Algarve Road Cycling Tour

Algarve Road Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Faro

A private transfer will take you from Faro Airport (FAO) to Tavira, the picturesque seaside town that is the starting point of your road cycling journey in the Algarve.

Settle into your accommodations before exploring the old character and endless sights and sounds of Tavira. For dinner tonight, you’ll enjoy a delicious local meal before a good night’s rest in preparation for your first exciting day of pedaling tomorrow!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tavira
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 2 Uplands of Tavira

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for today’s exciting ride! Short, steep hills characterize your first stretch of road as you pedal up and down the uplands of Tavira. Each spring sees a myriad of professional cyclists on these same roads, participating in the traditional springtime races in this region.

Feel the burn as you embark on a long uphill ride to Pereiro and the Balurcos plateau.

The last of today’s route first has you navigating a tricky downhill ride to the Odeleite and Beliche dams before a final progressive downhill stretch through invigorating scrubland, known as the Mata Nacional da Conceição, or sometimes simply called Santa Rita. Rest up and unwind before enjoying another delicious dinner in Tavira this evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tavira
Distance: 125 km, 2.500m accumulated climb
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Hamlets and Mountaintop Villages

Following breakfast, you’ll set out on a coastal ride to Vila Nova de Cacela, known for its beautiful lagoon and popular beaches, by way of the tranquil hinterlands. Warming up with a few flat kilometers, you build toward a series of uphill and downhill stretches, taking you into the charming municipality of Castro Marim. The challenge continues as the road becomes progressively steeper on the uphill ride to the hamlet of Azinhal, a peaceful small village that breaks up the ride and is a great spot to stop and refresh.

Next on the road is the municipality of Alcoutim, taking you through the pleasant hamlet of Soudes. Some may say the best was saved for last today, as the finale of today’s ride will have you climbing the Serra do Caldeirão to reach one of the most traditional villages of the inland Algarve—Cachopo. Located in a beautiful valley, Cachopo produces many of the region’s typical products like cork, wool, and honey.

You’ll return to Tavira by way of São Brás de Alportel, taking the undulating road right into town. Enjoy your final evening in Tavira with dinner and an ice cold Sagres (local beer) enjoying the cool sea breeze!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tavira
Distance: 97 km, 1.650m accumulated climb
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Ocean Views and The Serra do Caldeirão Mountains

Get in the saddle for another full day of cycling as you set out from Tavira towards Lagos. This road is beloved by cyclists near and far, known for its excellent road conditions and spectacular views.

An uphill stretch takes you to São Brás de Alportel, with two uphill sections, Marco and Bengado, paving the way. Entering the cork-producing town of São Brás, catch your breath for the steep climb to Cova da Muda.

Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean to your south and the scenic Serra do Caldeirão (mountain range) to your north await following your ascent of 500m. Energized by the striking natural beauty that surrounds you, you’ll press on riding the next steep slope through Javali to Barranco do Velho.

A transfer will take you back to your accommodations in Lagos. Enjoy your first evening in this vibrant city, partaking in a delicious local dinner and checking out this coastal city’s endless list of attractions.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lagos
Distance: 140 km, 1.550m accumulated climb
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Vicentine Coast and the Monchique Mountains

Today’s ride has you fixing your gaze on the Vicentine Coast and the Monchique Mountains, tackling a tough but rewarding ride to take you there.

Bound for the coast, your first challenge today is riding through Bensafrim, as you conquer the Serra de Espinhaço de Cão and embrace a sense of well-deserved accomplishment. A few km along the road, you’ll want to make a pit-stop at the historical city of Aljezur—a culture-packed experience that you won’t want to miss.

Once in Portela do Vale (home of the world-famous Medronho brandy), you’ll prepare to ride into the heart of the uplands, taking weaving roads around Fóia, the highest peak on the Algarve at 902m (2959 ft). An expansive range of rolling mountains makes up the Serra de Monchique, and Monchique itself is a lovely little market town, perfect for taking a break to explore. From Monchique, you’ll ride to Alferce all the way up to Picota, preparing for your grand return.

Your final descent will have you riding an exhilarating road all the way down to Casaism and finally on to Lagos. Tonight, perhaps explore the architectural wonders of Old Lagos on foot, strolling the ancient streets and admiring the whitewashed houses. Enjoy dinner and get a good night’s rest for your final day of cycling tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lagos
Distance: 125 km, 2.440m accumulated climb
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 The Summit of Picota

Your final day of cycling is marked by a tough route from the craggy coast, lined with dramatic sheer cliffs.

Heading in the direction of Odiáxere and making your way towards the Algarve International Motor Racing Circuit, you’ll ride alongside the beautiful Arão stream. A lively series of ups and downs on this part of the route will take you to Senhora do Verde, Rasmalho, and Porto de Lagos.

Having already laid eyes on the highest peak of the Algarve (Fóia), it’s now time to ride 11 km uphill to the summit of the second highest peak in the region, Picota, rising 774 m (2539 ft) above.

The final part of today’s route will allow you to soak up some more of the Algarve’s culture and charm. This ride will give you the opportunity to re-visit Monchique and Aljezur and explore some more coastal gems like the towns of Carrapateira and Budens.

Back on the coastal road, stop off and sink your tired feet in the warm golden sand at two pleasant beaches along the way, Burgau and Luz. Tonight, enjoy the final evening of the tour in Lagos, feeling accomplished and truly immersed in the Algarve. Your final dinner will be arranged and enjoyed at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lagos
Distance: 163 km, 3.300 m accumulated climb
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 7 Depart Lagos

The time has come to say “Tchau!” (goodbye), as your road cycling tour in the Algarve comes to an end. Enjoy a final breakfast and some final moments in beautiful Lagos this morning before departing. A private transfer will take you from your accommodations in Lagos to Faro Airport (FAO).
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast