Eurovelo 1 – Rota da Costa Atlântica locates in the coastal area of the Algarve and gives you straight access to several beaches. This Route comprises the European Network of Cycling Routes and connects Vila Real de Santo António to North Cape in Scandinavia, extending throughout the Portuguese coast up to Caminha, in the north of the country.

This Route goes across the whole Algarve and connects Vila Real de Santo António (East) to Cabo de S. Vicente (West), extending over 214 km. It is also named Ecovia do Litoral, and goes up about 50 km to Aljezur, on the southwest coast. This itinerary unveils magnificent coastal landscapes, goes through cities, villages and preserved nature areas like the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Southwest Alentejo and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, encompassing exclusive non-motorized vehicle areas and mixed traffic areas across roads and paths with little traffic.

This itinerary starts (or ends) near the old Customs House in Vila Real de Santo António, a city with a privileged location: Guadiana River’s mouth in the east, the beach in the south, a pine forest in the west and the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim (Castro Marim Marsh Natural Reserve) in the north, which is also a point of connection with the Grande Rota do Guadiana (GR15), which can bring you to other adventures in the Algarve’s inland. From Vila Real de Santo António you can go to Monte Gordo, Altura and Manta Rota, a lagoon area of great ecological significance. From here on, the itinerary invites you to charge your batteries by tasting many sea delicacies . Then, you reach Cacela Velha, where you must stop to enjoy one of the best sights over the Ria Formosa. In the municipality of Tavira, this route goes by the vicinity of the towns of Santa Luzia and Luz de Tavira and carries on to Olhão, a city standing out for its history and architecture, and then, it continues to Faro.

From the Recreational Dock in Faro, the itinerary goes to Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, within the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. Then, it carries on through the marginal road of Quarteira, goes to Olhos de Água, Vilamoura and then Albufeira, a city full of entertainment. Further, it goes to Armação de Pêra and Lagoa, then, it reaches Ferragudo, a colourful fishing village located in front of Portimão city.

Portimão is known by its excellent vast beaches with warm and calm waters. The Route then goes on to Lagos, a very popular lagoon area with several bird species, where churches, museums, castles and castle walls are a must see and where you can enjoy magnificent views over the city, the bay and the Serra de Monchique. When arriving to Sagres, the Fortress stands out. Cabo de São Vicente is a must see site and is also the connecting point between the Via Algarviana and the Rota Vicentina.

This itinerary is part of the Ecovia do Litoral, a cycling itinerary with 214 km connecting Vila Real de Santo António to Cabo de São Vicente, crossing 12 municipalities throughout the southern coastal line of the Algarve.

In case you want to keep on travelling on Eurovelo 1 – Rota da Costa Atlântica, still in the Algarve, you can go up to Aljezur, in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. You will have a hard time choosing whether you get to know the interior or the Portuguese west coast, or if you carry through the coastal area up to North Cape in Scandinavia.

If you intend to use this Route, please check the companies’ Programmes in case you wish to enjoy an organized trip or all the available support Services you may find along the way.