If you cycle along the Ecovia, you will discover the true beauty of the Algarve: wild coastlines and small farming villages, dreamy lagoons and picturesque harbours, but also modern marinas and lively beaches." Tour guide Cristina Diaz from tour organiser Megasport describes in one sentence what awaits cyclists in Portugal in the very south of the country. The cycle route starts at the extreme south-west corner of Europe at Cape Sao Vicente, where huge waves thunder against the rocky coast. The Ecovia winds its way from west to east to the Spanish border without any major inclines. All routes are well signposted on existing roads or forest and field paths. This "eco trail" opens up completely new insights into this well-known holiday region, even for Algarve repeat visitors - even in culinary terms. The Algarve is not always just about fish & co. At "Ramires" in Guia near Albufeira, for example, there is no menu because everyone just eats "Frango PiriPiri" - spicy grilled chicken with tomato salad and rice. The locals drive for kilometres to get it - even during the week. At Praia da Galé, cyclists roll along a kilometre-long boardwalk with railings, past reeds and ponds with flamingos. Many migratory birds from Central Europe spend the winter here. The contrast to this is the marina in Albufeira, a modern marina with Lego-coloured building blocks and cool chill lounges on the quay. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is once again dominated by pure nature, as is the case over long stretches east of Faro.
Length/route: 214 km; Cabo de Sao Vicente - Lagos - Albufeira - Faro - Tavira - Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Organiser: Megasport, www.megasport.ptEstrada Nacional 125, km 89 Quatro Estradas, P-8100 Loulé/Algarve, Tel. 00351/289 393 044
Travel offer: Different variants from 3 to 7 days, prices staggered according to hotel category.
Internet: www.ecoviasalgarve.org
