A self-guided gravel cycle tour to encompass the best of the Algarve

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Recommended times of year:

All year round


Bike Type: Gravel, MTB

Number of riding days: 6

Tour Type: Self-Guided

Airport Faro

Km / day: 80-120km

Elevation gain / day: 800-2500m

Overall Difficulty: Medium

Accommodation: Rural Hotels

From coast to the mountains – you will love our self guided Ultimate Algarve Gravel Cycling Tour

 

Breathtaking gravel cycling

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 cycling. We don’t like traffic and we know our clients don’t either. That’s why we have invested hours riding and plotting the most spectacular, quiet 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

Guests will stay in the beautiful town of Loulé which is a perfect place for gravel cycling; away from the busier coastline and within minutes of some of the best tracks and trails of central Algarve.

Loulé itself is a charming, traditional Portuguese town. It’s castle, market and small cobbled streets are all popular with tourists and the town has a particular buzz on a Saturday morning when the outdoor fruit and vegetable market is held.

The hotel is (of course) very bike-friendly, with a secure garage.

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 the week 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.

Heritage and Culture

However it’s not just a gravel cycling 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
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
Bike Hire

 

Ultimate Algarve Gravel Cycling Tour Example Itinerary

Please note this is only an indication as external factors such as the weather might impact which rides we do each day. You will receive a detailed itinerary once you have booked.

DAY 1

Airport Transfer

DAY 2

50km

DAY 3

60km

DAY 4

60km

DAY 5

50km

DAY 6

50km

DAY 7

70km

DAY 8

Airport Transfer

Arrival into Faro Airport, transfer to hotel in Loulé
Loulé to Tavira
Tavira to Vila Real to Sao Bras Alportel
Sao Bras Alportel to Benafim
Benafim to Silves
Silves to Vilamoura
Transfer to Faro airport, depart

Book

Contact us to book!

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

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.

Volta ao Algarve Road Cycling Holiday

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

For the fans. Enjoy a road cycling holiday in the Algarve alongside your favourite world tour heros! Tackle the famous climbs of Foia and Malhão and soak up the buzz and atmosphere as the Volta ao Algarve race flies past each day.

775,001.275,00

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

Lisbon – Sagres Gravel Bikepacking Tour with Mindful Escape

Road Cycling Holiday Portugal

For the independant adventurers. The very best of the ‘real’ Algarve, that few people get the chance to see – at your own pace and under your own steam.

200,00

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.

 

Am I too slow?

Definitely not! 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!

Having said that, there are two trips that do require a reasonable level of fitness – the Bikepacking Adventure and the N2 Challenge. Both of these trips have a minimum number of kilometres to complete each day.

Can I hire a 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!

Get in touch!

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