Welcome to Paradise!
Here at Paradise Cycling Tours we have a simple mission: to deliver unique and authentic experiences on two wheels; a taste of real Portugal, away from the crowds, the resorts and the big-name tour operators.
We believe in providing value for money, because experiences like these should not be limited to those with the deepest pockets. We support small businesses and local communities because without them we wouldn’t be able to provide incredible moments to our guests.
We have over 15 years of experience here in Portugal, and we are exploring new routes all the time. We pride ourselves on our up to date local knowledge – there is no one else who can plot routes and design tours like us!
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Licensed Portuguese tour operator — RNVAT 11760
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Civil Liability Insurance
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15+ Years of Riding + Designing Routes in Portugal
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220+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews
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English- and Portuguese-speaking local team
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Road, Gravel, Custom, Guided + Self-Guided Tours
A word from Fiona, the founder of Paradise Cycling Tours
“I’m Fiona, founder and Director of Paradise Cycling Tours. I fell in love with both cycling and Portugal 15 years ago and have lived here permanently for 10 years.
I am a L2 cycling and triathlon coach and have gained a wealth of experience over the past 10 years. I raced at a high level in the UK and Europe, including the UCI Womens’ Tour de Yorkshire, and the 70.3 World Championships in triathlon.
I created Paradise Cycling Tours to share my passion for Portugal with other cyclists looking for a getaway. It really is the most incredible country, and I am still discovering more after all this time. The fantastic cuisine, fascinating history, slow-living culture, generosity of the people and of course the beautiful landscape all combine to form a richness you can only experience by being here.
I am extremely proud of the company I have created. We are female owned, with a lot of fantastic female guides which I believe sets us apart from other tour operators which are often fairly male-dominated. This allows us to help other women feel right at home on our tours and be inspired by us too. All my guides are well trained and very experienced, each with their own unique personal caracteristics and skills to bring to the party.
I am also proud to be the sole owner of Paradise Cycling Tours, without any other investors, funding, loans or partners. I have built this company from the ground up myself and I am heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business – which is the reason for its continued success. I thrive most when I am meeting or riding with the clients myself.
I can’t wait to show you my Portuguese paradise on two wheels!”
Meet our team!
Tomás Martins
Tour Manager
I’m an ex-pro cyclist with a degree in Science of Communication. I grew up and still live in Loulé, right in the center of the Algarve. Cycling became my passion when I was 13 years old and I started work a guide when I was 19.
I love meeting new people and discovering new places, and I found that riding my bike is the best way to do it.
Sarah Mellis
Tour Manager
I’m a former British Army Officer with 10 years’ experience in leadership and management. I have ridden through over 30 countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East and Europe and its a privilege for me to be able to share the joy of two-wheeled travel.
I moved to the Algarve with my husband and daughter in 2025.
Grace Devers
Self-Guided Tours
I moved to from the UK to the Algarve as a child and speak fluent English and Portuguese. As a super organised and methodical person, I find the planning and delivery of Self-Guided tours incredibly rewarding.
I also love to meet new people and share the wonders of Portugal with our guests.
Lynne Hunter Johnston
Chief of Receipts
I work behind the scenes to keep the Paradise Team financially on track! I am a mother of three and rode around the world in the 80s – probably further than the rest put together!
Why Paradise Cycling Tours?
Local Cycling Experts
We live and ride here. Every route, café stop, climb and hotel recommendation is selected from genuine, up to date local knowledge - not copied or guessed. Routes are updated each year and we are always exploring new routes to take our clients.
Over 15 years experience
We have been riding in Portugal since 2011, and have never stopped exploring. Since then we have welcomed over 700 customers and delivered over 200 tours. We have developed fantastic relationships with all the hotels, restaurants, cafés and other partners who help make our trips a success for our clients.
Our tours are our own creation
Every itinerary is created and maintained by our own team; we do not simply resell a standard overseas tour-operator package. Our tours are all totally unique (for example our signature Iberian Divide Gravel Tour), routes plotted meticulously by our team and all the hotels chosen carefully to suit the tour style. We create many custom tours for individuals and groups as well.
Local Team, International Communication
We are a multilingual team of English and Portuguese natives. This makes communication with English-speaking clients extremely easy, as well as seamless organisation on the ground in Portugal where for an operator, speaking the local language is a necessity.
Book Direct, With Proper Protection
Booking direct gives you local expertise, direct communication and transparent pricing without an overseas middleman. We are fully licensed (see here) have generous T&C's, a wide range of payment options and will offer all the same guarantees.