‘BEST OF’ THE ALGARVE SELF-GUIDED TOUR

A 5-Day Road Tour

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‘BEST OF’ THE ALGARVE – AT A GLANCE


Bike Type: 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

Are you looking for stunning road riding and an authentic cultural experience in southern Portugal? The ‘Best of’ Algarve tour could be the one for you! Here’s everything you need to know…

 

The ‘Best of’ Algarve Road Tour

Discover the best of the Algarve by bike on this self-guided road tour, from east to west. Download route files only from just €200.

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 this 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 levels of support do you provide?

You can choose the level of support that suits you best. If you prefer a DIY approach, hit ‘Download Now’ for the route files and our hotel and restaurant recommendations.

Alternatively you can book a self-guided tour and let us take care of all the logisitics, including hotel reservations and 24/7 emergency support. Scroll down for more information.

 

What is the terrain usually like on this 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 along the way?

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 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?

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 do this 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 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?

We handpick and book 3-4* hotels for all our tours. Some are chosen for their location, others for delicious local cuisine, and some for simple Portuguese character! All are bike friendly. 

If you are a small group, individual or couple, we may be able to offer you more choice. Just let us know your preferences.

 

‘BEST OF’ THE ALGARVE ITINERARY

Average daily mileage 92km

N2 cycling tour

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 Recomended Providers

5-Day Self-Guided Tour Pricing

Low Season (Dec, Jan, Feb)

Medium Season (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)

High Season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)

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 managing your own logistics? Check out what's included here and get our instant download package to start your 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 €925 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...

5 + 15 =

Liked the sound of our N2 Portugal 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

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

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

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

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

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

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.

Get in touch!

#OURPARADISE