The departure kickstarts on the coast in the historic center of Faro. Tracking flat toward the east, the route passes the tidal salt pans and shallow lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. After rolling through the whitewashed streets and across the old Roman bridge of Tavira, the tracks approach the border.
Crossing the wide Guadiana River marks a shift in both country and time zone as Portugal fades into Spain's autonomous region of Andalusia. The landscape transitions into open pine forests, sprawling orange groves, and the famous agricultural fields around Lepe.
Skirting the protected wetlands of the Marismas del Odiel, the day finishes in the industrial port city of Huelva. A long, flat introduction bridging two nations.
