Portugal Trans Algarve

This is a fabulous ride over three days (plus a day to travel) - perfect for a long weekend - riding from the Spanish border across the interior of the Algarve region to Sagres on the far south west point of Europe.

The route takes us away from the coast - where all the traffic is found - and into the mountains where you will ride in amongst the orange groves and olive trees. 

We will collect you from Faro Airport and take you to Vila Real, right on the border with Spain, where we will spend the first night. The hotel will be good quality - 4 stars (depending on availability) and we will eat in the hotel on the first night.

Our first day's riding will start right on the border and take us through town towards the hills. A flat first 15km will get you nicely warmed up before the first gentle climb which lasts about 6km. We will then descend in the direction of the coast for about 15km before tuning back inland and starting the serious business of climbing for today. From km39 until km56, you will be climbing constantly, although never very steeply. After this the route is never flat with some short but steep climbs to tackle before we head out of the hills for the night and down to the 4 star hotel on the coast at Vilamoura.

Stats: 121km 1948m of climbing

Day 2

Day two again takes away from the busier coastal roads and into the mountains. Today we will climb to the highest point in the Algarve - Foia at 900m.

A flat start for the first 40km will be welcomed when you start the climbs later in the day. The first serious climb of the day is the climb to the village of Monchique where we will stop for lunch. This is immediately followed by an 8km climb out of the village up to the top of the mountain at Foia at 900m. 

A wonderful twisty descent follows, taking us eventually to Aljezur, where we will spend our second night on the road.

Stats: 122km 2217m climbing

Map of day 2

Day 3

Day 3 is the final day of riding. We will leave Aljezur and head out to the Atlantic coast before riding inland again and climbing up to the reservoir at Odiaxere that serves the western Algarve. After the steep descent, the road takes on a decidedly spiky feel with steep undulations most of the way to the furthest point in the route the lighthouse at San Vicente. This is the most south westerly point that mainland Europe goes. After taking in the spectacular views, we will head back to Sagres where, depending on flight times we will either get you showered and changed and take you back to Faro airport to return home or stay one more night before heading back there the following morning.

Stats: 96km 1392m climbing

Map of day 3

Trans Algarve Costs:

£750.00 All costs include transfers to and from Faro airport, good quality hotel accommodation (min 3 star, but 4 star where available), breakfast, dinner and motorised back up for the duration of the ride as well as a local guide.