The Algarve Coast

The route starts in Sagres (we can also offer transfer from the airport in Lisbon or Faro). If you travel by car, it's  convenient to park  at the first or last hotel in a route.

So, now you are ready to explore the truly unique town of the most remote region of Portugal. 

You can both surf and relax on multiple beaches, fish at Porto de Pesca (fishing harbour), or visit ruins of the 16th century Baleeira Fort.

Morning is the best time to acknowledge the rich historical heritage of Sagres. 

The lights from the Vincente  Lighthouse Cabo de Sao can be seen for 45 km away and we decided to make it the first point of today's trip.  It's an opportunity to view the ocean from the most southwestern point of continental Europe.  

Cycling along quiet roads, across the green fields, breathing the smell of pine trees we pass through Vila do Bispo to visit its 18th century

Mother Church and continue to Raposeira with its 16th-century Mother Church.

     You can always take a break in one of the numerous cozy local cafés. 

Highly recommend to refresh in ocean waves in Salema, a fishing village.

    While moving through the Boca do Rio, we witness Lusitanian-Roman ruins. What a pleasant view opens here between two hills! It's next amazing valley beach!

 But we keep cycling to Portuguese Santorini, then to passage on Praia da Luz to visit the Church of Luz de Lagos, touch ruins of the Roman baths, and finally have a recovery swim in the ocean.  

A picturesque bike path will lead you to Ponta da Piedade. It's worth to have a look at a huge rock formation here.

 But, Lagos is awaiting your arrival, so move on along the Bensafrim stream.

Wake up in the number one travel destination to the version of  TripAdvisor in 2012.

Here you touch the 2000-year history - a place of important trans-continental trade links, the first geographical discoveries, and the center of the European slave trade. 

Now a huge variety of tourist-friendly bars, hotels, and beaches are meeting the flow of visitors. 

Highly recommend visiting sights such as the Parish Church of Santa Maria, the Church of Santo António, the Bandeira Fort,  and please, don't forget about the Municipal Market.

Now find the bike path which leads to Meia Praia and have a swim before the long road. It promises to be interesting, as you will pass an aquaculture area. Have a chance to gather shells when the tide is low.

Then have a glance at the 16th-century Mother Church, situated in Odiáxere.

When you get to Alvor, it seems that everything here is focused around the beaches, waterparks, and fishing craft. A big variety of fish restaurants are worthy of your attention. 

One of the benefits of the route is extraordinary views along the road to the next destination.

 Lounge the rest of the day on Praia da Rocha - the gorgeous sandy beach with plenty of summer activities.

The Praia da Rocha Fortress shows an excellent view over the city of your stay - only 3 km from here.

 One more settlement with an old fishing tradition. Portimão Museum will satisfy your anxiety about this cozy place.

Taste the favourite local dish here - grilled sardines, before leaving this place.

At the Church of Ferragudo, you have a fantastic view over the city of Portimão. Enjoy the secondary roads and quiet paths, where orange, pine, olive, cypress, cork oak, and fig are growing.

Today's must-visit is Mother Church in Lagoa, and promontory of Senhora da Rocha, a place that was a cult for Visigoths and Muslims. 

Cycling through Armação de Pêra witness its cultural heritage as well as its wide offer of beaches: Vale do Olival, Armação de Pêra ou Pescadores.

Please admit the passage across the Salgados lagoon, an unforgettable place for bird admiring. 

In Albufeira taste the seafood gastronomy that the city offers and then explore the various “hidden viewpoints“ between the white houses, and observe the typical Portuguese background in the downtown.

Another day full of adventure.

Albufeira is considered to be the most exciting resort town on the Algarve coastline. Don't miss a chance to take a photo in an “Old Town“ with its traditional white-washed houses.

 Cycling along the surrounding area of Albufeira, you meet the fishing village of Olhos de Água and observe a spring of fresh water on the beach sand. 

Passing one of the glorious beaches (Falésia beach, Vilamoura beach, or other beaches of Quarteira) feel the pleasant freshness of the ocean waters.

In Vilamoura feel the atmosphere of the Rome Empire on the ruins of the Roman villa.  Witness the largest boat embankment in the country with an unusual variety of boats. 

And again the typical fishing town, Quarteira. Shop at the fish and regional products market and follow to Almargem, cycling through the pine forests around the small lagoon of Foz do, with fantastic views of the ocean.

 The passage through the luxury resort of Quinta do Lago and the Natural Park of Ria will will leave the best visual delight.

The Ria Formosa lagoon was recognized as one of the country’s seven natural wonders.

 Being a natural park, it serves as a stopping place for migratory birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

Here you can see several kinds of birds such as Azure-winged magpies, Flamingo, Western swamphen,  and many more. 

The next short visit will be to Praia de Faro, a fishing village with alive ancient traditions. Here, you'll have extraordinary views of the ocean and dunes over the Algarve mountains.

 The end of the stage is marked at the marina in the city center of Faro.

Faro is the capital of the Algarve and the biggest city, sethe cond most populous municipality here.

Start your day exploring the "Old town" of Faro - the city's historical quarter,  locally known as "Vila Adentro". The old  "Muralhas de Faro", the defensive oval-shaped walls, built by the Roman settlers, are surrounding the village arch and the cathedral.

Get to Olhão using partly a road with movement and then a path along the Ria Formosa Natural Park which shows the saltpans, with views of the Desert, Farol, Culatra, and Armona islands. 

 We recommend visiting Mercado Municipal and the marina, where you can see the replica of the boat Caíque do Bom Sucesso.

 Cycling near the fishing port gives you a welcoming Portuguese atmosphere as usual.

 Follow to Tavira next to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where the flora landscape is created by cactuses, olive trees, pines, and fig trees.

Passing another fishing village Fuseta, bike through the Fuseta saltpans - a place where you can observe several species of birds in their natural habitat.

Learn interesting historical landmarks such as the Tower of Aires, and some Norias, and take a selfie at the two-thousand-year-old Olive tree. 

The tip to visit in Santa Luzia is Barril beach where you can find the famous  Anchor Cemetery, which appeared because of intense tuna fishing in the past.

The last mark for today is the city center of Tavira, on the Roman bridge. Treat yourself to the octopus dishes, typically served by Algarve cuisine, to the evening glass of wine.

The eastern part of Athe Algarve is represented by its pearl, whose origins date back to the late Bronze Age (1.000-800 BC) - a city of Tavira.

 After the Roman bridge, discover Cabanas de Tavira, cand ycle along the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a 60 km long lagoon system. The route is mostly cycled by secondary roads and quiet paths, where you can observe some strategic defensive points on the Algarve coast.

 Cacela Velha is very much associated with Islamic culture. Visit its Mother Church, the Cacela Fortress - earlier it functioned like a Moorish castle and once more admire the fantastic view over the coast. 

If it was tiring, don't hesitate to refresh at one of the following places:  Manta Rota beach,  Altura beach,  Praia Verde beach, Cabeço beach, Monte Gordo beach, or into António beach. 

The ride  through the pine forest next to Monte Gordo beach and

through the National Forest of the Dunes of Vila Real de Santo António until the Guadiana River, (the natural border between Portugal and Spain), appears to become a bright impression of the whole tour.

Cycling along the  Guadiana River, the stage guides us through the city of Enlightenment - Vila Real de Santo António. 

Visit the Marquês de Pombal square and the market of regional products. The stay is again in Tavira, so you can choose to return by train or cycle. In Vila Real de Santo António and in Castro Marim you can return to Tavira by train.

 The way to Castro Marim goes through cycle tracks until the Ravelin of Santo António, where you’ve exceptional views all around. We recommend visiting its Mother Church and its Castle to get both a fantastic history and extraordinary views.

Turn back using secondary roads between small villages, vineyards, and farmlands (orange, lemon, persimmons). 

And finally, bike along the east bank of the river Gilão to the city center.

 Time to say good bye and head for a new adventure!