Portugal cycling vacations, self guided
“Choose one of two self-guided cycling routes across the Alentéjo and Algarve regions of southern Portugal and experience six leisurely days in the saddle at no more than 60kms per day.”
Highlights
Route one: Terra de Caldas | Loulé | Alte | Silves | Caldas de Monchique | Aljezur | Costa Vicentina Natural Park | Route two: Baixo-Alentéjo | Parque Natural da Ria Formosa | Sapal de Castro Marim | Alcoutim | Mertóla | Sérpa | San Lúcar in Spain | Both routes possible by electric bike |
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need some help finding one we're here to help.
Departure information
This cycling vacation in Portugal can be arranged at any time to suit your requirements although we do not recommend trips in August due to high temperatures
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Portugal cycling vacations, self guided
Cycling is an ideal way to explore the countryside without damaging the environment. Through our range of Portugal cycling vacations we support the following Portuguese National Parks: Reserva Natural do Sapal, Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana.
On our Portugal cycling vacations we encourage guests to visit their information & exhibition centers, keep to the recommended paths, take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints.
We always use local services and accommodation such as small hotels and wherever possible “turismo no espaço rural” which offer rural accommodation run by local families. On these Portugal cycling vacations we work exclusively with small local businesses and use locally owned restaurants. In this way we help to conserve a rural lifestyle and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the region.
We encourage our guests to be environmentally aware and act in a proper, responsible manner at all times. Information, tips and recommendations on the life and customs of the local people are given to all clients on the Portugal cycling vacations.
As much as we can our office recycles waste and we use recycled products whenever possible.
37 Reviews of Portugal cycling vacations, self guided
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 31 May 2019 by Jim Allman
The smells of eucalyptus and orange groves were memorable. The walk at Carrapateira was something we will never forget and showed how the local people are preserving that environment. Read full reviewReviewed on 10 Mar 2019 by John Boyce
Bert's superb organisation Great routes, Superb over night stops, cafe suggestions meant the rider only had to cycle through orange groves and seemingly natural countryside between delightful white villages. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Oct 2018 by Barbralu Cohen
Loved riding through villages and winding through the Algarve on back roads. Wonderful bike trip on great bikes, well maintained and really interesting routes Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Jun 2018 by Kathleen Georgopoulos
We would highly recommend this vacation and you can’t beat the price. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Jun 2018 by Bill Akeroyd
The riding was excellent on quiet picturesque roads. The spring flowers were in full bloom. The weather was perfect and the small towns and their accommodations were lovely. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 May 2018 by Anne Taylor
We got up in the morning had a great breakfast and onto our bikes-all we had to do was appreciate the beautiful scenery and decide where to stop for coffee. Lunch was a picnic along the way and with nothing else to think about, it made for a very relaxing vacation. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Nov 2017 by Ian Latimer
Waking up each morning to a new adventure, and not quite knowing what was in store. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Nov 2017 by Monique St. Germain
Silves Castle and Silves itself was definitely the most memorable. And the hills. Oh my, the hills. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Oct 2017 by Elaine Braun
A nicely challenging ride culminating with the views from the cliffs at Carrapateira. A nicely challenging ride culminating with the views from the cliffs at Carrapateira Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Mar 2017 by Benjamin Cartwright
Arriving in Carrapateria, the beaches were beautiful!! All the rides had wonderful scenery, lovely small towns to explore and the rides were challenging yet fun and gave us a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Nov 2017 by Sue Mcnuff
The variable surroundings we were in on any one day. The surrounding hills of the Algarve, The beautiful rugged South and West coast. The sunset and sunrise on Salema beach. The Portuguese tarts! Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Sep 2016 by Mel Watson
Everything was great. The accommodation and the recommendations for restaurants was outstanding. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Sep 2016 by Jane Finegan
The whole cycling trip was memorable as we got to see the real Algarve with its variety of landscapes - from mountains inland to the west and south coast - often away from the tourist hot spots. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Apr 2015 by Karin Liimatta
Cycling through the countryside is a wonderful way to reduce your environmental impact while at the same time maximizing your experience with local flora and fauna. Everyone we encountered was so friendly and helpful. We found the directions to be explicit and easy to follow and appreciated the many routes that took us off the beaten path. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Oct 2014 by Alan Spencer
Very good. I would, and already have, recommended Responsible Travel to people. Knowing that having a very enjoyable experience supports local communities makes it so much better. Thanks once again. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Jun 2014 by bob sagor
We had a great time. All six of us enjoyed the rides, and think the perspective we enjoyed from the seat of a bike was special. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Jun 2014 by Guri Roald
The whole week was very memorable as it was so varied. Burt has put a lot of thought into this vacation and has made it very personal. We really liked the various options of rides that were given for each of the days (pending fitness, weather, mood etc... Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Jun 2013 by Liz Martin
Top notch...Cycling through orange groves in the sunshine and stopping to feast on big juicy oranges was the most memorable part.... Fantastic scents from the forests of warm eucalyptus will always remind us of Portugal. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Mar 2012 by Jane Wills
The range of beautiful places that you visit - cycling through gorgeous countryside with orange trees all along the way, stunning beaches, pretty villages, interesting towns and bright blue skies every day. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Jan 2012 by Tim Rudkins
We enjoyed the riding through the hills and the extra trip out to the lighthouse and westernmost part of Portugal. Terrific! Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Nov 2012 by Tom Meyer
The best part of the trip was following the route maps through the beautiful Portugal countryside. We had a chance to explore areas we would never have found on our own!. Wonderful trip in all aspects! Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Jun 2012 by Agnes Deloyer
Cycling through the beautiful countryside of Portugal and spending it with 5 awesome friends was the most memorable part of the vacation Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Sep 2011 by Sasha Hannah
10 out of 10. Bert was incredibly detailed, set up a great cycling route, gave great, detailed advice regarding accommodation, each area we visited, restaurants and was efficient and friendly in dealing with all inquiries. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Sep 2010 by Kevin Keating
4.5 Stars---Bert knows what he's doing and understands the concept of mixing a bicycle trip with the opportunity to explore Southern Portugal --Have Fun...The trip was a pure and delightful adventure - The route was challenging in places and yet it was balanced overall. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Oct 2010 by Clare Davis
The most memorable part of the vacation were cycling through beautiful countryside with the roads to ourselves Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Sep 2010 by Derek Campbell
The Portuguese Countryside is breathtaking and the scenery from a bike was wonderful. It was such a privilege to see this side of the country.... of the beaten track and generally unseen by the tourist. Absolutely loved the challenge of riding each day in the hills. Read full reviewReviewed on 12 May 2010 by Mark Lowenstine
What we found most memorable was the sense of history to be found in the ancient, cobblestoned, fortified old towns. So much of the tour was through beautiful, pastoral countryside, with cork trees, olive groves, wild flowers and sweet-smelling citrus blossoms. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Oct 2009 by Mary Jane Ferrill
One of the best ideas I've ever had!! It is evident that Bert is very concerned with the safety, well being, and satisfaction of his clients. I would highly recommend this vacation. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Oct 2009 by Barbara Lamplugh
Superb. Bert's organisation made everything work smoothly. You would certainly not find such thoughtfulness and individual attention in a larger outfit. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 May 2009 by Bob Addison
Most memorable? Eating barbecued sardines with new potatoes and salad at an unsophisticated cafe miles from anywhere as the waitress told us that the potatoes and lettuce had come from her garden. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 Sep 2008 by Jayne Fahy
The routes were excellent, directions were detailed and easy to follow so no fear of getting lost, and the people we met along the way were great. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 May 2008 by Andrew Stewart
Virtually every mile of the carefully chosen, completely safe Algarve biking route offered scenic pleasure - from countless orange, lemon and olive groves early in the week, to mountain vistas and dramatic seacoast rides later in the week, with brilliant spring flowers lining every mile each day. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Jul 2007 by Vittorio Piccioni
The highlight was cycling from Carrapateira to Lagos, beautiful beaches and orange trees. Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Nov 2006 by Michael Libman
The vacation was great - the organization of the biking was impeccable, and the lodging was well chosen and very pleasant. The best part was traveling beautiful scenic roads with essentially no traffic. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Oct 2006 by Philippa Little
Experiencing the tranquillity of the Portuguese countryside was so refreshing – I recharged my batteries. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Jul 2006 by Susan White
The most memorable part of our cycling trip was definitely discovering the seaside town of Carrapateira. Staying with such friendly hosts and sleeping at night with the sound of crashing waves was just beautiful. Read full review
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