Cycling holidays in the Algarve are on the rise: the combination of low traffic roads and beautifully warm climate has cyclists wanting to know more.
In this series of articles, we share the Algarve’s best cycling routes in three different areas of the region:
- The east, cycling around Tavira (in this article)
- The west, cycling around Lagos (here)
- The centre, cycling around Albufeira (here)
We’ve teamed up with two local cycling tours operators to share four cycling routes around Tavira and the eastern Algarve that are must-dos for anyone planning a cycling holiday in this part of the Algarve.
Read on!
Looking for our in-depth guide to cycling the Algarve? Read this. Want our tips for where to stay? Read this. All distances are estimates.
Tavira warm-up ride
| Distance: | 72 km |
|---|---|
| Total climbing: | 720 m |
| Highlight: | Cacela Velha and inland views over the coast |
| Suitable bike: | Road bike |
Marco from BikeSul says “This route makes a wonderful, relatively easy introduction to cycling around Tavira. You start by riding east towards Spain, passing Cacela Velha which is one of the picture-postcard villages of the Algarve. It’s a small village from Moorish times where the street signs are still in Arabic. The traditional houses vie for attention with the impressive church and fort. It’s also very close to the beach and at low tide you can walk to the beach.
From here there’s a gentle climb inland to Pisa Barro, passing the famous Monte Rei golf course. You then descend down through the forest of “Mata Nacional da Conceição” (sadly burnt due to wildfires in 2021) and the Curral de Boeiros area.
After Malhada do Peres you climb up and get fantastic views of the mountains and down to Tavira. From here there are a few hills (but nothing too hard) and the traditional village of Santo Estevão, as you return to Tavira.”
Hills of the Serra do Sotavento
| Distance: | 89 km |
|---|---|
| Total climbing: | 1,110 m |
| Highlight: | Riding between the two lakes for serene, quiet roads with fantastic views |
| Suitable bike: | Road bike |
Marco from BikeSul says “This beautiful route starts by heading inland up a long gentle 5% average climb to Portela da Corcha. There are some fantastic views from the top of the climb, with panoramas of mountain and sea.
From here, you’re on back roads, winding through the Serra do Sotavento, to Cabeça Gorda and Casas. There’s then a short but steep climb; after that it’s mostly downhill. The section with Barragem de Odeleite reservoir on one side and Barragem de Beliche reservoir on the other is particularly beautiful. In the distance you’ll be able to make out Spain as you’re very close to the border here.
From here it is downhill to the village of Junqueira. A hill marks the way to Castro Marim, an important historical city where the castle and fort are worth a visit, before you return to Tavira.”
Gilão River and villages
| Distance: | 130 km |
|---|---|
| Total climbing: | 1,800 m |
| Highlight: | Gilão River and quiet villages |
| Suitable bike: | Road bike |
Cristina from MegaSport Travel says “This route takes cyclists through the hills around Tavira. It offers exceptional views of the Gilão River, the historical city of Tavira and ancient fishing villages.”
Tour of the eastern Algarve
| Distance: | 143 km |
|---|---|
| Total climbing: | 1,690 m |
| Highlight: | A long route that encapsulates the best bits of the eastern Algarve |
| Suitable bike: | Road bike |
Marco from BikeSul says “You head out along the coastline – it’s early on in your ride but if you want, consider a diversion to lovely Cacelo Velha (see Tavira warm-up ride above).
From Castro Marim you head north to Odeleite, climbing ever upwards to Montinho where you get a great view down to the reservoir. You continue up through the traditional mountain villages of Furnazinhas and Soudes. At Soudes the road is lined with unusual sculptures. There are some fantastic views over the Tavira mountains as you come to the typical village of Cachopo.
You then descend to Barranco do Velho and São Brás de Alportel before returning to Tavira via the EN 270, on a rolling road.”
A huge thank you to Marco and Cristina for sharing their expertise. We hope you enjoy exploring this area of the Algarve – let us know how you get on in the comments below!
Looking for other routes in the Algarve?
A reminder about our articles sharing:
- The best cycling routes from Albufeira
- The best cycling routes from Lagos
- Our article on the best cycling events in the Algarve to watch and take part in.
Have you ridden in the Algarve? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
For more cycling regions and routes in Portugal take a look at this overview guide.
Got a question for Cristina and Marco?
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Marco Fernandes has been involved in cycling for most of his life, starting as a professional racer in his youth. After he finishes his degree, he worked with the Portuguese Cycling Federation and other companies that organise events and cycling tours in Portugal. He remains one of the authorities on cycling in Algarve Portugal.
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