SHORT BREAK - Cycling Algarve Coast Line - Sagres to Albufeira - 4 nights | 3 stages

SHORT BREAK - Cycling Algarve Coast Line - Sagres to Albufeira - 4 nights | 3 stages

Day 1 - Arrival

Transfer with MegaSport from Faro airport, or from another location of your choice, to the hotel in Sagres, where you will start your cycling holiday. The meaning of this village for world history is tremendous, witnessed by a wealth of historical events, stories and tales. The ruins of the 16^th century Baleeira Fort, the magnificent fortress and the Mareta beach are some of the highlights to explore in the village.

(Extra nights available before departure to Lagos).

Day 2 - Cape St. Vincent to Lagos (51 km)

Start your day by exploring Sagres, one of the most important areas in the Algarve accordingly with its exceptionally rich heritage. The starting point is next to the lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent - the most southwestern point of Portugal and Continental Europe. Enjoy the views to the ocean and to the cliffs that rise almost vertically from the Atlantic to a height of 75 meters. Cycling along quiet roads, enjoy the passage through Vila do Bispo to visit its 18^th century Mother Church and through Raposeira to visit its 16^th century Mother Church, taking a break in one of the traditional cafés, while chatting with the local people. Cycling towards the coast on secondary roads, the landscape is over green fields by the gentle hills, with a common presence of pine trees. Upon arriving at the coast, you are greeted with a resounding landscape over the ocean. In Salema, a fishing village, you can enjoy a refreshing swim while watching the traditional arts of fishing of this village. It is to highlight the passage through the Boca do Rio, not only by all the Lusitanian-Roman ruins that can be witnessed here, but also by the magnificent scenery that gives us, the beach in the valley between two hills. Quiet paths and roads with little movement with some elevations mark the route to the destination. At Burgau beach, also known as the Portuguese Santorini, the traditional fishing gear such as Alcatruz, gillnet or the hook device can be observed. Take advantage of the passage on Praia da Luz to visit the Church of Luz de Lagos, the ruins of the Roman baths and to make sure that the ocean is refreshing for a swim. Cycling on a bike path surrounded by views of the sea and the cliffs, you will find Ponta da Piedade. We recommend that you take some time to explore this magnificent natural monument. Cycling along the Bensafrim stream you will reach the city centre of Lagos.

Day 3 - Lagos to Portimão (30 km)

Start your day exploring Lagos, a city that played a key role in the Age of Portuguese Discoveries, as many of these vessels left from here. The Parish Church of Santa Maria, the Church of Santo António, the Bandeira Fort and the Municipal Market are some highlights to explore in the city. Cycling along a bike path and quiet paths you will reach Meia Praia, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Between roads and paths with little movement you will cycle along an aquaculture area. When the tide is low, you can see countless shellfish gatherers collecting bivalves such as clams and cockles. Take advantage of the passage through Odiáxere to visit its 16^th century Mother Church. The route to Alvor is traced by a road with movement, often accompanied by storks in their nests. In Alvor, visit the Morabito de São Pedro, the Municipal Market and cycle through the typical narrow streets, where we recommend a break for a drink or a good lunch in a typical Algarve restaurant with fresh fish. The Alvor estuary is a highlight and offers extraordinary views. Enjoy the passage through Praia do Vau and its landscaped environment flanked by smooth cliffs and irregular rock formations. Cycling along the coast with fantastic views over the ocean, you will reach Praia da Rocha, where you can relax the rest of the day.

Day 4 - Portimão to Albufeira (54 km)

The beginning of the stage is marked by a bicycle path along the bank of the Arade River. Visit the Portimão Museum and discover the city's strong connection to fishing culture. Next to the river Arade we find the village of Ferragudo and we immediately feel its fishing environment through fishing boats by the river and by the fishermen on the sidewalk preparing their fishing nets and fishing traps. We recommend a visit to the Church of Ferragudo where you have a fantastic view over the mouth of the River Arade and the city of Portimão. The stage is mainly marked by secondary roads and quiet paths, where olive, cypress, orange, pine, fig and cork oak vegetation predominates. In Carvoeiro, we suggest a visit to its fort and also to the grottoes, islets and water-spouts of the rock formations of Algar Seco. We recommend a visit to the promontory of Senhora da Rocha, a place that was a cult for Visigoths and Muslims, which has a fantastic view over the ocean and also a 16^th century chapel. Cycling through Armação de Pêra enjoy not only its cultural heritage but also a good offer of beaches: Vale do Olival, Armação de Pêra or Pescadores. It is to highlight the passage across the Salgados lagoon, a favourable place for bird watching. In Albufeira, cycling through its winding streets, explore the various “hidden” viewpoints between the white houses, contemplate the Portuguese sidewalk in the downtown and enjoy the fishing gastronomy that the city offers.

Day 5 - 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.