Portugal’s southern region is internationally known for its idyllic beaches and warm climate. But the Algarve is much more than only sun and beach, and cycling around this region is one of the best ways to get to know every corner.
The beauty of the coast and the inland of the Algarve amazes us. Cycling is a great way to get to know the region in a completely different way.
Between Aljezur and Sagres you’ll be able to ride the Vicentina Route and discover the extreme southwest of Europe.
Between Sagres and Alvor, along the Eurovelo 1 Route, you can find many roads and trails along sandy beaches such as Burgau and Praia da Luz and visit Ponta da Piedade, as well as the historic city of Lagos.
In the region between Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra there are perfect paths to calmly cycle along some of the most amazing beaches in the Algarve, such as Benagil with its cave or Praia da Marinha.
Further north, in Monchique, you can climb to the highest peak in the Algarve, Fóia, and enjoy a 360° view over the mountains to the north and the sea to the south. This is one of the most sought after points by cyclists as it is an iconic place due to its challenging climb.
In Silves, which was the first capital of the Algarve, you can visit the castle and learn about the city's history.
Alte is a typical village, famous among local cyclists. Here you can cycle along excellent roads and trails and stop at the village's Bike Café, created for bike lovers.
Right in the heart of the Algarve you can also find the “Fonte da Benémola” fountain in Querença, purely connected with nature.
The “Barranco do Velho” village is definitely a place to visit in the “Serra do Caldeirão” mountain range, with its typical houses, where the famous National Road 2 passes through, very popular among local cyclists.
Nearby is São Brás de Alportel, a typical village sorrounded by magnificient trails and paths of extreme beauty.
Along the coast, you will find the exclusive and refined tourist resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
In Faro, the Algarve’s capital, you’ll be able to visit a historic part of the “old city” or pass through Ludo, a famous trail inside the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
In the Park, you’ll observe birds of different species and between the cities of Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António you will find fishing villages, very pleasant to cycle through. In the Natural Park of the Ria Formosa you can also discover how salt production is made.
Bikesul has created many short and long distance tours throughout the Algarve. Therefore, even if you don't have much riding experience, you can choose a shorter and less difficult tour.
One of the best known routes in the Algarve is the “Via Algarviana”. It can be done by taking this tour in a guided way, with a professional Bikesul guide, or doing it in self-guided mode.
https://www.bikesul.pt/pt/via-algarviana-guiado/
https://www.bikesul.pt/pt/via-algarviana-auto-guiado/
This challenging MTB route starts in Alcoutim, continuing through the Serra do Caldeirão and Tavira, passing through Silves, Monchique. In the municipality of Lagos, the route meets the Costa Vicentina in Vila do Bispo, ending shortly after in Sagres.
The Route of the “Algarve Coastline or Eurovelo 1” is another very popular tour due to the beauty of the coast. Wonderful landscapes, beaches, cliffs and fishing villages are some points of interest on this trip. The route starts in Sagres and ends in Monte Gordo, covering all the Algarve coast.
https://www.bikesul.pt/pt/ecovia-do-litoral-algarvio/
The Barrocal route is an excellent alternative for those who prefer cycling inland, in the characteristic Barrocal area of the Algarve. You can do this route with an e-bike as well.
This tour starts in Vila Real de Santo António and ends in Aljezur, passing through several locations on the coast and interior. Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, Querença, Alte, Silves, Aljezur are some of the places where you will be able to cycle.
https://www.bikesul.pt/pt/tour-rota-do-barrocal/
If you prefer a road tour, the “Cycling Across the Algarve” tour allows you to visit other towns such as Alcoutim, Monchique and Sagres that present the authenticity of the region. https://www.bikesul.pt/pt/tours/packages-ferias/estrada-1/cycling-across-the-algarve/
In what season should I go?
From January to March, winter temperatures range between 17° and 19°, being a time of choice for many cyclists.
The months of April, May, June are also recommended as they are spring months, with a mild temperature before the arrival of summer.
September, October and November are also good months to cycle because no longer exists the big tourism movement as in the months of July and August. If you choose to visit us during the summer period, pay attention to the high temperatures, which make cycling more difficult.
Why should I choose a Bikesul tour?
At Bikesul we have experienced professionals who know each Algarve trail like the palm of their hand. We have extensive cycling experience and are passionate about our region!
From the moment a client contacts us for a tour, we plan everything in detail.
If the client chooses to go on a holiday tour, we have a list of partner hotels that will make you comfortable during your stay.
The tours include a bicycle, helmet, water bottle, liability insurance, transfer and, in the case of travel packages, accommodation. If you choose a guided tour, you will have a professional and experienced Bikesul guide who will guide you along the route. Our guides know the best trails and roads and guarantee a fantastic experience for each participant, making known places of incomparable beauty.
Taking a bike tour in the Algarve is the guarantee of a special holiday. Put on your helmet, pedal and go on an adventure!
Riding a bike gives a great thrill as we absorb everything more intensely. The sound of the sea, the sound of the bicycle wheel running along each trail, the fragrance of the flowers in the field or even the smell of the delicacies being prepared in a typical restaurant of the Algarve. We feel the adrenaline, the anticipation for what comes next. We are greeted by those we meet along the way and we smile at the story we heard at the café where we stopped.
Discovering the Algarve while cycling is all this and much more! It's making sure that at the end of the trip those dirty wheels tell a story of each place we've passed. Cycling will allow you to explore the Algarve's best, getting to know the culture, history, gastronomy, and genuineness of the people.
Dare to discover the Algarve by pedalling! Learn more at:
https://www.bikesul.pt/pt/tours/ or contact us.