Client quote

Aside from the spectacular riding, the highlight of the trip was riding along the dirt road on the coast and that last GREAT meal in Lagos! After such a great trip, I didn't want to go home. It was a blast and I hope to see each of you in the future!

John P. Brooks, Dallas, TX

Sweet Oranges
Tavira - Portimão - Faro

The Algarvian interior has beautiful weather all year round and the cycling is through country lanes dotted with olive, fig, almond and orange groves rooted in stunning red earth.

In many ways the landscape and the people feel much closer to North Africa than Europe. This warm, sunny trip offers on top of great rides the unbeatable Portuguese hospitality, superb food (particularly fresh grilled fish!) beautiful beaches and unique accommodation.

Trip Highlights

• Explore the unknown interior of the ancient Al-gharb, stronghold of the Lusitanian moors.
• Take a scenic coastal train over the gleaming salt pans and marshes of the Portuguese south.
• Travel along tiny country lanes to old whitewashed villages, along orchards of fragrant orange trees.
• Feast on the freshest catch of the day grilled to perfection and washed down with one of Portugal’s incomparable wines.
• Enjoy some of the Algarve's finest accommodation, far from the madding beach crowds.
• Top the trip off with an al-fresco, seaside barbeque with our incomparable chef, Paulo Corte-Real.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Tavira.

Following a morning transfer from Faro airport to the graceful old town of Tavira, you will have the day free to explore its many monuments and pretty squares. In the afternoon, we'll fit the bikes and get acquianted over a gourmet Welcome dinner. Accommodation: Pousada Convento da Graça.

Day 2
Tavira Loop ride of 72km/44.7m

Today we cross the Guadiana for a taste of Spain. Here, where the river separates Spain and Portugal, smugglers once operated and pirates hid out in the pueblo blanco of Ayamonte. Returning from Spain we’ll stop at Castro Marims fort where ruins date to the Neolithic period, 5000BC. We’ll ride past the Salt Marsh Natural Reserve where salt still is collected by hand and where rare species thrive. Accommodation: Pousada Convento da Graça

Day 3
Tavira to Montecarapacho ride of 65km/ 40.3miles

Enjoy the Algarve countryside as you cycle past fig, almond and orange groves en route to the dramatic Roman ruins of Milreu with beautiful mosaics from the 1st – 3rd C BC. Accommodation: Vila Monte.

Day 4
Montecarapacho loop ride of 56km/34.7miles

Today we head up into what’s known as the Barrocal, no man’s land between the coast and the hills of the interior. We’ll pass São Bras de Alportel, in the 17th C a summer residence for the bishops of Algarve. Today São Bras is a thriving community with links to its past; here you can see an old mill still in operation and find traditional craft products for sale. Accommodation: Vila Monte.

Day 5
Montecarapacho to Portimão ride of 65km/40.6miles

Riding out this morning, we’ll continue west and skirt around the regional capital at Faro to follow country roads through a sea of oranges. You’ll be tempted to stop by the side of road to savour this sweetest of fruits—the Algarve orange! Accommodation: Casa Trés Palmeiras

Day 6
Portimão to Lagos ride of 68km/ 42.2miles

Today’s ride will stop in the town of Alcantrilha with a curious chapel decorated with bones from previous inhabitants. After lunch on the beach, continue to Silves. Here was one of the Algarve’s most significant towns until the 15th C when the river Arada silted up. On a walking tour of Silves you’ll see traces of its past—including a Moorish castle and remarkable underground reservoir. Accommodation: Tivoli Lagos.

Day 7
Lagos

In the morning we’ll shuttle to Sagres to visit the Fort where Henry the Navigator is said to have directed a School of Navigation. Looking out from the Fort, you can imagine the caravels setting sail for Africa. Back in Lagos, enjoy an afternoon at sea. Swimmers, enjoy a dip in the Atlantic before our farewell dinner—classic Algarvian cuisine in one of our favourite tascas. Accommodation: Tivoli Lagos.

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Trip Details

Sweet Oranges