SHORT BREAK - Cycling Algarve Coast Line - Faro to Vila Real de Santo António - 3 nights | 2 stages

SHORT BREAK - Cycling Algarve Coast Line - Faro to Vila Real de Santo António - 3 nights | 2 stages

Day 1 - Arrival

Transfer with MegaSport from Faro airport, or from another location of your choice, to the hotel in Faro, where you will start your cycling holiday. Faro is a region of the Algarve that has one of the most important cultural and historical heritage. The Arco da Vila and the Cathedral of Faro are some of the examples that can be seen in the famous "old town" that is partially surrounded by the walls built by the Moors.

(Extra nights available before departure to Tavira).

Day 2 - Faro to Tavira (44 km)

Start your day exploring the capital of the Algarve. The village arch and the cathedral are some of the highlights that can be seen in the famous "old town" of Faro, which is partially surrounded by the walls built by the Moors. The route to Olhão is partly traced by a road with movement and by a cycle track along the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the saltpans, with views of the Deserta, Farol, Culatra and Armona islands. Visit this typical Algarve town and explore its fishing traditions. We recommend visiting the well-frequented Mercado Municipal and the marina, where you can see the replica of the boat Caíque do Bom Sucesso. Cycling near the fishing port gives you a unique contact with fishing traditions and arts, as well as with local fishermen. The route to Tavira is cycled by roads with little movement between small towns and quiet paths next to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where the landscape is marked mainly by the presence of olive trees, pines, fig trees and cactus. In the fishing village of Fuseta, observe the architecture of the white houses with roof terraces and enjoy an excellent view over the Ria Formosa while taking a refreshing swim on its beach. The route guides you through the Fuseta saltpans - a place where you can observe several species of birds in their natural habitat such as Flamingo, Pied avocet, Black-winged stilt and many others. Observe small historical landmarks such as the Tower of Aires, some Norias and the two-thousand-year-old Olive tree. In Santa Luzia we suggest visiting Barril beach where you can find the well-known Anchor Cemetery, which were used in the past in the practice of tuna fishing. Enjoy a good meal of typical Algarve cuisine, here best known for making octopus dishes. The end of the stage is marked on the Roman bridge, in the city centre of Tavira.

Day 3 - Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António to Tavira (69 km | or 44 km + train | or 36 km + train)

Start your day exploring Tavira, one of the most beautiful and typical cities in the Algarve. Its beautiful castle, the Church of Misericórdia and the Camera Obscura are some of the highlights of the city. Starting at the Roman bridge, the stage leads us to Cabanas de Tavira, where we cycle along the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a 60 km long lagoon system. The route is mostly cycled by secondary roads and quiet paths, where you can observe and visit some strategic defensive points on the Algarve coast. Passing through Cacela Velha it is impossible to stop feeling its Islamic culture. Visit its Mother Church built on a primitive medieval building, the Cacela Fortress - where in the same place was once a Moorish castle and observe the fantastic view over the coast. Cycling along the coast you have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim at Manta Rota beach, at Altura beach, at Praia Verde beach, at Cabeço beach, at Monte Gordo beach or at Santo António beach. The path through the pine forest next to Monte Gordo beach and through the National Forest of the Dunes of Vila Real de Santo António until the Guadiana River, where the natural border is marked between Portugal and Spain, is a great highlight of the day. Cycling along the Portuguese bank of the Guadiana River, the stage guides us through the city of Enlightenment - Vila Real de Santo António. Visit the Marquês de Pombal square, the city parish and the market of regional products spread through these streets. The stay is again in Tavira, so you can choose to return by train or cycle. Although we recommend to cycle the full stage, in Vila Real de Santo António and in Castro Marim you have the possibility to return to Tavira by train. The way to Castro Marim is marked through cycle tracks until the Ravelin of Santo António, where you’ve exceptional views all around. We recommend visiting its Mother Church and its Castle, where you have not only a fantastic history but also extraordinary views. The route back is traced by secondary roads between small villages, farmlands (orange, lemon, persimmons) and vineyards, with some views over the ocean. The end of the stage is biked along the east bank of the river Gilão to the city center.

Day 4 - Return

End of the program with transfer with MegaSport to Faro airport or to another location of your choice.

OPTIONAL: extra nights available on request.