When you think of the Algarve, you probably think of stunning beaches and luxurious holidays. But it’s also a fantastic place to cycle.
The Algarve is host to a number of cycling events throughout the year. The highlights are the annual Volta ao Algarve (Tour of the Algarve) professional race as well as three amateur events – the Algarve Granfondo, the Algarve Bike Challenge and the newer addition, the Albufeira Gravel Challenge. These events really showcase the region’s wonderfully diverse landscapes.
In this article we speak with Marco Fernandes, a race organiser, former pro rider and former coordinator for the Algarve and Alentejo regions at the Portuguese Cycling Federation. Marco lives in the Algarve and has provided us with an insight into cycling in the Algarve and its cycling events.
If you’re considering where to go on your next cycling trip, how about a cycling holiday to the Algarve timed to coincide with one of these awesome events?
Marco Fernandes has been involved in cycling for most of his life, beginning with road cycling in his youth and later competing as a professional mountain biker. Later Marco worked for the Portuguese Cycling Federation and he continues to collaborate on the Cyclin'Portugal project.
Since 2018, Marco has been coordinating the Tours and Rentals department at Bikesul Portugal, a leading bike rental company in the south of Portugal which also operates as a KTM Bike Industries concept store in Guia, Albufeira. Bikesul organises and promotes cycling holidays in Portugal and Spain, as well as corporate events and daily tours.
Looking for an in-depth guide to cycling the Algarve? Read this. Want to know where to stay? Read this.
1. Set the scene: what’s it like to cycle in the Algarve?
1.1 Terrain
Located at the most southern point of Portugal, the Algarve is known for its diverse landscape.
The coastal region is more densely populated, but you are rewarded with stunning vistas of the cliffs when cycling the Algarve coast. The altitude here is around 100 metres, with climbs reaching 300 metres.
Further inland is where cycling in the Algarve comes into its own. The area features some of Portugal’s best cycling – there is a reason the Tour of Algarve returns here every year!
The Mount Fóia climb near Monchique regularly features in the race, as the region’s most famous climb. At 7.3km in length and an average of 5.9%, it’s not the most challenging (although there are some steep kick ups) but that’s not what road cycling in the Algarve is about.
1.2 Villages and cuisine
Cycling in the Algarve is all about enjoying small country roads, beautiful villages, friendly locals and plentiful cafés.
Naturally, the cuisine is also a highlight of cycling holidays in Portugal, with a fine choice of wine to accompany your meals.
2. Give us an overview of the Algarve’s cycling calendar
The Algarve is a diverse place, with plenty of different types of terrain to offer a varied challenge. As a result, there are lots of cycling events in and around the Algarve, from road to gravel to mountain biking.
You can access the full Portuguese cycling calendar here.
The big three events that are popular with tourists from English speaking countries are the Tour of the Algarve, the Algarve Granfondo and Algarve Bike Challenge. There’s also the newer Albufeira Gravel Challenge. We will get into the detail of these below.
But first let’s set the scene with an overview of the range of cycling events in the Algarve and when they’re held:
2.1 Gravel Challenge Albufeira: January (gravel)
More details below.
2.2 Volta ao Algarve: February (road)
More details below.
2.3 Algarve Granfondo: February (road)
More details below.
2.4 Algarve Bike Challenge: March (MTB)
More details below.
3. Gravel Challenge Albufeira
For riders keen to leave the tarmac behind, the Gravel Challenge Albufeira is an ideal early-season adventure. The event is usually held in January and unfolds over two GPS-guided stages on the Algarve coast. In 2025 these were:
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Stage 1 – Saturday 25 January 2025: 97 km
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Stage 2 – Sunday 26 January 2025: 77 km
Both routes mix quiet coastal tracks with inland hills, showcasing the region’s beaches, cork oak forests and traditional villages.
3.1 More information
4. Volta ao Algarve
The Volta ao Algarve, or Tour of the Algarve, is the most recognisable cycling race in Portugal.
Held every year in the third week of February, it attracts some of the top professional riders from across the world including WorldTour and ProTeams. Previous winners include Alberto Contador and Geraint Thomas.
The five one-day stages offer all types of rider the chance to shine, with a time trial stage and mountainous climbs featuring in the race.
4.1 Tour Algarve cycling routes
The routes remain relatively similar each year, taking in some of the cities like Lagos and Portimao, while also heading inland to test the rider’s legs on some climbs. It’s a great opportunity to get up close and watch some of the fastest racers on the planet.
The Malhao climb is a great place to watch the action. It’s the final climb on the last day of the race and there’s always a fantastic atmosphere. It’s best to get there early so you can cycle to the top and watch the race pass by twice on the climb below. The locals often get into the spirit of the race and take picnics while they wait for the peloton.
In 2025, these were the stages:
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Stage 1 – Wednesday 19 February: Portimão to Lagos, 190 km
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Stage 2 – Thursday 20 February: Lagoa to Alto da Foia (Monchique), 177.6 km
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Stage 3 – Friday 21 February: Vila Real de Santo António to Tavira, 183.5 km
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Stage 4 – Saturday 22 February: Albufeira to Faro, 175.2 km
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Stage 5 – Sunday 23 February: Salir to Alto do Malhão, 19.6 km individual time trial (new uphill TT finale)
4.2 Where to stay
If you want to come and watch the race, the best places to stay include Albufeira and Salgados. These are coastal areas but you can easily get from here to all parts of the region.
If you arrive before the race, then cycling in Lagos is definitely recommended as you might see some of the professionals out training!
4.3 More information
5. Algarve Granfondo
The Algarve Tour cycling event doesn’t just include a professional race, there is also an amateur granfondo held alongside it.
The granfondo usually occurs on the weekend of the pro race, and has been doing so for ten years. It attracts between 800-1,000 road cyclists from all over the world, and with partially closed roads and beautiful views, it’s not hard to see why.
5.1 Algarve Granfondo routes
In 2025, the two route choices started and finished in Faro:
- Granfondo, at 130 kilometres and 2,213m of elevation gain on undulating inland loops through the Algarve’s lesser-known hill country
- Mediofondo with a more relaxed 90 kilometre route and 1,375m of elevation gain – a shorter circuit using many of the same roads as the granfondo
5.2 What’s special about it
The beauty of the Algarve Granfondo is that you get to ride the same roads as the professionals
You can ride the event in the morning and still have time to watch the finish of the professional race in the afternoon; a pretty special day!
5.3 Tips
The Algarve cycling routes for this event aren’t the most challenging, which makes them more accessible. You still need to train, however, but you won’t be spending as much time chasing the clock if you’re already relatively fit.
Both routes showcase some of the best road cycling Portugal has to offer, with smooth tarmac roads and gorgeous weather.
5.4 More information
6. Algarve Bike Challenge
Organised by Marco himself, the Algarve Bike Challenge is a departure from our usual road and gravel events! But it sounds fun and is super popular (plus Marco promises it isn’t overly technical) so we couldn’t resist including it here.
6.1 Format
The Algarve Bike Challenge is a mountain bike event that runs over three days, with three stages including a night time time trial through Tavira.
Solo and two-person teams ride the trails, staying overnight in charming 4 star hotels.
It’s designed as an amateur race but a handful of professionals and former pros get involved too.
6.2 Routes
The Algarve Bike Challenge is held on a new route each year. It’s a unique test of endurance, resolve and skill with the staggering beauty of the snow-capped, jagged skyline set as the perfect antidote to the physical and mental demands of off-road racing.
6.3 What makes this event special?
The Algarve Bike Challenge has been running since 2013 and attracts well over 1,000 entrants each year.
It’s a bit different to normal events as the entry includes accommodation and all the participants stay in the same hotel. That means a comfortable bedroom and a real sense of camaraderie as everyone is in the same place taking part in the same event.
According to Marco, the Algarve Bike Challenge is the most popular MTB stage race in Portugal.
6.4 Tips
The event typically takes place at the beginning of March. If you’re interested in taking part, make sure you get your finger on the buzzer when the tickets are released.
6.5 More information
7. Please share your tips for taking part in a cycling event in the Algarve
7.1 Insurance and medical certificates
You should expect to take out event insurance to cover costs in case you cause damage to another rider or someone else’s property – this is often available via the event itself.
Unless the event you choose to participate in is particularly challenging, you are unlikely to need a specific medical certificate from your doctor – however, we recommend checking with the event organiser to be on the safe side.
7.2 Weather
The weather in Portugal is warm and wonderful for riding most of the year. Any time from March to June and September to November are great times to visit as the temperatures are warm without being overbearing. You’ll notice that these are the times of year that the events discussed above are held.
In case you’re thinking of coming in July and August, it’s worth knowing cycling in the Algarve is possible at these times but you should be prepared for the heat. It often reaches 25°C by as early as 6 a.m.! Additionally, it is peak tourist season with families staying near the beaches, so you will want to head for the hills to avoid the crowds.
If you plan your cycling holiday in Portugal for the winter, expect some wind but not as much as Britain. You might also get a little rain. The temperatures are much milder than we’re used to in the UK, with high temps of 15°C.
7.3 Getting to the Algarve
The Algarve is well connected to Faro airport as well as Lisbon and Seville airports. The best airport for you will of course depend on where you are travelling from. This flight connections website might be useful for planning your trip.
A huge thank you to Marco for sharing these insights on the Algarve’s cycling events.
Have you taken part (or spectated) at any of the Algarve’s cycling events?
If you’ve been to the Algarve to spectate the Tour of Algarve or take part in any of the events, let us know in the comments below!
For more information on cycling in the Algarve, read our in-depth Algarve guide.
Got a question for Marco?
Fill out this form and we will send it to Marco. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!Marco Fernandes has been involved in cycling for most of his life, beginning with road cycling in his youth and later competing as a professional mountain biker. Later Marco worked for the Portuguese Cycling Federation and he continues to collaborate on the Cyclin'Portugal project.
Since 2018, Marco has been coordinating the Tours and Rentals department at Bikesul Portugal, a leading bike rental company in the south of Portugal which also operates as a KTM Bike Industries concept store in Guia, Albufeira. Bikesul organises and promotes cycling holidays in Portugal and Spain, as well as corporate events and daily tours.
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