ACROSS THE ALGARVE SELF-GUIDED GRAVEL TOUR
A 6-Day Gravel Tour
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ACROSS THE ALGARVE GRAVEL TOUR – AT A GLANCE
340km across the Algarve
Bike Type: Gravel or e-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
What our customers are saying...
Do you want to explore the authentic interior of the Algarve and the best of its coastline? Our ‘Across the Algarve Gravel Tour’ could be the one for you! Here’s everything you need to know…
Across the Algarve 6-Day Gravel Tour
An unforgettable self-guided Algarve gravel tour from east to west.
The Algarve is a wonderful cycling destination, with far more to offer than busy resorts and beachside apartments. From Faro, the capital of the region, you will ride east, via small backroads and gravel tracks, through salt flats and wetlands, to Tavira, a gorgeous coastal town with plenty of Portuguese character. Contrast this with the grand splendour of Vila Real do Santo Antonio, on the Spanish border. 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.
As you approach the Atlantic, you will meet the coast again. Here, red clifftops, adorned with windswept pines and cyprus trees, give way to sweeping sandy beaches, where the waves crash and tumble. 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.
So, for a taste of the variety of the Algarve, on the coast and inland, try our Across the Algarve Gravel Tour.
How challenging is the Across Algarve Gravel 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 the Across Algarve Gravel 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 in the Algarve?
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 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 Across Algarve Gravel 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 the Across Algarve Gravel 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 Gravel Tour – Itinerary
Day by day…
Day 1: Faro – Tavira
48km
170m
Welcome to the Algarve! Time for an easy ride along the gorgeous coastline to Tavira, where you will spend the night. This is a peaceful coastal town with plenty of authentic character.
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 | Recommnded Providers |
| Civil Liability Insurance | ✅ | ❌ |
Intermediate 6-Day, 7-Night 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 or €130 (6+ riders)
Guiding: €160 per group per riding day (up to 5 riders)
Bike Rental: See our options here
Massage: €on request
Other 'off-the-bike' activities: €on request
CUSTOM CLUB AND GROUP TOURS
We have hosted groups of up to 45 riders and some clubs come back to us year after year. In the past we have delivered large group tours from Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro, and many others. We can build you a point-to-point tour, a single location trip, or anything else in between.
Check out what we can offer by following the link below, and get in touch via the contact form.
Interested in booking this tour? Contact us now for a detailed proposal.
One of our friendly team will be in touch with you within one working day.
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