Climbs of the Algarve
Difficulty Level ****
This is the most challenging of our tours. It is especially for those keen on adventure. This route traverses the Algarve from East to West and takes in all the principal climbs of the region.
This route takes in many scenic sights and places of interest which are pointed out to you in the route book.
Bellow we provide a summary of what to expect during each stage of your journey.
Stage One: Vila Real de Santo António - Tavira
You leave Vila Real and head for the interior of the “Serra do Caldeiro” This is a large, arid mountainous region which has many points of interest. It is the main training ground for the local professional cycling team. You will head through the mountains to the towns of Martim Longo. From here you will head South to the quaint mountain village of Cachopo. From Cachopo you head south east through the mountains to Tavira. The main climb on this trip is know as “Subida do Monte da Ribeira”.
Stage Two: Tavira - Loulé
View from half way up Cerro de São Miguel with a weather front moving in.
This stage is easier than the previous. Leave Tavira, and head West down the EN125. Till you reach the town of Alfandânga where you turn inland. Here you go north towards Moncarapacho and the first objective of the day looms ahead; “Serro de São Miguel” from the Serro de São Miguel we descend to Estoi. From Estoi we head quickly inland again on the “Bordeira climb” From here we descend briefly and cross inland. If you have time, we recommend passing by the palace at Estoi and the Roman Ruins.
Stage Three: Loulé - Silves
This is an easier stage but includes the “Alto the Malhão” a short, steep climb where the Volta ao Algarve is usually lost or won. It also passes “Picota” near Loulé, which has a fantastic view. It's a long ride to Silves, but it passes many beautiful places like Tor, Salir and Alte. All these mountain village are historic and have many points of cultural interest. Like the medronho (local firewater) distilaries at Alte, or the Moorish runins in Salir. Alte is the site of a spring and pools. A waterfall plunges down a short escarpment under a bridge and out of the town to then disappear again under the limestone characteristic to a lot of the central Algarve.
Stage Four: Silves - Lagos
Silves used to be a port town, that dribble of a stream called “Rio Arade” was once a powerful river and a shipping industry existed exporting mainly wood and cork to the Mediterranean, Silves was the Moorish capital of the then Algarve, or Al-Gharb, meaning the West. This province was larger than the actual Algarve and encompassed the Alentejo and part of Andalucia. As is evident with the large mountains looming all around, here we will find many climbs. However we will explore only a few. Although I will include others... For anyone who is curious.
The main routes tackled are Picota, Foia, however there are many more for the lovers of sore legs who want to leave the route and explore. The route then gently rolls to the Bustling coastal town of Lagos.
Stage Five: Lagos - Sagres
This is the final Stage and slightly easier than the previous. From Lagos we head up to the mountain town of Marmelete. This town is on a ridge on the western side of the mountain range and has tremendous views over the whole south west. From here you'll descend to Aljezur, then climb briefly up to vale telha to take in a view of the West Coast. Then descend back down and climb the and cycle south-west with a (prevailing) tailwind to the final mountain on this tour: The “Serra de Espinhaço do Cão” , Ridge of the dog. From here it's a relatively easy cycle down to Sagres and if you wish, Cape St. Vincente, the most south westerly point of the continent.
What's provided:
-Accommodation for day of arrival to day of departure (7 nights in total)
-Baggage delivery each day at your hotel
-Breakfast (7 breakfasts in the hotels you will stay at)
-Private transfers between point of arrival in the Algarve and begining/end points of your holiday
-Road book, maps and a guide. And cultural agendas for the localities you will be passing through
-Insurance (For details see our terms and conditions)
-Energy foods for your cycle;including energy bars and gels, plus energy drink if desired.
-Mobile for emergencies and communication with our staff.
-”Rescue” Service should you encounter some problem, like a mechnical. For very serious problems contact 112 first.
-Laundry service.
-Bicycle (with 100€ deposit on arrival)