Algarve Winter Tour

Exciting news! (For me at least.)

The first Pedal Portugal guided cycle tour takes place in 2016 – a 10-day circuit beginning from Lagos on January 31st.

I’ve been thinking of setting up guided tours for a while as it seems the logical next step. I’ve been giving out advice on cycling in Portugal for four or five years, and have published two guide book to different regions.

Now, my plan is to take small groups (maximum of 10 riders) on tours of some of my favourite parts of Portugal, mostly on roads I already know, although in future I might use the tours to explore some new areas.

Everything is now in place for the first trip – I’ve got accommodation lined up and a detailed route that takes in a real range of scenery.

“Ancient towns, rural villages, wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, rugged hills and picture-postcard coves.”

As this is the first trip, I’m also running it on a not-for-profit basis – places cost £540 (around €725 or $650 US at current exchange rates).

This includes 10 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast, airport transfers and support vehicle.

Beginning and ending in the historic port town of Lagos, the planned itinerary is as follows:

• Day One – arrive in Lagos (transfers from Faro airport provided) and meet your fellow riders
• Day Two – ride from Lagos to Silves (taking either a gentle 44km option or tougher 74km route). Possible vineyard/winery visit along the way
• Day Three – rest day or a ride into the countryside around Silves (up to 60km but shorter options possible)
• Day Four – ride from Silves to Monchique (37km). A short and fairly tough but very scenic ride
• Day Five – rest day or various day ride options, e.g. an 18km round trip to the summit of Foia, the highest mountain in the Algarve. Walks in the wooded hills are also possible
• Day Six – ride from Monchique to Zambujeira do Mar (54km). Wild and remote countryside on the way out to the coast (lots of downhill and one nasty up!)
• Day Seven – rest day in a pretty coastal village with a lovely beach or a day ride along more of the spectacular Alentejo coast (42km) to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Sardão
• Day Eight – ride from Zambujeira to Aljezur (50km) with a chance to visit some more gorgeous and unspoilt beaches
• Day Nine – ride from Aljezur to Sagres (61km). More spectacular scenery includes Cabo São Vicente – the south-western tip of Europe
• Day Ten – ride from Sagres to Lagos (55km). Yet more gorgeous beaches and some quiet, pretty countryside

If this sounds good to you, visit the Algarve Winter Tour page for more information and to sign up – first come, first served!

Alternatively, scroll down for a few pictures of some of the roads and locations along the route – images are all mine and were taken in either January or February on previous visits to the region.