You can now rent a quality mountain bike from Algarve Bike Hire and see much more
of the real Algarve. Algarve Bike Hire is your 1st stop for your cycling tour
in Portugal. We can offer standard hardtail bikes, front suspension and full suspension
26" wheel models. We also have a few full suspension bikes with 15"
frames and 24" wheels for younger riders. All bikes have water bottles fitted
where possible, and come with security locks so you can leave them, locked whilst
you rest on t he beach and take a swim in the clear blue sea..
From our rental base in Gale near to Albufeira, Portugal there are many beaches
within one hour's cycle ride. Most of these beaches are quiet all year as many
tourists just don't know they exist. From Carvoeiro heading west along the coast
road it is less than10 km to the pretty fishing village of Ferragudo with it's
fabulous beach and great restaurants. Another 5 km, and you are into the town
or Portimao, with it's marina, beaches, fishing harbour and of course the shops,
bars and restaurants. Just over the old bridge, to the right, in among the cobbled
streets is the area to eat fresh barbeque grilled sardines. Left over the bridge
is where many of the full or half day boat trips along the coast depart from.
Heading
east out of Carvoeiro towards O Farol (the lighthouse), and beyond, are some of
the most spectacular sandstone cliffs, coves and beaches on the Algarve, Portugal.
Many of these beaches are quiet even in the summer, and there are a few that regular
tourists never find, and even some that many locals have not yet discovered. The
roads are pretty quiet, and there are some great cliff top areas to explore too.
There are several roads heading north to the town of Lagoa, which has some hidden
treasures of its own including "O Ciclo" Restaurant for huge crabs and
fresh fish at lunch time. It may not look much from the outside, but the town's
mayor and chairman of the council don't eat there for the view. Lagoa has retained
it's original old market, which opens daily around 9.00 am for fresh fish, meat
vegetables and fruit, at a fraction of the cost in the supermarkets.

Through Lagoa and it's only another five Kms to the historic town of Silves with
it's Moorish castle and archaeological ruins. Also of interest at Silves is the
"Fabrica Ingles", the old cork factory, now a museum, theatre, restaurants
and exhibition centre. There is usually something going on there for most of the
summer, including the Algarve beer festival in July. A must for lovers of Latin
Jazz and cool Brazilian music is the Cafe Ingles restaurant on a Sunday afternoon.
Sit under the shade of the trees and savour the ambience created by some of the
best musicians you are ever likely to hear.
Explore the area around Silves riding along small country roads through the
orange groves, and open countryside. Stop at local bars, and cafes and buy lunch
for a fraction of the price charged in the tourist places. You can find cheap
Algarve holidays at ilovealgarve.net Alfagar
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