32 independent reviews for Cycling holiday in Portugal, self guided
Reviews for Cycling holiday in Portugal, self guided
Richard Lamb review 28 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the varied landscape of the Algarve we would not normally see.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get an e-bike. I used a hybrid bike , however given the heat and the fact a hill was never far away, it would have been better using an e-bike like my partner, who was able to glide up the hills and enjoy the countryside.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were able to eat at local restaurants and stay at locally owned and run accommodation, all of which were good quality. Given it was a cycling holiday, it had low impact on environment (apart from our flights to the Algarve).4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable holiday with excellent support and instructions from Bert.Silver Budd review 17 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Enjoyed riding on empty roads through back country. Loved the poolside luxury and beautifully curated surroundings at Quinta da Luz. Getting to know the Carrapateira dune country was fascinating.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get used to riding up hills before you go. Also, there is no shame in an electric bike (!) - one of us converted halfway through and found a whole new sense of ease in the riding days - no fear of hills, no limits!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we ate and slept locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very satisfying varied holiday taking us to locations we would never otherwise have visited. The routes have been carefully and brilliantly chosen by Bert and the instructions were excellent. Bert was supportive and flexible.Andrew Burt review 20 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being outdoors for 7 days, cycling through wonderful scenery ranging from urban to rustic, over pine and cork tree covered hills ,across orange and lemon laden plains to rugged ,cliff-lined coasts and dazzling white beaches. It was fabulous2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We used mobile phone app Komoot with gpx files supplied by Bert, along with his excellent printed route notes.We think Komoot or similar would be very helpful for anyone doing this tour (or any other tour). We both hired ebikes without which we would have struggled with some of the lengthy ascents.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a lovely holiday along a route diligently annotated by Bert. We had a great time.Leonie Dillon review 25 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Well organised trip. Great scenery and diverse routes. Excellent accommodations. Bert, organiser, was well organised and communicated welll.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to understand maps, google data and know your local road rules and etiquette. The back roads are the best to see wonderful scenery and net generous local people.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all accommodations took environmental responsibility seriously.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and positively memorable.Marion Hampton review 20 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The different types of accommodation that Bert had arranged. It was quite exciting to find the new place, after a great days cycling. Also the notes that Bert had prepared were "quirky", so it was a real thrill to find the "next turn".2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You don't need as many clothes as you think !3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were cycling, so virtually zero impact on the environment, we ate in local restaurants drank in local bars, so it was certainly benefiting the local traders4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Well planned & ran smoothly from start to finish.Kate Gant review 3 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We have lots of memorable moments on this wonderful holiday. Cycling through orange groves, along very quiet country lanes, hill climbs, sparkling sea views, wonderful accommodation and some great restaurants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The route is very varied and includes some wonderful hilly roads. We hired e bikes which meant we could really enjoy the countryside. Take your time cycling through wonderful scenery. The route instructions are very clear and include recommended cafes. Downloading the GPX files meant we could see a map of the route as well as checking our position.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The holiday supported local businesses. The tour operator is run by Bert who lives and knows the area. We stayed in some lovely small hotels and guest houses. Bert recommended some lovely local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday gets a five star recommendation from us. Bert was very easy to communicate with before and during the holiday. He lives locally which meant he was on hand when we had a problem with one of our bikes, everything was resolved very quickly and efficiently. The route was extremely well researched and goes through some lovely very quiet parts of the Algarve. All in all an excellent holiday.Janet Dalton review 21 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Accommodation most satisfactory!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
In September, many cafes closed - recommend to carry rations on your cycle ride and only cash transactions used3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
????4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
8/9 out of 10John Butler review 27 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling on a treacherous forest track - definitely not to be recommended for ordinary or e-bikes. I think this route was intended for walkers, rather than cyclists.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be careful to avoid poorly surfaced roads.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in that it was a cycling trip with minimal carbon imprint. Benefits to local people came about through dining in local establishments.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was well planned by our local agent, Bert S., he monitored our progress and helped us out when there were difficulties. The accommodation was generally well suited to our party of older people.Read the operator's response here:
Hello John
Thank you for your comments and I'm glad you had a good trip.
It was very unfortunate that you had such bad weather with rain and wind on the cycling trip to Caldas de Monchique - sometimes the weather is against us! There were two routes available for this part of the itinerary and you chose to cycle the more challenging version. From now on I will strongly advise guests to cycle the easier version of this particular cycling trip when the weather is bad, to avoid the road situation you encountered.
Bert.
Keith Mahony review 25 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Met all of our expectations which were high based on the previous excellent reviews we read. The trip allowed us to travel through a variety of landscapes and stay in places that were each very different from the others. The trip allowed us to get away from the more touristic areas and experience 'real' Portugal. This included coming across a village celebration in a large picnic area by the road we were travelling on where there was music, dancing and food. We enjoyed watching and absorbing the atmosphere and were given a piece of the special bread/cake being handed out to those attending.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you are able to tackle some of the steep gradients on this trip and if you have any doubts about your fitness level consider an E-bike. That said, lowest gear and a good level of fitness is all that is needed. Dogs were an issue in many places especially in the more rural areas where their role seemed to be chasing off anybody on a bike riding past! Rather than relying on eating out at lunch time, better option is to take a picnic snack to see you through until a main meal at the end of the day.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Cycling is environmentally friendly compared to travelling around in a vehicle and allows you to cover much greater distance compared to walking. Stopping at cafes and buying from shops along the way contributed directly to the local economy. The accommodation was either run by or staffed by local people which again helped the local economy. We were urged by Bert to re-fill our water bottle(s) with drinkable water from taps at our accommodation - we took this advice to reduce waste plastic bottles.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Well organised and managed by Bert Smeman of the tour operator. All went to plan from collection from the airport to returning there. The routes and stops chosen by Bert were varied and interesting. All accommodation was of a high standard and in every case the hosts (B & B) and staff (hotels) were welcoming and very helpful.Angela Adams review 28 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Marc St-Cyr review 8 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The detail oriented instructions to get from one village to another, challenging climbs rewarded by descents. Great vistas, well though of tour.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Avoid summer months3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hoping so, Portuguese people are so welcoming and chilled.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Anne Millerd review 18 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a fantastic trip, allowing us to get out of the more traveled parts of the Algarve, into the towns and countryside. We loved the vegetation – the cork oaks, the eucalyptus forests, the orange orchards, fig trees, olives trees, etc. We traveled through many picturesque small towns and hamlets. The terrain was extremely varied, ranging from mountain passes to surfing beaches. The accommodations were all very clean and comfortable. The instructions provided by Bert, the organizer, were clear. We didn't get lost. When we had a flat tire, Bert fixed it for us. We are both in our 60's and moderately fit, and we had no trouble with the level of exertion.. We did cycle lots of hills in the months before we came, to prepare, and this paid off. The bikes were great – better than we have at home. There is a small amount of cycling on busy roads, but most of the trip takes you on a maze of quiet back-country routes. The trip is very well organized, but allows participants lots of leeway to make it their own. There were options for longer days, which we never took, as the minimum proved to be enough for us. More serious cyclists would definitely have the option to cover more ground, but we did not feel that we needed to do the longer routes to get our money's worth. We traveled slowly, stopping to look at lots of plants and views, and enjoying the occasional excellent coffee. We were in the saddle five or six hours a day, but some people would be much faster.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
All the accommodations provided good breakfasts, and there are great dinner options every night as well. We did not find lunch quite as easy. We would recommend taking the time to stock up on picnic food each day. Maybe check with Bert in advance as to the locations of the Continente supermarkets, which have everything you could possibly need for a picnic. We did not do this, and wished we had. We figured it out after a day or two, but it would have been great to have this together from the outset. We really enjoyed the lovely fall weather (our trip was in October) but feel this trip would work almost anytime of year except in the heat of summer. In the spring, the wild flowers are probably stunning.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The company contributes to tourism in the off season, providing business for hotels and restaurants when the weather is cooler and the huge, summer tourist rush is over (or hasn't begin yet). Also, tourists on bikes do not cause the noise, pollution and congestion that tourists in cars cause, so it's a lower impact way of bringing business to the region.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was one of the most memorable holidays we have ever taken. We had a fantastic time, and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys an active holiday, and who loves to explore new places.Louis Elortondo review 12 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We particularly enjoyed Carrapateira and de Terra de Caldas hotel2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave everything in the hands of Bert, he perfectly organizes the whole trip, from the route, to the bikes, the recommendations, all was good!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I can see these cycling tours benefiting the local small businesses like hotels and restaurants. Regarding the environment, I don't see them making a huge difference for the time being, but it is always good to know that at least you are not adding more CO2, mobilizing by bike.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Maybe it is not possible, but I would suggest to find more B&B's or places like Terra de Caldas. Also, I may think about selecting routes closer to the ocean, and/or the cycling route that we used/crossed a couple of times.Barry Ryan review 14 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling through fantastic countryside on quiet roads, orange groves, hill passes, really getting a chance to take it all in. The accommodation was also superb!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went in the last week of September and found it to be the perfect time to go.It was still ~30 Degrees each day, but the roads were very very quiet. Our accommodation was relatively quiet also. After a long days cycling, we were able to have the pool to ourselves in most places before we went off exploring again in the evenings. Spend a few days in Lagos at the end of the tour, a really chilled place in early October, perfect weather and none of the crowds! Stop for a beer in the midday heat to really appreciate a cold one!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our luggage was carried by car, but was pooled with other travelers on similar routes to reduce environmental impact. All accommodation and restaurant owners were local.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. We booked at short notice and Bert really went out of his way to get everything sorted for us. The quality of the bikes and routes were top notch. Bert kits you out with everything you will need on your first day. I really take my hat of to him, Bert thought of everything!Janet MacGregor review 11 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling through quiet villages and back roads. Lovely places to stay especially Casa do Palmeiro2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably by staying in local accommodation and eating in local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great accommodation. Route directions were excellent - we didn't get lost once. Berts helpfulness in answering questions and holiday planning when our late booking meant having to modify the advertised holiday slightlySheila Kerr review 26 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The first day of our cycling experience. Meeting Bert our host and having him explain our itinerary and routes. Getting on our bikes for the first time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Dont cycle in The Algarve in July and August, unless you are used to high temperatures.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, We stayed in local accomodation and used lots of local, rural restaurants and cafe's.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. You must try a Bert Smeman cycling holiday. They are superb.Alan Johns review 9 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The 50k ride down from Monchique to the coast.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for electric bikes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Cycling is good.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent all round.Julia Pound review 3 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving at our hotels, particularly the really rural ones, although they were all good.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check the weather. We went the last week of September and it was still pretty warm. The cycling is reasonably challenging so we wouldn't have wanted it to be any warmer. Don't always believe Bert when he says things like 'this is one of only 2 climbs today'!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to say. Obviously we were using local hotels, cafés etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We really enjoyed the holiday. The roads were very quiet, hotels lovely, organisation great. Bert was very thorough, waiting for us outside the first hotel when we arrived, spent a lot of time making sure the bikes were right and responded to a phone call very quickly. We met him at the end if the holiday and offered some feedback which he was keen to have.Roy Leitches review 22 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably Duas Quintas outside Silves,2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Emphasise the rural nature of inland Algarve3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to say. Main expenditure was meals and drinks. No obvious impact on environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very happy with the care and attention provide by local company in Portugal. Bert Smegman was excellent and very detailed in his planning. Would highly recommend him to others.Anne Nicholl review 13 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling and staying in areas that I normally wouldnt as a tourist see or visit. The cycle takes you through rural areas of Portugal which are relatively untouched by tourism. Some of the accomodation was idyllic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Its a great holiday if you are looking for a good mix of cycling as well as relaxing. Miles per day can be adjusted to suit, and arent overly long,the route itself isnt overly taxing and the bikes Bert provides are comfotable with sufficient gearing to get up all the moderate climbs.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, we ate and drank in a lot of local cafes etc that probably only get visits from foreigners once in a blue moon.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday if your looking for a good mix of cycling, relaxing and sight seeing of some of Portugals untouched areas.Jost am Rhyn review 10 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
a) Getting to know some of the beautiful countryside and small towns of the Algarve; b) Bert's exceptional service.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
a) Enjoy every minute! b) If you are concerned about climbing some hills with a regular bicycle, choose an e-bike. For clarification: Even if I am in my sixties, I did not have any problems riding a regular bike. These bicycles are very suited to ride in this kind of terrain.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Visiting small towns and staying in smaller, very well selected hotels benefits undoubtedly the local economy. Travelling by bicycle provides for environmentally friendly transportation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Beautiful memories. I can only recommend this tour.Karen Tweed review 28 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The quiet rural roads and passing through little villages on the way. Views are spectacular too.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
My husband had not done a lot of cycling and took his own gel seat cover to put over existing bike seat and found this to be great. I am a cyclist and was fine with exisiting seat that was on bike .3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We stopped in the little tiny cafes and some of the fruit stores and spent our money in these towns that were away from the tourist areas. We were on bikes. No air pollution just the sound of us breathing hard up some of the hills and yahoos going down the other side.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic and would recommend it. June was a great month as the weather was stable and sunny everyday.Fran Kelly review 20 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Excellent choice of locations and accommodation, varied cycle routes, well serviced reliable bikes, it was all extremely well planned by Bert, who met us and explained it all so well.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Expect to be surprised at the lovely choice of accommodation, the friendly staff and beautiful countryside, close to nature, combines both rural aspects and towns,small villages with wonderful architecture. So much to view,- you will want to keep stopping to have a look.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably helps the smaller cafes, resturants , we did cycling trip so had frequent stops to eat/drink.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really impressed with Bert's choice of routes, places to stay, standard of bikes and his over all helpfulness from the time of booking until we left. This is a great way to see Portugal, meet the people and delight in the countryside. The west coast is breath taking and feels unspoilt. I would really recommend this holiday, it is so well co-ordinated to appeal to lots of different tastes.Richard Scott review 1 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Bicycling up Foia into the clouds and shivering in sub-zero clouds, then back down to a relatively balmy ride to the beach over a couple of hours. Then surfing at Praia Amado.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your time. Trust Bert.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted the local economy, yes, and through small, generally very well run locally owned hotels and restaurants. The environment not so much, since we flew from Canada to Portugal and, though we biked, our luggage was driven for us from one waypoint to the next. (Very nice that was though.)4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great, very well organized, good maps, well-considered route. Bert was very pleasant, helpful, honest and totally reliable. We ran into a couple of minor mechanical problems with a couple of the bikes and he met us promptly with a replacement bike in one instance and a replacement part in the other. One of our party had to leave a day early and, though we had not thought about it, anticipated it or asked about it, Bert handed him a refund on the day he left us.Annmarie Woodcraft review 3 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving in Lagos, a beautiful town on a lovely sunny day.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book or bring your own bikes, as the bikes we hired through the holiday were exceptionally heavy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Good holiday.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback which we will of course consider. As you are probably aware there is always a bit of a trade-off between weight and comfort when it comes to tour bikes. On balance we have opted for what we feel are the most appropriate bikes for our tours. The feedback we have had about them in the past has always been very positive and this is why we are encouraged that we have found the right balance. However, we appreciate that everyone's experience is different and so as mentioned, we will take your comments into consideration. Our guests are always welcome to enquire about the bikes so that there will be no unexpected surprises. We hope you feel this adequately responds to your comment.
Kind regards,
Bert Smeman.
Debbie Merrick review 5 Dec 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all just wonderful. Great weather, great food, great scenery, great accommodation. The organising of it was first class. Did the Terra de Caldas tour.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you go late on in the year make sure you have warm clothes - days start a little chilly and the temperature drops around 3pm. Also, if you are a slow cyclist either start out early or take a torch - actually, a torch is useful for staggering back from the local restaurants in the evening!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stopped at many local cafes to re-fuel.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
FantasticPatricia Houston review 14 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having the opportunity to cycle through the beautiful countryside and villages and looking forward to our next accommodation in spectacular locations. The first place we stayed in Querenca was a great start to the holiday. All the accommodation was way above our expectations and so well organized by Bert.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book it !!! We enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. One of the best things was there was only local people and produce. We spent our money in local places and family run accommodation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful!! We are already looking for similar holidays.Sally Forster review 25 May 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The spectacular locations of the accommodation which had been organised2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this holiday as we enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that local people will benefit from this holiday as we spent money in only in local establishments so it should be circulated locally. Enabling cyclists to visit and enjoy this beautiful countryside should encourage conservation and maintenance of the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10. We could not fault any part of the holiday. The rides were routed through beautiful landscapes, visiting interesting villages and all felt very safe. The accommodation was clean, friendly and in wonderful locations. The personal service Bert provided was great which meant that the holiday met our needs perfectly without any worry at all.karen austin review 16 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling along country roads alongside ripening pomegranates, grapes and quince and not having to worry about where we were going to stay. Part of each days adventure was the surprise factor of our next abode which never disappointed.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it! it's great fun and a wonderful sense of achievement reaching the destination. Bert, who is the organiser was always available although thankfully we didn't need him as his instructions were spot on.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
One of the best things was that there were only local people and produce4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
First classKristin Rygg review 9 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Portugese landscape is as mild and friendly as its people. Bert is an excellent organizer and the accomodations he had booked for us all had lots of charm, swimming pools and excellent food.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We found that this trip suits adults and children alike because one has a choice between a longer (ca. 50 km) or a shorter (ca. 30 km) ride nearly every day. One can also choose not to bicycle and rather stay at the swimming pool instead two of the days.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! Recommend it to everyone from 8 to 80 years old who love to bikePaul Okey review 27 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Just having the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful countryside at our own pace. We were able to stop and take photos when we wanted and felt like we were seeing a part of the country which often goes unnoticed. The accommodation in Querenca and Monte De Cima was something else as well. We were expecting rustic, what we got were luxurious idylls, perfect to recharge our batteries after the time on the road.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Prepare to put on weight! We though that six days of cycling would have us shedding the pounds, but the food we sampled (the Alte Hotel apart) was wonderful and plentiful, especially the breakfasts. As for the cycling, the first day was a little bit of a shock to the system, but my partner, who was carrying an injury and had little cycling experience, managed to get through the whole week fairly comfortably.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Obviously the car transferring our belongings had an environmental impact. However, by biking through unspoilt villages we were free to choose when and where we wanted to stop, spending our money at small community ventures and hopefully benefitting the local community. And, many of the stays were at family-run villas.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The fact that we were immediately scanning the website for similar holidays says how much we enjoyed it. Add to that the number of people who have asked us for links to the site after hearing of our experiences and you can see that our enthusiasm for the holiday was infectious.Adriana Moore review 7 May 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding through the countryside with all the spring flowers and trees in full bloom and the captivating orange blossom scent in the air! All the little villages/towns with lots of character and very friendly people. Delicious seafood and large selection of local desserts ( personal favourite -pasteis de nata and carob cake) Portuguese people are so nice and helpful! The whole trip was very well organised, with clear cycling instructions and baggage being transferred smoothly. We loved the freedom of doing a self- guided trip as a couple in the beautiful countryside.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check the weather forecast and prepare well. It did rain on 3 out of the 8 days in the Sunny Algarve. We were well equipped and didn't mind cycling through the rain, in fact we loved it as we live in the desert :) Some of the rural accommodations ( Querenca and Monte de Cima) can take only cash and no card payments, so make sure you carry enough if you choose to dine there( highly recommended by the way!) We were pleasantly surprised to find out English is widely spoken. Took us a while to get used to the set lunch and late dinner opening hours of restaurants. Carry small snacks in case you miss lunch or don't want to eat dinner late. Bert gives excellent recommendations for restaurants and places to visit. If you like seafood, try the one in Silves. If you can, book an extra day in Lagos at the end of the trip- lots to see and do!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! I have already recommended it to friends.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
