Portugal cycling holidays, self guided

Description of Portugal cycling holidays, self guided

Note: Both of the self guided cycle tours below can also be undertaken on an electric bike.

Tour one: Terra de Caldas

If you're thinking about self guided cycling, Portugal is a fantastic place to start. There's just such a rich variety of landscapes ranging from the coastal tracks overlooking the Atlantic to the fig, orange and almond groves to be found where the Algarve meets the Alentejo region.

Self guided cycling Portugal allows cyclists to delve deeper into the history and culture of lesser-visited areas with out of the way fishing villages and medieval towns offering all manner of authentic local produce alongside a laid back ambience and welcoming atmosphere.

Vineyards and wine cellars can be found across the countryside with market towns such as Loule providing an excellent example of traditional life as well as the perfect start point from where to cycle the peaceful inland roads on the Terra de Caldas towards the village of Alte with the famous fresh spring water at Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequeno, prior to heading onwards to Silves situated on the banks of the Arade River.

Self guided cycling Portugal is just as much about relaxing and absorbing the surrounding countryside as it is about putting in the pedal power with the citrus orchards and natural hot spas of Caldas de Monchique in the Algarve providing a great chance to reinvigorate tired limbs.

As this eight day tour heads way out west cyclists will find themselves overlooking the high rollers of the Atlantic as they enter Aljezur and the fantastically wild and untamed beaches of Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This is a real paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers, and any artists hoping to capture the essence of self guided bike tours Portugal should look no further for inspiration.

As this tour comes to a close you'll be treated to the sandy shoreline and clear blue grottos of southern Portugal with afternoons spent swimming, snorkelling or just lazing at the beach matched only by some superb cycling routes and grilled fish suppers at sunset.

Note: On average this self guided cycling Portugal itinerary clocks between 32 to 54kms per day with ascents taking cyclists no higher than 400 metres above sea level.

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Tour two: Baixo-Alentejo

The southern half of Portugal’s Alentejo region, known as the Baixo-Alentejo, is a real joy to behold with undulating waves of golden wheat decorated with white washed towns and fortified Moorish castles.

This self guided bike tour Portugal itinerary offers the very best of the Baixo-Alentejo before heading south into the Vale do Guadiana en-route to the traditional seaside village of Cacela Velha in the Algarve, just over the border from Spain.

A blend of culture, history and naturally beautiful landscapes; with agricultural fields and sprawling wine estates providing a continually changing backdrop for cyclists.

The start of this suggested eight day tour is the sleepy hillside town of Serpa in Baixo-Alentejo where narrow white washed alleyways lead to small stores selling delicious locally made cream cheese to start your Portugal self guided cycling tour off in style.

Next stop on this Portugal self guided cycling tour is the town of Mertola where you'll be based for the next two nights in a comfortable hotel which has been built on Roman ruins and features a beautifully-designed glass floor so guests can study the archaeological site below. Roman and Moorish influences are everywhere in Mertola and the set cycling route around the town offers every opportunity to soak up the cultural heritage as well as the naturally preserved habitat for black storks and blue magpies.

Leaving the Baixo-Alentejo region, but staying within Portugal, self guided bike tours follow the River Guadiana south before reaching the town of Alcoutim in the east of the Algarve. Optional ferry rides over the river and into Spain are easily accessible from here and give cyclists a chance to stretch their legs and explore the Spanish town of Sanlucar de Guadiana, famed for its castles, palaces and locally produced sherry.

The tour then continues south where the salt plains and protected marshlands of Sapal de Castro Marim nature reserve provide bird watchers and wildlife lovers with an absolute treat for all the senses.

The final two nights of this tour will be spent in the Algarve’s picturesque coastal village of Cacela Velha which boasts some superb views over Parque Natural da Ria Formosa as well as opportunities to cycle along the Ecovia bike trail or go for a stroll along the coast.

Note: On average this self guided cycling tour of Portugal clocks between 34 to 62kms per day with a few mild ascents taking cyclists no higher than 200 metres above sea level.

Departure information