Gentle cycling from the Spanish border along the Eastern Algarve coast, passing beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and traditional holiday destinations. Cycle the long-distance Ecovia along the Algarve coast.
Visit Ria Formosa lagoon nature park perfect for wildlife and bird watching. Take in the traditional and new Algarve; from Tavira to Silves.
* This holiday is also available as a 3 or 4 night break (Prices on request)
Day 1: Vila Real de Santo António
After arriving at Faro Airport, your holiday tour includes a transfer to Vila Real de Santo António, an interesting old town on the banks of the Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.
Relax on your first night with a leisurely stroll around town or take in some sightseeing.
Day 2: Vila Real de Santo António to Tavira (19m / 31km)
Follow the Ecovia do Litoral cycle path, which is a dedicated biking route that runs along the Algarve coast. You will be passing through the coastal resorts of Monte Gordo and Altura, and then the ancient and picturesque village of Cacela Velha, where you can enjoy refreshments and take in the panoramic views across the Ria Formosa lagoon and out to sea.
You should arrive in Tavira with plenty of time to have a look around this elegant old town dating back to Roman times.
Day 3: Tavira to Olhão (19m / 31km)
Starting from Tavira, this cycle route is another gentle day of cycling, mostly on flat terrain.
There are cafes and restaurants along the way, and the route also passes through the charming fishing village of Fuseta. Olhão is the region’s main fishing port and the gateway to the many islands in the lagoon.
Day 4: Olhão to Loule (20m / 32km)
Your route today heads inland, bypassing the regional capital Faro and skirting the famous Roman remains at Estoi. You will cycle into the hills, through quiet villages, to reach the old market town of Loule.
Loule is an explorers haven, with its narrow-cobbled streets leading off the central Avenida that include tiny shops and hidden away bars and restaurants.
Day 5: Rest day in Loule
Today you will have an opportunity to relax and explore the fascinating old town or relax by the rooftop swimming pool at the hotel, right in the centre of town.
If you are still feeling energetic enough, you may choose to cycle down to the coast where some of the finest beaches in the Algarve are found.
Day 6: Cycle Loule to Alte (23m / 38km)
This cycling route is a more challenging day, in the rolling hills to the north of Loule, but well worth the effort for the tremendous scenery.
You will head towards the tiny hill-top village of Querenca, a great coffee stop and a place to take in the splendid views.
Your final destination for the day is the lovely hillside village of Alte. Famous for its white painted houses and fresh water springs, the year-round presence of water in the river adds a unique charm to the village.
Day 7: Alte to Silves (21m / 34km)
Today you will experience a ride to remember, with stunning views all along the way. There is a lovely ride along a dirt track road alongside the Barragem do Funcho, and then gently cruising down the valley to your destination for the day in the lovely historic town of Silves.
Once a Moorish capital, Silves is steeped in history. It is an enchanting town on the banks of the Rio Arade and home to the best-preserved castle in the Algarve.
Day 8: Return home
Included transfer to Faro Airport for your flight home, or why not extend your holiday in Faro.
* This holiday is also available as a 3 or 4 night break (Prices on request)
This holiday is designed to be one of the easier and gentle cycling holidays we offer with a rest day roughly halfway through the week, cycling the Eastern Algarve area to Silves mainly on quiet tarmac roads and occasionally dirt tracks. Quality bike hires with panniers to carry your luggage and essential bike equipment included.
Route Map (for guidance only)
Routes on our cycling holidays in Portugal may be subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and information are given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX files are available for most of the cycling in the Algarve trips we offer. Please ask us for details about this Eastern Algarve and Monte Gordo cycling holiday.
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Vila Real de Santo Antonio
As with our Western Algarve cycling holiday, we recommend flying to Faro airport to reach the starting point of our Western Algarve cycling holidays.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Voyages SNCF for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details specifically regarding to this cycling tour of the Algarve.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0800 755 5385 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of our Eastern Algarve cycling holidays as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Eastern Algarve bike holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (subject to confirmation)
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on +44 (0) 800 7555385.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on +44 (0) 800 7555385 for more information.
The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide. We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival. |
|
Eastern Algarve | Sample Hotel List |
Vrsa | Hotel Apolo |
Tavira | Residencial Mares |
Olhao | Real Marina |
Loule | Loule Jardim |
Alte | Alte Hotel |
Silves | Colina Dos Mouros |
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0800 755 5385 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 01.01. and 31.12.2019 | Daily |
Season | Prices per person including bike hire |
Holiday Price (January to March): | £739 |
Holiday Price (April): | £799 |
Holiday Price (May): | £809 |
Holiday Price (June): | £879 |
Holiday Price (July): | £979 |
Holiday Price (August): | £1049 |
Holiday Price (September): | £999 |
Holiday Price (October): | £809 |
Holiday Price (November): | £749 |
Holiday Price (December): | £749 |
Single Room Supplement: | £On Request |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £On Request |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* and 4* hotels |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
01 January 2019 | 31 December 2019 |