Cycling the Algarve Coastline is a fabulous experience. The trails are set up well for cyclists and cycling is one of the best things to do in the Algarve. The weather will be pleasing in the summer months and the coastal scenery makes the trip well worth it.
There are many bridges along the Algarve routes and most of them have lifts to allow cyclists and hikers. Nevertheless it is worth asking if you need one at any given time as some may be out of order – particularly in bad winter weather when they can be damaged by waves pounding against them.
Cycling the Algarve Coastline – Cycling Guides
There are two excellent local Algarve Cycling guides available: Via Verde and Greenways. Both cover various routes around the Algarve for both hire bikes and second hand ones. The former has five suggested routes and the latter offers both individual maps and a book with various routes from 10km up to 100km in length.
The Via Verde guide can be collected at various points around the Algarve including Porto Côvo, Albufeira. The Greenways Guide is available from most tourist offices including Portimão’s turismo.
A summary of the five Via Verde routes:
Route 1 Belas – Lagoa (Ponta do Sol) 15Km This cycle path takes you along a fairly flat route beside the coast through some pleasant villages.
Route 2 Lagoa – Boliqueime 20Km There are more ups and downs on this route but it still remains relatively flat. It takes you past many of the lagoon’s bird reserves.
Route 3 Lagoa – Alvor 20Km After passing through Boliqueime this route then takes you on a lovely beach ride into Alvor.
Route 4 Albufeira – Guia 15Km This is particularly one for warmer days as it has little shade along most of its length. It passes many beaches and offers fabulous views from up high where it also gives you an alternative route back into town by looping around the back of Penina golf course.
Route 5 Lagos – Praia da Luz 25Km This is the longest cycle path in the area covered by Via Verde and again offers a good variety of terrain but being longer than most (especially when not doing all five routes) is best done as part of a group.
All the routes are fairly flat and while there may be some uphill sections, they should not pose too much of an issue for those with reasonable fitness. You will also find that many cars will have to slow down for you along these routes if they wish to drive at more than 20km/h (so it’s worth getting them used to your presence by saying ‘obrigado’ or ‘obrigada’ every time they do).
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Western Algarve – Introducing the Region and Eastern Algarve – Sotavento
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