BEACHES AND BACKROADS SELF-GUIDED ROAD TOUR
A 4-Day Road Tour
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BEACHES AND BACKROADS ROAD TOUR
220km or 325km through the Algarve
Bike Type: Road or e-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
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Looking for an introduction to the coastal Algarve and beautiful road cycling? 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 the Beaches and Backroads 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 the Beaches and Backroads 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 in the Algarve?
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 the Beaches and Backroads 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 ride the Beaches and Backroads 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 the Beaches and Backroads 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 | Recommended Providers |
| Civil Liability Insurance | ✅ | ❌ |
4-Day, 5-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
⚡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.
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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