Embark on a journey that will take you to discover the Barrocal region, located between the coast and the mountains. This is an area formed by limestone elevations, called ravines, covered with undergrowth, such as shrubs and myrtle. In the more clayey and fertile lands from the barrocal, come the mixed rainfed orchards, made up of carob, fig, almond and olive trees.
Between hills, valleys and watercourses, some villages and towns emerge, proudly preserving its old habits and customs thanks to the resident population.
Due to its geography, with an average altitude between 100 and 300 m, traveling by bicycle through the typical barrocal is one of the best ways to explore this area of ​​the Algarve.
Enjoy the traditions, culture and natural beauty that only the interior of the Algarve can offer you!

- The Algarve´s typical Barrocal region;
- Crossing the Algarve from the boarder with Spain to the Atlantic coast on the west;
- Nature and rich fauna;
- Traditional villages;
- Close contact with the local population;
- Coutryside style accommodation;

Day 1 – Arriving in the Algarve
When arriving in Faro, a Bikesul staff member will welcome you, providing you with details about the region and the tour. After that, the shuttle will take you to the hotel in Vila Real de Santo António, a village in the southeastern edge of the Algarve coast. After the check-in, take the opportunity to explore the village and if you have the time, take the ferry boat (ticket not included, available directly on the port) to visit the spanish village of Ayamonte just on the other side of the river.
Accommodation in Vila Real de Santo António.

Day 2 - Vila Real - Marco (50 km/32 mi - 540 m/1770 ft Total elevation)
This is the first day of cycling, that starts from your hotel door in Vila Real de Santo António. Just a few meters away by the ferry boat port, 3 long routes have their starting point.  The Eurovelo 1 or Ecovia route, the GR-15 and the new barrocal touring route, specific for bike touring.
This route departs along the "Sapal" towards Castro Marim,  a small historic village through a quite easy flat cycle path.
After Castro Marim you will ride west and will later face the first hills of this journey. But don't worry, they are short and easy! Enjoy the panoramic view at the top over the "sotavento algarvio",  a therm used to define the eastern Algarve.
The next town is Tavira, one of the most beautiful cities of the Algarve. We recommend you to cycle or walk along the historical center of the city, that still has traces from different civilizations. Have a drink in one of the nice coffee shops at "Praça da República".
The course that connects Tavira to Marco revels hidden natural beautiful places as the "Pego do Inferno" waterfall .
Accommodation in Marco.

Day 3 - Marco - Alte (52 km/33.5 mi - 750 m/2460 ft Total elevation)
On this third day you will cycle through the central area of the Algarve, which has many points of interest. Just after you start cycling you will pass by the small traditional village of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. Here you can visit the "cooperativa" to learn how the typical liqueur "medronho" is made or visit the olive oil producer. 
Following the route you will then gently climb to one of the most traditional  municipalities of the Algarve, São Brás de Alportel, a place that still maintains its roots. 
Following the Alportel valley you will enter what is the largest municipality in the Algarve, Loulé. The "Fonte Filipe" fountain marks the beginning of the Algibre stream, boasting an unique natural beauty. Shortly after, you will come across the short but demanding climb to Querença, which will be well worth the effort for the beauty of this small village. You will then pass through the protected area of ​​the "Fonte da Benémola", before going up to the magnificent village of Alte.
Accommodation in Alte.

Day 4 - Alte - Silves (44 km/27.5 mi - 350 m/1148 ft Total elevation)
This stage is marked by the large citrus groves and rainfed trees, crossing typical localities such as Paderne, Tunes and Fonte Louseiros. The arrival in the city of Silves, the first capital of the Algarve, is evident by the panoramic view over the city with its medieval castle on the top. 
Accommodation in Silves. 

Day 5 - Silves - Pedralva (66 km/41 mi - 670 m/2198 ft Total elevation)
The longest stage of this tour connects the central Algarve to the western Algarve. The landscape becomes wilder, the land less cultivated and the population density is lower. On this day, localities such as Barão de São João, Barão de S. Miguel and Budens stand out. You will spend the night in the village of Pedralva, which has been restored to rural tourism accommodation, keeping its original features.
Accommodation in Aldeia da Pedralva.

Day 6 - Pedralva - Aljezur (54 km/29 mi - Elevation 600 m/1968 ft Total elevation)
This last day will be special due to the wild beauty of the Costa Vicentina. Leaving the village of Pedralva behind you will cycle along the Carrapateira stream that leads to the fascinating and famous Bordeira beach. If the weather allows, take the opportunity to dive in this paradise beach in the Atlantic ocean.
The final kilometers will take you through Arrifana and Vale da Telha, passing through another place that will remain in your memory, the Monte Clérigo beach. Before going to the hotel, you can visit the castle of Aljezur and enjoy the panoramic views over the village and the surrounding area!
Accommodation in Aljezur.

Day 7 – Departure
We have reached the end of the trip.
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.

• 6 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis (half board basis available upon request);
• Transfer from and to the airport;
• Luggage transfer between hotels;
• Briefing and travel road book;
• App bikesul with navigation function or Gps device with pre loaded courses;
• Bicycle Kross Trans 7.0 rental equipped with signaling lights;
• Saddle bag with an extra inner tube, levers, mini pump;
• Helmet;
• Bikesul exclusive water bottle offer;
• Personal accident and liability insurance;
• Personal expenses;

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;
• Travel Insurance;

Extras:

• Side and handlebar bags;
• Eletric Bike Upgrade;
• Extra-nights (upon availability);

This tour includes:

 Kross Trans 7.0



Available for Upgrade:

KTM Macina Sport E-Bike

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

Self-Guided - Minimum 2 persons

From November to February*:  from 625€
From October to March*: from 669€
From April to June, September*: from 725€

* (price per person, except festive days, based on double/ twin room shared accommodation)

Guided - Minimum 4 persons

From November to February*:  from 935€
From October to March*: from 990€
From April to June, September*: from 1.109€

* (price per person, except festive days, based on double/ twin room shared accommodation)