This 7 day traverse of the Algarve region in the south of Portugal is a magnifique gravel cycling holiday. Spectacular views, perfect gravel, smiling people all around, excellent food and great hospitality make this a bucket-list trip that you should not miss!

- Fantastic gravel quiet roads
- The eastern Algarve, the "Sotavento"
- The Ria Formosa and the stunning coastal view from Cacela Velha
- The magnificent trails of the typical barrocal area from the Algarve
- Traditional villages from the countryside
- Alte traditional village and way of life
- Funcho and Arade lakes
- Silves historical city
- Caldas de Monchique centenary thermal complex
- Monchique mountain range
- Costa Vicentina and the Cabo de São Vicente.

Day 1: Arrival in the Algarve and Tavira

Upon arrival at Faro Airport, a Bikesul representative will greet you. Following a brief introduction, they will transfer you to your hotel in Tavira. This historic city boasts plenty of remains from past civilisations. You can easily explore the city centre on foot or by bike from your hotel.

Accommodation in Tavira.

Day 2: The Sotavento of the Algarve (63 km, 650m elevation)

Your first day of activity features a circular route through the eastern Algarve. You'll explore the region's inland area, beginning with the Serra de Tavira. You'll then enter the forest of Santa Rita and finish along the coast by the Ria Formosa. This is undeniably the perfect way to kick-off your Algarve gravel adventure.

Accommodation: Tavira

Day 3: The Ria Formosa, Barrocal and the Serra do Caldeirão

Tavira > Alte (85 km, 1200m elevation)

Today, you'll say goodbye to Tavira and begin cycling westward along the Ria Formosa and coastal area until you reach the charming village of Fuzeta.

From this fishing village, you'll head north through the Barrocal, noticing a change in both terrain and landscape. Following a gradual climb, you'll pass the delightful village of São Brás de Alportel before entering the municipality of Loulé through the Serra do Caldeirão. En route to the traditional village of Alte, you'll pass through other small, traditional villages like Querença, Salir and Benafim.

In Alte, be sure to wander the narrow cobbled streets and explore this lovely place.

Accommodation: Charming countryside B&B

Day 4: The Historic City of Silves

Alte > Monchique (80 km, 1500m elevation)

This day begins with a stunning, easy and peaceful ride to São Bartolomeu de Messines. On your way to the historic city of Silves, you'll enjoy a wonderful gravel road alongside the Funcho and Arade lakes. In Silves, take some time to visit the medieval castle and explore this small city, once the first capital of the Algarve.

Next, you'll tackle the Serra de Silves with its steep climbs and descents. The final part of the day will be challenging as you ascend to Monchique.

Accommodation: Monchique

Day 5: The Monchique Mountain Range and the Atlantic Southwest Coast

Monchique > Vale da Telha (Aljezur) (77 km, 1200m elevation)

This stage comprises two distinct sections. The first takes you through the Monchique mountain range, beginning with a climb of Fóia, the highest peak in the Algarve at 900 metres above sea level. A long descent will then lead you to the wild beaches of the Atlantic southwest coast, also known as the "Costa Vicentina."

End the stage in the famous surfing spot of Vale da Telha.

Accommodation: Aljezur

Day 6: The Vicentine Coast and Cape St. Vincent

Vale da Telha > Sagres (73 km, 900m elevation)

On your final cycling day, you'll ride along the Vicentina coast, arguably the best gravel route in Europe! Expect wild scenery with a perfect gravel surface overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you'll be delighted by wild beaches, surf spots and impressive cliffs.

Before reaching Sagres, you'll visit Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwesterly point of Europe, which will undoubtedly be a memorable moment. Here, you can visit the lighthouse and fort perched atop the cliffs.

Accommodation: Sagres

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, a transfer service will be provided. However, if you're planning to extend your stay, please let us know and we can offer some suggestions.

- 6 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis in manor houses and seaside 3* and 4* star hotels;
- Transfer from Faro airport to Tavira upor your arrival;
- Briefing;
- KTM Gravel Bike 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;
- 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:
- Extra-nights (under availability).
 

This tour includes:
KTM X-Strada Gravel Bike Rental










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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