Cycling Algarve:
your ultimate guide

1. Tell us about the Algarve’s cycling routes

1.1 Geography of the Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region in Portugal, in southern Europe. It sits alongside the border with Spain to the east, and has the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. Altogether, the Algarve boasts around 200 kilometres of coastline!

The Algarve is well-known for its luscious beaches and warm climate, but the region is also home to some of the best bike tours in Portugal.

You’ll find a diverse mix of landscapes, with the largely flat or rolling coastal areas compared to the hilly central area (known as the Barrocal) and the mountains in the north of the Algarve. The mountains aren’t quite like riding in the Alps, but it’s not a walk in the park either!

1.2 What are the roads like in the Algarve?

The roads in the region are typically well maintained and consist largely of smooth tarmac. The coastal regions are home to the busier roads, but that is to be expected as it is where the more densely populated areas are.

Once you ride north of the N125 and A22 highways, the roads are often largely car free.

The Algarve isn’t just expanding the road cycling infrastructure, Loulé and Albufeira are both developing mountain bike centres which will have trail and gravel routes. If this is something that interests you then Lagos already has one open to the public (information on it here).

1.3 Key cycling history and events

The popularity of the Algarve as a cycling destination is growing considerably within the realm of professional cycling. Teams are slowly beginning to recognise the appeal of cycling in Algarve, with Human Powered Health and Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl both using the region to host training camps this year.

The Algarve is also well known to many astute cycling fans as the home of the Volta ao Algarve. The Tour of Algarve cycling stage race takes place early in the season, with many WorldTour teams and top riders taking part each year as they warm up for the Spring Classics.

The Algarve cycling tour 2022 professional race took place between 16-20 February, with a mix of WorldTour and ProTeams. In 2022 the race was won by Remco Evenepoel, but in 2021, local cyclist João Rodrigues won the race – the first time a local rider has done so. Other top riders from the region include Ricardo Mestre and Amaro Antunes who have both won the Volta a Portugal aka the Tour of Portugal in their own right.

In addition to the Volta ao Algarve, there are other amateur cycling events that stand out in the region, from road sportives to events such as the Algarve Bike Challenge – a multi-stage mountain bike event.

Check out our article on cycling events in the Algarve for more information.

1.4 What are the best regions of the Algarve for cyclists

Although the vast majority of the Algarve is suitable for road cycling, there are particular areas that I highly recommend basing yourself in on a cycling holiday or trip:

There’s more on each of these places just below and you’ll find accommodation suggestions for each in section 2 below.

It may be an idea to do a multi-stop trip and stay in a few of these places rather than just the one. Although the Algarve is small enough that a reasonably fit rider could cover most of the region in one long ride, a multi stop holiday will allow you to more easily experience the diversity the area has to offer.

1.4.1 Salgados

In the central Algarve, Salgados is a great place for cyclists to stay. This coastal town is close to the hotspot of Albufeira, meaning there is plenty going on nearby, including a variety of hotel and accommodation choices. It is the most touristy place on this list, particularly as it is by the beach, but its location also lends itself to avoiding the busy roads.

Salgados is ideal as a base for those who want to mix up their Algarve cycling trip with the flat coastal areas and hilly inland areas. Salgados offers plenty of variety of riding and lots of nice roads nearby.

As a reference point, the area of Monchique (home of the famous climb – more info below) is roughly 50 kilometres away.

1.4.2 Tavira

In the eastern Algarve, there is Tavira. It is a historical city, influenced by the many cultures that have lived here through the centuries, including the Phoenicians and Moors.

From here, Tavira cycling offers you the option of riding towards Spain – it is easy to forget the Algarve is so close to Spain!

If you ride along the coast it is mainly flat, but offers wonderful sea views and beaches. If you head north then you will find the Serra de Tavira which is vastly more hilly and home to plenty of car free roads. It’s a great place to mix up your cycling.

1.4.3 Lagos

Finally, there is Lagos. This city is on the western side of the Algarve and is one of the most historical cities in the region. You will not find as many crowds here as in the south of the region, and it avoids much of the traffic.

Riding west you will see the Atlantic Ocean, but beware the coastal breeze! Heading further inland will take you towards Monchique, which is only 20-30 kilometres away.

Read on for cycling friendly accommodation in these places.

1.5 What are the most famous cycling climbs in the Algarve?

There are a few key climbs that take pride of place in the Algarve.

1.5.1 Serra de Monchique Foia

The first is the Serra de Monchique Foia climb which happens to be the highest point of the region at 900m. It is situated in the western area of the Algarve, around 25-kilometre from Portimão.

1.5.2 Malhão

In the central region, there is Malhão, a 3-kilometre climb with an average gradient of 12%, although some sections reach 20%! It is by no means an easy climb, and is usually featured in the Tour of the Algarve (Volta ao Algarve) professional race on the final stage. Much like the Ardennes in Belgium, the surrounding area is filled with short but steep climbs.

1.5.3 Alcaria do Cume

Finally, there is the Alcaria do Cume climb near Tavira, which is 10.6-kilometres in length and 3% in gradient. It isn’t so much about the steepness of this road as it is the length of it, and the views that the climb offers.

Most of the climbs in the Algarve average a maximum of around 500m altitude. So it’s not the Alps, but there’s definitely scope for being challenged!

1.6 What are the must-do cycling routes in the Algarve?

For those looking for half or one day rides, these are some of my favourites:

1.6.1 Western Algarve

Serra de Monchique loop, western Algarve

Lagos, western Algarve

1.6.2 Central Algarve

Malhao climb, Albufeira, central Algarve

 

If this area has tickled your fancy for some Algarve tour cycling, here is another, longer route to whet your appetite.

N2 road, Quarteira, central Algarve

EN124, Albufeira, central Algarve

1.6.3 Eastern Algarve

Tavira, eastern Algarve

Alcoutim, eastern Algarve

1.6.4 Other routes in the Algarve

For fans of long-distance cycling routes, Portugal and the Algarve are home to the Eurovelo 1 route which follows the coastline east to west before heading north beyond the Algarve. Most of the route is in decent condition but there are some small areas where improvement is required. You can find out more about EuroVelo 1 here.

If you want a great resource for cycling Algarve routes officially recognised by the tourist board, then this website contains a lot of information and route suggestions.

2. What are the best hotels for cyclists in the Algarve?

There are plenty of great places to base yourself on your Algarve cycling holidays.

In the west, there is Lagos, in the east, Tavira, and in the centre, Salgados. We briefly discussed what makes these great bases for cycling holidays in Algarve at section 1.4 above, but here we’ll look at some recommended cyclist accommodation nearby to some of the routes suggested above.

Portugal offers a Bikeotel scheme whereby hotels can designate themselves as bike friendly. There’s more details here.

All of the hotels suggested below are members of the Bikeotel scheme.

For more cycling hotels in the Algarve, read our full article here.

2.1 Água Hotels

Situated neatly between Lagos and Albufeira, the Água Hotels offer luxury rooms in a coastal location. These locations are recommended for riders who want to ride to Monchique and the mountain regions inland. The Riverside is situated closer to Portimão, while the Jardim is to the west. They also have a hotel in Lagos. Each hotel offers bicycle hire if you haven’t brought your own.

https://www.aguahotels.pt/

2.2 Monchique Resort

Monchique Resort is ideal for cycling holidays in the Algarve, as the resort caters very well to two-wheeled guests. They have secure bike parking, a workshop with tools, a bicycle wash station, and they even have suggested routes for you to ride. They also offer Specialized bike rental, and cater for touring, road and mountain bike riders.

https://www.monchiqueresort.com/

2.3 Vila Galé

The Vila Galé is a chain of hotels with locations all over the Algarve. This includes Tavira, Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Lagos among others. They are certified as bike friendly and the locations are ideal for bike tours in Algarve as they are across the entire region, meaning everywhere is accessible for bike rides!

https://www.vilagale.com/en

2.4 Golden Club Cabanas

Located in Tavira, the Golden Club Cabanas resort contains holiday apartments for those who prefer a little more independence on their cycling holiday in Portugal. There is bike rental available directly from the resort.

https://goldenclubcabanas.com/en/

2.5 AP Hotels & Resorts

Dotted across the Algarve, AP Hotels and Resorts has locations in Tavira, Faro, Albufeira, and Portimão. These resorts and hotels are ideal for Faro cycling, as well as cycling the Algarve coast thanks to the locations. It is known that the Albufeira, Tavira and Faro locations all have places to store bikes, but if you want to stay in Portimão it is best to check before booking.

https://ap-hotelsresorts.com/

3. Are there many bike shops and bike hire options in the Algarve?

Bike rental in Algarve is quite popular, so there are plenty of places to choose from depending on what type of bike you want and what area of the region you are looking to ride from. Check out this list on the Algarve Tourist Board’s website.

3.1 Abílio Bikes

https://www.abiliobikes.com/en/

R. João Vaz Corte Real Nº23A

8800-351 Tavira

Tel. (+351) 281 323 467

One of many bike shops the Algarve has, Abílio Bikes also hires out bikes and is an official KTM dealer. It is located in Tavira, and prices start from €10 per day, depending on the type of bike you want to hire. They have a selection of mountain, city, road and electric bikes to choose from.

3.2 Bikesul

https://www.bikesul.pt

Poço das Canas, EN 125 – Km 68

8200 – 564 Guia

Albufeira

Tel. (+351) 289 561 310

Bikesul is another bike shop in Algarve that also rents bikes. It offers a wide selection of road, mountain, gravel, leisure and even kids’ bikes from the well known brand KTM and Polish brand Kross bikes. Road bike hire starts from €25 per day.

3.3 Megasport

https://megasportravel.com/en/rent-a-bike

Zona Empresarial e Industrial  de Loulé, Área C Nascente Lote 6 E

8100-272 Loulé

Tel. (+351) 289 393 044

Megasport offer bike rental in addition to their walking and cycling holidays (but you don’t need to be on one of their holidays to rent a bike). They deliver in many parts of Portugal. If you want to hire in person, please make an appointment first. E-bikes, touring bikes, road bikes, tandems and kids bikes are all available.

3.4 Algarve Bike Holidays

https://www.algarvebikeholidays.com/bike-rental/

Avenida da Liberdade 144
8200-002 Albufeira

Tel. (+351) 913 226 954

Algarve Bike Holidays rent mountain bikes, touring bikes, road bikes and e-bikes. Helmets and GPS bike computers are also available for hire.

4. When to visit the Algarve?

The weather in the Algarve is suitable for cycling all year round, but there are some times that may be better than others for your holidays.

4.1 Weather

The Algarve is a moderate climate, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (and often as high as 15 or even 20°C with very little rain)!

Between September to November, and March to June, the temperatures are warm but not so much that it’s too hot to ride.

Even though the Algarve is a relatively small area, there are still some regional variations due to the landscape. The western side of the Algarve has the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and is thus often windier than the east. The east has the advantage of being closer to Spain so it is less breezy. However the temperature really does not vary massively between the regions.

4.2 Other factors

The Algarve is well known for its idyllic beaches and luxurious getaways, which means the coastal region in particular usually receives a lot of tourists in the summer months. Unless you’re not afraid of paying higher prices in hotels and busier roads, I usually recommend my friends avoid peak season when booking their cycling holiday in the Algarve.

For these reasons, I think the best times to visit the Algarve are between September and June. You get to see the Algarve’s beauty without the hustle and bustle that tourists bring, and without sacrificing on warm temperatures.

Other times that may be popular for tourists and locals include the Carnival of Loulé, which takes place in late February or early March. Unfortunately, it has been cancelled for 2022 due to Covid, but it is a great event to spectate.

5. Any tips for riding in the Algarve?

Cycling tours in the Algarve are a great way to see what this region of Portugal can offer, whether it’s on an organised trip or a holiday with a few short road cycling routes.

5.1 Kit to bring

The kit you will need for comfortable Algarve bike rides varies depending on the time of year you’re planning to go. But as a minimum, I recommend sun cream, (yes, even in winter!) water bottles, and comfortable cycling kit.

If you’re riding in the winter, then consider longer sleeves for when the temperatures are fresher in the morning and nights, but during the summer you probably won’t be needing them!

It is easy to find places to stop for food and drink when you ride, but if you have specific dietary needs then you might want to take your own gels and bars. Every small village has its own café or shop.

5.2 Do I need a car?

In short, you don’t need a car unless you want to base yourself in one place and discover the entire region. Even then, it is possible to cover most of the Algarve in one long ride (although some of the hills might be quite tiring!). If you want to ride everywhere then it might be a good idea to hire a car, especially if you only want to base yourself in one spot for your trip.

5.3 Cuisine

Naturally, due to the Algarve’s proximity to the sea, there is plenty of fresh seafood to try. In Tavira, for example, there is a restaurant that specialises entirely in different ways to eat octopus! Piri piri chicken is also popular in the Algarve, as are many dishes of meat.

5.4 What is there to do off the bike?

As a big holiday destination, the Algarve has tons of activities on offer, both on the coast and inland. The Tourist Board’s website has tons of information on offer, depending what you’re looking for.

5.5 How to get to the Algarve?

If you are flying, then Faro airport is the easiest way to get to the Algarve. It has international flights and is in a pretty central-eastern location in the region. If you can’t fly to Faro then the next best bet is Lisbon, or Seville.

There is an airport in Portimão but it is very small and the commercial flights are typically from within Portugal.

Flying or driving is probably the easiest way to get to the Algarve. Although there is a big train station in Faro, the international links are lacking and travel from central Europe are not that easy.

A big thank you to Marco for sharing such useful information with us. We hope it helps you plan an amazing cycling trip in the Algarve!