ACROSS THE ALGARVE SELF-GUIDED TOUR
A 6-Day Gravel Tour
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ACROSS THE ALGARVE – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 6
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport: Faro
Km / day: 45-57km
Elevation gain / day: 200-1200m
Overall Difficulty: Medium
Accommodation: 3/4* Hotels
Do you want to explore the authentic interior of the Algarve and the best of its coastline? The Across the Algarve Tour could be the one for you! Here’s everything you need to know…
Across the Algarve 6-Day Gravel Tour
An unoforgettable self-guided gravel cycling tour across the Algarve from east to west. Download route files only from just €250.
The Algarve is a wonderful cycling destination, with far more to offer than busy resorts and beachside apartments. Red clifftops, adorned with windswept pines and cyprus trees, give way to sweeping sandy beaches, where the waves crash and tumble. The characterful town of Vila Real Santo Antonio sits on the Spanish border, and here you will turn inland.
The interior of the Algarve is unspoilt and unexplored by the average tourist. Travelling here is like stepping back in time, and slowing down the clock. Whitewashed hamlets tuck up against the hillsides, complete with their old lavadouros (laundry stations), and chickens and goats patter up and down the cobbled streets. The countryside is aromatic with rosemary, thyme and sage. The knarled arms of cork oaks reach overhead.
Sagres, at Europe’s far South-Western tip, is shaped by the intense power of the Atlantic ocean. Breakers smash into the cliffs, creating an intricate coastline of beaches and coves to explore.
How challenging is this tour?
With an average of 55km per day, this tour is suitable for most riders with some consistent gravel riding experience. There are also longer options available on some of the days for those looking for more of a challenge!
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 alternatively you can book a self-guided tour and we will take care of all the logisics! Scroll down for more info.
We can provide all or a mixture of the following services:
Guiding, GPX files, hotel and restaurant reservations, luggage transfers, airport transfers and mechanical support.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
You will ride on good quality gravel tracks for 40% of each day of this tour. All our routes are fully checked-out by our team, so there is no hike-a-bike! Most tracks are also passable by 4×4, so they are not overly technical.
The remainder of each day is on quiet, low traffic backroads.
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
You will experience some of the Algarve’s stunning south coast before heading inland. In the hills, you will ride through the quiet Portuguese countryside, stopping in rural villages along the way.
You will finish on the coast again, on the cliffs west of Lagos, and ride to Sagres.
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 best for this tour. We can also offer bike hire, 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. Many people would find July and August rather hot to be cycling.
Spring flowers in April, May and June are stunning, and September and October are also fantastic times to ride.
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 3 and 4* hotels for the majority of our tours. Some are chosen for the views, others for awesome facilities, and some for simple Portuguese character!
If you are travelling as an individual or in a small group, we may be able to offer you more choice. Just let us know your preferences.
Across the Algarve – Itinerary
Day by day…
Day 1: Faro – Tavira
48km
170m
Welcome to the Algarve! We will meet you at the airport and ensure that your bikes are ready to roll. Time for an easy ride along the gorgeous coastline to Tavira.
Day 2: Tavira – Santa Catarina
50 – 70km
300 – 600m
This day you will head towards the very east of Portugal, looking to Spain– to Vila Real Santo Antonio and Castro Marim! En route you will enjoy the spectacular view at Cacela Velha (pictured right). There are two different route options today to suit your energy levels.
Day 3: Santa Catarina – Alte
55km
890m
Today, you will continue across the best small trails and roads of the central Algarve. This area is so quiet, and there are some hidden gems on the way that you will discover whilst riding.
You will finish the day in Alte, the Algarve’s best kept secret, along with pools to swim in, a waterfall and gorgeous small streets. You will love this village!.
Day 4: Alte – Silves
50 – 75km
1150m
From Alte you will cycle west through the orange groves and avocado plantations to the striking fortified town of Silves, ancient capital of the Algarve, packed full of history. You will pass the beautiful reservoir ‘Funcho’ on the way, which is spectacular.
There are 3 route options for today, including an awesome technical track along the reservoir to Silves, if you are up for a challenge!
Day 5: Silves – Lagos
65 – 75km
900m
Today will be a fantastic full day of riding, starting out inland, and finishing on the most spectacular coastline just west of Lagos. Doing the route this way you miss all the busy section of the coast between Albufeira and Portimao, sticking only to backroads and small quiet tracks.
Day 6: Lagos – Sagres
60km
900m
Today you will finish at Cape St Vicente – the furthest south western point of mainland Europe.
The tracks to get there are fantastic –finishing at the famous lighthouse on the cliffs.
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 and/or Support Vehicle | 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.
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...
Liked the sound of this 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.
