Discovering the Eastern Algarve

Name: Discovering the Eastern Algarve
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 530 EUR
Availability: InStock

Algarve

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Tour

Bike Tours, E-bike tours

Duration

5 days

Distance

148Km

Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!

Weekend

2/5 Medium-Easy

Moderate-Easy, between 25 and 65 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 150 and 300 meters.

Linear

The starting point is different from the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Loulé
Upon your arrival in Eastern Algarve, a transfer will take you to the first hotel in Loulé, a few kilometers from the road to Faro. Loulé is a picturesque market town that has escaped mass tourism and retains a traditional and relaxed atmosphere. It is a paradise for explorers, with its cobblestone streets leading off the central Avenida, among small shops, hidden bars and restaurants. You could easily spend an hour or two strolling through the fascinating old town with its characteristic ancient buildings, visiting the city's art galleries, museums, and chapels, and appreciating the souvenirs from the covered market.
Later, you can dine on fresh local produce and conclude the evening with a coffee and a liqueur in one of the many outdoor cafes frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Day 2: Loulé – Tavira (54 km; +484 m)
Pedaling along the main avenue, past the market building and central fountain, you will take the road leading out of the city. You will cross the town of São Brás de Alportel, a blend of old and new that once thrived in the cork industry but now relies more on crafts and tourism. The old part of the town is particularly interesting, with a museum worth a visit. Leaving São Bras, the N2 will take you downhill towards the town of Estoi, famous for its well-preserved Roman ruins, Pousada palace, and the charming church square. Even quieter roads lead to Moncarapacho, a farming town with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and an Arab-style pink police station! From here it climbs steadily into a beautiful area of hills covered in pines and valleys full of oranges. You will follow the river's course as it winds through the hills along tree-shaded roads and down to Tavira, one of the most beautiful towns on the Algarve coast. Tavira hosts a castle, an old Roman bridge and is rich in traditional architectural styles. It is built on both sides of the Gilão river, which creates two distinct halves of the town. Numerous cafes and many restaurants make the town an ideal place to relax. The hotel overlooks the river and everything the town has to offer is easily within walking distance.

Day 3: Tavira – Vila Real de Santo António – Tavira (64 km; +468 m)
Pedaling inland from the coast, you will follow the Gilão river heading east towards Spain.
This beautiful countryside trip along quiet, almost deserted roads, and through farmland, will take you to the café in Vila Nova de Caçela, where you can take a break before continuing to Castro Marim, almost on the shores of the River Guadiana (border with Spain). Dominated by the old castle dating back centuries, Castro Marim is a city rich in history.
You will then reach the old border town of Vila Real de Santo António: mostly re-qualified after the great earthquake of 1755, Vila Real was recreated on a grid system but still retains a character of its own. The route back to Tavira runs along the coast and crosses the coastal resorts of Monte Gordo and Altura, as well as the ancient village of Caçela Velha, where you can enjoy remarkable panoramic views over the lagoon and towards the sea. After a relaxing stretch along dirt roads and quiet areas, passing through the picturesque fishing village of Cabanas and the salt pans, you will return to Tavira. There is the possibility of taking a train between Tavira and Vila Real for those who wish to shorten the stage.

Day 4: Tavira – Olhão (30 km; +182 m)
After breakfast, you will pedal along a fairly gentle stretch on the coast towards Faro, passing through the characteristic seaside village of Santa Luzia, famous for octopus fishing. Continuing to Pedras d'El Rei, you can spot the train that takes sunbathers to the vast Barril beach and the old tuna fishing village. The next stop will be Fuseta, where several fish restaurants with open-air charcoal grills and excellent views of the sea make this an ideal place to stop for lunch. From here you will continue along the Ecovia Litoral, a dedicated bicycle path that crosses the Algarve from east to west, to reach the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a UNESCO heritage site located on the low coast amidst a labyrinth of lagoons, canals, salt pans, and islands. The views across the salt pans, where salt is still cultivated using traditional methods, are simply breathtaking. Your final destination will be Olhão, still the hub of the fishing industry, but with a fascinating historical center, renowned for its Moorish-style architecture. It's the perfect place to taste local specialties! If time allows, you can take a ferry to one of the nearby small islands, where there are deserted beaches and other excellent fish restaurants. End of services and transfer for your trip home.

Day 5: Olhão
After breakfast, a private transfer will come to pick you up at your accommodation.

By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
Overnight stay and breakfast
GPS or navigation APP
Luggage transfer
Local telephone assistance 7/7
Bike rental
Detailed description and maps of the itinerary
Transfer from the airport/railway station to your first and from your last hotel

❌ What is not included?

Transfers not listed as "Included"
City tax
Tips
Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
Extras
Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"
Welcome briefing

💸 Cancellation fees

Time Range
Full refund
More 29 days of departure
75%
From 29 to 13 days before departure
50%
Up to 7 days before departure
Not refundable

Discovering the Eastern Algarve

To walk among the picturesque markets of Loulé
To visit the interiors and gardens of the splendid Pousada de Estoi palace
To stop in Moncarapacho, which boasts a unique pink police station in Arabic style
To reach Caçela Velha, where admire the panorama over the lagoon and towards the sea
To relax in a Portugal bike tour discovering the pristine Eastern Algarve Coast, among orange groves and small welcoming towns

🙋 Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own bike?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.