Travel story cycle tour Algarve

Upon our arrival in Faro, we are warmly greeted by our colleague Poliana, who is stationed at the Algarve and is dedicated to caring for our guests. She shares with us the diverse beauty of the region, making the upcoming week even more enticing. Filled with excitement, we settle into our first accommodation in Sagres, pick up our rental bikes, and savor our first, though certainly not our last, glimpse of the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

Our cycling adventure begins!

The first cycling stage to Lagos is undoubtedly the more challenging leg of our journey. We set off, pedaling a few kilometers inland before the route sweeps us along the stunning coastline toward Lagos. The demanding climbs test our endurance, but they reward us with breathtaking vistas of the sparkling turquoise Atlantic below. To cap off our day, we enjoy a serene stroll at Ponta da Piedade, one of the most enchanting sights of our journey. We are treated to breathtaking views of unique coves gently cradled by towering rock formations. Those invigorating climbs were truly worth every effort!

Hire a bike on the cycle path in the Algarve

Relaxed coastal cycling in the off-peak season

The next day, we cycle along sandy paths to our next destination, the coastal town of Portimão. Since we’re traveling during the off-peak season, we encounter only a handful of visitors and savor the peaceful tranquility in what are usually bustling tourist spots. Just before reaching Portimão, we come across one breathtaking viewpoint after another. At Miradouro dos Tres Castelos, we take our final break, admiring the view of our destination for the day before conquering the last ascent to our hotel.

Off to Albufeira with a warm welcome!

The third cycling stage awaits us. At a leisurely pace, we leave behind the charming white houses typical of the region, cycling past numerous cypress, orange, and fig trees. Following the Praia dos Salgados, we reach our destination after a few gentle climbs. We check into our hotel, situated right by the sea. With a warm welcome, Richi and Kriss, our two station managers, greet us in Albufeira. As we joyfully toast with refreshing glasses of sangria, the luggage transport has already ensured that our travel bags have arrived safely at our new location.

The final cycling stages to the Spanish border

The next stages take us through pine forests along sandy paths toward Faro, before we make our way through the Ria Formosa Nature Park on the penultimate cycling day, passing the region's characteristic houses en route to Tavira. With the final cycling stage, we finally reach our journey’s destination: the Spanish border.

Culinary delights and relaxing accommodations

The numerous excursions to the sea present a delightful opportunity to indulge in the flavors of Portuguese cuisine. As we enjoy lunch under the radiant sun, accompanied by a refreshing aperitif, the soothing sound of the waves and the gentle sway of the palms create a perfect backdrop. We sample a variety of sangria, and soon discover that the classic red sangria tantalizes our taste buds the most. Whether it’s savoring traditional Portuguese dishes or relishing Italian classics, the Portuguese truly know how to embrace the joy of good food. In Faro, we meander through the charming streets as the evening unfolds, sipping on a glass of Aperol while indulging in a delectable selection of traditional delicacies, from succulent squid dishes to enchidos, a delightful Portuguese sausage.

A highlight of our journey is the stylish hotels where we get to stay each night. Each captivates with its unique charm, offering everything from ocean views and infinity pools to central locations. After a long day of cycling, taking a dip in the heated rooftop pool with a view of the Lagos harbor is truly a dream. Even on rainy days, the hotels provide plenty of relaxation options, including saunas and indoor pools with steam rooms, as well as massage services. For those seeking relaxation after an active day of cycling, this is the perfect escape!

Conclusion

There are countless reasons to visit the Algarve. For us, it’s the enchanting blend of crystal-clear waters caressed by stunning beaches and the breathtaking natural scenery of rugged golden coves that transforms this cycling journey into an unforgettable highlight.

The many nature reserves we cycle through provide a glimpse into the rich diversity of the Portuguese landscape, best savored with a glass of aperitif - for, in our case, a refreshing glass of red sangria.

Antonia's favorite spot

On the very first day of cycling, I stumble upon my favorite spot at Praia da Luz. As we gently descend into the charming town of Luz, we can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking scenery around us. After a brief pause at the viewpoint Miradouro da Luz, the spectacular panorama unfolds before us, revealing a stunning vista to our left.

We glide along the beachfront promenade making our way toward our lunch stop. After securely parking our bikes, we cozy up in a delightful beach café right by Praia da Luz. Suddenly, every cloud vanishes from the sky, the sun bursts forth in all its glory, and the swaying palms complete this picture-perfect moment.

Christine's favorite spot

During our second cycling stage, we discover inviting coves and beautiful beaches just before reaching Portimão. We decide to cap off the day by watching the sunset at Praia do Amado. Nestled near the water’s edge, we observe local fishermen enjoying their last moments of daylight while skillfully casting their lines. The rhythmic sound of the waves mingles with our animated conversations about our first two days of cycling, making time fade away. The atmosphere and the gentle roar of the Atlantic transform this sunset into one of the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced.