AUTHENTIC ALGARVE GRAVEL CYCLING HOLIDAY

SOLD OUT FOR 2024

The ‘real’ Algarve following the best gravel tracks in Europe…

Experience some of Europe’s best gravel cycling routes

Gallery – click or swipe for more…

 

Next Available Dates:
12th -19th May 2024


Bike Type: Gravel, MTB

Number of riding days: 6

Tour Type: Guided

Airport Faro

Km / day: 80-120km

Elevation gain / day: 800-2500m

Overall Difficulty: Medium

Accommodation: Boutique rural hotel

Explore the very best of the real Algarve on our Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday

 

A next-level gravel holiday

We believe the gravel cycling in Portugal is some of the best in Europe. This is your chance to be taken into the hidden valleys and secret trails of the beautiful countryside of the Algarve. We can guarantee this is a true escape from your normal every-day life and an unforgettable week of sublime gravel riding. We don’t like traffic and we know our clients don’t either. That’s why we have invested hours riding and plotting the quietest and gravel-bike friendly routes we possibly can.

Difficulty Level

For more competent off-road riders there are some more challenging single tracks that we will introduce you too. Novice? Don’t worry, for you we will have beginner-level tracks and trails for you to enjoy! Most tracks are suitable for 4×4 vehicles, and so couldn’t be better suited for any gravel thrill-seeker.

Accommodation

In 2023 we have moved the location of our Authentic Algarve gravel holiday to Alte, a small village in the heart of the Algarve hills.
Guests will stay in the beautiful Alte Tradition Guesthouse, a newly renovated traditional guesthouse in the centre of the village. With a rooftop hot tub and a plunge pool we know you will love the choice of accommodation for the week. Every morning you will enjoy a fresh and plentiful buffet breakfast to fuel the day ahead.

Why Alte?

For various reasons we have chosen Alte as the new destination for our Authentic Algarve Gravel cycling holidays.
Firstly, the gravel cycling is phenomenal, right from the door. With tracks and trails in ever direction to suit all levels of cyclist, one week of cycling here and you won’t have covered all the options available!
Secondly, we feel that Alte does give a true reflection of the Authentic Algarve, without it being too quiet. It is a real ‘escape’, a tranquil village nestled in the Algarve hills with a beautiful stream running through the centre of it.
Thirdly, Alte already has a tradition of cycling in the Algarve. Germano bike cafe in Alte was the first cycling cafe to open in the Algarve, run by local couple and friends of ours Pedro and Ana.
Finally, Échappée Portugal is based in Alte, we have chosen this wonderful village to live in, and we love to support local businesses where we can – it made sense to move the Authentic Algarve Gravel holiday to the place we call home.

Cuisine

We love to support the local restaurant owners, so the group will eat in different hand picked local restaurants each night, most within walking distance of the hotel. By the end of our Authentic Algarve gravel cycling holiday you will have had a taste of the many traditional dishes of Portugal and in particular the Algarve. Allergies or dietary requirements? No problem, we will ensure that every restaurant can cater for this and confirm with you in advance.

During the rides we will stop regularly at local cafés (with the best pastel de natas… of course!).

Heritage and Culture

However it’s not just a gravel holiday… as you ride, you will also experience the culture and heritage of this amazing country – the local cuisine, wine and liquor making, the agriculture, historic monuments and the ancient creative traditions. Guests will leave with a taste of authentic Portugal – and we know you will want to return!

 

 

What’s Included?

Airport transfers
6 spectacular days of gravel riding
7 nights hotel accommodation
Buffet breakfast
Knowledgable and friendly guides beside you every pedal of the way
Support vehicles
GPX files of all stages in advance
Mechanical assistance
Professional drone and GoPro photos of your trip
Ride snacks
5* service – our promise!

 

Not Included


Flights
Lunches
Dinner (but we will book tables for you each night in our favourite restaurants within walking distance of the hotel)
Bike Hire

 

Alte Tradition Guesthouse

Guests on our Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday will stay in this beautiful village centre guesthouse within walking distance of the village restaurants and cafes. The hotel has a plunge pool, lounge as well as a rooftop hot tub with a view of the village. The hotel is ideally situated in the Algarve – away from the busiest coastal roads, with the best gravel riding right on the doorstep.

Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday

Please note this is only an indication as external factors such as available hotels might impact which exact routes are followed. You will receive a detailed itinerary once you have booked.

Arrival into Faro Airport, transfer to Alte

Alte Street

We will arrange for you to be taken (with any bikes and luggage you have of course!) from Faro Airport to Loulé.

Here you will be met by our friendly team and checked into the hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time there might be time for an afternoon spin before dinner.

Need help with bike set up? Dont worry! Our team will assist you with everything. We will have a comprehensive tool kit, floor pump and everything you might require to get your bike ready to rock and roll.

 

Easy Introductory Ride

Gravel Ride Alte

On your first day, we will head out for a rolling spin along some of the easier gravel tracks nearby. This is a good chance to shake out your legs after your journey and ensure the bikes are rolling smoothly.

We have chosen Alte to be our location for this gravel holiday because there are so many options close by for great gravel tracks. We can enjoy flat easy riding or rolling hills, beautiful countryside or coastal rides. We can’t wait to show you everything!

 

 

Coastal exploration in the Ria Formosa National Park

Ria Formosa Gravel Cycling

An item on anyones bucket list when they visit the Algarve is to see the flamingos in the nature reserve close to Faro on the coast. What better way to see them up close than on your gravel bike?

 

Inland trails with a traditional lunch

Gravel cycling Algarve

You will be blown away by the ridge line gravel tracks on todays ride. Needless to say there is also a bit of climbing, but it’s well worth it for the views in every direction at the top!

We will enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch in the heart of the ‘Serra de Caldeirão’ before we continue on for more incredible gravel riding in the afternoon.

 

Easy day followed by afternoon wine tasting

Well, you are on holiday after all!

On this day we will make the most of the trails closer to Alte, forming a small loop finishing at a fanastic local vineyard, Quinta do Tor. Here we will enjoy the afternoon eating tapas and tasting their range of white, rose and red wines as we watch the sunset.

 

Coastal cliffs and sandy trails

Today you will test your technical skills to the limit as we make our way along the spectacular cliffs of Falesia Beach (don’t worry, there is an easy alternative track for beginners).

You will want to take photos around every corner – the scenery is breathtaking. Afterwards we will have a bite to eat overlooking the sea, before making our way back along the tracks to Loulé.

 

Inland mountain tracks and orange groves

Gravel Riding Algarve

Just when you think you must have seen it all, today will surprise you. You will ride along beautiful small tracks winding amongst orange and olive groves for miles, until we reach our lunch stop in the traditional village of Alte.

Home to the first bike cafe in the Algarve Germano, run by our good friend Pedro – you can’t come cycling in the Algarve without stopping for lunch here.

 

 

Departure from Faro Airport

We will be sad to see you leave Portugal. But we hope that this has fired up enough appetite to return and enjoy more of the trails that this amazing country has to offer!

Until next time…

 

Authentic Algarve Gravel Holiday Pricing Options Explained

All prices are per person per holiday and vary depending on your group size and room choice.

Single Occupancy Total - €1275 per person

With single occupancy you are guaranteed a private room and bathroom in all accommodation that we stay in. 

Note: If you are travelling alone you must choose this option.

7 nights, 2 travel days and 6 riding days. For everything else that is included, check the list above!

2-4 people - €975 per person

This option is great for couples or a small group of friends travelling together.

Each 2 people will share a bathroom. We will always try our best to ensure that you get your choice of beds (double or twin).

7 nights, 2 travel days and 6 riding days. For everything else that is included, check the list above!

Group of 5+ Total - €925 per person

Got a group of 6 or more? You have just saved yourself €50 each!

This price is based on two people sharing each room. If any members of your party wish to upgrade to a single occupancy just get in touch – we can do a special rate for this too.

7 nights, 2 travel days and 6 riding days. For everything else that is included, check the list above!

Reserve your place

We know the pandemic has made organising travel arrangements  difficult! To help, we only require a small deposit in advance. Full payment is due 1 week prior to the start date.

925,001.275,00

Pay a 20% deposit per item

HAVE A QUESTION? SEND A RESERVATION or QUOTE REQUEST

 

Send us a reservation request below for the Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Trip and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 working day to help finalise and plan your trip.

Don’t forget! We create bespoke trips too – anything you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to ask us and we will do our best to make your ideas a reality.

 

 

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Did you like our Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday? You might also be interested in our other cycling holidays in Portugal…

Authentic Algarve Gravel Cycling Holiday

For the gravel riders. Enjoy an off road / gravel cycling holiday in the Algarve! Let us introduce you to the best tracks and trails in the beautiful Algarve, both along the coast and inland.

925,001.275,00

Alentejo Self-Guided Gravel Bikepacking Tour

For the bikepackers. An adventure is on the horizon! Escape your normal routine and join us for a truly new and exciting gravel bikepacking experience into the Alentejo.

Faro to Lisbon Self-Guided Gravel Tour

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

For the gravel tourers. This is a fantastic gravel trip for anyone wanting to experience a wide range of landscapes – west coast, rolling Alentejo plains and the beautiful Algarve backroads.

795,001.295,00

Authentic Algarve Road Cycling Holiday

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

For the roadies. An unforgettable week of road riding in the Algarve. Not just bikes – this cycling holiday is also about enjoying the Portuguese culture, gastronomy and incredible landscapes too!

875,001.275,00

738km North to South N2 Cycling Tour

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

For the challenge-seekers. A stunning road cycling holiday with a goal to achieve! Put your cycling legs to the test during this 6-day Challenge. A total of 738km, along Europes longest road.

1.450,001.800,00

FAQ’s

What is your cancellation policy?
You can book in confidence with a very flexible cancellation policy which can be read in detail here.

We strongly recommend that you travel with adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellation and holiday cancellation.

 

How technical is the gravel cycling in Alte?

The gravel cycling here ranges from beginner to medium level in terms of technical difficulty. We will adapt the riding to suit our guests, but for the majority you can imagine easy 4×4 tracks and small roads. There might be the odd bit of single track for a bit of fun… 😉

Can I hire a gravel bike?

Of course. Just get in touch to let us know exactly what you would like and we will give you a quotation.

I would like to create my own bespoke holiday - can you help?

Of course! We would love to help you put together the perfect cycling holiday for you and your group.

We can assist with:

  • Booking hotels, villas or BnB’s
  • Hiring bikes
  • Plotting cycling routes (road or off-road)
  • Hiring guides
  • Car Hire
  • Booking restaurants
  • Recommending cafes
  • Airport transfers

We charge really reasonable prices for all of the above, making your life as the organiser really easy. Let us know what you have planned and we will help you plan an unforgettable week of cycling in Portugal for you!

I am worried my fitness won't be good enough!

Don’t worry. We pride ourselves on providing holidays for all abilities, and we have guides for different fitness levels. Often groups will be divided into three different groups so suit everyone!

Get in touch!

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