Cycling holiday in the Algarve

Get those cogs muddy in Almancil with a great cycling holiday in the Algarve.

So you’re already thinking about what to buy your loved one for Christmas and you’re also already thinking about where to go to on that early year escape to the sunshine. Why not cleverly associate your two thoughts by buying your ‘other half’ a bike and encouraging he or she to use it by booking a cycling holiday in the Algarve?

Why Almancil you my cry, well this small, unpretentious and ‘free of the tourist trial’ town, located just 13 kilometres to the northwest of Faro, boasts some spectacular coastal and hillside trails, surrounded by the most stunning of scenery, which are perfect for an afternoon in the saddle – In short, the perfect place to make the most out of a new Christmas present!

Although that’s not all, as also taking advantage of Almancil’s ‘bike-friendly’ and ‘cyclist-inspiring’ surroundings, is ‘Muddy Cogs’, Activity Algarve’s very own cycling club. Activity Algarve is based in central Algarve and specialise in cycling, walking and mountain biking activities. ‘Muddy Cogs’ meets every Saturday afternoon at Bikeland to the west of Almancil.

Members go for guided rides that vary between 10km and 25km in length, either along the coastal paths or up and down the rolling hillsides. This fun and sociable club charges no membership fee and welcomes residents and holidaymakers alike to join them on an afternoon ride in the sunshine and in beautiful surroundings. A ride with Muddy Cogs costs just 5 euros and all ages and abilities are welcome.

If you don’t fancy carting your own bike to the Algarve, don’t worry as Muddy Cogs can hire you a bike. Although don’t use that as an excuse not to start clocking up the kilometres on your soon to be new Christmas present, as some of those hills the Algarve is home to, will take some muscle power to reach the top!

For more information about Muddy Cogs and Activity Algarve, visit activityalgarve.com.

For a luxury villa near Faro, why not consider Vintage Travel’s Casa La Dona (pictured above) in nearby Loulé? This stunning two bedroom villa has breathtaking views and would make the perfect base for your cycling holiday in the Algarve.