The Algarve by bike with the family
Fishing village, traditional cuisine and spectacular landscapes under the Algarve sun
© Jose A.
Highlights
The Ria Formosa Natural Park by bike, a untamedparadise
Castro Marim and its incredible castle
The Fort of Cacela Velha
The waterfall of Pego do Inferno
Traditional fishing villages: Tavira, Olhao
The delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine
A sunny stay to discover Portuguese culture with the family
Cycling holidays with the family leads you to discover incredible sites in the heart of the Algarve.
From Praia Verde to Olhão via Tavira, this cycling holiday gives you and your family the opportunity to travel along some of the most beautiful and unknown routes in the Algarve region. Throughout your trip, you explore magnificent landscapes, typical Portuguese villages and golden beaches.
Your cycling adventure begins in Praia Verde, a pretty little town with one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Its name of green beach comes from the magnificent mountain pine forest that surrounds the city. You ride to the town of Tavira with its tiled houses and cobbled streets then a few pedal strokes away you reach the port of Olhão. This small, traditional town is attractive with its narrow, lively streets and whitewashed houses. Olhão being the largest fishing port in the Algarve is the ideal place to taste a succulent fish dish. A free day allows you, if you wish, to discover Ilha Deserta which is considered one of the most secret beaches in the Algarve…
In addition to these pretty towns, this trip will take you through abandoned fortresses and castles like Castro Marim, which bear witness to the time when this region was regularly plundered by pirates. Your children will be charmed and will be able to let their imagination run wild. You will also discover one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, Ria Formosa. This natural park is endowed with incredible biodiversity and protects the lagoon system, fauna and flora, as well as migratory species and their respective habitats.
Finally, this bike trip will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Portuguese culture and meet the smiling and welcoming faces of the inhabitants who will make you discover their delicious traditional cuisine. A cuisine mainly turned towards the sea with fresh fish and seafood, grilled over a wood fire or stewed using a pan typical of the region called a cataplana. It is a gastronomic experience not to be missed all along the small fishing villages and the sunny seaside resorts.
The climate of the Algarve is sunny even during the winter. Indeed, the thermometer rarely drops below 15°C, making cycling pleasant all year round. Swim breaks for you and your children are also very popular in the spring.
Succulent and generous gastronomy, ideal climate, landscapes full of charm, this cycling trip to discover the best kept secrets of the Algarve promises great moments with the family.
Easy or 
Leisure MONTE GORDO 21km 80m 
For this first day of cycling, you leave the hotel and ride along a dense pine forest to Vila Real de Santo António.
You then cycle to the natural border with Spain to arrive at Castro Marim. Do not fail to discover its medieval castle, located in the heart of a green and hilly landscape overlooking the Guadiana River. You will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the river, the maritime marsh nature reserve, the hills, the salt flats and the superb surrounding beaches. Then return to Monte Gordo along the warm waters of the Portuguese coast.
From MONTE GORDO to TAVIRA 28km 200m
For this new day, you first head to Cacela Velha, a picturesque coastal town with a fortress that offers you an incredible view of the Ria Formosa. You can also admire the magnificent beach of Cacela Velha, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You then cycle along the Ria to Tavira. Along the way, you pass by several small villages like Cabanas. Once a bustling fishing village, today it is
the ideal place to taste the typical cuisine of the region with its seafood and locally caught fish.
TAVIRA, BOUCLE DE TAVIRA 29km 250m
Today you cycle on calm and serene roads near the mountains of the Algarve. You pass through small villages and rural paths until you reach a beautiful expanse of orange trees. A perfect time to stimulate your senses and connect with the nature around you. Otherwise you can enjoy a free day or an unforgettable boat trip along the Ria Formosa (not included).
Return to Tavira where you spend another night.
From TAVIRA to OLHAO 41km 300m
You leave Tavira and again follow the incredible Ria Formosa. You discover through Fuzeta, a fishing village full of character, famous for its traditional clay pottery and its lively port. With your children, admire the spectacle of the colorful fishing boats and watch the many local fishermen unload their catch or fix their nets in front of their huts. A day close to a simple and traditional Portuguese life.
Arrival in Olhao.
OLHAO
Today is a free day. But we suggest you discover Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta Island. Considered one of the most secret beaches in the Algarve. Birds, plants, flowers, chameleons or shellfish, it’s a paradise all year round!
You also have the possibility of hiking on the Santa Maria promenade which crosses the paradise island. The trail ends at Cape St. Mary, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal. Once you reach it, admire and listen to the sound of the waves on a white sand beach. A real moment of peace and tranquility (boat and meal not included).
From OLHAO to FARO , transfert aéroport, journée sans vélo
After breakfast you take a private shuttle that takes you to Faro airport.
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 923€/adult in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Family 4 participants room
- 6 breakfasts
- 4 dinners
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The itinerary described on the following supports :
- An app to follow the route step by step
- A practical and descriptive road book in English including all our recommended addresses.
- Day 1 : Private shuttle - FARO - MONTE GORDO
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
- Day 7 : Private shuttle - OLHAO - FARO
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks during dinners (unless otherwise stated), visits not listed in “The price includes” and other personal expenses
- Day 4 Tavira boat trip
- Day 7 deserta island boat trip
- City taxes
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in cycling holidays in Portugal:
- Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception on the first day of your trip by a local guide that will provide you the travel documents (reception in English)
- Telephone assistance from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A digital road book to find all useful addresses, recommended restaurants and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit.
- An application to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- (for an optional fee): rental of a GPS to ease tracking without using your smartphone.
And also:
- Rental of technical and comfortable bikes, ideal for this varied route combining roads and paths.
- The possibility of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring bikeFrame: rigid aluminium Drivetrain: high-quality Shimano Saddle: soft Suspension: SR Suntour Tyres: Schwalbe Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Supplied equipment per bike
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Child BikeSupplied equipment per bike
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EbikeFrame: rigid aluminum Drivetrain: high-quality Shimano Saddle: soft Suspensions: SR Suntour Tires: Schwalbe Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Battery: Yamaha or Bosch Power Tube 500 Wh Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : FARO
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at more than 24h from AMSTERDAM
- at more than 16h from MILAN
Coming by train
- Faro Train Station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Faro Airport
Arrival city : FARO
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at more than 24h from AMSTERDAM
- at more than 16h from MILAN
Coming by train
- Faro Train Station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Faro Airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From January 4th to December 15th
Destination EuroVelo 1
Portugal
2 adults and 2 children in a family room.
Free for children from 0 to 2 years old (baby bed added in room)
Personalized service 
Fit
Expert
From FARO to MONTE GORDO
Welcome to the Algarve in southern Portugal.
A private shuttle takes you from Faro airport to Monte Gordo, a small seaside town not far from the Spanish border.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.