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Cycle between Portimão and Monchique on gravel trails, among cork oaks and wild nature. Halfway through the route, enjoy a relaxing picnic in a shady and quiet area.

Highlights

• Pedal between the sea and the mountains on gravel trails and pure nature.
• Discover the silence of the cork oaks and the charm of the wild Algarve.
• Breathe in the fresh air, explore rural paths, and experience freedom.

Description

Route Description Feel the rhythm of nature under your wheels and discover an Algarve that's out of the ordinary on this two-wheeled adventure – available for gravel, mountain, or wide-wheel e-bikes. Starting from Portimão, this tour takes you through landscapes that breathe history, silence, and vitality, on a circular route to Casais de Monchique and back to the coast. The route kicks off by the blue Atlantic in Portimão, then calmly follows rural roads and dirt tracks, alternating between gravel and smooth asphalt. Soon, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of ancient cork oaks, pure air, and generous shade, where the silence is only broken by the rustling of leaves and the singing of birds. The Monchique mountain range, with its dense vegetation, native species, and rolling hills, invites contemplation; you can spot arbutus trees, Monchique oaks, heather, and typical Mediterranean vegetation. algarvediscovery.com +3 wilder.pt +3 ambientemagazine.com +3 As you head north towards Casais de Monchique, the terrain gradually rises: a challenging but rewarding climb, when the view opens up to panoramas over verdant valleys, distant mountains, and perhaps even glimpses of the sea that still insists on being present on the other side of the mountain range. The determination in the effort of the climb is balanced by the peace found in every curve, in every shade of cork oak, in every tree that stands firm against the sun. Halfway through the route, take a moment to truly breathe: you'll reach a shaded rest area under leafy cork oaks, perfect for a picnic with regional products – fresh bread, seasonal fruits, and local flavors. Here, time slows down, inviting you to connect, share, and contemplate the surrounding nature. It's the highlight of the tour, where physical effort gives way to a celebration of the senses. The descent to Portimão will be both gentle and exhilarating: dirt tracks that restore energy to your legs, trails that open up perspectives, the scent of wild herbs, and the song of the shyest birds. We'll end up by the sea, with the feeling of light pollen, the warmth of the sun bending over the trees, and your body full, not only of effort, but of the beauty you've experienced. Highlights Rich and diverse nature: cork oaks, Monchique oaks, arbutus trees, endemic species, and mountain vegetation. Wildlife and silence: Monchique's fauna, migratory birds, and natural sounds that stand out from the urban noise. Varied terrain: mostly gravel or rural roads, with gentle climbs to Casais de Monchique, and rewarding descents on the way back. Picnic in the shade of cork oaks: a break in a quiet resting place, ideal for recharging your batteries, surrounded by the mountains and vegetation. Emotional experience: pedal to the rhythm of the earth, connect with the silence, contemplate panoramas, and experience the contrast between coast and mountains.

Includes

What's included An experienced and friendly local guide will accompany you, with excellent English communication skills and deep knowledge of the region. Guidance and assistance throughout the tour, ensuring safety and a suitable pace for the group. Picnic Civil liability insurance, valid throughout the activity. First aid kit available and carried by the guide. Complete route planning, with logistical support and information on stopping points, refueling, and places of interest.

Important Information

• Technical Data – Gravel Route Total distance: 52 km Total elevation gain: 738 m Type of terrain: Paved: 21.6 km (≈42%) Dirt roads / rural trails: 29.5 km (≈57%) Difficulty: Moderate Average duration: 4 to 6 hours (depending on your pace and stops) Route description: A balanced route between road and trail, perfect for gravel, mountain, or hybrid bikes. The route alternates between smooth rural roads and dirt tracks that cross natural areas, valleys, and small villages. Perfect for those looking for an authentic experience off the beaten track, combining physical challenge and immersion in the landscape. At some points, and depending on the weather, you might have to cross some water.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund