarp Elite carbon full suspension Rental;
- Helmet, lock and saddle bag with an extra inner tube and a mini pump;
- Luggage transfer between hotels;
- Bikesul dedicated App with navigation options;
- Bikesul exclusive water bottle offer;
- Nutrition and Hydration Kit;
- Personal Accidents and liability Insurance;
- Last day transfer from Sagres to Faro (airport or train station).

Not Included:
- Flights;
- Lunches;
- Beverages;
- 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).

 

This tour includes:

KTM Macina Team 293 E-Bike

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.

We recommend WorldNomads, whose policies are specially designed for bike holidays. You can arrange your insurance cover directly with them.

Please note: Our mountain bike 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 mountain bikers  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.

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.

To check and read our terms and conditions for Tours and Cycling Holidays press here