ALENTEJO ADVENTURE GRAVEL TOUR GPX DOWNLOAD
A 6 or 7-Day Gravel Tour
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ALENTEJO ADVENTURE GRAVEL CYCLING TOUR
430km or 700km through the heart of the Alentejo
Bike Type: Gravel or e-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
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Get off the beaten track and away from the crowds on our unique Alentejo Adventure Gravel Tour…
Alentejo Adventure 6 or 7-Day Gravel Tour
An incredible gravel tour through the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Download our carefully crafted GPX files – starting at just €250 for 6 days – and we will also send you our accompanying route notes, recommended stops and points of interest on the way.
Portugal is one of the least explored countries in Europe, and a true hidden gem for cyclists. This trip starts from Loulé, a historic market town in the Algarve. From here you ride towards the Spanish border, through towns such as Mertola, before turning west to ride through the remote heart of the Alentejo. You will reach the west coast and head south, before heading 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 the Alentejo Adventure Tour?
There are two available options for the Alentejo Adventure. 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 is the terrain usually like?
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 in the Alentejo?
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 the Alentejo Adventure?
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 ride 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 the Alentejo Adventure 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!
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
1600m
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 – Vila Nova 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
110km
2300m
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
130km
1600m
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 – Vila Nova 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: 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 7: Monchique – Alte
78km
708m
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 | Recommended Providers |
| Civil Liability Insurance | ✅ | ❌ |
⚡ Download this tour now! ⚡
Budget conscious and happy to manage your own logistics? Get our instant download package and start planning right away!
Looking for a custom route?
Our Bespoke Route Design service allows you to ride the trip of your dreams, without any of the hassle. We have 15 years of collective experience riding in the Algarve, and we love to create new routes which showcase the best of cycling in Portugal.
Get in in touch
Would you like some more information about this tour? Drop us a line and one of our friendly team will be in touch with you within one working day.
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