Discovering the Algarve by racing bike

Day 1: Vila Real de Santo António
Upon your arrival in Algarve, a transfer will take you to Vila Real de Santo António, an interesting historical center on the banks of the Guadiana River, which forms a natural border between Portugal and Spain. Largely requalified after the great earthquake of 1755, Vila Real de Santo António was recreated on a grid system, but still retains a character of its own. The central square, with its relaxing atmosphere, oranges, and cafes, is the ideal place to spend the first evening: enjoy the local atmosphere savoring local food and fresh local wine before starting your journey through the Algarve.

Day 2: Vila Real de Santo António – Loulé (71 km; +765 m)
After breakfast, you'll head towards the ancient settlement of Castro Marim, enjoying panoramic views of the river up to Spain. If you leave early enough, you can take a trip to the Salt Spa, located in the salt pans just before reaching Castro Marim: here you can spend an hour discovering the traditional industry of salt production and enjoy a mud bath in the warm, mineral-rich salt waters all year round. You will then pass by the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve: established in 1975, this nature reserve is the oldest in Portugal, with an area of 20 km² of marshes and salt pans. From here you will pedal along the local railway line to the town of Vila Nova de Cacela, before crossing the EN125, the main road that crosses the entire Algarve, to the picturesque coastal village of Cacela Velha, a tiny village situated on a hill overlooking the lagoon with a small church and the remains of an 18th-century fort. Fabrica can also be an interesting detour: sipping a coffee by the sea, you can watch the locals collecting shellfish. From here the tour continues along quiet dirt roads, through the picturesque fishing village of Cabanas, before passing by the salt pans in Tavira, home to a castle, an old Roman bridge, and a wealth of traditional architectural styles. Tavira is built on both sides of the Gilão River, which creates two distinct parts of the town, and its numerous cafes and restaurants make it an ideal place to stop for lunch and take a leisurely stroll. You will then pedal along the river out of town through pristine countryside to São Brás de Alportel, a typical Algarvian urban town, which was the hub of the cork industry. A short stretch will take you to the market town of Loulé: the town is a paradise for explorers, with its cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, and the small shops, bars, and hidden restaurants.

Day 3: Loulé – Silves (65 km; +700 m)
After breakfast, you'll pedal towards the hilltop village of Querença: in the beautiful church square, you can enjoy some local biscuits with your morning coffee. Querença is famous for its agricultural products, just like the rather strong medronho (a kind of fruit brandy) and the famous chouriço (smoked sausage). You will then cross the valley on a main road free from traffic, dotted with small towns and villages. Finally, you will reach the charming village of Alte, famous for its white-painted houses and its freshwater springs. There is a beautiful church in the centre of the village, surrounded by cafes and craft shops, selling locally produced goods. A coffee and pastel de nata (custard tart) on the back terrace of the pasteleria Agua Mel is a must. You will continue along quiet, undulating roads to Messines, a typical farming town, with narrow streets and another beautiful little church. You will then enter lush green valleys, with small villages and farms amidst dense vegetation and pedal to Silves, a charming town on the banks of the Rio Arade. Rich in history, Silves was once the Moorish capital and is still home to the best-preserved castle in the Algarve. Home to an annual medieval festival, one of the largest in the region, Silves is normally a town suspended in time. Here there are many bars and restaurants serving local cuisine in the cobbled alleyways, where you can dine in tranquility, and a café right at the entrance of the castle where they play live music.

Day 4: Silves – Sagres (74 km; +735 m)
Heading west, towards the southern tip of Portugal, you can enjoy spectacular scenery as you approach the rugged coast around the fortress of Sagres and the high cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente, the southernmost point of Portugal and Europe. On the way, there's plenty to see as you pedal through the Algarve countryside, which is largely unspoiled by tourism and overlooks the coastal resorts. Leaving the town of Silves, you will pedal following the River Arade for a while before veering slightly north towards the hills of Monchique. You will travel along quiet, winding roads, surrounded by farms and forests, before reaching Odiáxere, a typical Algarvian village with a square and its daily market of local produce, as well as a beautifully preserved old windmill. From here you'll pass through several towns and villages, where you can really get an idea of how the locals live. There will be plenty of cafes and village squares to stop in, or churches and traditional architecture to admire. This part of the Western Algarve is known as the true Algarve and is absolutely a must-see, in contrast to the beautiful, but busier, beach scene for which this region is better known. The locals are friendly and there's plenty to discover! For the more adventurous, there are many opportunities to try some of the lesser-known local dishes, such as Perceves (shellfish), Javali (wild boar), Lebre (hare), Perdiz (partridge) and Codorniz (quail). Arriving in Sagres from Vila do Bispo, you will then approach the wild Atlantic coast. Sagres is a delightfully quiet town with beautiful beaches, a picturesque port, a very pretty square, and breathtaking views, and also hosts a 15th-century fortress.

Day 5: Sagres – Aljezur (60 km; +550 m)
Leaving Sagres, you'll have the opportunity to visit Cabo de São Vicente, home to what is said to be one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. It's about a 12 km detour, but it's worth it. After pedaling through wildflowers and along the jagged rocks of the cliffs, you'll continue on a long-tree-lined road stretching for miles. An ancient village, Pedralva, which has been resurrected from a heap of abandoned ruins, perhaps deserves a brief detour. You'll then continue on a hilly road before stopping for lunch in Carrapateira. Carrapateira is a village of fishermen and farmers and is the perfect place to spend a bit of free time. From the easily accessible Pontal da Carrapateira peninsula, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the cliffs and cliffs that descend towards the Atlantic and, on a clear day, you should see the lighthouse of Sagres in the distance. Continuing north, the scenery changes as you approach Aljezur, an ancient Moorish town located in a lush green valley built on both sides of a river that flows through the valley. Now you have entered the land of the sweet potato, of which Aljezur is considered the capital. They are said to produce the tastiest varieties due to the weather conditions and sea air. So it's probably the best place to taste them cooked in traditional ways.

Day 6: Aljezur – Monchique (38 km; +930 m)
Today's stage is shorter, but challenging. But it's worth it! Today's destination, Monchique, is a market town in the Serra de Monchique, a forest-dense mountain range that separates the Algarve from the Alentejo wine lands. The journey to Monchique offers spectacular scenery and is completely different from the Algarve coast. Leaving Aljezur, you will tackle a steep climb to the small hamlet of Pedascas, where your efforts will start to be rewarded by enchanting views over the Algarve. The road becomes more hilly towards Marmelete, where there is one café used to welcoming those undertaking this breathtaking climb for a bit of refreshment. After Marmelete the route becomes easier through pine-covered hills, before descending through some of the steep valleys that surround Monchique. Monchique is the perfect place to end your journey today: a peaceful and relaxed town, with friendly people and some fabulous restaurants offering spectacular views. Also, the nearby Caldas de Monchique hosts some traditional hot baths, where you can rest your tired legs and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation! But you might still feel full of energy and so, what better way to complete your adventure than by doing the last 8 km of climbing from Monchique to Foia, the highest peak in the Algarve? It's a stretch that is undertaken by local and professional cyclists and, on clear days, offers the best views over the Algarve to the coast.

Day 7: Monchique – Albufeira (60 km or 70 km; +496 m)
Although you'll head from the mountain to the sea, today's route is not all downhill: you'll make a small detour through the quiet hillside village of Alferce, before a winding descent to the Barragem (reservoir) of Odelouca. Mostly quiet and flat roads will take you through unspoiled countryside up to the picturesque town of Silves. A former Moorish capital, Silves is rich in history: it's a lovely town on the banks of the Rio Arade and hosts the best-preserved castle in the Algarve. It's a good spot for a break; a short hop up to the castle will lead you to a pleasant square with an excellent café, popular among locals and visitors. You'll then pedal your way through the traditional farming town of Algoz and the small but lively Guia. Birthplace of the famous Pollo Piri Piri, Guia is full of places claiming to be the original restaurants, the first, the kings of Piri Piri! So you can easily choose and enjoy a simple, cheap, and hearty meal, before setting off for the last stretch of your journey. The last kilometers will take you through the famous Adega do Cantor vineyard, founded by Sir Cliff Richard. These gentle hills will be your last postcard of the Algarve countryside as you descent towards the coast to reach the famous seaside town, Albufeira, where you'll spend the night.

Day 8: Albufeira
After breakfast, a transfer will take you from your hotel to Faro airport or, if you're returning from Lisbon, to a local train station for your return journey.