The Algarve by road bike between coasts and hills

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 redeveloped after the great earthquake of 1755, Vila Real de Santo António has been recreated on a grid system but still maintains a character of its own. The central square—with its relaxing atmosphere, orange trees, and cafes—is the ideal place to spend your first evening: soak in the local ambiance while savouring fresh local food and wine before setting off on your tour through Algarve.

Day 2: Vila Real de Santo António – Tavira (72 km; +950 m)
After breakfast, you will head towards the ancient settlement of Castro Marim, enjoying panoramic views across the river to Spain. If you start early enough, you can tour the Salt Spa, located in the salt pans just before arriving at 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 waters all year round. Heading towards the sparkling waters of the Beliche reservoir, you will traverse typical forgotten villages of the Algarve, amid the stunning mountain scenery of the Serra de Tavira until you reach the picturesque coastal village of Caçela Velha, a small town situated on a hill overlooking the lagoon with a little 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 carries on along dirt and quiet roads, through the quaint fishing village of Cabanas, before making your way through the salt pans to 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 enjoy a leisurely walk.

Day 3: Tavira – Faro (80 km; +1040 m)
Leaving Tavira's main square, you will follow the river north towards the Barrocal region, known as the orchard of the Algarve, with its numerous colourful spring flowers, fruit trees, and lime-washed houses. From here you will head towards São Brás de Alportel, once a hub of the cork industry. This is the start of the Caldeirão mountain range, which forms a significant divide between the Algarve and Alentejo. As you cross through the scenic village of Alportel, you will be faced with a rewarding climb to Barranco de Velho, where you may feel the need for a brief pause and a snack at Tia Bia, a traditional and commendable restaurant. You will continue with a fabulous descent through forests of pine and quiet hillside villages, before reaching the intriguing town of Estoi, with its imposing palace, just a stone's throw from the main square. Recently converted into an exclusive hotel, the gardens are a true attraction and perfect for relaxing your legs with a stroll among the palms and fountains. Nearby is a complex of important Roman ruins, dating back to the second century AD: here you can admire historical columns, a grand temple, and several mosaics that were once part of a bath establishment. Take a moment to stroll through Estoi, with its beautiful church square and cobbled streets. You will then reach Faro, the capital of the Algarve. A stately archway leads into the historic center, with its cobbled streets, shops, and charming cafes. Faro also hosts a bone chapel, where an entire wall is decorated with skeletons.

Day 4: Faro – Armação de Pêra (101 km; +1430 m)
Leaving Faro's center, you will continue on country roads through peaceful villages, small towns, and cultivated fields, until you reach the outskirts of Almancil, the northernmost point of what is known as the Golden Triangle. Even more interesting, on the fringes of the city, is the São Lourenço church, whose lavish interior is pasted with azulejos, the richly painted tiles for which Portugal is famous, and adorned by a grandiose gold altar. This Baroque-style church is open to visitors, so we recommend a look inside if you have time. A short stretch takes you up to the market town of Loulé: the small town is a paradise for explorers, with its cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, and hidden small shops, bars, and restaurants. You will then reach the hilltop village of Querença, known for its agricultural products, such as the rather strong medronho (a type of fruit brandy) and the famous chouriço (smoked sausage). You will then cross the valley using the main traffic-free road, dotted with small towns and villages. Finally, you will reach the charming village of Alte, known for its white-painted houses and freshwater springs. There is a lovely church in the center of the village, surrounded by cafes and handicraft shops selling locally produced items. A coffee and pastel de nata (custard tart) on the rear terrace of Agua Mel pasteleria is a must. You will continue on quiet, undulating roads towards Messines—a typical farming town with narrow streets and a church—passing by stretches of citrus groves towards the lively coastal resort of Armação de Pêra (named after a Moorish fishing boat). The pleasant walk along the promenade will take you to your hotel, overlooking the beautiful beach.

Day 5: Armação de Pêra
Today you will have the chance to rest: you can simply relax by the pool or on the beach, or you can choose from a series of excursions: from historical and cultural tours, to water sports and boat trips, and much more. We recommend visiting Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Our Lady of the Rocks) with its small beach sheltered from the wind by tall cliffs, where fishermen still dock. The church on the cliff is small but perfectly intact and is also a rather sought-after location for weddings.

Day 6: Armação de Pêra – Lagos (97 km; +1570 m)
After a short hop along the seafront towards the eastern side of the city, you will start to gradually ascend towards Alcantarilha—another village famous for its bone church. From there, you continue through the countryside to Silves, where you will surely want to take a break. Beautiful town on the banks of the Rio Arade, Silves is rich in history: once a Moorish capital, it is home to the best-preserved castle of the Algarve. There are plenty of local bars and restaurants in the front streets or cobbled alleys, where you can enjoy a pleasant break. Leaving Silves on the western side of the city, you will gradually climb towards Monchique, a thermal city nestled among pine forests and valleys with freshwater springs. There will be a twisting climb towards Foia, the highest peak of the Monchique mountain range. After an exhilarating downhill stroll, you will head towards Lagos, with its well-known 4 km long Meia Praia beach. It is a lively city with much to offer: from the modern marina and waterfront restaurants, to the bustling town square and its maze of cobbled streets within the old city walls. It is also a great place to enjoy a good meal, as there are many places to choose from: traditional local restaurants, tapas bars, cafés and bakeries, as well as many international options.

Day 7: Lagos – Cabo de São Vincente – Loulé (86 km, +1105 m)
Today you will witness a complete change in scenery, as you pedal inland to the Bravura basin to face the wild and windy western coast. You will ride along quiet winding roads, surrounded by farms and forests, which will bring you to the Vicentina Natural Park and the surfers’ city of Carrapateira, with its famous beach and lagoon. Carrapateira is a village of fishermen and farmers and is the perfect place to spend some downtime. From the easily accessible peninsula of Pontal da Carrapateira (a circuit of about 5 km), you can enjoy a spectacular view of the cliffs and bluffs dropping towards the Atlantic, and on a clear day, you should be able to see the Sagres lighthouse in the distance while northwards you will see the massive beach of Bordeira and the sand dunes. From here you will carry on southwards towards Sagres. Along the main road (but still relatively traffic-free) from Vila do Bispo, you will slowly approach the wild Atlantic coast. Sagres is a very quiet town with beautiful beaches, a picturesque port, a very pretty square and breath-taking views and also hosts a 15th-century fortress. Cabo de São Vincente, sometimes referred to as the end of the world, is the tip of southwestern Europe, and the 5 km stretch along the Sagres peninsula will lead you to the lighthouse at the end of the promontory, where you can take your end-of-trip photo. A transfer will bring you to a distinctive hotel, located on a quiet square in the heart of Loulé. Loulé is a paradise for explorers, with its cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida, and hidden small shops, bars, and restaurants.