Self-Guided Cycle South Portugal
8 Days Starting in Vila do Bispo and ending in Faro Airport
Visiting: Vila do Bispo, Carrapateira, Aljezur, Zambujeira do Mar, Vila Nova de Milfontes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CSPO
Group Type:
Independent
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
Medium, Easy to Moderate
Age range:
Adult
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A self-guided cycle journey that follows Portugal's beautiful coastline from the Algarve into Alentejo. Pedal your way along dirt roads, crossing pastures and open vistas to Cape Sao Vicente, the south-westerly most point of continental Europe. Vilanova de Milfontes - beautiful coastal villages Discover coastal landscapes - Unspoilt beaches, rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs Food and wine - Refuel on local specialities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival At Vila Do Bispo
Location: Vila do Bispo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Your holiday begins in the town of Vila do Bispo. The afternoon is free for you to explore the local sights and relax after the journey.
We are able to offer transfers from Faro Airport (FAO) to Vila do Bispo for an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for further information.
Day 2: Circular Route From Vila Do Bispo
Location: Vila do Bispo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast your bike will be delivered to your hotel. Take your time to test the bike out and make any adjustments before you start the first route. First you follow dirt roads across pastures and fields to Cabo Sao Vicente (the far southwest corner of Portugal). Then a quiet tarmac road takes you east along the rocky shores to the village of Sagres, which has a beautiful beach and several bars and restaurants. You will then return to Vila do Bispo for the evening.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres (200/ 275 metres ascent and descent) with the option to add a further 9 kilometres.
Day 3: From Vila Do Bispo To Carrapateira
Location: Carrapateira
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you combine sections of three famous trails. You start on the Via Algarviana as you head west from Sagres, before turning north to catch up with the Historical Trail which leads to Carrapateira via the restored village of Pedralva. If your legs are feeling strong we recommend you add the circular route from Carrapatiera along the cliffs and beach as this is one of the most stunning beaches in the area.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (300/ 400 metres ascent, 375/ 475 metres descent) with the option to add a further 10 kilometres.
Day 4: Cycle From Carrapateira To Aljezur
Location: Aljezur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Carrapateira you explore the rolling hills and quiet inland valleys with extensive pasture land and villages. After following the seaside plateau of Monte Novo and Chabouco for approximately 20 kilometres you descend to the medieval town of Aljezur. You can also choose to add a loop via the coastal village of Arrifana and the beach of Monte Clérigo.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (275 metres ascent and descent) with the option to add a further 14 kilometres.
Day 5: From Aljezur To Zambujeira Do Mar Via Odeceixe
Location: Zambujeira do Mar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is an enjoyable route as you cycle to Armoreiro beach, then climb up to a plateau filled with heather and pine trees at Rogil. After a short coffee break you will follow the Historical Trail alongside a winding irrigation channel, or alternatively you can choose to cycle along wider tarmac lanes. After the traditional village of Odeceixe you cross the border between the Algarve and Alentejo and start the second climb of the day, across an agricultural area to reach your accommodation for the night, set above the beach of Zambujeira.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 38 kilometres (225 metres ascent and descent).
Day 6: Circular Route Via Zambujeira And Sao Teutonio
Location: Zambujeira do Mar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You may like to take it easy today and spend some time at the beach, or you can choose to cycle an easy circular route through the relatively flat agricultural area between Zambujeira and Sao Teutonio. However, we recommend you cycle the long route via Boavista dos Pinheiros in order to appreciate a different landscape along on the banks of the rivers Mira and Sao Teotonio. To reach the river banks you follow wide dirt roads (again waymarked as a Historical Trail) through undulating countryside with open woods of Holm Oak and Strawberry trees, bursting with flowers in Spring time. After Boavista dos Pinheiros, you can follow quiet tarmac and dirt roads back to Zambujeira.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (275 metres ascent) with an option to add a further 15 kilometres.
Day 7: Cycle From Zambujeira Do Mar To Vila Nova De Milfontes
Location: Vila Nova de Milfontes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your last day you mainly follow dirt roads and quiet tarmac lanes along the coast line. The end of the route is the magic Coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, at the mouth of the river Mira. It has the nickname 'Princess of the Alentejo' and once you have stayed there you will understand why. This town is perfect for a few extra nights to enjoy the beach and the tasty gastronomy of the Alentejo.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres (150 metres ascent and descent).
Day 8: Holiday Ends In Faro Airport
Location: Faro Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the bike rental company will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to Faro Airport (FAO).
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
We are able to offer transfers from Faro Airport (FAO) to Vila do Bispo for an additional cost. This trip ends at Fao Airport.
-
Drinks with Meals
-
Meals – Breakfast Only
-
Bike
What's Not Included
-
1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Country Entry Visas
Why Book this Tour
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a pump, lock, spare inner tube and tyre levers. All you need bring is your own helmet.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
There is no guide on a self-guided trip
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
6 nights comfortable hotel 1 nights simple hotel
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A solo traveller supplement applies, contact us for prices.
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, we can book extra nights at the joining and ending hotels.
-
Company Instant Book
All self-guided trips are on a request basis
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We are able to offer transfers from Faro Airport (FAO) to Vila do Bispo for an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for further information.
-
Are e-bikes available on this trip?
E-bikes are not available on this trip
-
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
-
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
-
What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
-
Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
-
Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."