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.

Kick off your morning by fueling up with a hearty breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, an essential ritual before we clip in for today’s journey. Our route winds through the rolling landscape toward the picturesque town of Alte. Once there, we’ll take a breather at an iconic bike cafe, a local legend where the espresso is as strong as the cycling culture. The ride continues as we head deeper into the countryside toward a private farmhouse estate. Here, our friends will welcome us with a feast of organic food, harvested directly from the surrounding land. This isn't just a farm; it’s a massive, 2,000-acre project dedicated to regenerative farming, offering a rare glimpse into how the landscape is being restored to its natural glory. After lunch you can pedal all the way back up into the stunning hills of the Algarve to reach our hotel or hop into the support van, skip the extra miles, and enjoy the view with your legs up. 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.

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. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or at one of the many restaurants around.

Give the bikes a break this morning and swap the asphalt for the sea. This morning we head to the coastal town of Fuseta for a change of pace. Weather permitting, we’ll board a boat to navigate the protected wetlands of Ria Formosa. This fascinating lagoon ecosystem—a maze of canals, salt marshes, and barrier islands—has been a protected Natural Park since 1987. Enjoy a peaceful lunch floating within this pristine aquatic wilderness. To cap off the day, we’ll visit our friend Jorge at his traditional salt flats. He still produces salt using ancient, artisanal techniques. We’ll learn the secrets of the trade, sample the "white gold," and enjoy a traditional dinner served right in the heart of the salt flats under the evening sky.

Today’s route follows the Guadiana River upstream to the fortified town of Alcoutim. Alcoutim was once a safe haven for smugglers of coffee and alcohol, spirited across the river between Spain and Portugal. Lunch is served in town where the menu leans more on fresh salads and fish than Iron Age contraband. If time allows, we’ll check out the town’s 13th-century castle for striking views all the way to Spain. Then, ride some extra miles or shuttle back to the hotel. Tonight, we’ll gather at the hotel to toast our unforgettable week together, before heading to the delightful 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.