Whether you are a passionate road cyclist or just looking for an unforgettable cycling trip, Cycling Across the Algarve is the perfect way to experience the region’s charm and culture.
The authentic Algarve Tour! Discover the genuine Algarve with our Cycling Across the Algarve experience, a journey that takes you through the most typical, beautiful, and outstanding landscapes. Many of the roads you will ride are part of the official course of the Volta ao Algarve Pro Race.
Test yourself on high-quality tarmac roads with sweeping views of the Algarve’s unique fauna and flora. From East to West, ride coastal areas, follow the Guadiana River, explore inland landscapes, and pass through traditional villages. Alcoutim, Monchique, and Sagres are just some of the highlights you’ll visit while enjoying an unforgettable cycling holiday.
Join us and experience why Cycling Across the Algarve is the best way to discover “Europe’s most famous secret”!
(40 km / 25 mi, 400 m / 1,300 ft elevation gain)
Upon arrival in Faro, a Bikesul staff member will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Tavira, providing details about the region, the tour, and assisting with your bike fitting.
Here, we will begin our adventure in this magnificent coastal town of the Algarve, which still preserves many traces of Roman, Phoenician, and Moorish occupations. If you arrive early, after lunch we will prepare your bike and equipment. You can choose to go on an adaptation ride through the Barrocal and the coast, or if you prefer, you can explore the beautiful town of Tavira.
Accommodation in 4Star Hotel in Tavira
68 km / 1,225 m of elevation gain
Are you ready for the first “serious” day of cycling?
Although relatively short, this route will be a challenge! Leaving Tavira along the banks of the Gilão River via the EN397, the first kilometers will be on flat terrain, perfect for warming up before starting the long climb to Alcaria do Cume. The inclines are mostly gentle, and the scenery is simply stunning, with very little traffic along the road.
From Alcaria do Cume to Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, the road feels like it was made just for us, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the region! The climbs, though short, are quite steep.
Be cautious on the descent at Bemparece, as the gradients are steep and speeds can quickly become very high.
In Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, you can stop for a short break and refuel at one of the local cafés or the pastry shop.
The route then continues on a narrower secondary road, passing through the villages of Umbria and Morenos before returning to Tavira.
Accommodation in 4Star Hotel in Tavira
83 km / 1,388 m of elevation gain
After two magnificent days in Tavira, it's time to cycle towards a new destination.
Leaving Tavira on quiet roads, the first stop will be Cacela Velha, which boasts one of the most beautiful views over the Ria Formosa.
Heading north, you'll cycle along the Guadiana River on excellent roads with little traffic. Climbing towards Azinhal and Alta Mora, you'll pass between the Beliche and Odeleite dams.
After that, a challenging climb awaits, with inclines reaching up to 20%! Once at the top, you'll see how the Guadiana magnificently separates Portugal from Spain.
Enjoy the stunning landscape along the river until you reach the traditional village of Alcoutim, which was once a hub for smuggling between Portugal and Spain.
Take the opportunity to visit the castle and, if possible, take the small boat across the river to visit the village of Sanlúcar on the Spanish side.
Accommodation in 3Star Hotel in Alcoutim
95 km / 1,500 m of elevation gain
On this day, you will cycle along the EN124, deep in the heart of the Algarve’s interior. Passing through remote and sparsely populated villages, you'll not only take in the scents of the plants and trees along the route but also enjoy breathtaking views of the hills and valleys that first form the Serra and then transition into the Barrocal region of the Algarve.
Upon arrival in Alte and after checking in, take some time to explore this small but charming village, visiting the “Fonte Grande,” a natural water pool that also serves as a picnic park.
Accommodation in Alte Boutique Guesthouse.
95 km / 1,500 m of elevation gain
Leaving this incredible village behind, the journey continues westward towards the Serra de Monchique.
Following the EN124, you will pass through Silves, the first capital of the Algarve, a city rich in history and home to an exceptional castle!
The most challenging part of the day comes afterward, as we begin the climb towards Monchique and Fóia, the highest peak in the Algarve, standing at over 900 meters. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic 360º view over the western Algarve.
The day ends in Caldas de Monchique, a thermal spa town nestled in the Monchique hills, where you can relax at the spa and recharge for the next day.
Accommodation in 4Star Hotel in Caldas de Monchique
90 km / 950 m of elevation gain
Leaving the thermal village of Caldas de Monchique, the ride continues with a series of rolling hills through the Serra de Monchique, offering spectacular views over the western Algarve. After passing through the village of Marmelete, a long descent takes us to the town of Aljezur, famous for its sweet potato cultivation and crowned by a medieval castle atop a hill.
Riding along part of the Vincentine Coast and the natural reserve, the next stop is Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Europe. Here, you can visit the lighthouse and the small fortress perched on the cliffs.
Just 6 km ahead lies Sagres, a former fishing village and the final destination of this tour. Be sure to visit the Sagres fortress.
After checking in, take some time to explore the village, the fortress, and the fishing port.
Accommodation in 4Star Hotel in Sagres
After a relaxing breakfast with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, it's time to pack your bags.
A transfer service will be provided, but if you're planning to extend your stay, let us know—we'd be happy to offer some recommendations!
January to March
November and December
April and May
October
June
September 15 to 30
*Price per person sharing double/twin room. Excludes festive dates. Subject to availability. Different dates, please contact us.
Side and handlebar bags;
Bike Upgrade;
Extra-nights (under availability);
Our tours include Personal Accidents and Liability Insurance only while riding. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. We strongly recommend that you take out a policy for your travel which covers delayed baggage, medical repatriation and other areas.
Please note: Our bike tour is a "living thing", being influenced by multiple factors such as weather conditions, group riding abilities and trail damage, to name a few. Your local guides are experts in guiding cyclists and will be continually assessing these factors making tweaks to the itinerary where necessary to ensure that every member of the group has the best experience possible.
Your safety and pleasure on this event are of paramount importance to us. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the routes we choose are safe, enjoyable, challenging but still within each rider’s ability. All routes are carefully evaluated for their safety and we avoid hazards and traffic as much as is practicably possible. We expect every rider to attend the daily briefings to familiarise themselves with each day’s route.
To check and read our terms and conditions for Tours and Cycling Holidays press here
