When arriving in Faro, a Bikesul staff member will welcome you, providing you with details about the region and the tour. After that, the shuttle will take you to the hotel in Vila Real de Santo António, a village in the southeastern edge of the Algarve coast. After the check-in, take the opportunity to explore the village and if you have the time, take the ferry boat (ticket not included, available directly on the port) to visit the spanish village of Ayamonte just on the other side of the river.
Accommodation in Vila Real de Santo António.

(50 km/32 mi - 540 m/1770 ft Total elevation)
This is the first day of cycling, that starts from your hotel door in Vila Real de Santo António. Just a few meters away by the ferry boat port, 3 long routes have their starting point.  The Eurovelo 1 or Ecovia route, the GR-15 and the new barrocal touring route, specific for bike touring.
This route departs along the "Sapal" towards Castro Marim,  a small historic village through a quite easy flat cycle path.
After Castro Marim you will ride west and will later face the first hills of this journey. But don't worry, they are short and easy! Enjoy the panoramic view at the top over the "sotavento algarvio",  a therm used to define the eastern Algarve.
The next town is Tavira, one of the most beautiful cities of the Algarve. We recommend you to cycle or walk along the historical center of the city, that still has traces from different civilizations. Have a drink in one of the nice coffee shops at "Praça da República".
The course that connects Tavira to Marco revels hidden natural beautiful places as the "Pego do Inferno" waterfall .
Accommodation in Marco.

(52 km/33.5 mi - 750 m/2460 ft Total elevation)
On this third day you will cycle through the central area of the Algarve, which has many points of interest. Just after you start cycling you will pass by the small traditional village of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. Here you can visit the "cooperativa" to learn how the typical liqueur "medronho" is made or visit the olive oil producer. 
Following the route you will then gently climb to one of the most traditional  municipalities of the Algarve, São Brás de Alportel, a place that still maintains its roots. 
Following the Alportel valley you will enter what is the largest municipality in the Algarve, Loulé. The "Fonte Filipe" fountain marks the beginning of the Algibre stream, boasting an unique natural beauty. Shortly after, you will come across the short but demanding climb to Querença, which will be well worth the effort for the beauty of this small village. You will then pass through the protected area of ​​the "Fonte da Benémola", before going up to the magnificent village of Alte.
Accommodation in Alte.

 (44 km/27.5 mi - 350 m/1148 ft Total elevation)
This stage is marked by the large citrus groves and rainfed trees, crossing typical localities such as Paderne, Tunes and Fonte Louseiros. The arrival in the city of Silves, the first capital of the Algarve, is evident by the panoramic view over the city with its medieval castle on the top. 
Accommodation in Silves. 

(66 km/41 mi - 670 m/2198 ft Total elevation)
The longest stage of this tour connects the central Algarve to the western Algarve. The landscape becomes wilder, the land less cultivated and the population density is lower. On this day, localities such as Barão de São João, Barão de S. Miguel and Budens stand out. You will spend the night in the village of Pedralva, which has been restored to rural tourism accommodation, keeping its original features.
Accommodation in Aldeia da Pedralva.

 (54 km/29 mi - Elevation 600 m/1968 ft Total elevation)
This last day will be special due to the wild beauty of the Costa Vicentina. Leaving the village of Pedralva behind you will cycle along the Carrapateira stream that leads to the fascinating and famous Bordeira beach. If the weather allows, take the opportunity to dive in this paradise beach in the Atlantic ocean.
The final kilometers will take you through Arrifana and Vale da Telha, passing through another place that will remain in your memory, the Monte Clérigo beach. Before going to the hotel, you can visit the castle of Aljezur and enjoy the panoramic views over the village and the surrounding area!
Accommodation in Aljezur.

We have reached the end of the trip.
Transfers to the airport will be arranged but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with a few recommendations.