Algarve – Along Portugal’s Dream Coast

After travelling to the start point of Sagres, enjoy this seaside town and its great fortress, or chill on a nearby beach.

Today is the first day of cycling and the first of the sites is the famous lighthouse at Cape St. Vinzenz, which also happens to be Europe’s most southwestern point. The cliffs here stand at an impressive 75 metres where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the roaring Atlantic crashing against the waves. From here go over small hills to the fishing village of Salema and the beach of Burgau. Here is the impressive Ponta de Piedade, an amazing rock formation making a gate-like figure in the ocean. It’s a true postcard moment! Your stop for the night will be in Lagos, enjoy a class of wine in this vibrant town.

Your first stop for the day will be on the beach of Meia, stop for a paddle in the cooling sea. At low tide there are an abundance of things to be found on the beach and finding these are beach combers looking out for their catch. From here you will go to Odiáxere where there is a 16^th-century church to visit, next in Aldor there is an interesting market to see as well as small local streets. This is the perfect location for a break to enjoy some local food in a restaurant. After your well-earned break continue along the coast, with unimaginable gorgeous views out to sea. You can have another break on the smooth beach of Praia da Rocha, from where you will head to your destination for the night of Portimão.

The bike route will firstly take you by the river Arade and to the village Ferragudo, home to a gorgeous church and amazing views of the estuary. Some of the landscapes you pass will have olive-, cypress-, orange-, fig- and cork oak trees until you get to Lagoa. Here don’t miss a traditional Portuguese pastry or the chapel Senhora da Rocha, perched characteristically on a cliff. Once you get to Albufeira, you’ll soon see why this is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Algarve.

Your first port of call for today is the fishing village of Olhos de Água, stop for a pleasant break on the lovely, fine-sand beach. Next pass through Vilamoura, where you will see one of Portugal’s largest marinas before heading through pine forests towards Ria Formosa nature park, one of the country’s seven natural wonders. From here you are edging closer to Faro, the Algarve’s capital. Here there is a historical centre, wonderful restaurants, and exciting streets to explore.

Today you will once again be on the cycle path through the Ria Formosa nature park accompanied by a view of the dotted islands, shadowed by a few clouds. Take the chance in Olhão to have a coffee break at the bustling market whilst seeing locals on their daily shop. Afterwards, have a peaceful journey to the fishing village of Fuesta which has interesting white houses. Your cycling will come to an end for the day on the Roman bridge in the centre of Tavira, here enjoy a night in a truly beautiful Algarve town.

Once again today you will be travelling through the wonderful Ria Formosa Park equipped with gorgeous lagoons. Head through the pine forest at Monte Gordo beach and the Vila Real de Santo António dune forest where you are edging close to the Spanish border. From here follow the river Guadiana, a border river heading north until you get to Tavira, your route including orange- and olive groves.

Either the trip ends here, or you can add on more days.