BEACHES AND BACKROADS SELF-GUIDED TOUR
A 4-Day RoadTour
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BEACHES AND BACKROADS SELF-GUIDED ALGARVE ROAD CYCLING TOUR
Bike Type: Road
Number of riding days: 4
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport: Faro
Km / day: 43-62 or 62-100km
Elevation gain / day: 450-890m or 580-1600mm
Overall Difficulty: Beginner or Intermediate to Advanced
Accommodation: 3/4* Hotels
Looking for an introduction to the coastal Algarve and some fantastic roads to cycle? Try our Beaches and Backroads Tour!
Beaches and Backroads 4-Day Tour
Our self-guided Algarve road cycling tour is a fabulous introduction to Southern Portugal on two wheels. Download our GPX package for just €150 or go self-guided from €675pp!
The Algarve is an exceptional destination for cycle tourism and this 4-day tour encompasses some of our favourite places on the coast and inland. You will stay in great 3-4* hotels and eat in traditional restaurants serving local dishes and wine, because we believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible.
This region boasts a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions. Red clifftops, adorned with windswept pines and cyprus trees, give way to sweeping sandy beaches, where the waves crash and tumble. Meanwhile, the interior of the Algarve is unspoilt and unexplored by the average tourist, and travelling here is like stepping back in time, 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.
Towns and villages offer their own unique charater. On this self-guided tour you will discover the coastal charm of Tavira, and the ancient history of Silves, the ancient capital. Villages such as Alte are a maze of winding streets and little cafes (for example, our favourite Germano), filled with culinary delights for the hungry cyclist!
How challenging is this tour?
You have two options. If you are new to cycling, or simply prefer to ride shorter days, our beginner option should be perfect for you. On this tour the days are, on average, 58km long with 670m of ascent.
If you are a strong road cyclist and up for a bit of climbing, you might be ready to tackle the advanced tour! Expect days of 85km with 1200m of ascent, on average, each day.
What levels of support do you provide?
You can choose the level of support that suits you best. If you prefer a DIY approach, you can purchase our instant download package, with our cafe and restaurant recommendations, and get started on your planning right away!
Alternatively, you can book a self-guided tour and let us take care of all the logistics! Scroll down for full information.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
We have selected the our favourite quiet, smooth backroads for you to ride on this tour. With 15 years collective experience in the Algarve, we take pride in choosing the best routes for our clients. Away from the coast, this region is quite hilly, but the scenery makes it incredibly rewarding.
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
On this tour you’ll find glorious beaches – wide and sweeping with golden sands and red cliffs. Inland, you’ll discover quaint Portuguese villages tucked into the hills, surrounded by groves of olives, pomegranates, and citrus fruits.
When you climb into the hills, you will be surrounded by forests of cork oak and eucalyptus, scented with rosemary and thyme.
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, or a comfortable gravel bike with slim tyres. Don’t forget – we offer bike hire too – just get in touch!
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The Algarve offers a wonderful climate for cycling most of the year around. Spring flowers in April, May and June are stunning, and September and October are also fantastic times to ride, with pleasant, settled conditions.
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, 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 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.
Beginner Tour Itinerary
Intermediate-Advanced Tour Itinerary
Beginner Tour: Day by day…
Day 1: Tavira to Loulé
59km
890m
You will start your tour by pedalling steadily into the Serra do Caldeirão, west of Tavira. As you climb, light scrub and woodland give way to to dense forests of eucalyptus and cork oak. The air is cool and deliciously fresh.
You will be rewarded with a glorious descent to Loulé, a typical Algarve town with a great vibe, and a fab selection of bars and restaurants.
Day 2: Loule to Olhos D’Agua
62km
580m
Get ready for some divine sea views and a downhill ride to the coast! Later today you’ll ride along the waterfront in Quarteira, a friendly seaside town with a bustling fishmarket. Its a real contrast with Vilamoura, just along the coast, where sleek pleasure-yachts fill the harbour.
You will finish at Qunita do Mel, a beautiful farm hotel. Nearby is Praia de Falesia, a stunning stretch of beach with red and gold cliffs. Take a walk here as the sun goes down.
Day 3: Olhos d’Água to Silves
43km
460m
Its time to head inland again. Small roads will take you into the hills, through whitewashed villages and and vineyards.
Silves, where you will spend the night, was the capital of the Algarve during the time of the Moors. Today, this peaceful town is dominated by its red sandstone castle – the finest example of Islamic architecture in the Algarve.
Day 4: Silves to Alte
59km
800m
Today you really are in the heart of the Algarve. This ride takes in some of the best countryside in the region, on winding small backroads, through small villages with beautiful views.
You will finish the day in Alte, a traditional hillside village with sea views and tiny cobbled streets. You will love this village. Be sure to stop at Germano’s bike cafe when you arrive for a coffee, cake or a beer!
Intermediate-Advanced Tour: Day by Day…
Day 1: Tavira to Loulé
83km
1500m
You will start your tour by pedalling steadily into the Serra do Caldeirão, west of Tavira. As you climb, light scrub and woodland give way to to dense forests of eucalyptus and cork oak. The air is cool and deliciously fresh. You can take a break at Cachopo – a tiny traditional village in the heart of the mountains, and a world apart from the coastal buzz of Tavira.
You will be rewarded with a glorious descent to Loulé, a typical Algarve town with a great vibe, and a fab selection of bars and restaurants.
Day 2: Loule to Olhos D’Agua
62km
580m
Get ready for some divine sea views and a downhill ride to the coast! Later today you’ll ride along the waterfront in Quarteira, a friendly seaside town with a bustling fishmarket. Its a real contrast with Vilamoura, just along the coast, where sleek pleasure-yachts fill the harbour.
You will finish at Qunita do Mel, a beautiful farm hotel. Nearby is Praia de Falesia, a stunning stretch of beach with red and gold cliffs. Take a walk here as the sun goes down.
Day 3: Olhos d’Água to Monchique
100km
1680m
Its a gentle start this morning as you head inland to Silves. Once the capital of the Moorish Algarve, this pleasant town is dominated by the sandstone walls of its huge castle.
From Silves you will climb steadily up into the beautiful hills of the Serra de Monchique. If you are up for it, take the road to Foia, one of the Algarve’s bucket-list climbs, to the summit at 2959m. Its worth it, we promise!
Day 4: Silves to Alte
82km
1200m
Today you really are in the heart of the Algarve. This ride takes in some of the best countryside in the region, on winding small backroads, through small villages with beautiful views. If you still have the legs for it, the climb up to Malhão is second only to Foia!
You will finish the day in Alte, a traditional hillside village with sea views and tiny cobbled streets. You will love this village. Be sure to stop at Germano’s bike cafe when you arrive for a coffee, cake or a beer!
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 |
4-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.
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.
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.
