Cycling in Algarve
Cycling in Algarve
Cycling in Algarve
6 Days Starting in Tavira and ending in Vila Real de Santo António
Visiting: Tavira, Santo Estevão, Santa Luzia, Praia do Barril, Fuseta, Moncarapacho, Cacela Velha, Vila Real de Santo António, Castro Marim, Ayamonte, Isla Cristina
Tour operator:
Tour code:
763
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A six day, self-guided holiday cycling in Algarve, exploring an array of land and seascapes, including Ria Formosa Natural Park the Rivers Gilão and Guadiana, the latter taking you into AndalucÃa. Cycle through traditional coastal villages such as Fuzeta or Tavira and to superb beaches of Isla Christina or Barril. This cycling holiday dips in and out of the coast, giving a chance to explore inland orange and lemon groves, but also traditional coastal whitewashed towns. Stay in two different hotels, giving you plenty of time to explore the Algarve’s best kept secrets. E-bikes also available.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Tavira
Location: Tavira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Muralha or similar in Tavira / upgraded hotel: Sao Paulo Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive at Faro airport and transfer to your accommodation in Tavira (40mins). Depending on the flight schedule, you may have time to explore this gorgeous Algarve town, known for its ornate facades, traditional doors, windows and roofs, and idyllic beaches. Option to take a boat to the island of Tavira, with its beautiful long beach.
Day 2 : Circular Route Along Gilão River | 25Km
Location: Tavira, Santo Estevão, Santa Luzia, Praia do Barril, Tavira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Muralha or similar in Tavira / upgraded hotel: Sao Paulo Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, collect your bike at the rental office in the centre of Tavira, where your first ride starts. Cycle along the banks of the River Gilão on a small road that crosses orange, lemon and carob groves. Take a break at the ‘well of hell’, a deep basin created by a waterfall and a sub-tropical paradise. The route then heads inland through the villages of Santo Estevão, Santa Luzia as well as Barril beach. Overnight in Tavira
Cycling for the day: 25km, ↑ÂÂÂÂ150m ↓150m
Day 3 : Circular Route To Fuzeta | 28Km
Location: Fuseta, Moncarapacho, Tavira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Muralha or similar in Tavira / upgraded hotel: Sao Paulo Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before starting your day of cycling, do some shopping in Tavira to buy fresh and local products for a picnic. The route for today takes you along coastal paths and salt flats, through Ria Formosa Natural Park, through orchards and pine forests towards Fuzeta, a small fishing harbour on a sandy bank at the edge of a turquoise lagoon. The return to Tavira is along small inland roads past farms, gardens and orchards, and through Moncarapacho village. Overnight in Tavira
Cycling for the day: 28km, ↑ÂÂÂÂ150m ↓150m
Day 4 : Tavira To Vila Real De Santo Antonio | 40Km
Location: Tavira, Cacela Velha, Vila Real de Santo António, Castro Marim, Ayamonte, Vila Real de Santo António
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Apolo or similar in Vila Real de Santo Antonio / upgraded hotel: Pousada Vila Real de Santo António
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ride along the coastline via the ecovia, a comfortable and well maintained cycle path. Today’s route leads to Cacela Velha, a village standing proud on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lagoons and sandbanks of Ria Formosa Natural Park. The ecovia leads to Castro Marim, a town protected by two fortresses, one medieval and the other from the 18th century. Follow the River Guadiana which forms a natural border river with Spain, to arrive at Vila Real de Santo António. Opposite, on the other side of the river, is the small AndalucÃan town of Ayamonte. Overnight in Vila Real de Santo António.
Cycling for the day: 40km, ↑ÂÂÂÂ100m ↓100m
Day 5 : Ayamonte | 26Km
Location: Ayamonte, Isla Cristina, Vila Real de Santo António
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Apolo or similar in Vila Real de Santo António / upgraded hotel: Pousada Vila Real de Santo António
Meals Included: Breakfast
A small ferry boat (regular crossings – 15mins) takes you and your bike to Ayamonte, in AndalucÃa. So close and so different from its Portuguese neighbour, this excursion into Spain gives you a chance to see the differences between the two regions and countries. From the Ramblas of Ayamonte, a cycle path leads to Isla Christina, a peninsula famous for its long beaches. After returning by boat to Vila Real de Santo António, take the path through a large coastal pine forest. Back at the hotel, meet our rental agent at 18.00 to return the bikes (this can be also postponed to the next morning), then enjoy your final night in Vila Real de Santo António.
Cycling for the day: 26km, ↑ÂÂÂÂ100m ↓100m
Day 6 : Departure
Location: Vila Real de Santo António
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Faro airport and departure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights at comfortable accommodations, rooms with en-suite bath
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Meals
5 breakfasts
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Luggage transport on day 4 (one piece up to 20kg per person)
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Transfer from Faro airport to Tavira on day 1 and from Vila Real to Faro airport on day 6
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Welcome meeting and bike fitting on day 2 at the hotel
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Detailed maps and route descriptions delivered during the welcome meeting
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
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Airfare and connecting land transfers from other airports
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Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
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Bike rental
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
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Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
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When to go
The tour can be booked year round. Keep in mind that the months of July and August can be very warm, and the chances for rainfall are much higher between November and March. The best time for cycling in Algarve are between March to June or September until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date.
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Difficulty and terrain
The daily distances are up to 40km, mostly on off-road paths with little or no traffic around. Keep in mind that occasionally there are short but steep climbs that cannot be avoided. Still, you can overcome them by pushing the bike for a short time. There are options for extensions, so the tour is suitable for both beginner and intermediate cyclists. Renting an e-bike is possible as well, which will make the tour accessible to anyone. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Transfer from Faro airport to Tavira on day 1 and from Vila Real to Faro airport on day 6.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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