The Algarve - a hilly region of richly fertile valleys and picturesque Iberian coast with limestone caves and grottoes, is perfectly suited to autumn, winter, and spring riding. The quiet roads of this unspoiled southwestern coastline of Portugal take you to sheltered bays hidden by high cliffs and along quiet shorelines with beautiful sandy beaches, sparsely populated and far less developed than other coasts. You can expect to ride parallel with long stretches of fabulous beaches, broken up by some more demanding rides along rugged limestone cliffs and fantastic grottoes, all while enjoying the bright colors, heady scents, and perhaps even the blossoms of fig trees, orange groves and almond trees.
This area was taken from the Moors by the Portuguese King Dom Afonso III, in 1292. It was also the first part of Portugal to liberate itself from Spanish occupation, in the rebellion of Olhao in 1808. Traces of Moorish influence are still seen in the unique terraces, chimneys, whitewashed houses and other architectural features. You will visit Sagres and Lagos, whence Portuguese navigators set sail on voyages of exploration and discovery over 500 years ago.
You will enjoy the local delicacies of freshly prepared vegetables, seafood, lamb and pork in one of the region's special tascas, with a local wine or cold beer. Mixed with the warm Mediterranean climate, the culture, landscapes, and seascapes, this unique area will reward you with cherished memories and, probably, a keen desire to return.
2008 Guided Dates: March 16-22; April 6-12; October 19-25; November 2-8.
Route Notes: A challenging ride with long distances and plenty of climbs along the coast. Approximately 100 km per day. Recommended lodging in Lisbon: Pestana Palace, Lapa Palace or York House.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet at the Lisbon airport or train station at approximately 3:00pm and transfer to to the medieval Castle of Sesimbra and your historic lodging for the night, converted from a fortress built by King Philip II of Spain in the 17th century. Bicycle preparation and route overview before dinner. Lodging: Pousada Castelo de Palmela, Palmela.
Day 2: 100 km. Cycle from your inn to Setúbal to take the ferry to the peninsula of Tróia. On the other side, enjoy a relatively flat ride through the Arrábida Nature Reserve, with amazing views over Tróia. Tonight you will rest at a very charming posada converted from an old farm. Lodging: Quinta da Ortiga, Santiago do Cacém.
Day 3: 70.5 km. Ride south along the sea, past vineyards and beautiful lagoons. Follow quiet paved roads, popular only among fishermen, along the blue Atlantic from S. Torpes to Porto Covo and Zambujeira beaches, possibly the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Tonight you will rest in a 400 year old Castle situated right on the coast with views over the ocean and Rio Mira. Lodging: Castelo de Milefontes, Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Day 4: 113.5 km. Leaving Alentejo, you will enter the Algarve region by crossing the bridge over the River Seixe. The pleasant scent of rosemary often accompanies your entry to Carrapateira, a town whose castle was the last conquered by the Portuguese to the Moorish, and now a favorite place for surfers. Beautiful ochre cliffs separate two attractive sand beaches, perfect places for reviving swims. Continue riding towards the ocean with views from high atop cliffs as you approach another beautiful pousada with ocean views from every room. On the extreme southwestern tip of the European continent, Cape São Vicente (Romans' Promontorium Sacrum), enjoys a vast horizon of sea and sky. Five centuries ago, Prince Henry set up a school of navigation in Sagres, playing a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries. Lodging: Infante, Sagres.
Day 5: 85 km. This is the essential corner of Portugal’s Southwest coast. This beautiful ride from Sagres to Lagos, is comparable to California’s Big Sur coast. As the coast becomes more populated and chaotic, we retreat to the quiet roads of the interior, cycling through groves of fig, olive and almond trees. Another beautiful castle awaits in Silves. Lodging: Hotel Capela das Artes, Silves.
Day 6: 109 km. Ride into the timeless Algarve hills, returning to the seaside at the picturesque fishermen's village of Tavira, enjoying the nice scenery change and beautiful views over the Gilão River and its Roman bridge. Lodging: Vila Gale Tavira, Tavira.
Day 7: Transfer to Faro International Airport after a relaxed breakfast, by approximately 11:00 am.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $3495 pp. dbl. (includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 light picnic lunches, 5 dinners, ferry, guide & van support, maps & route notes, luggage handling, taxes)
Self-Guided Cost: $2995 pp. dbl. (includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes)
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Bicycle Touring
Food & Wine
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