Biking in the Algarve
Exploring the Algarve on Two Wheels
Introducing biking in the Algarve: experiences for all tastes and difficulty levels, whether you want to hop on your bike for a few hours or fancy spending a week (or more!) exploring the region on two wheels. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why the Algarve is a cyclist’s dream destination and explore some of the region’s best routes and experiences.
Biking in the Algarve: From Scenic Routes to Coastal Trails
Beyond the region’s excellent year-round weather, one of the best things about cycling in the Algarve is the sheer range of landscapes. From flatter trails along the region’s breathtaking coastline to the bustling streets of the Algarve’s bigger towns and the tranquil coves of Sagres to the steeper inclines and more challenging terrain of the Monchique hills, pick your trail, pack water and snacks, and you’ll be off.
After all, a bike ride gives you a perfect chance to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and history, stop off to explore quaint whitewashed villages, take a dip in a waterfall or stream, and be sure to strike up a conversation in a sleepy café to find out about all the best local spots you won’t want to miss.
Fancy checking out a Moorish fortress, Roman ruins, or a historic centre? It’s all within your reach, as every pedal stroke brings you closer to the heart and soul of the region when biking in the Algarve.
A Biking Holiday in the Algarve to Remember
Now, if biking is your passion and you’re ready to set off on an Algarve adventure to remember, there are four longer routes certainly worth exploring. While these routes crisscross each other, they each provide unique scenery and sections of varying difficulty, which means they easily cater to cyclists of all levels. Here’s a quick overview of each one:
- The”Historical Way” of the Rota Vicentina snakes through one of Europe’s most beautiful and well-preserved coastal areas – the Vicentine Coast Natural Park – along the hidden coves and untouched beaches of the Algarve’s Western coast, covering 241km and passes through several towns and villages.
- Stretching 300 km from east to west across the entirety of the Algarve, the Via Algarviana takes cyclists through the heart of the Algarve hills. Divided into 14 sections, each starting and ending in a town or village, this route allows bikers to explore the truly untouched countryside of the Algarve.
- Setting off from Alcoutim, in the very eastern Algarve, the Grande Rota do Guadiana stretches for 65 km along the river bordering Spain, all the way to the south coast, allowing explorers to come into close contact with the area’s unique selection of flora and fauna.
- Part of the EuroVelo European Atlantic Coast Route, the Ecovia do Litoral takes you along 241km of the Algarve’s southern coast, from the Formosa lagoon’s saltpans and walkways to the more dramatic cliff scenery of the western Algarve, with the Atlantic always glinting in the near distance.
A Circular Biking Trail in Lagoa
If you’re in the central Algarve and cycling strikes your fancy, how about a day trip to explore the local area? The Lagoa route stretches for 42km, which could take around 3.5 hours, but why not make it a day trip? From the city centre down to the famous sinkholes and caves on the coast at Benagil, through the towns of Carvoeiro and Ferragudo and onto Estômbar and the Parque das Fontes, the route has a few steep up and downhill stretches but is also dotted with excellent swimming and picnic spots perfect for a day in the sun to remember.
Biking in the Algarve provides a unique way to experience the enchanting region, so whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, the Algarve has something for everyone. So grab your bike and hit the road in Portugal’s year-round cycling paradise!
