Algarve Coast and Countryside Cycling

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive at Faro

Arrive into the waterfront city of Faro. Dine out this evening (payable locally) either at the hotel or from a plethora of options available to you. (Staying at Hotel Faro, Breakfast only)

Day 2 Faro to Sagres

Explore the walled Old Town, marina, restaurants and bars or take a boat trip around the lagoons of the Ria Formosa National Park. Later, transfer to the wonderful coastal town of Sagres in time for dinner at the hotel. (Staying at Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Half Board)

Day 3 Sagres to Lagos 38km/24mi

From Sagres head inland, mostly following the Ecovia, a national cycle trail. Pass shepherds tending their flocks before meeting the coast again in time for lunch. The villages of Salema, Burgau and Luz have great sandy beaches and offer rustic restaurants with al fresco dining; grilled fresh fish with zesty lemon is a favourite dish. You end the day at Lagos and your wonderfully atmospheric 4-star hotel. (Staying at Costa d'Oiro, Half Board)

Day 4 At Lagos

Lagos is encircled by 14th-century walls - the stone work and architecture you'll find hidden within these is a delight. Ornate churches date from the 13th-century, and tangled cobbled lanes lead to new discoveries around every corner. Visit the new marina and the lively fish market (held daily), and join the locals for coffee in one of the many bars. Popular coastal walks lead to Ponte da Piedade lighthouse and from Porto de Mos to Luz, both offering outstanding sea views. (Staying at Costa d'Oiro, Half Board)

Day 5 Lagos to Pedralva 42km/26.5mi or 52km/32.5mi

You have a choice of routes today, with both taking you along the promenade at Lagos, before heading inland to Odiaxere where you can choose a shorter option that has fewer climbs and takes you through lovely villages on winding roads, giving you a real insight into local life. The longer route takes you past the beautiful Bravura reservoir and pretty alpine-like hamlets and meadows, meeting the coast in picturesque Carrapateira. Then it's on to Pedralva, a village where each house has been restored to create individual hotel rooms. (Staying at Aldeia da Pedralva, Half Board)

Day 6 At Pedralva

Aldeia da Pedralva is a wonderful rural retreat and you could easily spend the day relaxing in the village. If you fancy doing more you can follow one of our routes taking you out along the cliff tops with great views of the coast, or return to Carrapateira to visit the Land and Sea Museum and have a leisurely lunch. (Staying at Aldeia da Pedralva, Half Board)

Day 7 Pedralva to Sagres 29km/18.5mi or 30km/19mi

There's two options today but both routes are fairly short allowing you time to visit the lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vicente and Sagres Fortress, built by Henry the Navigator. The longer route is on off-road tracks passing holm oak forests. Both routes give great views of the Serra de Monchique passing through Vila do Bispo, a nice lunch stop with its beautiful 17th-century church. From Vila do Bispo head out across the Vicente peninsula to Cabo de Sao Vicente and the southwestern tip of Europe before following the coast road back to Sagres. (Staying at Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Breakfast Only)

Day 8 Leave Sagres