Cycle Southern Portugal’s natural parks, historic towns, and coastal trails

Get ready to experience the ultimate gravel biking in the Algarve! This tour takes you off the beaten path into southern Portugal's unique landscapes. Spend a week exploring dense forests, cycling past historic castles in Mértola, and riding through the abandoned mines of São Domingos. Follow old smuggling routes along the Guadiana River, with Spain just across the way, before heading south to discover the Algarve's hidden trails.

Pedal through varied terrains where the countryside meets the coast, from the quiet beaches of Cacela Velha to the waters of Ria Formosa and Olhão. Along the way, you'll have the chance to enjoy the Algarve's delicious seafood and local dishes.

Whether you're a seasoned gravel biker or looking for a unique adventure, this tour offers the perfect mix of challenge and discovery. Ride through natural parks, riversides, and coastal trails, and experience a side of the Algarve that few get to see!

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Highlights

• Alcoutim: Historic village with scenic views and a history of contraband routes.
• Cacela Velha: Beaches and traditional Portuguese architecture with ocean views.
• Tavira: Historic city with charming streets and coastal scenery.
• Olhão: Market and seafood, reflecting local culture and cuisine.
• Mértola: Historic town with a castle and views over the Guadiana River.
• Guadiana Natural Park: Gravel trails through diverse landscapes and natural beauty.

Learn More

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Albernoa
Start your adventure with a pick-up from Lisbon or Faro airport and transfer to the beautiful wine estate in Albernoa, nestled in the heart of Alentejo. Upon arrival, enjoy a private briefing about your upcoming journey through the Algarve. Spend the rest of the day unwinding at the estate.

Day 2: Loop Ride in Guadiana Natural Park (29 mi. / 46 km / +480m)
After breakfast, embark on your first gravel bike ride, a loop through the scenic Alentejo countryside and Guadiana Natural Park. This car-free route features gentle climbs and takes you through "montado" landscapes (a semi-natural ecosystem of cork oak, holm oaks, and grasslands), vineyards, and charming villages, offering a peaceful cycling experience and a taste of local life. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the tranquility of your countryside retreat.

Day 3: Albernoa - Mértola (32 mi. / 51 km / +800m)
Following breakfast, set off on a ride from Albernoa to Mértola, deep within the Guadiana Natural Park. Cycle through more montado landscapes toward the historic town of Mértola, known for its hilltop castle and stunning views of the Guadiana River. This ride offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, showcasing the rural charm of the Alentejo region.

Day 4: Mértola - Minas de São Domingos - Alcoutim (40 mi. / 65 km / +1200m)
Start your day with a ride from Mértola, crossing the Guadiana River and navigating serene back roads to the Minas de São Domingos, an industrial archaeological site rich in mining history. The journey continues as you ride to Pomarão and cross into Spain, following the scenic Via Verde ecopista, a converted railway track, to Sanlúcar de Guadiana. Here, a boat ride takes you across the river back to Portugal, arriving in the picturesque village of Alcoutim, a former contraband route between Spain and Portugal.

Day 5: Alcoutim to Cacela Velha (42 mi. / 67 km / +800m)
After breakfast, cycle from Alcoutim along the GR15 route, a gravel trail that winds south through lush landscapes and along the Guadiana River. Pass by Castro Marim and its historic castle, then continue to Vila Real de Santo António, where the Algarve’s stunning coastline comes into view. Finish the day with a ride along the coast to the beautiful beach of Cacela Velha, with its stunning ocean views and traditional Portuguese charm.

Day 6: Cacela Velha to Tavira to Olhão Loop (25 - 50 mi. / 40 - 80 km / +120m)
Today's ride takes you along the Algarve’s breathtaking coastline. Departing from Cacela Velha, follow a scenic route through Tavira, a historic city known for its charm and cobblestone streets. Continue past some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, including Barril and Fuseta, before reaching Olhão, a lively coastal town with a bustling market. Choose to explore the market or, if you prefer a shorter ride, return from Tavira to enjoy the hotel amenities or relax on the beach.

Day 7: Departure from Cacela Velha
After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer back to Faro or Lisbon airport, concluding your Algarve gravel biking adventure.

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