Suggestions for Algarve cycling and beach

mrbenj
mrbenj Posts: 42
edited June 2015 in Road general
Planning to head to the Algrave later this month with the girl and would appreciate some suggestions from those in the know on where to stay. We'd like

1. to be in a village or small town with at least a couple of nice restaurants
2. to be within walking distance of a nice beach (for the girl)
3. have access to some decent day/ half day rides (for me)
4. to completely avoid anywhere that offers English breakfasts, football on the big screen, pints of tetley or buckin broncos

Planning to hire a car so open to ideas that might be off the beaten track.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Comments

  • laurentian
    laurentian Posts: 2,548
    Go as far west as possible.

    Burgau ticks all of the boxes that you have mentioned (although, in fairness, I know of one place where you certainly could get to see a game of footy)

    Its hardly tourist free but not the high rise, lagercentric stuff and that is further east right on the coast.

    If you want something less tailored for the tourist, you could also look at somewhere further (but not far) inland but that would not leave you with a walkable beach.

    Or try looking up the Western coast (ie North of Sagres) - I have been there on the odd visit and there are beaches aplenty but I wouldn't know of anywhere to stay. I have been to Burgau many times (and taken my bike . . . in fact, the good lady is taking her bike over there on Friday) and have always enjoyed it greatly and I'm not one for places that cater for mass tourism.
    Wilier Izoard XP
  • mrbenj
    mrbenj Posts: 42
    Thanks laurentian, Burgau looks like exactly the kind of place we're looking for. Sounds like you know the place well, have you got anywhere you'd recommend staying? Thanks for the information
  • laurentian
    laurentian Posts: 2,548
    Truth is, I always stay with a friend who lives there but she will definitely know of places available and who to talk to. What dates are you looking at?
    Wilier Izoard XP
  • mrbenj
    mrbenj Posts: 42
    Probably a couple of weeks time - going for a week, probably last week of May give or take a few days. Ideally we'd like somewhere self-catering. Any contacts appreciated - good service you're offering here :)
  • mercia_man
    mercia_man Posts: 1,431
    Have a look at www.burgauvilla.com. My wife's just come back from her third women's cycling holiday there with Viv Stuart who has plenty of info about rides, road bike hire, good restaurants etc. Viv is out there at the moment.
  • laurentian
    laurentian Posts: 2,548
    The above is one of the places I had in mind . . . my friend used to live in one of those and I've stayed there - very nice.

    I await a response on any others . . .
    Wilier Izoard XP
  • laurentian
    laurentian Posts: 2,548
    Have PM'd you with some more details
    Wilier Izoard XP
  • city_boy
    city_boy Posts: 1,616
    +1 for Burgau, it's a lovely village. Quick tip though...book restaurants in advance as they get booked up and full quite quickly making turning up on spec a bit of a gamble!
    Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not happy.
  • Tony__B
    Tony__B Posts: 26
    Another vote for Burgau. We have a favourite beach near there as well: Zavvial. Worth looking for, it's down the end of a narrow lane but there is a restaurant and it's a stunning beach. The water will be very cold at this time of year, though - wetsuit recommended.
  • laurentian
    laurentian Posts: 2,548
    Tony__B wrote:
    Another vote for Burgau. We have a favourite beach near there as well: Zavvial. Worth looking for, it's down the end of a narrow lane but there is a restaurant and it's a stunning beach. The water will be very cold at this time of year, though - wetsuit recommended.


    About my favourite around there too - unbelievable that it always seems so empty
    Wilier Izoard XP
  • mrbenj
    mrbenj Posts: 42
    Many thanks to all for the Bergau votes, the area looks just right for what we want. Just booked flights and accomodation for a couple of weeks time. Thanks to everyone who shared your opinions. Ben
  • mrbenj
    mrbenj Posts: 42
    Any recommendations for car hire from all you experienced Algarve visitors? Thanks.
  • laurentian
    laurentian Posts: 2,548
    mrbenJ wrote:
    Any recommendations for car hire from all you experienced Algarve visitors? Thanks.

    Zit Auto
    Wilier Izoard XP
  • mrbenj
    mrbenj Posts: 42
    Thanks Laurientian
  • team47b
    team47b Posts: 6,425
    mrbenJ wrote:
    Any recommendations for car hire from all you experienced Algarve visitors? Thanks.

    Autorocha 'cos they're nice people.

    Book online etc...

    http://www.autorocha.com
    my isetta is a 300cc bike
  • mrbenj
    mrbenj Posts: 42
    Just back from a week in Bergau and it was perfect for what we wanted. Great beach and great restaurants in the village. Did some really nice cycling up in the Monchique area and along the coast. Couldn't believe how quiet the roads were - both cars and cyclists. Water temperature was fine for wetsuit swimming too.

    Thanks for all the recommendations and advice (Laurentian, in particular thanks for your messages), most appreciated.

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