Algarve Self Guided Gravel Bike Tour
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6 Days of Gravel from €860 p/pSelf Guided Algarve Gravel Bike Tour loop from Faro, on gravel tracks and country roads, passing groves of orange, fig, almond and carob as you ride back to the sparkling beaches the Algarve famous for.
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Gravel Biking in the AlgarveOur Algarve gravel bike tour explores the almost forgotten and untouched interior of this region that is known mostly for its excellent beaches and many golf courses. This part of Southern Portugal gets around 300 days of sunshine a year and offers some of the finest cycling conditions in Europe.
You will ride through country lanes dotted with olive, fig, almond, carob and orange groves rooted in stunning red earth, passing countless villages and the occasional Moorish Castle along the way. Although the focus of this gravel cycling route is the rural interior, you will not stray too far from the sparkling coastline though, and you will be able to dip in the warm waters of the Algarve. This bike tour offers great gravel rides, the unbeatable Portuguese hospitality, superb food (particularly fresh grilled fish!), outstanding local beer and wine, beautiful beaches and great accommodation. |
Day to DayDay 1 - Faro
42 km / 26 mi The capital of the Algarve since 1756, Faro is also the gateway for those arriving by plane or train. The Manuel Bivar Gardens are a beautiful reception area for visitors, where everything overlooks the marina, the Ria Formosa and the sea.
Day 2 - Faro to Tavira
46 km / 29 mi A fairly flat route riding along the coast, following bike paths and gravel tracks. You will pass through is Olhão where you have daily boat trips to the beautiful islands. From Olhão the route is zig-zagging, looking out at the sandy islands in the shore, forming beautiful wetlands where the local wildlife get food and refuge.
Day 3 - Tavira to Vila Real Loop
60 km / 31 mi Gentle ride to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, at the mouth of the Guadiana river, facing Spain. The route follows eastwards along the coast, along country roads and gravel tracks. Leaving town, you ride through the wetlands, a natural reserve.
Day 4 - Tavira to Salir
5 km / 31 mi Experience the charm of the old Algarve countryside as you cycle past beautiful olive, orange, fig and carob groves, old mills, and more. All along the way, you'll travel on peaceful country roads, so you can fully immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere.
Day 5 - Salir Loop Ride
49 km / 30 mi If you like to go to areas where there are no tourist traps and less urbanized areas, you will enjoy this ride because that's the main objective: a simple ride surrounded by nature.
But still this is not a completely remote area. You will find tiny cafes on your way and in the final part you will ride around Salir, having more time to visit this sleepy town. 
Day 6 - Salir to Faro
48 km / 29 mi Great final ride with more miles going down that up, as you are coming from the hills inland back to the coast. Most of the route is roughly paved, with unpaved sections near Faro, to avoid busy roads as you approach to the coastline. Day 7 - Farewell in Faro
Spend extra time exploring Faro, or visit other areas in the Algarve. From here it's easy to take the train to Lisbon or fly back home. |
Why ride Gravel in the Algarve?Gravel cycling in the Algarve is a unique experience that combines the ruggedness of off-road cycling with the stunning beauty of the southern Portuguese coastline.
What sets the Algarve apart from other gravel cycling destinations is the rich culture and history of the region. As you cycle through the countryside, you'll come across ancient villages, historic landmarks, and charming cafes where you can stop and rest. The locals are welcoming and friendly, and the food is nothing short of amazing. From fresh seafood to locally sourced produce, the Algarve is a food lover's paradise. |
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Outstanding accommodationComfortable accommodations with private bathrooms, ranging from boutique hotels, country inns, manor houses and seaside B&B's - all chosen for comfort, charm and convenience to sights. All photos show the actual hotels we use.
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Exceptional value
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Optional ExtrasDaily Luggage Shuttle
€320 (per group, up to 4 people) Bags left daily at reception and collected by 10am. Single Supplement €410 (per person) Extra cost for having a single room to yourself. E-bike Upgrade €190 per bike Private Airport Transfer Price on request. |
Quality AssuredThanks for the wonderful tour! The trip really was just what I had hoped - good exercise and an alternative way to explore the countryside. I definitely hope to return to Portugal, it's lovely. |
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Go Ebike!E-bikes are available as optional upgrades for this tour. Why go electric? If you love cycling but don't like uphills or head winds, electric assisted e-bikes are the way to ride.
Our premium e-bikes feature smooth and powerful electric motors and a high capacity battery. Find out more here. |
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