Cycling in the Algarve

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!

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.

The best times to visit the Algarve for cycling 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.