ECOVIA COAST PATH
A 4 or 6 day gravel tour
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ECOVIA COAST PATH – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Gravel
Number of riding days: 4 or 6
Tour Type: Self-Guided or Instant Download
Airport: Faro
Km / day: 28-54 or 41-69
Elevation gain / day: 150-670 or 270-670
Overall Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Accommodation: 4* Hotels
Do you want to ride the Algarve’s stunning coastline from east to west? The Ecovia Coast Path Tour could be for you! Here’s everything you need to know…
Ecovia Coast Path Gravel Tour
Self-Guided and Instant Download options are available. Pricing starts at just €***pp.
The Algarve is a wonderful cycling destination, with so much to offer. This Ecovia (simply meaning an ecological way or path) is part of EuroVelo 1, a cycling route from the North Cape in Scandinavia all the way down the Atlantic coast of Europe, to Sagres in Portugal. Along this stretch of coast you will find majestic scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and an insight to Portuguese culture and way of life.
Red clifftops, like those at Praia de Falesia, adorned with windswept pines and cyprus trees, give way to sweeping sandy beaches. Narrow coves, discoverable by boat, hide away behind arches and stacks of rock. The lagoons and wetlands of Ria Formosa and the Alvor Estuary host an array of seabirds. Flamingoes and dolphins can be seen from the coast too. At Cape St Vincent, the Algarve coast meets the Costa Vincentina, one of the wildest and best-protected coastal areas in Europe.
Towns and villages on the coast all have their own character. The grand Vila Real do Santo Antionio sits on the Spanish border, where you start your tour. Places such as Olhão and Tavira retain their traditional charm, whilst those looking to party head to Albufeira and Portimão. Moorish heritage is evident here too, particularly in the architecture of Faro, the regional capital.
Cyclist don’t go hungry here either. Fishing traditions have created an array of regional delicacies, such as razor-clam rice and salted cod, alongside the freshest octopus, grilled sardines and shrimp. Follow up with an almond cake or custard tart perhaps.
How challenging is this tour?
You have two options. With a daily average of 38km and very little climbing, our 6 day tour is suitable for all riders, including beginners.
If you are ready for days of 58km on average, our 4 day tour is for you. The route for both is the same, so you won’t miss out!
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 – just get in touch!
If you book a self-guided tour, we provide all the following services: GPX files, hotel and restaurant reservations, luggage transfers, airport transfers and mechanical support.
For this tour we have suggested a few additional ‘off the bike’ activities. If you book a self-guided tour, we can also help to arrange these for you.
What is the terrain usually like on this tour?
The Ecovia Coast Path follows EuroVelo 1, so you will ride on good quality cycleways and gravel tracks for roughly 40% of each day. All our routes are fully checked-out by our team, so there is no hike-a-bike!
The remainder of each day is on quiet, low traffic backroads.
What type of scenery can I expect along the way?
The Algarve’s south coast is world-famous for a reason. Wide sandy beaches are framed by golden cliffs and topped with wind-blown pines. Secret, rocky coves are discoverable by boat and on foot. Just off the coast you will find wetlands and lagoons, teeming with birdlife.
In between, you will ride through little villages with whitewashed houses, and stay in historic cities at night.
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.
Spring flowers in April, May and June are stunning, and September and October are also fantastic times to ride. Many cyclists would find July and August rather too hot to be riding.
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 recommend and book hand-picked 4* hotels for this tour. Many of these have wonderful facilities and beautiful sea views.
If you are travelling in a small group or individually, we may be able to offer you more choice. Just let us know your preferences.
6-DAY TOUR
4-DAY TOUR
Swipe to compare example 6,7 and 8 day itineraries…
6 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 123km per day
7 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 105km per day
8 Day Itinerary
Average mileage 93km per day
6-DAY TOUR
Day 1: Vila Real do Santo Antonio to Tavira
30km
150m
On your first day you will roll gently along the coast to Tavira. The centre of this coastal town is beautifully well-preserved, with a maze of cobbled streets winding between the old merchants’ villas. Tavira is overlooked by the ruins of its ancient castle and separated from the sea by lagoons and a line of pristine sandbar islands.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: a boat ride to Tavira Island.
Day 2: Tavira to Faro
40km
170m
This ride will take you past the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a beatiful web of marshland, canals and islands which is of international importance for wildlife.
Faro is the capital of the Algarve, with a fascinating Old Town enclosed by Moorish walls. Full of great spots to eat and drink, this is an awesome town to explore in the evening. Don’t miss the Capella dos Ossos (the Chapel of Bones), a haunting but very memorable sacred space!
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: a boat tour of Ria Formosa Natural Park
Day 3: Faro to Olhos de Água
30km
190m
You will pedal away from Faro on the waterfront and soon find yourself in Quarteira, a friendly Portuguese seaside town with a lively fishmarket. Contrast this with its neighbour, Vilamoura, where sleek pleasure-yachts fill the harbour.
You will finish nearby to Praia de Falesia – one of the most stunning beaches around. Its red and orange cliffs are shaped by the wind and topped by bent pine trees. Take time to walk along the cliffs and dip your toes in the surf.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: wine tasting at Qunita do Mel!
Day 4: Olhos de Água to Ferragudo
45km
420m
You will spend a little more time inland today on small roads and tracks. However, you will get the chance to stop on the lovely beach at Armação de Pêra, about 20km from Olhos De Água.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: sea-kayaking or a stunning cliff-top walk of the 7 Hanging Valleys.
Day 5: Ferragudo to Lagos
30km
180m
You will start the day crossing the Rio Arade, and soon you’ll be passing the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve. This internationally important reserve is made up of lagoons, wetlands, salt flats and dunes, and hosts a diverse array of species.
Lagos is an ancient city with a seafaring past, well-preserved in the old town – a fascinating area to wander on foot.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: SUP around epic rock formations and cliffs down the coast from Lagos
Day 6: Lagos – Sagres
55km
630m
Today you will ride to the far western tip of Portugal! Today’s route encompasses the wilder, quieter end of the Algarve, with dramatic cliffs dropping into the Altantic below. Riding all the way to Cape St Vincent is optional, but would be a real highlight of your tour.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: riding the waves at the home of surfing in the Algarve
4-DAY TOUR
Day 1: Vila Real do Santo Antonio to Faro
70km
350m
On your first day you will roll gently along the coast to Tavira, then through the Rio Formosa Natural Park, a beatiful web of marshland, canals and islands which is of international importance for wildlife.
Faro is the capital of the Algarve, with a fascinating Old Town enclosed by Moorish walls. Full of great spots to eat and drink, this is an awesome town to explore in the evening. Don’t miss the Capella dos Ossos (the Chapel of Bones), a haunting but very memorable sacred space!
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: a boat ride through the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Day 2: Faro to Benagil
70km
670m
You will pedal away from Faro on the waterfront and soon find yourself in Quarteira, a friendly Portuguese seaside town with a lively fishmarket. Contrast this with its neighbour, Vilamoura, where sleek pleasure-yachts fill the harbour. After this you spend a little more time inland on small roads and tracks. Where you finish at Benagil, the coast is just incredible.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: sea kayaking to Benagil Cave or an incredible cliff-top walk through the 7 Hanging Valleys.
Day 3: Benagil to Lagos
40km
270m
From Benagil you will ride inland, cross the Rio Arade, and soon you’ll be passing the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve. This internationally important reserve is made up of lagoons, wetlands, salt flats and dunes, and hosts a diverse array of species. Lagos is an ancient city with a seafaring past, well-preserved in the old town – a fascinating area to wander on foot.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: stand up paddleboarding from Lagos to the rock arches and pinnacles at Ponte de Piedade.
Day 5: Lagos to Sagres
55km
630m
Today you will ride to the far western tip of Portugal! Today’s route encompasses the wilder, quieter end of the Algarve, with dramatic cliffs dropping into the Altantic below. Reaching Cape St Vincent will be a real highlight of your tour.
Optional ‘off-the-bike’ extra: surfing some of the best waves in the Algarve at sunset.
6-Day Tour Pricing
1-2 people
1-2 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
3-5 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
6-11 people
6-11 people
Extras
- Bike Rental - See our bike rental page.
- Luggage Transfers - €150 per group per day
- Paradise Cycling Jersey - €70
- Extra nights / rest days - € On Request
- Guide - €280 per guide per day
- Vehicle support + Luggage transfers €360 per group per day
4-Day Tour Pricing
1-2 people
1-2 people
1-2 people
3-5 people
3-5 people
3-5 people
6-11 people
6-11 people
6-11 people
Extras
- Bike Rental - See our bike rental page.
- Luggage Transfers - €150 per group per day
- Paradise Cycling Jersey - €70
- Extra nights / rest days - € On Request
- Guide - €280 per guide per day
- Vehicle support + Luggage transfers €360 per group per day
Download this tour now!
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 €825 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.
SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST
Send us a reservation request below for the Ecovia Cycling Tour and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.
Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.
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
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. Contact us via this page and we will get your custom routes back to you within 24hrs.
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 bespoke 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!
