Algarve to Andalusia by Bike

Introduction
Algarve Portugal
To the east of Faro, the proud regional capital, is the Sotavento algarvio, the "leeward" Algarve. Unlike the windy cliffs of the west, this eastern Algarve enjoys a mild subtropical climate with Mediterranean influences, particularly suitable for year-round cycling. Protected by five barrier islands with pristine beaches, the coastline of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a true refuge for biodiversity. Lagoons, dune systems, islands, sandbanks, salt flats, "sapal" or pine forests are rich ecosystems, especially for birds, of which pink flamingos, spoonbills or avocets are among the most spectacular.

The trip by bike allows you to discover the agronomic wealth of these regions, initiated by the Moors in medieval times and enriched by the contributions of the great maritime discoveries. The crops of "sequeiro", almond trees, fig trees and carob trees compete with the irrigated crops of "regadio", orange trees, lemon trees, persimmon trees and avocado trees. To the east, the great river Guadiana is the natural border between the Algarve and Andalusia, between Portugal and Spain. For one day, we offer the possibility of crossing the Guadiana by boat and exploring the Andalusian side. A journey within a journey!

During your cycling trip, the small, whitewashed towns and villages of the Algarve and the city of Ayamonte in Andalusia are places where you can take a break and enjoy the Iberian hospitality.

HIGHLIGHTS
▪ The Ria Formosa Natural Park, between land and sea.
▪ Tavira, one of the most charming towns in the Algarve
▪ Flat terrain and the ecovia's bike-friendly routes

Accomodation

Accommodation
Your package includes accommodation in 2* hotels along the way. It is possible to upgrade to higher-standard hotels upon request (extra fee).

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1-3: Hotel in Tavira
Night 4-5: Hotel in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Hotel in Tavira
This small family hotel is located just by the river. The rooms are simple but comfortable and all feature a private bathroom, a TV and free Wi-Fi access. Some rooms have a nice view over the river.

Hotel in Vila Real de Santo Antonio
This hotel offers 56 cozy bedrooms with a modern décor. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a small fridge, a safe, a phone and free internet access.
There is a small outdoor pool where guests can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers will need to pay a single supplement fee.


Meals
All breakfasts are included. Lunches and Dinners need to be paid extra.

Riding

Tour Level: Easy
You will be cycling from 25km to 40km per day on small roads and tracks with moderate but steady climbs along the way through hilly terrain (with an ebike accessible for everyone).

GPS & Travel Kit
We will send you the GPS files for your trip via email, before the start of your holiday. You will have to bring your own device whether it is a Garmin GPS or a Smartphone with the files already downloaded.
Your Travel Kit containing road book & vouchers will be sent to the first accommodation of the trip. The road book contains technical description of the itinerary, 1: 100 000 scale maps integrated in the book with itinerary traced out, contact listing and helpful recommendations (restaurants, museums, vineyards, craftsmen, where to find a bank machine…).

E-Bike - extra cost
Our E-bikes becomes a wonderful compromise: while still doing exercise – you still have to pedal to get these things going after all. When you start pedalling, the electric motor is automatically triggered. You will have the choice between several levels of assistance.
Our E-bikes (BE-Veloo or equivalent) are equipped with a battery with about 90km autonomy, a low frame (easy to get on and off), anti-puncture tires (reducing the risk of flats), and hydraulic brakes, ensuring the highest standard of safety.
With our E-bike we provide:
• a briefing from a specialized mechanic, who will show you how to use and get the most out of your rides. During the briefing a credit card pre-authorization of 800€ will be asked as a guarantee.
• assistance, meaning if you have any problems whatsoever with your E-bike, our mechanic will come and repair it at no charge.

Hybrid Bike - extra cost
Our high-end HYBRID bike rental (trek or equivalent) come equipped with Shimano parts, light aluminium frames, and a triple-plateau (Gearing: 28/38/48 with 11/32 cluster > 27 speed).
Hybrid bikes are undoubtedly the best choice when tackling the day long rides, thanks to a high performance level and no sacrifice on comfort: wider tyres, the slightly more upright position and the flat handlebars make for a real comfy ride.
Our bike frames are unisex. When possible, we provide a comfortable woman saddle to all women riders.

Bring your own bike
If you are bringing your own bike, make sure to also bring panniers, map holder, a bike computer and all of the other necessary equipment (inner tube, repair kit, pump, helmet).

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Faro
Welcome and transfer from Faro to your accommodation in Tavira (40 min). Depending on the flight schedule, you may have time to discover this charming Algarve town, known for its decorated facades, traditional doors, windows and roofs, as well as its preserved island beaches. Possibility to take a boat to the island of Tavira and its long beach. Night in the centre of Tavira
Meals included: none
Overnight in Tavira

Day 2: Tavira Bike Loop
This morning, at around 9 am, bike collection and briefing directly at our agency in the center of Tavira from where you’ll start your first ride.
You cycle along the banks of the Gilão river by a small road which then crosses the orchards of orange trees, lemon trees and carob trees. A break allows you to discover "the well of hell", a deep basin created by a waterfall, a real sub-tropical paradise. You then cross the hinterland passing by the charming villages of Santo Estevão, Santa Luzia and the beach of Barril.
Cycling about 25 km / + 150m / - 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Tavira

Day 3: Bike to Fuzeta
After a stop at the colorful market of Tavira, it is time to hop on your bike. The coastal paths go along the salt flats, the canals of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, through the orchards and the pine forests towards Fuzeta, a small fishing harbor on a sandy bank at the edge of the lagoon with turquoise waters.
You return to Tavira through small inland roads, in the "barrocal" with its farms, gardens and orchards, and the charming village Moncarapacho.
Cycling about 38 km / + 150m / - 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Tavira

Day 4: Fortresses Bike Ride
Today, you cycle along the coastline via the ‘ecovia’, a comfortable and well-equipped cycle path.
The fortress of Cacela Velha is one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve, a proud bastion on its rocky outcrop overlooking the lagoons and sandbanks of the Ria Formosa; a show that changes with the tides and the light.
The paths and small roads of the ecovia then lead you to Castro Marim, a town protected by two fortresses, one medieval and the other from the XVIII century. You follow the Guadiana River, the border river with Spain, to arrive at Vila Real de Santo Antonio. Opposite, on the other side of the river, the small Andalusian town of Ayamonte.
Cycling about 40 km / + 100m / - 100m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Day 5: Ayamonte & Isla Canela
A small ferry boat (regular crossings - 15 min) allows to cross the river with the bikes to Ayamonte, in Andalusia. So close and so different from its Portuguese neighbor, this incursion into Spain allows us to better understand what links and differentiates these two regions, these two Iberian countries. From the "ramblas" of Ayamonte, a cycle path leads to Isla Christina, a peninsula prized for its long beaches.
After returning by boat to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, paths lead through a large pine forest that borders the coast. In this forest refuge of biodiversity, be careful not to run over a chameleon!
Back at your hotel, around 6 pm, you’ll meet your bike partner to return your bikes (or tomorrow morning), then enjoy your final night in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
Cycling about 26 km / + 100m / - 100m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Day 6: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to Faro airport (40 min).
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Algarve to Andalusia by Bike

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Tavira
Airport: Faro
Transfer: Faro airport

Climate:
                                               Tavira area 

• helmet
• mobile phone holder
• pump
• bike computer
• 1 front bag
• 2 side bags
• 1 lock per bike
• 1 inner tube per bike (you should know how to change an inner tube on your own)
• 1 repair kit
• water bottle support holder