Algarve Coast of Treasures

Take to two wheels to head west a while along the Costa do Vicentina to the historic rocky outcrops of Cabo São Vicente (Cape St Vincent). Its 100m high cliffs were the European landmark for explorers returning from those earliest voyages of discovery and are an unrivalled haven for migrating birds. Visit the church built on the foundations of Henry the Navigator’s original church site and admire the Atlantic Ocean views around the iconic lighthouse, before heading northwards inland to Vila do Bispo and the beautiful Chapel of São António at Raposeira. Finally it’s time to head east and drop back for some serious coast-hugging as you cycle from village to village to the bustling resort of Lagos, once the historic hub of Prince Henry’s great Golden Age.

Overnight is in Lagos.

Miles 31 Kms 50

Rivers, streams and more rivers – just look at a map, the Algarve coast is riddled with waterways like one enormous delta. Time to leave the coast briefly today then, to discover the charming villages and ‘inland’ fishing ports around the Ribeira de Odiáxero as you skirt the Ria de Alvor. You’ll soon be back to the Atlantic breezes and white sands at Praia da Rocha before another turn inland up the Arade River basin to the Algarve’s second largest city, Portimão. Head down to admire the cliff coast from the old town and castle Santa Catarina sitting high above the coast road.

Overnight in Portimão.

Miles 19 Kms 31

Leave the harbours full of bobbing boats today for the fertile fields and rich pastures which edge  local lagoons at Lagoa and Salgados, the salt-water stretch and eminent natural park where and you’re sure to still see some fishing going on, if only from the herons. There are great viewpoints at Siera da Rocha and Armação de Péra, but the dabbling avocets backed by a landscape which combines everything from dunes, reeds, rushes, to verdant meadows simply steal the show. Finally leave your feathered friends and the Ecovia behind as you roost up back on the coast at popular Algarve resort town Albufeira with its busy marina.

Overnight in Albufeira.

Miles 28 Kms 46

 Push your pedals right close to the coast and get a taste too for the Mediterranean orchards of this wonderful fertile area. Around Vilamoura, the reed beds and artificial lagoons are another nature reserve, home to purple heron, little bittern and marsh harriers, but you’re sure to find plenty of other local characters in the fish, fruit and vegetable market at nearby Quarteira. Figs, almonds, carob, beans and citrus fruits are just as likely to be on the menu as that famous Algarve fish stew – Calderiada – if you can resist the barbecued skewers of fish and fruits of the fields specials of course. At Quartiera, you’ll cycle right beside the beach a while before weaving around a resort or two to reach the Algarve’s biggest fish – its capital city, Faro.

Overnight Faro.

Miles 30 Kms 49

Bustling capital Faro and nearby Olhão on the Ria Formosa estuary are magically edged by a continuous scoop of islands, home to some stunning beaches and unusual coastal vistas. Fancy taking the ferry to explore Ihla do Farol or Ihla da Armona a while? Or maybe just head out via  Olhão port to the fishing village of Fuzeta and the resort of Pedras D’el Rei where a mini train shuttles sun-worshippers to Barril Beach. Portugal’s third largest wetland area stretches from Olhão all the way to Santa Luzia and beyond the historic town of Tavira – a land of marshes, salt flats, dunes, channels, mudbanks and pools, and an impressive haven for thousands of waterfowl throughout the year. Why not take a boat trip and enjoy an even closer look?

Overnight Tavira.

Miles 26 Kms 42

With elegant mansions, its classic Roman bridge and thirty-two churches, Tavira is full of historic interest and style. Like many castles along the coast, its fortifications were intended to protect the local fleets and along this eastern Algarve area, the tuna fishermen in particular. Pedal out today to explore some of the Algarve’s most ancient lands, a region marked by Phoenician, Roman, Greek and Carthaginian settlers, stopping off at hugely historic Cacela Velha, Manta Rota Beach before exploring the maritime pine forests around Monte Gordo and the Sapal natural park with its impressive saltpans around Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim. From Santo António, there’s an option to return to Tavira by train to enjoy a little more time in the area rather than head back by bike. So why not let the train take the strain use your energy to climb Castro Marim’s castle walls, or maybe stop for that photo opportunity by its windmill? Perhaps those extra moments could be spent with your binoculars by the flamingos and spoonbills? Or why not take the ferry across the Guardiana River after all to enjoy that must-have encounter with Spain?

Overnight in Tavira.

Miles 21-42 Kms 34-68

Depart after breakfast following your final night in Tavira or go for one last stroll along the Rio Gilão and Roman Bridge perhaps?

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.