Trip Itinerary
Portugal Ride Camp 4-Day 2025 Itinerary Day 1-4
Challenge yourself on a 4-day ride camp in Algarve, a hidden gem of natural beauty and premium cycling, home to the renowned Tour of Algarve.
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Portugal 4-Day Ride Camp 2025: Day 1-4
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Total Length: 43.22 kmMax. Elevation: 90.00 mMin. Elevation: 2.50 mTotal Ascent: 587 mTotal Descent: 587 m
2025: 4-Day 1-4 Day-to-Day
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Faro International Airport (FAO)
Pick-up location:
Agua Hotels Riverside, Ferragudo, Portugal
Pick-up time:
11:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Faro International Airport (FAO)
Drop-off location:
Agua Hotels Riverside, Ferragudo, Portugal
Drop-off time:
11:30 AM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, 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 International Airport (FAO).
You can find connections to this airport from many major European cities, although Lisbon, Portugal is the closest (a 45-minute flight) and a great place to visit before and after your trip.
There are multiple ways to transfer to the Agua Hotel Riverside from Faro International Airport. Car rentals are available and recommended as our trip hotel is somewhat remote. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful and operate 24 hours a day from within Faro. Transfer from FAO to Agua Hotel Riverside is approximately 50 minute transfer, and costs around 65-80 euros for 1-4 passengers.
Please note that some European rental companies are requiring an International Driving Permit. AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an IDP.
Your Trek Travel staff will meet you at the Agua Hotel Riverside (Riverside, RNT 2991, Parchal) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the Portugal cycling trip. Upon meeting your guides and getting checked into the hotel, we will ensure you have a great fit to your Trek bike for the trip and give you a few pointers before you head off on a self-guided warm-up ride.
If you will be late for the meeting time, or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our hotel, Agua Riverside Hotel (+351 282 490 300), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. You may take a taxi to Agua Hotel Riverside, for approximately 65-80 euros.
Additional Departure Information
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:30 AM at the hotel. Please be sure to book transportation to your departure airport prior to the end of your trip.
The use of your Trek Travel bike ends at 11:30 AM on day of departure, and in some cases, may be needed for another guest arriving that day. Extensions may be available upon request but cannot be guaranteed before your trip begins.
Choose from one of our self-guided rides such as the Silves Loop
Overview
Welcome to your Portugal cycling camp! Today, you’ll be assigned to your Trek bike for the week and receive important information about the daily schedule and ride options. Take on the Silves Loop, a perfect ride to start the week of training. You'll be riding out of the Hotel to Silves, once the capital of the Algarve in the 11th century under Moorish rule. Pedal at the foot of the ancient walls of the Castelo de Silves, considered the main and most beautiful Muslim fortifications and the largest in the Algarve. Stop in for a quick coffee in the town, or choose to ride an additional loop through the countryside filled with orange, persimmon, and fig trees, which include just the right amount of hills to warm your legs for the week ahead. You’ll return through the coastal roads and back to the hotel where you can check into your room before joining the group for dinner and discussing the upcoming adventures.
Hotel
Agua Riverside Hotel
Meals included
Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Castelo de Silves
Silves Castle, a national monument since 1910, is a notable example of military architecture, showcasing its protective walls from Roman and Moorish rule.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S SELF-GUIDED RIDE:
Pera Loop - Approximately 32 mi | 53 km and 1,719 ft | 524 m
Ride Option 2
AVID SELF-GUIDED OPTION:
Silves Loop - Approximately 43 mi | 70 km and 2,168 ft | 661 m
Monchique and Portimão Race Circuit Loop
Overview
You'll begin your first guided day headed north to the village of Monchique. This charming village is known for its natural beauty and traditional architecture. The white walls, carved stonework, stripes of color around doors and windows - but with their saia, the chimneys' "skirt" which are quite different from those found in this part of the country. You'll have your first views of Fóia today, and your chance to climb it comes later in the week. Pedal through the wild strawberry bushes and into the quaint town of Casais. You'll then have views of the majestic Atlantic ocean before you begin your descent through the rolling landscapes framed with cork and wild olive trees guiding the way back through Ferragudo and to the hotel.
Hotel
Agua Riverside Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Aguardente de Medronhos
Taste Medronho, the traditional Portuguese brandy made from arbutus berries found in the Algarve mountains. The fruit, resembling a cross between strawberries and lychees, turns orange-red when ripe. This spirit affectionately known as "firewater" is famous for its hot sensation in the throat!
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Monchique and Portimão Race Circuit Loop - Approximately 61.5 mi | 99 km and 5,548 ft | 1,691 m
Tackle the Caldeirão Mountain Range like the pros
Overview
Today you'll ride the very roads the pros ride each February in the Volta ao Algarve (Tour of Algarve). It’s a big day in the saddle as we ride through the Algarve, with twisting turns up into the captivating Barrocal region with wine vineyards, olive trees, and almond groves around every bend. We'll stop and refuel at a bicycle themed cafe in Arte. You'll then be able to choose to attack the famous climb up Malhão, the highest point of the Serra do Caldeirão at 1,643 feet (501 meters), or begin your journey back to Ferragudo. After a relaxing break at the hotel, we’ll take a short shuttle to dinner at a charming local bistro in Ferragudo.
Hotel
Agua Riverside Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
The Guardians of the Winding Roads
The casas de cantoneiros once stood as sanctuaries along ancient roads. These small houses, inhabited by dedicated roadkeepers, held stories of travelers and duty.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Alte Loop - Approximately 69.5 mi | 112 km and 4,603 ft | 1,403 m
Ride Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Alte Loop with Malhão - Approximately 82 mi | 132 km and 6,105 ft | 1,861 m
Choose from one of our self-guided rides such as the Lagos Loop
Overview
It’s time to say goodbye and discover the Algarve on your own for one last ride. Your Trek Travel guides will be available to provide you with some guidance as you select a favorite route, or choose to explore the countryside of this region. Visit the cobbled streets of Lagos with its famous Fish Market and towering town walls that were built in the 16th century. Take in the coastal views on your way back to Parcal, making sure to stop for photos along the way. One last spin back to Agua Riverside where days ago felt foreign will now feel like a home away from home.
Hotel
Agua Riverside Hotel
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Lagos
Lagos' Old Town stands as a testament to ancient civilizations, maritime trade, and the enduring spirit of exploration.
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S SELF-GUIDED RIDE:
Lagos Loop - Approximately 41 mi | 67 km and 2,332 ft | 708 m
Ride Option 2