I live here in the Algarve ..cyced both ways to and from Portugal-uk...it not to hard which ever way you go...some hills...the Algarve is a beautiful place to cycle. ..
here a copy of a link I just posted
If anyone is looking to do some love touring around the Algarve and want a apartment as a base so there can get best of both worlds...bike...beach. ..bars....a friend of mine (lisa) has one that she rents out...can sleep 6 people and only 60 seconds from the sea.
here the link have a look
http://mobile.ownersdirect.co.uk/property.aspx?token=aWQ9Njg4NzM=&h=ZoSi/1w1ENhZ70xgguINxQ==
I also have lived here in the algarve on and off over the years.....very special place...safe ..clean....beautiful. ...only 2,5 hours away from uk by plane..or 4 to 6 weeks by bike depending on your route....I have cycled it both ways. ..take a look...