Algarve Coast – Little Gem

Take to two wheels and set out eastwards to nearby fishing port, Olhão, home to the traditional morning fish and vegetable market, championing the local fruits of land and sea. Around here, there’s a gentle Moorish influence in the architecture, but the really big attraction is Portugal’s third largest wetland natural park, Ria Formosa. It stretches all the way to Santa Luzia and beyond the historic town of Tavira – an area of lagoons, marshes and dunes, mudbanks, channels and pools. The place is an impressive haven for thousands of waterfowl throughout the year, but the unusual string of barrier islands boast some awesome beaches and unusual coastal vistas too, so it’s worth taking the ferry across to Ihla do Farol or Ihla da Armona perhaps. Barril beach near Pedras D’el Rei is an Algarve favourite with sun-worshippers, but the little fishing village of Fuzeta has a charm all of its own and so too Santa Luzia. Finish the day with a flourish of Baroque swirls amidst the elegant mansions of Tavira.

Overnight Tavira.

Miles 26 Kms 42

With its smart Roman bridge, thirty-plus churches and castle remains, there’s plenty to explore at either end of the day in Tavira. The remains of the ‘castelo’ may seem a little on the ‘pequeño’ side, but it’s worth climbing the walls for the urban vistas, if only to compare later with the rural contrasts of views from key destination of the day, Castro Marim.  Many fortifications along the eastern Algarve coast were designed to protect the local tuna fishing fleets, but by the Guardiana River estuary roots go way back to truly ancient settlements. Explore some of the Algarve’s most time-honoured lands, a region marked by Phoenician, Roman, Greek and Carthaginian settlers. Stop by the most historic village of Cacela Velha or Manta Rota Beach before exploring the maritime pine forests around Monte Gordo and the flamingo-favoured wetlands of Sapal natural park. Castro Marim has a windmill and mighty walls to wow you, but it’s the views across the saltpans towards the Guardina river bridge or Vila Real do Santo António which will surely leave the biggest impression. To top all, if you fancy a quick ferry foray into Spain, then why not. Hop across – taking note of the time difference! – and win a few extra hours by taking the train back from Santo António to Tavira.

Overnight in Tavira.

Miles 21-42 Kms 34-68

Depart after breakfast following your final night in Tavira or maybe take just one last stroll along the Rio Gilão and over Roman Bridge..?

Extra nights can be booked in Tavira on a bed and breakfast basis after the tour to allow more time to enjoy the sunshine coast and its beautiful beaches.