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Endiabrada and the lakes CIRCULAR TRAIL 

Distance: 16 km

Climb: 275 m

somewhat difficult

This route leads through an extraordinary variety of Mediterranean bushes on slate soil. You will find aromatic plant species such as the pepper tree, rosemary, spruce and the Mediterranean strawflower. Tamarisk trees, willows, laurel-leafed viburnum and cork oaks grow on the water's edges. On these paths you can discover footprints of wild boars, foxes, badgers, genets and stone martens. With a bit luck, you can also see this animals.

The municipality of Bordeira has its own special charm. The generous of its inhabitants and the splendor of the surrounding nature make this area so special. You should go for a walk through the narrow streets at the beginning or end of the bike ride. Worth seeing is also the charming little church Nossa Senhora da Encarnação.

This tour can be combined with other all other routes in Bordeira or Carrapateira

Bordeira and the sea  CIRCULAR TRAIL

Distance: 13,5 km

Climb: 198 m

somewhat difficult

 THIS TOUR CAN NOT BE COMPLETELY MASTERED WITH A BIKE. ON THIS ROUTE YOU NEED TO PUSH THE BIKE A FEW KM IN THE AREA ON THE COAST. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TP COMBINE YOUR BIKE TOUR WIHT AN NICE WALK ON THE COAST, IT IS  BETTER TO CHOOSE THE ROUTE "BORDEIRA AND SEA VIEW".

This circular route leads through two zones: the dunes by the sea and the hills further inland. In the hills, the route runs between the drought-adapted vegetation (hillside forests) and through wetlands of the riverbanks (in winter and spring). These lands are used partly as arable land or pasture because the soil is very fertile. You will certainly get to know one of the cattle herd. The part of the path along the coast runs on top of the sand-covered cliffs. You will get to know the beach of Bodeira, famous for its vast sand dunes. The biodiversity is amazing. All the variety of flowers and herbs and the rabbits make little cools in the sand. You can see a variety of insects and the birds can be recognized by their sound and the tracks in the sand. Important for the birds is the pine forest of Bordalete and Maroteira, which is typical of this area. The 40 hectare area is completely covered with pine trees.

This tour can be combined with all other routes in Bordeira or Carrapateira

Bordeira and sea view CIRCULAR TRAIL

Distance: 14 km

Climb: 225 m

somewhat difficult

On this tour you have a breathtaking view of the Costa Vicentina. From Arrifana to Sagres (the end of the world) you have everything in sight. Near the coast the route runs through lonely valleys in a Mediterranean landscape. Typical for this wind-exposed landscape is the bush vegetation. In the spring, you can expect a magnificent flowerage.

This tour can be combined with all other routes in Bordeira or Carrapateira

Costal path of Carrapateira and the idyllic surroundings CIRCUALAR TRAIL

DIstance: 18 km

Climb: 248 m

easy

Carrapateira is on a limestone cliff with lots of bays. The coastline between Bordeira and Amado is one of the most beautiful in Portugal and is very varied. Behind every bend you can see other colors and shapes of the coast. After the coastal path it leads into the hills. In this sheltered area an amazing biodiversity has developed. In spring you are in a never-ending sea of flowers connected with loud birdsong. The contrast between the coast and the hilly landscape around Carrapaterira makes this route to one of the most beautiful in this area.

This tour can be combined with all other routes in Bordeira or Carrapateira

The hills of Carrapateira CIRCULAR TRAIL

Distance: 14 km

Climb: 255 m

somewhat difficult

For all people who enjoy great views! The many panoramic views from the hills to the beaches of Amado and Bordeira, to the villages of Carrapateira and Vilarinha and to the whole area to the mountain Fóia de Monchique are a unique experience. The part closer to the sea runs between flat, open pastures and bushes. Here you find many gorse, which colors the hills in a beautiful yellow in spring. On the other side of the road are magnificent cork oak and strawberry trees. Enjoy the descent to Vilarinha surrounded by cork oaks. In this tree live lots of animals. You can see some birds: nightingales, caresses and wrens. Old and even dead cork oaks provide natural cavities for species like bats and various species of birds: owls, woodpeckers, wrynecks, and titmice. In this habitat are also reptiles like lizards, geckos, and the European lizard snake.

This tour can be combined with all other routes in Bordeira or Carrapateira

From Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo

Distance: 22 km

Climb: 299 m

Descent: 206 m

somewhat difficult

On this tour you can get to know the whole variety of Costa Vicentina. The views from the mountains, the beauty of the species-rich valleys, the picturesque villages Vilarinha and Pedralva…  In Vila do Bispo you will see and feel the flat land and the strong wind. At the beginning of this tour you can marvel at a mountain landscape that reaches the coast. Rocks, mountain slopes, rivers and deep valleys are some elements of this unique landscape. In the drier areas, the flora changes to cork oaks, gorse,  pines and wild olives. On the steep slopes you will find a natural vegetation of dense shrubs under cork oaks, which is untouched. At the wind farm, which you reach after Pedralva, you pass some temporary Mediterranean shallow waters. These habitats have a huge biodiversity. From autumn to spring, these shallow waters are inhabited by birds, turtles, mammals and plants because of the thousands of tadpoles. In April and May the plants conjure a colorful sea of flowers into the landscape. In summertime this species-rich landscape turns into a kind of desert, which also has a special charm. In the wooded area of Vila do Bispo you can discover numerous species of birds.

Don't miss to drive from Vila do Bispo to the viewpoint "Torre de Aspa", where you can see the whole coast of the western Algarve. You will also find some beautiful beaches there!

From Arrifana to Carrapateira

Distance: 24 km + Return Route 21 km
Climb one way: 413 m
Descent one way: 500 m

Somewhat difficult

A path through almost untouched nature. Along the  Atlantic Ocean and through the mountains.

Marvel at the sea which is whipping powerful against the cliffs or enjoying the quiet beaches. The route goes through an impressive hilly landscape. You will pass cork oak forests, ride through eucalyptus forests and discover wild olive trees and strawberry trees.

Large areas of this route are covered with Maccie, especially with rock roses.

It is worth a stay on the pebble beach Canal. This is mostly, even in high season, completely deserted. Because it is barely reachable by car.

Every now and then there are grazing animals in this idyllic landscape. After the picturesque village of Bordeira, it goes into a valley with the river Carrapateira. In Carrapateira you can relax in one of the many cafés. A trip to the beaches Amado or Bordeira is recommended. The coast between these two beaches is one of the most beautiful in Portugal and can be easily explored by bike.

This tour can be combined with other routes in Bordeira or Carrapateira