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A cycle trip to discover the unspoilt beaches of the western Algarve and Alentejo Atlantic coast. As you pedal from the charming town of Odeceixe on the river Seixe, right on the border between Alentejo and the Algarve, you will appreciate that there is so much more to this special pocket of Portugal. In the hinterland, pass through extensive woods, authentic villages surrounded by kitchen gardens and quiet roads perfect for cyclists of all ages. On the coast swim at wide open beaches, cycle past coastal scenes of rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs and feast on fresh seafood. In the evening stay in charming accommodation with swimming pools to cool down in after a day of cycling. The relaxed pace of the days will ensure you truly have a holiday while exploring a fascinating area at handlebar level.
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19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(115kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrival in Faro, transfer to Odeceixe
On arrival at Faro airport you will be met and transferred firstly to the bike shop, before continuing on to Odeceixe and the hotel. Odeceixe is located on the river Seixe, on the border with the province of Alentejo. You will stay in one of the authentic village houses of Odeceixe, near the windmill and the old centre. Dinner reservation will be made: Restaurante Altinho
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Circular route from Odeceixe vía Carvalhal & Zambujeira (33 or 40 km/20 or 25mi)
On your first day of cycling you have plenty of time to explore the area and take a beautiful ride past the beaches of Odeceixe, Carvalhal and Zambujeira, crossing a plateau with greenhouses and agricultural plots along the way. Zambujeira is a cosy fishing village where you can also enjoy lunch. Overnight in Odeceixe. Ascent: 500/585m (1640/1920ft), maximum of 100m in one climb, usually less. Highest point 115m
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle to Aljezur via Amoreira beach (30km/18.5mi)
Today you first cycle inland following gravel roads at the banks of the Odeceixe River, past farms and a holm oak 'dehesa'. After 5.5km there is one steep climb of 125m and then you follow quiet asphalt roads through a rural area towards the coast. Along the way you visit two villages, Maria Vinagre and Rogil with shops and bakeries. At the end you descend along a dirt path with loose sand to Amoreira beach: a great place to spend the afternoon before cycling the last 7km to Aljezur. Your hotel is a modern apartohotel with a swimming pool in the new part of Aljezur. The nicest restaurants are just 10 minutes walk away in the old part of town, near the castle ruin. Ascent: 475m/1560ft in total, including 1 steep climb of 125m/410ft. This climb can be avoided by taking a shortcut between Odeceixe and Maria Viangre, reducing the stage by 7km/4.5mi. Highest point 140m.
Day 4
Continue to Pedralva after visiting the castle ruins of Aljezur (41km/25mi)
Today's route starts with a steep climb to the castle ruins of Aljezur. You can opt for a detour adding 17km via the beaches of Monte Clérigo and Arrifana, or to cycle directly south to Carrepateira through shady pine forests and the dunes of Bordeira. After a stop in the village of Carrapateira, with a few shops, bars and restaurants, you follow a dirt road for 10km through the rural valley from Vilarinho to Pedralva, where you will stay in a cosy cottage for the rest of the trip. Option to shorten if there have been heavy rains, or extend the cycling with an optional loop, adds 18km/11mi. Ascent: 500/875m, maximum of 150m in one climb. Highest point 162m. Dinner reservation will be made for: Restaurante Sitio da Pedralva
Day 5
Circular route via the surf beach Praia do Amado (24.5km/15mi)
Today's short route starts with a descent through the rural valley to the village of Carrapateira, a pleasant spot where tourists, surfers and fishermen congregate at the central square. There is also an interesting ethnographic museum, "Museo do Mar e da Terra". You then cycle through the spectacular coast of Carrapateira, where you can visit two different beaches. In summer you can also take surfing lessons at Praia do Amado. On the way back you follow sandy roads through the hills. There is one steep climb, but there's no rush. The alternative route along the main road is almost as steep and 1km longer. Ascent: 335m/1099ft. Highest point 133m
Day 6
Cycle to Cape San Vicente, the south westernmost corner of Portugal (35.5km/22mi)
On your last cycling day your goal is Cape San Vicente, Portugal's most south-western corner. First you climb over stony gravel tracks through pine forest, eucalyptus forest and a modern windmill "plantation" to the town of Vila do Bispo. From here there's an almost flat stretch across the plains towards the cape, where you can have a drink in the café at the foot of the lighthouse. During the last 6km you can enjoy the spectacular cliffs as you continue to Sagres. You have enough time to visit the fortress or one of the beautiful beaches along the way before you meet the bike rental company at 4.00pm - they load your bike on the trailer and transfer you back to Pedralva. Ascent: 255m/1490ft, with the steepest (100m) right at the start. Highest point 140m
Day 7
Trip concludes
Trip arrangements end after breakfast. A few extra days in Pedralva is highly recommended, please ask for our rates. Optional transfers available to Faro Airport, additional cost applies.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 24 speed high quality mountain bike and helmet (child bikes are available with supplement). In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric mountain bike is available on request. E-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in. Supplement applies.
The route is on a combination of dirt roads, gravel or sandy tracks and tarmac lanes with little or no traffic.
GRADE 3 - The cycling takes place along the coastline and accordingly the route is a little hilly at times, however the cycling is relaxed. The average daily stages of 24.5-44km / 15-27mi ) are achievable for anyone of good cycling fitness including children, or if taking an electric bike, a reasonable level of fitness is required. The route is on dirt roads, gravel tracks and tarmac lanes with little or no traffic. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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