A paved and dirt bicycling adventure through the southernmost coastal region of Portugal, the Algarve. You will begin in Vila Real de Santo António as you pedal towards the lively, small city of Lagos, with an expansive marina filled with gorgeous yachts, numerous restaurants to choose from and a bustling shopping area. Along the way you will cycle past ocher cliffs, citrus groves, sleepy beach towns and experience the warm culture of the Algarve. Ride through valleys filled with dense cushions of Mediterranean vegetation defined by their rocky surroundings, and along clear water streams. Explore the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a lagoon system that extends over 60 km (37 miles) of the coastline and is home to hundreds of bird species. Discover the lovely Moorish town of Silves and the cliff site of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos. Join us to cycle under sunny skies, and over a variety of paved and dirt terrain as you explore sandy shores as far as the eyes can see, soaring cliffs, whitewashed fishing villages, and a true taste of the warm Mediterranean culture.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Explorer tour at the Explorer Tour Style page at this link.
Tour Dates & Prices
Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
May 3-9, 2023
USD$2895
USD$450
Departure confirmed to go! Sold out - wait list available.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Ria Formosa - a wild Paradise, old cities, typical villages, beautiful beaches of Algarve, rural roads, Lagos and its beautiful cliffs and picture perfect views, Moorish-style architecture, Mediterranean nature and ocean landscapes
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
This tour spends time on and off paved roads so support van and aid may not always be readily available. You will have the option to pedal with a guide or pedal on your own, but please be aware that if you are cycling on your own we recommend you are comfortable cycling in remote areas. Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Explorer tour at the Explorer Tour Style page at this link.
Includes
7 days, 6 night's accommodation, meals as noted in itinerary, GPS with tracks, support vehicle and 2 bilingual tour leaders
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Explorer tour at the Explorer Tour Style page.
Consider that around 50% of the ride will be on dirt paths and roads sometimes with rocky or rough terrain. Your pace will be slower and the perceived effort will be greater than when you are on pavement.
Highlights: Start on the border between Spain and Portugal
Welcome to the Algarve and Vila Real de Santo António! The Romans, Phoenicians, and Moors have all left their mark on this ancient city with evidence of a Stone Age settlement dating to 5,000 B.C., although many of the historic buildings were destroyed in the massive 1755 earthquake. The nearby Reserva Natural do Sapal saltpans and marshland make for a unique ecological habitat particularly attractive to flamingos and other water birds. The vast white-sand beaches attract people from far and wide to come, play and relax in this calm and invitingly warm section of the Atlantic Ocean. The Spanish village of Ayamonte just across the river is known for its salt industry and fishing community offering an intriguing mix of modern and medieval ripe for your exploration. We'll fit bikes and do a test ride this afternoon before a mouthwatering dinner of local specialties together.
The ride to Tavira will take you through salt marshes, orchards, and you might even spot your first cork trees. Once in Tavira, we recommend taking some time to explore the architectural heritage which reflects Roman, Arab and Christian influences. Enjoy a relaxing day strolling cobbled streets, and check out some of the 22 churches in this town layered with Portuguese history. (If you only have time for one, visit the church of Santa Maria do Castelo, which was built in the 13th century on the site of what was probably one of the largest Moorish mosques in the Algarve.)
Today's ride from Tavira along the incredible Ria Formosa, one of the most beautiful natural parks in Portugal. This is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and part of the Natura 2000 Network. Breathtaking coastal views will be another of many highlights on today's ride. As you approach the destination, you will cycle inland and ride past orchards and typical villages of the region. Keep your eyes (and nose!) peeled for vast areas of orange trees along the way. Our destination is São Brás de Alportel, which was once the biggest cork producing centers in Portugal.
Today's ride is challenging and well worth the effort as the scenery is even more breathtaking than the climbs as you cycle north through rolling hills close to the Algarve mountain range. A mixture of roads and trails will take you through lush green fields. The cycling is fresh with Mediterranean flora and fauna that will invigorate both your lungs and spirit. Our destination is the lovely hillside village of Alte, which is famous for its artisans, whitewashed houses and freshwater springs. The presence of water year-round in an otherwise arid region adds to the unique charm of this town.
Today you’ll cycle along dirt roads and paths winding through green valleys as you head towards Arade Dam. This has to be a contender for one of the most beautiful rides ever. You'll wind your way along a reservoir and then enter a forest of cork-oak trees, and then gently cruise down the valley towards your destination, Silves. This town has a fascinating history as it was the former capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve. Take a stroll and explore the Silves castle and the Moorish architectural sites.
Today's ride is rewarded with great views of the Atlantic! The journey continues along the Odelouca River, enjoy this rural area and typical Portuguese villages like Odiáxere which you'll pass along the way. The path leads you to the Atlantic Ocean and an incredible beach wrapped around one of Europe's largest bays. This golden-sand beach is called "Meia Praia" (which translates to "half beach"), funny enough because it's actually one of the longest beaches of the Algarve and is renowned for its spaciousness and tranquility. After enjoying the coast, you will cycle to our final destination, the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. We'll have a special dinner tonight to celebrate our journey.
Road Surface: 35% gravel, 65% paved.
May 3 and November 5 departures are staying at Hotel Tivoli. October 8 departure Hotel Marina Rio.
Lagos is well-connected to Faro, Lisbon, or other destinations so take an extra day or two to explore. The Ponta de Piedade cliffs and lighthouse are certainly worth a visit and the city has a variety of wonderful restaurants to tempt you. Whatever you decide enjoy!
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
The closest airport to the tour start is Faro (FAO)
Aside from a good bus and train network, taxis are readily available near bus and train stations, as well as Ubers in Lisbon and Faro.
Private transfers: If you'd like to arrange a private transfer, we suggest contacting AlgarSerra by email (bookings@algarserra.com). Include your arrival flight and time, drop-off location and the number of people in your inquiry.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is about 5-6 hours by bus or train.
For Portuguese train schedules, please go to cp.pt. For some further reading, you might also find our information on taking trains in Europe here helpful.
For private transfers, refer to the arrival information above.
For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
Have a safe and pleasant journey!
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
This tour spends time on and off paved roads so support van and aid may not always be readily available. You will have the option to pedal with a guide or pedal on your own, but please be aware that if you are cycling on your own we recommend you are comfortable cycling in remote areas. Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Explorer tour at the Explorer Tour Style page at this link.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Explorer Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Explorer tour at the Explorer page.
The best adventure vacation ever, the only way I want to enjoy another vacation is to be with ExperiencePlus! You learn about the culture & enjoy some amazing food & fellowship while exercising!
Debbie F., Ormond Beach, FL - May 2022
What surface do you want to ride on? This has pretty much any/all of it! Beach, hills, towns, country, not much traffic - it was great!
John L., Grand Haven, MI - May 2022
The route was terrific encompassing beach, boardwalk, dirt roads, cobblestone roads, and varied terrain through the Algarve
Barbara E., Louisville, CO - May 2022
Gentle
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
