Barrocal Route - Touring/E-Leisure

Depart on a journey that will take you to discover the Barrocal region, located between the coast and the mountains.

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This is an area formed by limestone elevations, called ravines, covered with undergrowth, such as shrubs and myrtle. In the more clayey and fertile lands from the barrocal, come the mixed rainfed orchards, made up of carob, fig, almond and olive trees.

Between hills, valleys and watercourses, some villages and towns emerge, proudly preserving its old habits and customs thanks to the resident population.

Due to its geography, with an average altitude between 100 and 300 m, traveling by bicycle through the typical barrocal is one of the best ways to explore this area of ​​the Algarve.

Enjoy the traditions, culture and natural beauty that only the interior of the Algarve can offer you! 

Minimum participants: 4

What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis (half board basis
  available upon request);
- Transfer from and to the airport;
- Luggage transfer between hotels;
- Briefing and travel road book;
- GPS device with pre loaded courses or Bikesul App with
  navigation function;
- Bicycle E-bike KTM Macina Sport;
- Saddle bag with an extra inner tube, levers, mini pump;
- Helmet;
- Bikesul exclusive water bottle offer.
- Ride_In cycling Jersey offer;
- Personal Accidents and liability Insurance   

Not Included
- Flights;
- Lunches;
- Beverages;
- Extra equipment non-specified as included;
- Mini-bar and extra consumptions not mentioned on the program;
- Personal expenses;
- Travel Insurance

Extras:
- Extra-nights (subjetc to availability)

Highlights

  • The Algarve´s typical Barrocal region
  • Crossing the Algarve from the boarder with Spain to the Atlantic coast on the west
  • Nature and rich fauna
  • Close contact with the local population
  • Traditional villages                  
                        
  • Nature and rich fauna
  • Coutryside style accommodation

Itinerary

When arriving in Faro, a Ride_In staff member will welcome you, providing details about the region and the tour. After that, transfer 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.
ACCOMODATION
In Vila Real de Santo António
This first day of cycling, starts at 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 from the top over "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 city center, 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 reveels hidden natural beautiful places such as "Pego do Inferno" waterfall.
DISTANCE AND ALTIMETRY
50km | 32mi - 540m | 1770ft Total elevation
 ACCOMODATION
 In Marco
    MEALS
    
Breakfast
On this third day you will cycle through the central area of 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 Algarve, São Brás de Alportel, a place that still maintain its roots. 
Following Alportel valley you will enter what is the largest municipality in  Algarve, Loulé. Boasting an unique natural beauty, "Fonte Filipe" fountain marks the beginning of Algibre stream. Shortly after, you will come across the brief 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.
DISTANCE AND ALTIMETRY
52kms | 33.5mi - 750m | 2460ft Total elevation
 ACCOMODATION
 In Alte
    MEALS
    Breakfast
This stage is marked by 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 Algarve, is evident by the panoramic view over the city with its medieval castle on the top. 
DISTANCE AND ALTIMETRY
44km | 27.5mi - 350m | 1148ft Total elevation
 
 ACCOMODATION
 In Silves.
    MEALS
    Breakfast
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 become a rural tourism accommodation, keeping its original features.
DISTANCE AND ALTIMETRY
66km | 41mi - 670m | 2198ft Total elevation
 ACCOMODATION
 In Aldeia da Pedralva.
    MEALS
    Breakfast
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, 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!
DISTANCE AND ALTIMETRY
54km | 29mi - 600m | 1968ft Total elevation
 ACCOMODATION
 In Aljezur
    MEALS
    Breakfast
We have reached the end of the trip.
After Breakfast, 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.
MEALS
Breakfast
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