Algarve Bike Tour

Meet your guides in Faro, then transfer to the tranquil hilltop village of Barranco do Velho. We’ll get to know each other over a cup of coffee at a local café, then get to know our bikes during a fitting and safety review. Our first ride explores inland Algarve, taking us over rolling hills, past cork oak forests, and through rural farmlands. Stop for a light lunch in Salir’s picturesque town square, then ride the rest of the way to our first luxury hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling into your room or squeeze in some time by the pool. This evening, we toast the week ahead with a welcome drink, followed by a fabulous farm-to-fork dinner.

Get an early start with our morning ride to the market town of Loulé. Inhabited since the late Paleolithic period, Loulé became an important trading post for the Phoenicians and Carthaginians before the arrival of the Romans. Later, the Moors made it their stronghold until the 13th century, when it was conquered by the king of Portugal. Today, Loulé’s history is on full display: our local guide João will take us on a tour of the town’s medieval streets and ancient ramparts, visiting the lively indoor market and artisan handcraft producers that have gravitated to Loulé over the years. After lunch, choose to take your bike out for some extra miles or hop in the van and head back to the hotel. We’ll spend the evening at one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Loulé: dinner is a showcase of local ingredients accompanied by perfect pairings from the sommelier.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee before we begin today’s ride to the town of São Brás de Alportel. Portugal’s legendary surfing spots have recently piqued the public interest, and our friend Octávio’s trade is one of the most unique in Portugal—or anywhere. We’ll visit the workshop where he custom-shapes cork and other sustainable surfboards for renowned professional surfers like Alex Botelho. After our visit with Octávio, we’ll ride to the coastal town of Fuseta where, weather permitting, we’ll board a catamaran and enjoy lunch within the protected wetlands of Ria Formosa. Comprised of canals, salt marshes, and barrier islands, this fascinating lagoon ecosystem has been a Natural Park since 1987. Ride or transfer to our next hotel in Tavira, a lovely riverside town known as the “Venice of the Algarve” for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, abundance of charming churches, and impressive proximity to both the Gilão River and the beach. This evening, take a stroll through the old town, where echoes of Moorish influence linger in the architecture and narrow streets. Your guides are happy to suggest some excellent restaurants for dinner on your own.

Today we continue biking east, following the stunning Atlantic coast towards Spain and the Guadiana River that separates the two countries. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch in the charming coastal village of Cacela Velha, a town hailed as one of Portugal’s most picturesque by Condé Nast. Fill your lungs with some sea air, then continue eastward to our last hotel, in Praia Verde. Tucked between rolling pine-covered hills and the shimmering Atlantic, it is one of the Algarve’s most tranquil coastal gems. Known for its wide golden-sand beach and calm, crystal-clear waters, it offers a relaxing alternative to the region’s busier resort towns. Lunch will be served while you can enjoy the ocean in front of you. In the afternoon, relax in or room, or enjoy the beach in front of the hotel. This evening, we will visit our friend Jorge. He produces salt with the very old techniques. We will learn more about it, try the salt and have a very traditional dinner in the salt flats he owns. 

On our final day of riding, we follow the Guadiana River upstream to the fortified town of Alcoutim. Once a haven for smugglers spiriting coffee and alcohol across the river between Spain and Portugal, Alcoutim’s charming streets are steeped in history. Lunch is served in town—although the menu leans more on fresh salads and seafood than Iron Age contraband. If time allows, we’ll check out the Alcoutim’s 13th-century castle for striking views all the way to Spain. After, close out the week with some extra miles or shuttle straight back to the hotel. Tonight, we’ll gather to toast our week together before heading to the hotel restaurant for a memorable farewell dinner.

After a final gourmet breakfast, choose to extend your stay at our final hotel or catch a ride with your guides back to Faro for your journey home.