‘BEST OF’ THE ALGARVE ROAD TOUR GPX DOWNLOAD
A 5-Day Road Tour
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‘BEST OF’ THE ALGARVE – AT A GLANCE
480km through the rural Algarve
Bike Type: Road or e-Road
Number of riding days: 5
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport Faro
Km / day: 72-115km
Elevation gain / day: 800-1600m+
Overall Difficulty: Advanced
Accommodation: Rural Hotels
What our customers are saying...
Are you looking for stunning road riding and an authentic cultural experience in southern Portugal? Look no further…
The ‘Best of’ Algarve Road Tour
Download our bespoke route files only from just €200 and we will also send you our essential accompanying route notes, with all the best cafes and restaurants, and the unmissable (but easily missed!) highlights along the way.
Portugal’s southernmost region has an incredible amount to offer. Riders who venture beyond the well-trodden routes are rewarded with hidden gems and little-known roads that twist and turn through ever-changing landscapes. With over 15 years of collective experience, we’ve crafted this tour to showcase our favourite places—so you can enjoy the very best of the Algarve simply by following your GPS.
The region’s diversity is remarkable. Along the coast, you’ll encounter echoes of Portugal’s seafaring past—from the grand riverside avenues of Vila Real de Santo António to the graceful charm of Tavira, and the dramatic Atlantic cliffs near Aljezur. Inland, quiet roads and endless gravel tracks weave across steep hillsides cloaked in cork oak, eucalyptus and olive groves. Orange and lemon orchards add colour, fragrance and welcome shade. Cobbled streets tempt you to explore villages like Alte and Loulé, where Moorish influence remains visible in the architecture. Once a stronghold of the 400-year Islamic presence in Iberia—reclaimed by Christian forces in 1189—the Algarve still carries this rich heritage in its place names, churches and gastronomy.
This tour includes some long days in the saddle, but the rewards are plentiful. Start your morning with a warm pastel de nata and coffee, enjoy a rustic lunch of fresh bread, cured ham and local cheese, and finish with the catch of the day. With smooth roads, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable food, the Algarve truly has it all.
How challenging is the 'Best of Algarve' Tour?
This is one of our more challenging tours – its for strong road riders ready to tackle some hills! On average, each day is 100km long with 1400m of ascent.
What is the terrain usually like on the 'Best of Algarve' Tour?
The Algarve is not flat! You can expect significant elevation gain on this tour, so we recommend a 28 cassette on the back so you can enjoy the steeper climbs. However, the road quality is superb, there is very little traffic, and it’s totally worth it for the views and the descents.
What type of scenery can I expect in the Algarve?
A bit of everything! You will have stunning views of the south coast on day 1, and by day 4 you will have reached the dramatic cliffs of the west coast at Aljezur. In between, you’ll climb into the quiet interior of the Algarve. In the rural countryside you will ride through olive groves and orchards of citrus fruit, and some small vineyards too. In the hills you will pass through forests of cork oak, eucalyptus and pine, with their sweet scents lingering in the air.
The towns and villages all have their own character, and many are a maze of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses.
Are the roads safe in the Algarve?
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 'Best of Algarve' Tour?
You will need a road bike for this tour, or a comfortable gravel bike with road tyres. We can arrange bike hire too, including e-bikes. Just get in touch.
What is the best time of year to ride the 'Best of Algarve' Tour?
The climate in the Algarve is ideal for cycling most of the year around. It is possible to get some rain in the early parts of the year (Feb-April) however this doesn’t usually last too long. Spring flowers in April, May and June are stunning, and September and October are also fantastic times to ride, with pleasant, settled conditions.
Many people find July and August in the Algarve rather hot to be cycling unless you are already acclimatised.
Can I adjust the 'Best of Algarve' 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!
‘BEST OF’ THE ALGARVE ITINERARY
Average daily mileage 92km
Day 1: Loulé to Tavira
115km
880m
On your first day you will roll gently towards the coast, heading east, all the way to the Spanish border, at Vila Real do Santo António. This is a grand old town, with imposing architecture, on the River Guadiana. Look out for the salt harvesting fields on the way!
Once on the coast you will ride west to Tavira, where you will stay the night. Tavira is a charming traditional coastal town with a great selection of bars and restaurants, and a peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to explore in the evening.
Day 2: Tavira to Alte
90km
1600m
Todays ride heads into the heart of the Serra de Caldeirao – the hills above Tavira. It’s full of perfect peaceful roads, with great surface and very few cars. You will be in the forest for much of the climbing, with towering eucaplyptus and knarled cork oak providing shade throughout the year.
Alte, the ‘most typical village in the Algarve’, is a must-see for all cyclists riding in the Algarve. It has a bike café and a truly authentic feel to it. You will love this village!
Day 3: Alte to Monchique
70km
1200m
From Alte you will climb steadily up into the beautiful hills of the Serra de Monchique. Climing all the way up to Foia is optional, but this is one of the Algarve’s bucket-list climbs and the views are spectacular. You can decide when you arrive in the town.
Be sure to stop at Velochique – an awesome bike cafe in Monchique – for a coffee or a beer!
Day 4: Monchique to Silves
120km
1500m
This morning you will be rewarded for the climbing you did yesterday! After a lovely descent from Monchique you will head west, all the way to the Atlantic coast at Arrifana.
After an (optional) dip in the Atlantic, you will ride inland all the way to Silves, the ancient Arab capital of the Algarve. Make some time to admire the castle, one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the region.
Day 5: Silves to Loulé
95km
1500m
On your final day you will climb into the forested hills of Barranco do Velho and Montes Novos. Enjoy a stunning descent south on twisting roads through the trees and olive groves.
You will finish the day at back in Loulé where you started the tour, well deserving of a celebratory meal at one of the many Portuguese restaurants in town.
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 Route Files Now! ⚡
✅ Tried and tested route files in GPX format
✅ Detailed daily itinerary
✅ Recommended cafés en route
✅ Points of interest
✅ Points of caution - e.g. river crossings
✅ WhatsApp contact with a Paradise guide
Please note that our luggage transfer deal only applies to groups of up to 5 riders. If you are a group of 6 or more, please get in touch via the contact form.
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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