Portugal
MTB: from Tavira to the Spanish border (and back)
Mountain bike route along the coastline from Tavira to the border with Spain.
MTB: from Tavira to the border with Spain
It is indeed a round trip along (approximately) the same route, but with the temperatures in the summer months, it seemed advisable to stay along the coastline and avoid the inland. As a result: headwind and yet more headwind. Via Komoot, you can find various routes along the coastline. The border village with Spain (Vila Real de Santo António) was definitely on the agenda, and in Tavira (close to our accommodation), we found a bike rental (with very decent bikes!). You pass several coastal villages, each charming in its own way. Read here our favorites!
Salt fields near Tavira
Just outside Tavira, you can find many salt fields. The pink of the water, the salt mountains, and the blue sky create beautiful scenes.
Fábrica & Cacela Velha
In Cacela Velha, it’s all about the beautiful painting you look out on, ever-changing in motion with the tides. We passed by here several times during our trip, sometimes busier than other times. In for a refreshing splash? From Cacela Velha, you can walk in 15-20 minutes to the beautiful beaches on the nearby peninsula. Depending on the tides, you sometimes walk up to your knees in the water. Not a fan of wading through the water? Then take one of the many ferry boats from the nearby Fábrica. Tip: the rule also applies here; move 100m to the right or left and you’re almost alone on the beach. Tip tip: the kiosk in Fábrica. Despite the parking, you can comfortably settle at the kiosk on the wall under the palm trees. Have a coffee, eat a Pastel de nata, and pull out a board game. Tip tip tip: the round trip is about 68 km in total. So leave on time! Even without (head)wind, you can easily spend a full day on the road with a few stops.
Grill hut on the border with Spain
Hidden behind a camper parking lot, this gem remains out of sight of many tourists. On the menu? Grilled fish that you can choose yourself from mister Fisherman. The fish goes straight from behind the display case into a plastic bucket towards the grill hut. And all this with a view of Spain! The village itself is also worth a visit! Still almost untouched with a beautiful village square. Tip: if you have a lot of time or are visiting the village for a second time during your trip, take the ferry across. Unfortunately, we didn't make it there, but the Spanish village of Ayamonte should also be worth it.
