Roundtrip Algarve Armacao de Pera Malhao Silves
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 12-02-2021
Route Summary
The Algarve extends over the entire coastal region of southern Portugal. Its beautiful beaches, impressive cliff rocks, idyllic bays and wonderful climate have a great attraction for holidaymakers all year round. The Algarve is loved in summer and winter because of the beautiful climate, so it is also ideal for motorcycle vacations and good to combine with driving in Andalusia Spain.
In this area you have beautiful roads through a beautiful landscape, from hilly greenery to rugged rocks, beautiful coastal roads and narrow mountain roads with authentic villages. For the off roaders there is also plenty to enjoy.
Opportunities to spend the night are plentiful; campsites, B & Bs, holiday homes, hotels and holiday parks so something for everyone.
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Verdict
Duration
3h 17m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
152.97 km
Countries
RP21 EM502 Mata Nacional da Herdade da Parra
RouteXpert Review
This tour in the Algarve through the Faro and Beja areas starts and ends in Armação de Pêra, a pretty little town, about 50 km from Faro. The fishing village of origin has become a tourist attraction because of its beautiful beaches. This is a nice base for journeys in the Algarve. You can drive the ride to Portugal yourself or have your motorcycle transported, you don't have a motorbike, no problem nearby are two things that rent motorbikes and quads. Links are in the review.
We leave from the campsite and drive quietly out of the town to the north on a narrow road through a beautiful green area with an occasional small stop.
After about 20 kilometers we arrive at the Barragem do Arade reservoir (RP4). A beautiful piece of nature in the Algarve, ideal to stop for a short walk and to take some pictures.
The next stop is a bit longer and here we will explore the rugged area in the Algarve on a quad. To do this, turn right at RP5 to rent a quad at "Hugo Quad Bike Adventures" and enjoy off-road driving in the Algarve. A fantastic day out for everyone! Each tour is safely led by Hugo, an experienced English-speaking guide. There are endless off-road tracks that take you deep into the local national park, where you can enjoy wildlife such as deer and partridges. Let Hugo take you on a quad ride in the Algarve that you will never forget! Prices on average between € 60-80 for a 2 or 3-hour tour. If you don't feel like driving a quad, just continue driving at RP5.
After a couple of hours of quad biking, it is time to catch your breath that is possible in São Bartolomeu de Messines (RP8) in one of the cafes or restaurants. Here you can also visit the Museum of Costume and Traditions (RP9) of São Bartolomeu de Messines, located on the outskirts of the village, in a typical house in the Algarve countryside that has been specially restored for this purpose.
We continue on a beautiful winding road through a beautiful area. Little crowds and beautiful nature. At RP11 we enter Malhao, this settlement has a monastery Humkara Dzong - Mosteiro de Mú, this The first budhist monastery in Portugal. There is also a Stupa Budista. A Stupa is a Buddhist structure that contains the relics of a Buddhist saint. A Stupa is originally a massive round structure, built on a square elevation. You have a beautiful view from this mountain. Note that the road to the Stupa is not paved.
We are now driving from the Faro area to the Beja area, through yet another beautiful hill / mountainous area with here and there green meadows trees and small houses.
From RP14 we follow the narrow river along the Ribeira de Odelouca river through a beautiful green valley. This part is enjoying a beautiful environment and winding roads, note that sometimes the roads are of very poor quality with cracks and potholes in the road surface, at On RP19 we turn onto IC1 and head south again.
At RP21 we drive along the border line of the National Park "Mata Nacional da Herdade da Parra". For enthusiasts it is possible to stop here for a walk through this beautiful and rugged area.
The next stop is planned in Silves (RP23), one of the older and most beautiful towns of the Algarve and definitely worth planning a longer break here. Silves is inland and has a beautiful old fortress, which attracts many tourists to the village. Silves is located on the Arade River behind Portimão. The city was in Moorish hands until the 13th century and was for centuries an important location in the region. The wealth of the city even lured the Normans on their plunderings to this region. From the 13th century, the city came back into the hands of the Portuguese king. Silves has characteristic nice little steep streets, beautiful old houses and whitewashed houses. The cathedral of the town dates from the 12th century and served as a mosque during Moorish rule.
Above the city you can see the Silves fortress from far away. The fort can still be visited and a major attraction of the town. The walls of the fort are still standing. However, the inside of the fort has been dropped and only the foundations of it are visible. You can climb the old walls and view the surroundings from these walls. You immediately understand the strategic usefulness of the fort, since the view is beautiful and you can look far into the surroundings. Also nice are the various stork nests around the fort. The inside of the fort is further embellished with a beautiful garden, full of roses and fruit trees.
After this we drive back to the campsite to enjoy this beautiful 5 ***** Star ride with its beautiful roads through beautiful areas and all the beautiful and fun things we have seen and done along the way.
RP11 nice mountain road near the Stupa Budista.
Somewhere in the Beja area near RP16
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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