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Trip Itinerary
Explore Portugal’s Sunshine Coast on a self-guided bike tour through the Algarve, featuring Lagos, Sagres, and the Serra de Monchique.
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Where to Arrive
Airport:
Faro International Airport (FAO)
Pick-up location:
The MN56 Hotel, Lagos, Portugal
Pick-up time:
11:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Faro International Airport (FAO)
Drop-off location:
The MN56 Hotel
Drop-off time:
11:00 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your Portugal Self-Guided bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Faro (FAO). The airport is a one-hour shuttle ride to Lagos. Private shuttles and taxis are available for pick up at the airport (90-120€). They will be able to take you directly to your hotel. The hotel can also arrange a chauffeur driven car from the airport. Please contact The MN56 Hotel for more information.
You can find connections to this airport from many major European cities, including Lisbon, Portugal, which is the closest (a 45-minute flight) and a great place to visit before or after your trip. There is also a nonstop train from Lisbon Oriente Station to Faro five times per day. The trip takes about three hours and costs about 25€ one-way. Buy tickets in advance at www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/buy-tickets.
Your Trek Travel host will meet you at The MN56 Hotel (R. Marreiros Netto 56, 8600-617 Lagos, Portugal) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Depending on the number of guests booked for your departure date, it is possible we will ask you to shift your meeting time by approximately 30 minutes. Please have your riding gear readily accessible to avoid having to unpack your luggage. After a trip overview, you may change into your cycling gear where you will then be fitted to your Trek bike ensuring you will be comfortable for the week. Following a safety talk and a review of the details of the route, head out on a self-guided warm-up ride along the beautiful roads of the Algarve.
If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your Trek Travel host. If you cannot reach them, please call our hotel, The MN56 Hotel (+351 282 244 390) and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
Your Trek Travel host will meet you at The MN56 Hotel at 11:00 AM to take your bike and equipment and say farewell before your departure. The trip hotel can also arrange a chauffeur driven car to the Faro. Please contact The MN56 Hotel for more information. Please allow adequate connection time for any ongoing travel to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Welcome to the Algarve—the Sunshine Coast of Portugal!
Overview
Welcome to the Algarve! Meet your Trek Travel host at MN56 Hotel at 11:00 AM for a brief orientation and personalized bike fitting on your Trek bike to get you comfortably set for the days ahead. Once you're ready, your self-guided ride begins—an introduction to the hills of the Algarve. Today’s route rolls through quiet country roads lined with Aleppo pines and cork oak, climbing gently toward a peaceful reservoir. On the return, pass through the low-key village of Barão de São João, where a small artist community and welcoming cafés reflect the region’s laid-back hospitality. You'll end your ride back in Lagos, where the rooftop pool awaits and the walkable old town invites you to explore and dine at your own pace.
Hotel
The MN56 Hotel
Highlight of the Day
Odeáxere Reservoir
Odeáxere Reservoir offers a peaceful inland detour with rolling terrain and a quiet glimpse into the hidden side of the Algarve.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Lagos to Odeaxere Resevior Loop - Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1759 ft | 536 m
Discover the Serra da Monchique, cycling's best-kept secret
Overview
After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, today’s ride leads you deeper into the eucalyptus-covered hills of the Serra de Monchique, where forested roads, cooler air, and sweeping views create an ideal setting for exploration. Climb gradually to Caldas de Monchique, a serene village known for its mineral-rich thermal waters, used for their healing properties since Roman times. For those looking to extend the ride, the avid option continues to Alto de Foia—the highest point in the Algarve and a celebrated climb in the Volta ao Algarve (Tour of the Algarve). At the summit, take in panoramic views before spinning into the colorful mountain town of Monchique.
Hotel
The MN56 Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Serra De Monchique Range
Explore the mountains to the north—a pro cyclist’s early-season training ground and a hidden pocket of wellness-focused villages.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Lagos to Caldas de Monchique Loop - Approximately 49 mi | 78 km and 3393 ft | 1034 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Serra de Monchique Loop - Approximately 28 mi | 45 km and 1,420 ft | 432 m
Ride Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Lagos to Monchique and Foia Climb - Approximately 62 mi | 100 km and 5289 ft | 1612 m
Ride to Cape St. Vincent and Sagres, the “End of the World”
Overview
You’ll take yourself west today, pedaling along the golden coast past sun-soaked villages and dramatic cliffs toward Cape St. Vincent and the relaxed village of Sagres. Once believed to be the edge of the known world, this windswept headland—the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe—played a key role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery. These days it's a laid-back coastal hub with plenty of restaurants and scenic spots to pause and refuel. After lunch, return to Lagos for a lively evening in town or a peaceful walk along the coastal trail at Ponta da Piedade, where towering sea stacks and turquoise coves define the landscape.
Hotel
The MN56 Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Sagres
Windswept and wild, Sagres is where dramatic cliffs meet endless ocean—Portugal’s edge, rich in maritime history and raw beauty.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Lagos to Sagres and Return - Approximately 54 mi | 86 km and 3864 ft | 1177 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Lagos to Praia do Ingrina and Return - Approximately 35 mi | 56 km and 2891 ft | 881 m
Ride Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Lagos to Sagres and Carrapateira Loop - Approximately 66 mi | 106 km and 4052 ft | 1235 m
Pedal east toward Portimão, an energetic riverside city with a storied maritime past
Overview
Today’s ride begins inland, rolling through quiet backroads and sun‑dappled villages as you leave Lagos behind. The route winds toward the wild beauty of Praia de Alvor—an expansive beach where white sand meets calm, clear water. With nearby dunes and a wooden boardwalk into the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, it’s a beautiful spot to pause off the bike. From there, continue into Portimão, an ocean and riverside town with deep trading roots and a lively coastal feel. Its palm‑lined promenade invites a relaxed spin or seaside lunch. Return to Lagos with the golden Algarve light behind you and enjoy your final evening on the town.
Hotel
The MN56 Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Praia de Alvor
Pause at the expansive Praia de Alvor, where white sand meets calm, shallow water, before continuing into Portimão—a vibrant port city.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Lagos to Portimão Loop - Approximately 42 mi | 67 km and 2466 ft | 745 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Lagos Loop - Approximately 18 mi | 28 km and 1004 ft | 306 m
Ride Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Lagos to Portimão Loop - Approximately 49 mi | 78 km and 2881 ft | 878 m
Enjoy a peaceful seaside spin to Burgau for you final day in the Algarve
Overview
Relish your final ride with a coastal spin from Lagos to the relaxed village of Burgau. The route hugs the cliffs and winds through golden landscapes, with sweeping ocean views and salty breezes at every turn. Pause to absorb the rhythm of the Algarve one last time. In Burgau, enjoy a celebratory coffee by the sea before returning—legs light, heart full. It’s a perfect send-off to a remarkable ride. Your Trek Travel host will meet you at 11:00 AM at the hotel to collect your bike and gear before you continue your journey through Portugal.
Hotel
The MN56 Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Burgau
A quaint fishing village where whitewashed cottages meet turquoise waves—Burgau blends old-world charm with laid-back coastal beauty.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Lagos to Burgau - Approximately 14 mi | 22 km and 988 ft | 301 m
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
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Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself