ALENTEJO ADVENTURE SELF-GUIDED TOUR
A 6 or 7-Day Gravel Cycling Tour
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ALENTEJO ADVENTURE GRAVEL CYCLING TOUR – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 6 or 7
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport Faro
Km / day: 51-88km or 78-130km
Elevation gain / day: 600-1800m or 700-2200m
Overall Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
Do you want to get off the beaten track for a truly immersive cultural experience? The Alentejo Adventure Gravel Tour could be the one for you! Here’s everything you need to know…
Alentejo Adventure 6 or 7-Day Gravel Tour
An incredible self-guided gravel tour through the Alentejo region of Portugal. Download route files only from €250.
Portugal is one of the least explored countries in Europe, and a true hidden gem for cyclists. During this trip you will ride from Loule in the Algarve, towards the Spanish border and across the Alentejo region to the West Coast. Finally, you will ride inland again, to finish in the interior of the Algarve.
The Alentejo
This region of Portugal’s interior is vast, empty, and unknown to most tourists. The expansive plains of the Alentejo are dotted with small villages that feel utterly untouched by modern life. Some of the best producers of cheese, wine and olive oil in the country are found here. For many miles cyclists will be grateful for the plane trees that line the route, providing shelter from the strong sun – but don’t forget to look out for storks who roost in the telegraph poles beside the road.
The Algarve
Portugal’s most southerly region has far more to offer than busy coastal resorts. Inland, quiet roads and endless gravel tracks twist and turn along steep hillsides forested with cork oak, eucalyptus and olive trees. Orange and lemon groves provide colour and shade too! Cobbled streets invite you to explore the small towns and villages, such as Alte and Loule, where Moorish heritage is still visible in the architecture. The Algarve was one of the last strongholds of the 400 year long Islamic Conquest of Iberia, re-taken by the Christians in 1189, and many place names, churches and the gastronomy of central and southern Portugal still hint at this rich heritage.
How challenging is this tour?
There are two available options for this tour. If you are a strong gravel cyclist and comfortable with 6hrs in the saddle for back-to-back days, our 7-day tour will be right up your street.
If you are still a competent gravel rider but would prefer slightly shorter days, our 6-day option is the one for you.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can either download this tour right now for the route files, accommodation and restaurant / cafe recommendations, or you can book a self-guided tour with the following services:
GPX files, hotel and restaurant reservations, luggage transfers, airport transfers and mechanical support.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
Each day will consist of 30 – 50% gravel. Picture a track also suitable for a 4×4. Most of these are non-technical, apart from some points which may become slightly more challenging at certain times of year (the occasional stream crossing may be involved!).
The remainder of the route is on small, low-traffic back roads.
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
This tour takes in some of our favourite scenery in the country; from fortified hilltop towns to forgotten Alentejo villages, and miles of unspoilt countryside in between. You will ride through forest of cork oak, groves of olives, oranges and lemons.
You will also experience the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast, and the rice fields near Alcácer do Sal.
Are the roads safe in Portugal?
Yes, in Portugal, the roads we plan for our clients are generally very safe for cycling, with many sections having light traffic, especially outside of major towns. The road surfaces is mostly well-maintained, and drivers in Portugal are accustomed to cyclists.
We hate traffic just as much as you do – we stick where ever possible to small backroads, and if on gravel – the best smooth gravel tracks we can find. (We don’t like hike-a-bike either!)
What type of bike is best for this tour?
A gravel bike, or a sturdy road bike with gravel tyres, is most suitable for this tour. Don’t forget that we offer bike hire too, including e-bikes. Just get in touch.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Temperatures in the Alentejo during the summer can be very hot. We recommend doing this tour in Spring or Autumn where temperatures are between 25-30 degrees celcius, but Winter can also be fabulous and very quiet too. Southern Portugal is exposed to the Atlantic weather, so expect some wind too, especially on day 5 as we make our way down the west coast!
Can I adjust this tour?
Of course. Either you can edit the route yourself, or speak to one of our team and we can help you with any adjustments you might want to make.
Please note that major changes to a tour will be considered a custom tour and we will have to charge extra for that service so that we can spend some time ensuring it’s exactly what you want!
What type of hotels can I expect?
For the most part, we book and recommend 3-4* hotels for our tours. If you book a self-guided tour, we may be able to adjust this for you, particularly if you are travelling as an individual, couple or a small group.
Just let us know your preferences and we will find the best options for you!
Alentejo Adventure Gravel Cycling Tour Itinerary Options
There are two different options for this tour, one for intermediate, and one for advanced gravel riders. You will find more detail below, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to discuss which might be best for you.
6 DAYS – INTERMEDIATE
Average daily mileage 72km
7 DAYS – ADVANCED
Average daily mileage 101km
Swipe to compare intermediate and advanced itineraries…
Intermediate
Average mileage 72km per day
Advanced
Average mileage 101km per day
Intermediate Tour
Day 1: Loulé – Almodovar
75km
1000m
Your first day will take you north out of Loulé and straight onto the best quiet roads of the region.
After the first long road climb, you will dive onto a stunning gravel track (left) which will blow you away. From there you will gradually descend into Almodovar on a mix of small road and tracks.
Day 2: Almodovar – Mertola
51km
693m
Now you will really feel the spirit of the Alentejo – beautiful small villages of white and blue, typical Alentejano cows in the fields, and that hot, peaceful atmosphere. Today’s riding will feel a little easier, as there is less climbing, and a 50/50 mix of small roads and easy gravel tracks.
Mertola, situated near the Spanish border, is a sight to behold; a fortified town overlooking the Rio Guardiana. Make some time in the evening to wander around the historic streets and visit the castle.
Day 3: Mertola – Castro Verde
67km
1180m
Today you will ride into the home of gravel cycling in the Alentejo – Castro Verde. Situated in the middle of the rolling plains, this gorgeous traditional town is a great stop-over. Dinner in one of a great selection of local restaurants will finish your day perfectly.
Day 4: Castro Verde – Vilanove de Milfontes
84km
1017m
Today you will ride to the other side of Portugal, and the Atlantic coast. Here you will get a taste of the coastal life great seafood, fishing villages and rugged cliffs overlooking the sea. The coastline is spectacular and very unspoilt – and perfect for exploring on a gravel bike as many paths next to the coast are not paved.
Day 5: Vila Nova De Milfontes – Monchique
88km
1326m
From Vila Nova de Milfontes the route switches between gravel tracks and small roads through the small coastal villages to Cabo Sardão. Here begins a truly spectacular cliff-top path that looks over the Atlantic below.
After this, you will follow the winding Seixe river valley until a long and winding ascent through the eucalyptus forests of the Serra do Monchique. If you have time, you can cycle right to the very highest point, at 900m! The accommodation we have for this night is truly stunning, right amongst the cork oak trees of the ‘Serra de Monchique’ with amazing views.
Day 6: Monchique – Alte
66km
615m
Your final day of cycling will take you back into the Algarve countryside, along small roads and tracks to the historic fortified town of Silves. After a bite of lunch here by the river, we will make our way through the orange groves and avocado fields to Alte and a mandatory stop for a celebratory beer at our local bike café, Germano!
Advanced Tour
Day 1: Loulé – Mertola
75km
1600m
Today you will immediately feel the spirit of the Alentejo – beautiful small villages of white and blue, typical Alentejano cows in the fields, and that hot, peaceful atmosphere. The riding will consist of around 20% gravel, the rest very small back roads.
Mertola, situated near the Spanish border, is a sight to behold. A fortified town overlooking the Rio Guardiana. Make some time in the evening to wander around the historic streets and visit the castle.
Day 2: Mertola – Monsaraz
51km
693m
This day you will cycle north, through the typical Alentejo landscape with miles of fabulous gravel tracks. The day will begin with a climb away from Mertola, and finish by crossing the largest reservoir in Portugal – Alqueva. The sparse population, combined with low air and light pollution makes it a paradise for stargazers. You will finish at one of my personal favourite places in Portugal – the magical Monsaraz, a fortified hilltop town overlooking the Alentejo landscape below.
Day 3: Monsaraz – Vidigueira
80km
918m
From Monsaraz you will cycle through ancient olive groves and neolithic menhirs, before joining the edge of the Alqueva reservoir on easy rolling gravel.
Vidigueira is famous for its vineyards – we highly recommend you make the most of this wine region by sampling some of the local produce!
Day 4: Vidigueira – Alcácer do Sal
94km
899m
Today’s riding will consist of some really typical Alentejo riding – small white and blue villages (especially Torrão and Alcácovas) and finish in the flat rice fields near Alcácer do Sal.
Day 5: Alcacer do Sal – Vilanova de Milfontes
130km
976m
Today you will ride to the other side of Portugal, and the Atlantic coast. Here you will get a taste of the coastal life great seafood, fishing villages and rugged cliffs overlooking the sea. The coastline is spectacular and very unspoilt – and perfect for exploring on a gravel bike as many paths next to the coast are not paved.
Day 6: Vilanova de Milfontes – Monchique
88km
1326m
From Vila Nova de Milfontes the route switches between gravel tracks and small roads through the small coastal villages to Cabo Sardão. Here begins a truly spectacular cliff-top path that looks over the Atlantic below.
After this, you will follow the winding Seixe river valley until a long and winding ascent through the eucalyptus forests of the Serra do Monchique. If you have time, you can cycle right to the very highest point, at 900m! The accommodation we have for this night is truly stunning, right amongst the cork oak trees of the ‘Serra de Monchique’ with amazing views.
Day 7: Monchique – Alte
66km
615m
Your final day of cycling will take you back into the Algarve countryside, along small roads and tracks to the historic fortified town of Silves. After a bite of lunch here by the river, we will make our way through the orange groves and avocado fields to Alte and a mandatory stop for a celebratory beer at our local bike café, Germano!
What's the best option for you?
🗺Self‑Guided Tour |
⚡Instant Download Tour |
|
|---|---|---|
| GPX Files | ✅ | ✅ |
| Detailed Daily Overview & Route Preview | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended Cafés en Route | ✅ | ✅ |
| Points of Interest | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airport Transfers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Luggage Transfers | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| 24/7 WhatsApp Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Restaurant Booking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accommodation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Breakfast | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bike Rental | Optional extra | Recomended Providers |
Intermediate 6-Day Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Advanced 7-Day Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
⚡ Instant Download ⚡
GPX files and recommendations only. Perfect for independent cyclists who enjoy making their own plans.
Optional Extras
*Please note that the self-guided tour prices above are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. For anyone sleeping in their own room, the single supplement applies.
High Season Single Supplement €150/night pp extra
Medium Season Single Supplement €130/night pp extra
Low Season Single Supplement €110/night pp extra
Other Optional Extras
Luggage transfers and mechanical support vehicle: €300 per group per riding day
Luggage transfers: €110 per group per riding day
Guiding: €160 per group per riding day
Bike Rental: See our options here
Massage: €on request
Other 'off-the-bike' activities: €on request
⚡ Download this tour now! ⚡
Budget conscious and happy to manage your own logistics? Get our instant download package and start planning right away!
CUSTOM, CLUB AND LARGE GROUP CYCLING TOURS
Have you been tasked with organising a group or club trip?
We have run successful trips for large groups (up to 40 people) in the past, either point to point or staying in one or two places.
Club pricing can start as low as €825 per person with dinner, support vehicles, guiding and accommodation included. We can also arrange any bespoke tour for your club. In the past we have organised Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro and multiple others. Get in touch using the form below to request a quote, or arrange a call to discuss your requirements further.
Liked the sound of this tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal...
Liked the sound of our Alentejo Adventure Cycling Tour? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…
Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday
For the gravel riders. Enjoy an unforgettable off road / gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve! Let us introduce you to the best tracks and trails in the beautiful Algarve, both along the coast and inland.
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
Alentejo Adventure Self-Guided Gravel Bikepacking Tour
For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.
Faro to Lisbon Self-Guided Gravel Tour
For the gravel tourers. This is a fantastic gravel trip for anyone wanting to experience a wide range of landscapes - west coast, rolling Alentejo plains and the beautiful Algarve backroads.
Price range: €795,00 through €1.295,00
Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday
For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and landscapes too!
Price range: €1.850,00 through €3.140,00
738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour
For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.
Price range: €1.550,00 through €1.950,00
FAQ’s
Where can I find the self-guided tour prices?
Each self-guided cycling tour has it's own pricing - just head to the specific tour page and you will find all the details there. Costs will depend on group numbers, as well as time of the year.
Can I request specific GPX files for my own trip?
Yes! We now have GPX files ready to download instantly on some self-guided tours. We can also create custom GPX files for you too.
Do you have tours for beginners too?
Yes! For example our EcoVia Self-Guided Coast Tour is perfect for cyclists who want a relatively flat cycle. We'd recommend starting with this one!
I would like to create my own custom holiday - can you help?
Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.
We can assist with:
- Booking hotels, villas or BnB's
- Hiring bikes
- Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
- Hiring guides
- Car Hire
- Booking restaurants
- Recommending cafes
- Airport transfers
We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!
What is your cancellation policy?
You can book in confidence with a very flexible cancellation policy which can be read in detail here.
We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.
Where are you based?
We are based in the central Algarve, in the south of Portugal. But we run road and gravel tours all over the country!
Do you take clubs or large groups?
We LOVE large groups! The more the merrier. Contact us and lets us know what you are thinking of and we will do our best to turn your ideas into a reality.
