Day 1 - Faro circuit 1 ~ 175km / 110 miles ~ 3.5 hours riding

A short Taxi ride to the hotel to drop off bags, change into riding gear then off to collect our bikes. Leaving luggage at the hotel means no panniers will be needed making the occasional traffic filtering a tad easier.

We begin our circuit heading to the coast at Olhao a charming fishing port with prominent red brick markets on the waterfront, one for fish and the other fruit and vegetables, then on to Fuseta another fishing town which sits behind a low barrier island and continuing we reach Taveria, a small town with over 30 churches! We stop at each for photographs before pressing on because from hear we head north on a great twisty road, the N397 that climbs into the hills passing several villages on our way to our first refreshment break at Cachopo.

Turning to the south west we join another twisty road, the N124, and a few minor rural roads where the surface can be a little irregular, broken at times and with the occasional pot hole, so the pace will be a little slower but still fun to ride as we make our way to Alte, a village on a steep hill with another of those pretty white washed churches and houses. Alte is renowned as one of the most typical and unspoilt villages in the Algarve region and features fresh water springs. We take another photo stop here then onwards to Loule to visit the castle and the Market. The Castle is of Roman origin although the oldest parts of what can be seen today date from the early 1400’s and it is a protected building. The market will probably be closed by the time we arrive, it makes a better early morning stop. It is an interesting mix of Arabian and Art Nouveau styles and is over a century old. It won the Prize Turismo de Portugal in 2007 and within you will find a diverse range of goods and produce.

Day 2 - Faro circuit 2 ~ 330km / 210 miles ~ 6 hours riding

The day begins with a ride partially along the N2 then we deviate into the hills through farmland and passed many hamlets as we go towards Barragem do Arimbo where you think we have run out of road, then we cross a farm track that brings us to the other side of the hill and another paved road, Caminho do Javali, that leads to the N2/N124 junction. We take a brief stop before joining the N124 and later the EM507 that us to Mertola where we stop for lunch close to the Castle that dominates the skyline of this small town. Mertola was once an independent state before being conquered by Seville about a millennium ago. The 30-meter tower at the castle dates from 1292.

After lunch we continue our route north to Beja via Serpa. There is a lot of history in and around Beja. On the bank of a river a little to the east are the ruins of a Roman villa that is one of the largest ever excavated having over 40 rooms and the nearby baths are one of the best examples of Roman baths ever uncovered. In the summer the route to Beja and surrounding area is covered in wheat fields but in the early months of the year the seeds will be sewn but little growth occurred giving clear views across much of the landscape. The area is steeped in Moorish history and the castle, although of Roman origin with 14th century additions which are characteristic of Portuguese fortifications has the tallest castle tower in Portugal

On our return journey we deviate from the usual twisty roads taking some straighter lines across the Campo Branco (white plains) as we make our way south to Castro Verde. This region was populated by Neanderthals around 200,000 years ago. This is where we join the N2 that will bring us all the way back to the hotel.

Day 3 - Faro circuit 3 ~ 225km / 140 miles ~ 4.5 hours riding

Heading into the hills and then westerly through lightly wooded countryside. You will note large chunks of bark stripped from the trees around this countryside. This is for cork production. The route brings us to Silves where we take a look at the ancient castle. There has been a fortress here since Lusitanian times. The Romans then occupied the site and later Umayyad Caliphate before being conquered by the Moors. Much of what you see today dates from the Moorish occupation during the 12th and 13th century. We stop to view the castle and catch a light refreshment before progressing.

We now take a loop to the north that will return us to Silves, so, anyone wanting a day with less riding could meet us back in Silves in about 90 minutes. The rest will head north to São Marcos da Serra. The square beside the church sits on a platform that affords a nice view across the valley. We continue to Nave Redonda where we might consider stopping for lunch, it will depend how long was take at the castle.

This brings us to the N266 another great twisty road that shall lead us to Portimao where we join the N124 back to Silves.

An alternative route back to Faro is used to offer variety over the day, a bit straighter than the morning, far enough away from the beachfront resorts so not to get caught in the traffic yet close enough to catch occasional glimpses of the sea.

Day 4 - Faro circuit 4 ~ 175km / 110 miles ~ 4 hours riding

We begin with a run to the north on the N2, a favourite road with local bikers and will depart this road at Ameixal, a small village with pretty whitewashed cottages, to join quitter backroads as we meander west then south to arrive at Salir a small town with pretty church, ruined castle and a water tower that commands great views across the surrounding country. We shall take a short refreshment break in Salir before continuing our journey.

For much of the day we shall be riding through farmland and the roads at times will be unsurfaced. These dirt and gravel tracks and generally well compacted and easy to ride but can prove a challenge for those who have never ridden anything remotely off-road before. The picture "near California" above shows the road type. These roads are also good to help build skills riding across loose surface. By the time we break for lunch at Benafim you will be back on well surfaced roads.

Our route back to the hotel takes us to the marina at Vilamoura, much of which may be closed in February, but it still makes a pleasant stop before heading east back towards Faro where we shall return the bikes and head back to our hotel for our final dinner, bed and breakfast before flying home the following day.

BMW G310GS

BMW's budget priced entry level adventure bike. 313cc, 34BHP, 175KG. Ideal for those with a restricted license.

Restrictions: Minimum 21 years old. 1 years old "A/A2" Driving License.

Daily Hire: Euro €68

BMW F700GS / F750GS

Entry level Adventure style bike with 75HP 798cc engine

Restrictions: Minimum 25 years old. 3 years exp an appropriate Driving License

Daily Hire: Euro €99

BMW R1200RT / R1250RT

The most accomplished touring motorcycle for many years and it remains the bike of choice for long distance touring.

Restrictions: Minimum 28 years old. 3 years exp an appropriate Driving License

Daily Hire: Euro €147

BMW R1300GS / R1250GS

There is no better Enduro bike. BMW created this class with the R 80 GS over 30 years ago and it's gone from strength to strength ever since.

Restrictions: Minimum 28 years old. 3 years exp an appropriate Driving License

Daily Hire: Euro €147