Cycling in the Algarve

Our Bestselling Algarve Bike Tours

Discover our bestselling Algarve bike tours, the perfect way to explore Portugal’s southern coast on two wheels. These handpicked adventures capture the very best of Algarve cycling holidays, from scenic coastal routes and sun-drenched villages to challenging mountain climbs and off-the-beaten-track gravel trails. Whether you're chasing quiet roads, dramatic cliffs or rolling countryside, these tours offer a perfect blend of riding, relaxation, and discovery. Ready to ride further? Explore the tours below and start your Algarve adventure today.

Why go Cycling in the Algarve

The Algarve isn’t just about golden beaches and sunshine, though you’ll definitely soak up your fair share of both. This southern slice of Portugal is brimming with character, where whitewashed villages meet rugged coastlines and winding trails lead you deep into tranquil hills. Whether you’re exploring with family, catching up with friends or flying solo, Algarve bike tours offer the perfect blend of adventure, serenity and discovery.

What are the Best Cycling Routes in the Algarve?

Cycling from Loule

One of the best cycling routes in the Algarve begins in the charming town of Loulé. Just a short ride inland from Faro, Loulé is a picturesque gateway to the Algarve's quieter, more traditional side. You’ll pedal past almond trees and into cobbled streets that wind through artisan workshops and local cafés. The town’s iconic Moorish-style market is a feast for the senses, while the vibrant atmosphere gives every ride a splash of color, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit during Portugal’s oldest carnival. It’s a route that combines gentle climbs with rich culture, making Loulé a must-ride stop on your Algarve bike tour.

Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

Another unforgettable route on your Portugal bike tours self guided adventure takes you to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, the dramatic southwestern tip of Europe. As you ride towards the cape, the landscape opens up into a windswept panorama where sheer cliffs drop into the Atlantic. This route isn't just about epic views, it's about following in the tracks of explorers. Sagres was once the beating heart of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, and you can still feel that sense of adventure in the salty air. Cruise past fishermen casting lines at dawn, stop off at the iconic lighthouse, and take in the sweeping views from the historic Fortaleza de Sagres. It’s wild, raw, and utterly exhilarating, everything a great Algarve cycling tour should be.

Explore the Ria Formosa National Park

Just a short hop from Faro's airport is the Ria Formosa national park. This stunning coastal lagoon stretches over 60 km and offers a tranquil escape from the tarmac. As you glide along quiet paths, you’ll pass flocks of flamingos, catch glimpses of kingfishers darting through the reeds, and feel the rhythm of the Algarve’s wild side. The scent of salt and sea fills the air as you cruise through this natural haven. There's a bike path that runs parallel to the lagoon so you can ride alongside the beach, the inlets and with stunning views over the Atlantic.

Cycling the Algarve's beaches

From sweeping sands to hidden coves, the Algarve is one of Europe’s best beach regions. Classics like Praia da Rocha and Falésia never disappoint, but don’t be afraid to explore. Discover the calm waters of Praia Verde, the surfer vibe at Odeceixe or the tranquillity of Barril’s old fishing huts. Bike tours Portugal don't come much better than this.

Road Cycling in the Monchique Mountains

Escape to the hills and discover the ‘Garden of the Algarve’. Monchique is your chance to ride through chestnut groves, past natural springs, and all the way up to Fóia, the highest point in the region. Stop off at Caldas de Monchique to rest your legs in its Roman spa waters and savour the slower pace of rural Portugal. These mountains are the testing ground for many bike suppliers. The roads are of great quality with perfect tarmac, thrilling switchbacks and sweet scented pine trees. This is the ultimate Algarve road cycling tour.

Gravel Bike Tours in the Algarve

Experience one of the most unforgettable gravel bike tours Europe has to offer as you ride through the wild and wonderful landscapes of the Algarve. From the rolling hills of the Serra de Tavira to the forest trails and coastal beauty of the Ria Formosa, this is a trip that captures the essence of adventure. You'll climb the Algarve’s highest peak, descend into the dramatic valleys of the Serra de Silves, and follow gravel tracks that hug the windswept cliffs of the Vicentine coast, all the way to Cabo de São Vicente – Europe’s most southwesterly point. Whether you're chasing challenge, coastline, or culture, this journey is your invitation to ride further and discover a side of Portugal few ever see with our gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve.

When's the Best Time to Visit the Algarve

Cycling in the Algarve in Spring (March to early June)

This is one of the Algarve’s most beautiful seasons and it's a perfect time to ride. Flowers bloom, landscapes turn green and the air smells of citrus and ocean breeze. Temperatures sit comfortably in the early 20s making it ideal for cycling although it can get a little cooler if you ride into the Monchique mountains.

Biking in the Algarve in the Summer (Late June to August)

Summer is the Algarve’s peak season, with full-sun, beach weather and buzzing festivals. That means it's busy and touristy in the main areas and coupling that with the heat, it's not the ideal time for an Algarve cycling holiday. However, if you stay in the north of the Algarve, towards the mountains, you can get cooler air with less tourists.

Algarve Cycling Holidays in the Fall (Late September to November)

Once school holidays end and the summer mass‑tourism winds down, Portugal enters a calm and magical phase. September delivers warm, pleasant days and fewer visitors, while October offers empty beaches and still‑warm seas. This is the perfect time for a cycling tour of the Algarve.

Winter Cycling in the Algarve (December to February)

We often get asked, 'can I cycle in the Algarve in winter?' Unlike most of Europe, the answer is absolutely yes. Winter brings cooler temperatures and fewer tourists but also the best value. The Algarve remains mild (think Spring weather in the UK), perfect for a cycling holiday.

Top Tips for a Cycling Tour of the Algarve

1. Get away from the tourist hotspots. Visit stunning towns like Silves, the former Moorish capital of the Algarve. Wind through quiet streets overlooked by its majestic red-stone castle, visit its whitewashed cathedral, and enjoy a riverside ride beside the Arade. It’s a laid-back stop full of history and stork nests.
2. Ride in the Algarve outside of peak season. The Spring and Fall are perfect and if you want almost complete solitude, cycling in the early or late winter can be perfect. Check out the wind direction each day as the Atlantic breeze can be your best friend or your biggest challenge!
3. Experience the gravel. Whether you're a road cyclist or you're looking for a leisurely tour, don't miss the gravel roads that take you to the wild Atlantic coastline with it's caves and unexplored beaches.
4. Explore the whitewashed town of Tavira. Full of charm and cobbled beauty its peaceful vibe and golden beaches make it a firm favorite among cyclists. Cruise through history with a visit to the Renaissance-style Igreja da Misericórdia or even explore the nearby island beach by boat.
5. Don’t underestimate the climbs. Sure, the Algarve is known for its beaches, but the inland terrain can surprise you. With climbs like Fóia in the Monchique Mountains, you’ll want to pace yourself and stay fuelled.

What to Pack for a Cycling Tour of the Algarve

Heading off on a cycling adventure through the Algarve means you need to be prepared. You'll need warm weather cycling kit but don't forget a gilet or wind breaker if you're riding in the mountains. The descents can be cool even on hot days.

The Algarve sun can be relentless, even in spring and fall. Pack high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a lightweight cap to wear under your helmet. Hydration tablets are a great shout too.

For more inspiration check out our cycling in Portugal trips.