The Algarve is one of Portugal regions that tend to attract more tourists. Most of them are attracted by the sunny weather, the cliffs, and the beaches.
The Algarve coastline is about 200 km in length and one of the best ways to get to know the entire area is during a bike tour. From seeing all the beaches to the moment you enter in the rural Algarve, which is filled with amazing trails and car-free-roads, you’re going to love the experience. Plus, this is one of the best ways that you have to discover new spots that usually don’t tend to attract so many tourists.
Along Algarve’s coastline, you’ll be able to enjoy the view over the most picturesque grottoes and limestone caves, especially in the Lagos area. You’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful and sandy beaches of the country from the biggest ones on the cliffs in Falésia or Alvor, to the smaller ones in the Vicentina Natural Park.
One of the best things about Algarve is that you can go there throughout the entire year since the weather is always amazing and you can get the best out of your bike touring at any time.
So, here are 6 amazing places that you’ll be able to see while bike touring in the Algarve:
#1: Serra do Caldeirão
One of the most popular routes for mountain bike tours, is the Via Algarviana. It has more than 300 km long and it’s also perfect for hiking.
Via Algarviana starts in Alcoutim, in the Eastern part of the Algarve, and goes across the entire region and up to Cape St. Vincent, that is near Sagres. It also crosses part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
One of the best parts of this bike touring is when you pass in the Serra do Caldeirão. You’ll be able to enjoy the rural trails and enjoy the amazing landscape.
This tour is perfect for a group of 6 to 10 people that love MTB.
#2: Algar Seco
If you prefer a road cycle we have a route near the coast. The section crosses Lagos, Portimão, Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and ends up in Vila Real de Santo António.
This is one of the best bike touring you can take to enjoy some of the most beautiful places in the Algarve.
One of them is Algar Seco, considered one of the best viewpoints in Portugal. From here, you’ll be able to see the most amazing rock formations, caves, a blow hole, and a great boardwalk that goes along the cliffs that are spectacular.
Quinta do Lago is another one. Inserted in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There’s no doubt that you will discover a lot of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the weather and the nature.
#3: Aljezur
One of the best short break bike touring that you can take is one that mixes both Algarve sceneries – the amazing coastline and beautiful beaches with the rural landscapes and the traditional Algarvian people.
If you like the idea, then prepare yourself to use a mountain bike because you’re going to need it and you need to be on good shape to perform this tour. One of the best road or trail that you can take to get to Aljezur is to start in Sagres and ride by the beaches of Carrapateira. Then, just follow the Rota Vicentina and enjoy the amazing view you’ll get of the Arrifana and Vale Judeu beaches. Right after passing them, you’ll get to Aljezur, a beautiful place full of history.
#4: Monchique
Monchique is also an amazing places that you need to make sure that you pay a visit to when on your bike touring in the Algarve… one the preferred sopts for for downhill lovers. So make sure that you are an intermediate to advanced rider since this tour may be a bit difficult for beginners or if you’re not used to too much activity in just a day.
You can start the bike touring in Aljezur and head to “Marmelete”. From here, you’ll have a huge uphill of about 20 km. Even though it may sound hard, remember that you’ll be enjoying every inch of the landscape and breathing fresh air on a beautiful sunny day. You will then have a slight downhill just before you arrive at Monchique. Take a bit rest here in case you want and then head up more 8 km to reach the top of the Algarve (Fóia).
#5: Silves
In order to get to Silves, and if you’re between Armação de Pera and Quarteira, the best alternative that you have to get an amazing bike touring without going through a very urbanized area, is to ride inland, through the countryside. And this will take you directly to Silves, one of the most historical destinations in the Algarve.
Make sure that you take some time to enjoy the most idyllic landscape as well as you can also pay a visit to the Silves Castle.
This bike touring is a great way to escape a very urbanized area and to allow yourself to enjoy one of the best places in the Algarve.
#6: Ria Formosa National Park
In case you already checked some brochures and images from Algarve, it’s more than likely that you saw there the Ria Formosa National Park.
Ria Formosa does have an ecotrail in Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António and is suitable for all kinds of cyclists, from beginners to experienced ones.
The truth is that along with your ride through this National Park, you’re going to love every bit. After all, it’s not every day that you can spend exploring an amazing and unique fauna and flora and cycle next to the natural salbeds.
In case you are a bird fan, you need to know that this is one of the best places in the Algarve for birdwatching. So, make sure that you bring your camera with you.
