Algarve Cycling

Cycling in the Algarve

Algarve cycling - it’s fun, it’s eco-friendly, there’s no queuing at filling stations and, what's more, it will keep your cardiovascular system in good shape.

Yes, cycling in the Algarve could be just the thing if you want a more relaxed time and to see things that you’d miss if you just zipped around in a car.

There are so many advantages: the countryside is beautiful, the climate is bicycle-friendly and there are even plenty of places where you can pick up a hire bike to use during your stay.

Should your bicycling ambitions be a little less than fully-committed, there are even opportunities to join in organized activities for a day or half-day.

In fact, there are few credible excuses as to why seeing more of the Algarve on a bicycle is not for you.

Algarve Cycling Routes

While it’s true that you can hop on a bike and pedal off to discover things for yourself, you can also enjoy a (partly) purpose-built cycle way that runs almost the width of the region.

It’s called the Via Algarvia and was designed with walkers and cyclists in mind. Wherever you might be staying, it should be easy enough to join the route at the nearest point and enjoy the relative comfort and safety of a dedicated lane or track.

Of course, Algarve being Algarve, all of the dots aren’t joined up by any means, and there are stretches that are less ‘dedicated’ than others, but a safe stretch is a safe stretch – and it might all be made safe…. one day!

UPDATE:
Paul Beesley of ActivityAlgarve (see Cycle Tours below) kindly contacted me to point out that while the Via Algarvia is not technically impossible by bike, it's better regarded as a walker's paradise, rather than one for cyclists.

Paul's Tip: A more suitable long distance cycle route is the Ecovia do Litoral, a 214 km, coast-hugging cycle path that runs from Vila Real do San Antonio [in the east], to Cabo de Sao Vicente [in the west]. It is much more suitable for less experienced cyclists, as the terrain is mostly flat. You can get maps from the Algarve Digital website and most of the route is already signposted.

Algarve Cycle Routes: This company provides neat, portable cards showing routes, distances and more. UK contact no. 01772 723318

A great idea if you want to do your own thing. Just hire a bike, check the route, and start pedalling!

Algarve Cycling - Bike Hire

There are quite a few outlets where you can hire a bicycle during an Algarve vacation. Prices vary, as does the range of available cycles, but you’re guaranteed a few gears and wheels that are fairly circular – so what could go wrong?

I’ve included a short list of hire outlets below, but you should be able to find one fairly close, wherever you stay. Some will even deliver a bike to you for a little extra.

Listed below are some companies who will rent you a bicycle by the hour, half day, day or even longer periods:

Algarve Cycling Days and Tours

If you’d rather have some expert guidance, or even just have someone else do the organizing (after all, you’re on vacation, right?) then you’re in luck.

There are helpful companies that arrange tours and cycling days, often in the most beautiful (and usually the safest) spots in the locale. They arrange everything, often including delivery of cycles to the start point. Your only responsibilities are to turn up and pedal the bicycle!

Depending on your state of bike-readiness, you might prefer a gentle trip on flat ground, or an exhilarating tour down from the hills to the coast. The choice is yours; just make it plain what you want and there’ll be a trip or tour to suit you.

Cycle Tours

Below are listed some of the companies who provide both bikes and routes (with guides) and are pleased to show you some of the Algarve's best spots as part of the package.

Algarve Cycling Safety Points

Surface conditions
Some rural roads and tracks can be ‘variable’. Don’t speed on surfaces with which you’re not familiar - and even some with which you are familiar (see pic. below).

Cycling on May Day '08 - this sight greeted us 
on turning a corner on a hilltop road!

Traffic
Don’t expect a lot of leeway or consideration from motorists. Be cautious and on your guard when on roads that might carry vehicular traffic. The motto here is: 'Expect the unexpected'.

Dogs
Almost every hamlet (and a few outlying quintas and hovels) seem to support their own roving dog pack. Some of these groups of beasts seem to treat cyclists as a break in the boredom of a hot day. Be prepared to be firm with them. Don’t wave sticks, don’t throw stones, keep your bike between you and them if you need to dismount. A water pistol (filled only with water) can be a persuasive tool if an animal approaches too closely. Usually if you wait, an owner or local will appear to disperse the mutts.

May Day '08 - Nev stops to try out his 
'Portuguese for Dummies'

So, there you have it; my guide (so far) to Algarve cycling, whether for an entire vacation or just a day here and there. Don't forget to drop me a line if you've tried it; whether good, bad or indifferent - let everyone know...

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