Bem vindo a Portugal!

You will be met in the arrivals area of Faro Airport. The drive to Alcoutim can take an hour and a half, so we recommend that you land in the morning to allow time to get set up at the hotel.

If you have hired bikes, we will ensure that these are ready for you at the hotel.

Alcoutim sits on the banks of the Gaudiana River, which forms the border with Spain. It's known for a rich history of smuggling - to the extent that a monument was erected in their honour in the town square!

This comortable hotel overlooks the Gaudiana River, so you can look across at Spain from the pool! There is also plenty of space here to set up bikes and get yourself ready to start your adventure.

Local restaurant - TBC

There are two route options for today, but the first 48km is the same for both, so you can decide later on which one to take!

From the banks of the river in Alcoutim you will climb into the hills, through orchards of carob, olive and almond trees. The climbing today may feel continuous, but the views will only get better! As you ride into the Serra do Caldeirão, the forest thickens, with eucalyptus and cork oak dominating the landscape.

From Cachopo you can take the extra 8km loop if you are feeling strong. Either way, by the time you reach Cortelha you will have earnt your supper and a good night's rest!

Duration

84km, 2184m+

or

72km, 1635m+

15km - Periero

49km - Cachopo

This rural guesthouse is typical of the interior and full of Portuguese character. You will find local produce in the handicraft shop and wine cellar, and local food in the restaurant next door.

Casa dos Presuntos is owned by the hotel and just next door!

This morning you will have the joy of riding high in the hills with incredible views all around. Take a moment to savour it from the summit at Malhão, before you descend on an awesome gravel track. Halfway through your ride you will pass through Alte, a gorgeous whitewashed village with a fantastic bike cafe.

The afternoon highlight might be the track along the Funcho reservoir - its a litte technical in places but super fun to ride.

Silves is an ancient town, once the capital of the Algarve. The red fortress towers over the maze of cobbled streets below.

Duration

84km, 1457m+

20km - Malhão

43km - Germano's, Alte

55km - São Bartolomeu de Messines

This stylish yet luxurious guesthouse offers superb comfort and attentive service. Relax on the terrace and in the pool after your ride and fuel up on a delicious continental breakfast in the morning.

Local restaurant - TBC

You will roll through typical Algarve countryside this morning, through orchards and little villages. Its a relatively gentle start but be sure to set off in good time, as the the climb to Foia is not to be rushed - its simply stunning.

The ascent is long but not steep, allowing you to enjoy the vistas as they open up to the north. On a clear day from the summit you can see all the way to Sagres!

Duration

54km, 1612m+

38km - Velochique, Monchique. Fuel up here before the last climb!

This eco-friendly bed-and-breakfast makes for a very memorable stay. The mountain-top setting is sublime, the staff are wonderful and the homemade breakfast bufffet will keep you coming back for more!

Local restaurant - TBC

Your reward for the climb comes this morning! You will descend on rural tracks towards the stunning Odiáxere reservoir and through miles of quiet Algarve countryside. As you approach the coast you will enter the Costa Vincentina Natural Park, an important reserve for birds and marine life including otters!

Cape St Vincent, the most southwesterly tip of Europe, is wild and windswept; a dramatic finish to your journey across the Algarve!

From here its a short ride to Sagres and your hotel.

Duration

84km, 1120m+

35km - Pincho

65km - Vila do Bispo

A gorgeous spot to unwind after your tour. Put your feet up in a hammock, laze on the shady patio and tuck into a deliciously fresh breakfast in the morning.

Local restaurant - TBC

We will be sad to see you leave!

We will take you to Faro Airport in time for your flight.

Até a proxima...

The climate in the Algarve is suitable for cycling most of the year around. Spring flowers in April, May and June are stunning, and September and October are also fantastic times to ride.

It is possible to get some rain in the early parts of the year (Feb-April) which makes some tracks in the hills more challenging, but by no means impossible! Many people find July and August rather hot to be cycling.

This tour is built for advanced riders comfortable with cycling an average of 74km and 1400m of ascent per day. The climbing is tough, but the views and the descents will reward you!

Each day will consist of at least 40% gravel track sections (imagine a 4x4 gravel track suitable for vehicles as well) and the rest small quiet tarmac roads.

We will recommend a restaurant each evening and cafes en route for you.

We support small, local cafes and restaurants, eating where we can ‘how the locals do’. The food in interior Portugal is often more simple than on the Algarve coast, with menus regularly changing with the region and season.

All dietary requirements will be happily catered for – just let us know what you require, or what your likes or dislikes are and we will adapt our recommendations.

If you book a self-guided tour, we are always on the end of the phone. This means that if you need mechanical support, want to change a booking, or anything else which may crop up on the road, our friendly (bilingual!) team are here to help

Please note that due to availability, accommodation may vary from the hotels listed above.

Depending on your group size, we may be able to offer you a choice of hotels. Where possible we will do our best to accommodate you in small, traditional hotels and guesthouses where you will enjoy a truly unique experience each night.

• Bike*

• Inner tube, hand pump, levers, multitool*

• Pedals

• Helmet

• Cycling shoes

• Powermeter/Di2/Sram batteries/Garmin chargers as appropriate*

• Sunglasses (including clear lenses if you have them)

• Cycling gloves (depending on season)

• Cycling rain jacket

• Saddle (All of our hire bikes are equipped with a saddle, of course. However, we recommend that you bring your own if it is comfortable for you rather than spending a week sitting on a saddle that may not be suitable for you.)

• Suitcase (see below)

• Bib shorts, jersey, gilet, socks- minimum 4 sets.

• Arm/leg warmers

• Rain/wind vest

• Base-layer (depending on season)

• Chamois Cream

• Rear bike light + chargers

• Water bottles x 2 (we have bottles available to purchase).

• Garmin/Wahoo and mount

• Energy bars/snacks that you particularly like!

• Regular clothes and light jacket or jumper for evening

• Swimsuit (many of the hotels have pools or spa)

• Evening shoes / sandals

• Passport (Check expiry date)

• Travel Insurance

• Sun protection

• USB charger

• First aid kit

• Toiletries

• Cellphone and charger

• Id or passport

• Credit/debit card

• Medications and prescriptions

• Power adapter

• Ear plugs / eye mask

• Powerbank

• Airport transfers from Faro

• 5 nights accommodation in handpicked, bike friendly hotels

• Buffet breakfast each day

• Restaurant reservations each evening

• Detailed route planning (suited to group), GPX files given in advance plus itinerary

• Large luggage storage (bike boxes for example) throughout

• Civil Liability Insurance

• Telephone support whenever you should need it.

• 5 star Service – our promise

• Dinner, lunch and coffees bought at cafes en route

• Flights

• Transfers from airports other than Faro and Lisbon

• Other costs not listed above

• Luggage transfers + mechanical support vehicle (€300/group per riding day) = €1,200

• Luggage transfers (€110/group per riding day for groups up to 5) = €440

• Luggage transfers (€150/group per riding day for groups 6+) - €600

• Guide (€160 per guide per riding day) = €640

We have a range of rental bikes to suit different styles and budgets, including e-bikes. Below are a few examples. For full details and prices, see our website.

• Megamo. SRAM APEX AXS. 12 speed.

• Meagmo. SRAM Apex Eagle. 12 speed.

• Megamo Lande Premium e-Gravel. Bosch Performance Line.

• Megamo e-Gravel. Bosch 600wh.

Our bike rental partners are scaled to support large group, of 40+ riders.

Paradise Cycling Tours Unipessoal LDA

Bairro da Boavista 6
8100-016 Alte
Portugal
NIPC 517913704
RNVAT 11760

Contact:
Fiona Hunter Johnston +351 931325694

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