The Algarve

The Algarve is regarded as Europe's most famous secret. If you join our camps with the aim of enjoying the local area as well as training hard, then the Algarve really has a wealth of activities that you can dive into. If you are thinking about brining the family or friends with you, you can be happily enjoying the smooth roads while they go big game fishing or on a quad bike safari.

History and Culture 

The Algarve has always been slightly seperate to the rest of Portugal. The Romans were first to take control of the area after the Carthiginians took control of Portimao. Several Roman ruins can be found accross the Algarve and there is a fantastic example of a Roman bath and fish salting complex just outside the Marina in Vilamoura. It was subsequently under Moorish occupation for the next 500 years. The Moors renamed many of the cities to names which are now recogniseable today. It was not until the 13th Centuary when the Portuguese King Alfonso III decided to acknowledge himself as the King of Portugal and the Algarves.

During the 15th Century, there several expeditions set out from the ports of Silves and Portimao which established Portugal as a colonial power. In 1434 Gil Eanes was the first seafarer to go around Cape Bojador. Sadly in 1755 the Lisbon Earthquake damaged many areas in the Algarve and the following tsunami wiped several coastal fortresses, towns and churches. Although several of these majestic buildings were destroyed, there are still several clues to the glistening history which can be found around the Algarve. 

The algarve is famous for its pottery and ceramics, in particular hand painted pottery and the tiles. Nearby towns of Loule and Alamancil. Loule also boasts a vibrant market every satruday where fresh meat, fish and vegetables are brought in from all round the municipality. 

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a purpose built holiday resort built around the marina which is surrounded by hotels, bars and close to the Falesia Beach. There are fantastic restaurants, opportunities to book day trips and a vibrant night life. We tend to enjoy an ice cream on one of our recovery rides while sitting in the sun all year around. Its well worth a visit or a stroll and is safe for everybody. It is a perfect place to sit down and watch the world go by.