Explore the most beautiful sites of the Algarve by gravel bike

You begin your day by following the river towards the ocean, before leaving the city in the shade of a pine forest. You quickly reach Monte Gordo, a seaside resort renowned for its wide promenade and vast sandy beach. Your route continues in the cool shade of the Mata Nacional das Dunas Litorais de Vila Real de Santo António, the largest forest in the Algarve. You cycle along sandy paths scented with eucalyptus and pine, offering a true escape into nature. After an optional coffee break in the village of Vila Nova de Cacela, you cross a riverbed to begin a climb into the hills. Gravel tracks wind through the vegetation and offer superb panoramic views of the coast. A pleasant descent along the Gilão River finally leads you to Tavira. This historic town, bisected by the river, is easily explored on foot. You can discover its medieval castle, Roman bridge, and traditional architecture. Your hotel overlooks the river, in the immediate vicinity of local restaurants for your evening.

You leave Tavira, following the opposite bank of the Gilão River, gradually climbing through farmland and old hamlets. This authentic route through the heart of the Algarve countryside then leads you onto a gravel track towards Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. This village is renowned for its traditional production of terracotta tiles made from local clay. After a short, steep climb to the center for a coffee break, you continue along a wide, unpaved track. The route ascends towards the historic town of São Brás de Alportel, known for its well-preserved Roman road. This is the perfect place to stop in the main square, halfway through your stage. The scenic route continues through oak trees and pastures, past the ancient Fonte Felipe well, and then rejoins the main road. A short detour via the peaks offers you a gradual descent with exceptional panoramas until you arrive in Loulé.

This more challenging stage takes you through the rolling hills north of Loulé, rewarding your efforts with exceptional scenery. Heading west, a steady climb on beautiful tracks leads you into the Ribeira de Algibre river valley. After skirting the Ombria complex, you enter the heart of the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast. The road offers sweeping rural views and takes you near the traditional little town of Salir. More climbs await before you reach a summit for a 7km section along the ridge, offering 360-degree views. You then descend through the valley to the charming village of Alte, famous for its whitewashed houses and freshwater springs. After 38km of effort, this village is the perfect place to stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate a break at the Germano BiciArte café, surrounded by cycling memorabilia and equipped with repair tools. Take some time to stroll through the narrow streets to discover the central church and restored houses before concluding your day.

This is your longest day in the saddle. After a few initial climbs west of Messines, the terrain levels out, becoming much flatter as you approach the coast. You cross the railway line before joining the dirt tracks that run alongside the Funcho Dam. There, you'll discover a partially submerged former school, then cross a large dam before freewheeling down to the Arade Dam, a protected site offering spectacular views.

The route then takes you to Silves, the former Moorish capital. At kilometer 30, this historic town is perfect for a lunch break. Take some time to admire its fortified castle and Roman bridge. You then continue along the Arade River, cross the hills towards the traditional village of Estombar, and finally reach the fishing port of Ferragudo.

After passing through Portimão, you follow the seafront to the famous Praia da Rocha beach and its sculpted cliffs. The final section of the stage heads west towards Alvor, a charming fishing village. You skirt its estuary via inland roads to complete your route along the 4km of Meia Praia beach and enter Lagos.

You leave the coast and head inland along a quiet road to the village of Bensafrim. Here you join the Via Algarviana, an ancient pilgrimage route leading to the Sagres promontory. This challenging section alternates between gravel and sand tracks through a pristine landscape. You soon reach Barão de São João, an artists' village perfect for a coffee break, before crossing eucalyptus forests heading southwest.

At kilometer 35, the village of Raposeira welcomes you for lunch. The route continues towards Vila do Bispo, the true gateway to the southwest coast, where you join the Caminho Histórico. This final section crosses wild plateaus exposed to the sea breeze, offering an invigorating atmosphere.

You'll spend the night in Sagres, a tranquil port renowned for its surfers and its history linked to the great maritime discoveries. If you still have some energy, end your day with a 12km round trip along the cliffs to Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of Europe.

For your final leg, you'll cycle between the Atlantic Ocean and vast, windswept plains. To avoid the main road, you'll take the Caminho Histórico (Historic Route) towards Vila do Bispo, then a quiet road towards Carrapateira. Before entering the village, a detour via the Pontal da Carrapateira peninsula is highly recommended. You'll enjoy exceptional views of the rugged cliffs and, on a clear day, the Sagres lighthouse in the distance. To the north, the view opens onto the immense Bordeira beach, a popular spot for watching surfers. A local fish restaurant overlooking this scene is ideal for lunch. You'll then resume your cycling tour at a relaxed pace through a rolling landscape, alternating between forests and gravel tracks. Your final destination is Arrifana, a coastal village nestled above a spectacular cove. The relaxed, surf-oriented atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and celebrating the end of your sporting adventure in the Algarve.

After breakfast, it's time to conclude your sporting adventure in the Algarve. We'll arrange your transfer from your accommodation to the airport for your return journey. You'll leave the region with wonderful memories of its coastal trails, unspoiled landscapes, and authentic villages, all discovered throughout the week.