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 ALTURA, BOUCLE DE ALTURA 33km 200m 
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 Altura along the warm waters of the Portuguese coast.
From ALTURA to TAVIRA 21km 100m
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 39km 280m
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
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 735€/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
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- 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.
- Jour 1 : Navette privée - FARO - ALTURA
- Jour 1 : Orientation in Altura
- Jour 7 : Navette privée - 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
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.
Touring bikeSupplied equipment per bike
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Child BikeSupplied equipment per bike
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EbikeSupplied equipment per bike -Helmet |  |
Getting here
Departure city : FARO
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at 13h from BORDEAUX
- at more than 16h from LYON
Coming by train
- Faro Train Station - Plus de 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Faro Airport
Arrival city : FARO
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at 13h from BORDEAUX
- at more than 16h from LYON
Coming by train
- Faro Train Station - Plus de 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Faro Airport
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Trekking or hybrid bike
- 21 to 30 speeds
- 26 or 28 inch (700) wheels
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (included with the rental)
- Clothing suitable for cycling
- Warm jacket (eg fleece)
- Rain proof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 small backpack or panniers
- 1 or 2 water flasks (included with the rental)
- 1 lock (included with the rental)
- Our reccomendation for optimal comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 special pair of pants (shammy leather)
- 1 night see fluorescent vest
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Daily use kit: cloth, brake pads, oil
Other
- Suitcase for transporting personal effects in luggage transfers (limited to one per person when possible)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Set of toiletries
- Mobile phone and charger
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From January 4th to December 15th
Destination Portugal
Themes Family trips
Sea & Ocean
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
From FARO to ALTURA
Welcome to the Algarve in southern Portugal.
A private shuttle takes you from Faro airport to Altura, a small seaside town not far from the Spanish border.