Cycle the Alentejo to the Algarve

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.