I am sure that you have heard of a cycling holiday before as this trend is becoming increasingly popular over the years. We are always looking for a new way to explore the world that we live in, and preferably in a sustainable way. If you are interested in cycling holidays and would like to learn more, keep on reading because we will guide you through the best bike tours in Portugal and why cycling holidays, in general, is the best way to go!
Why are bike tours in Portugal is so special?
Portugal is a beautiful place with a stable climate that remains warm and sunny all-year-round. Its geography is also very distinct, from mountain ranges, lakes, fields, and beaches. This inherent beauty must be preserved, which is why we have been leaning more and more towards an eco-friendly approach. Not only is cycling sustainable, but it is also a more affordable alternative to other methods of transport. Because of this, cycling has become a popular sport in Portugal, with many cycling routes and good company too! Bike tours would guarantee that you will be able to enjoy your Mediterranean holiday to the fullest without the hassle of planning and organizing it yourself.
Here are the best places to visit in bike tours in Portugal!
Lagos
Lagos is a stunning region known for its gold-coloured cliffs that overlook the azure ocean. Lagos’ most popular beach white-sand beach, Praia da Dona Ana, is situated within limestone cliffs and has crystal clear water that invites you for a refreshing swim. On top of beaches and cliffs, Lagos is also known for its exquisite seafood cuisine that you can find in its charming historic town. Rent a bike in Lagos and explore this beautiful region to your heart’s content!
Faro
Faro is the capital city of the Algarve, and although it is where the airport is located, it should not be overlooked. This is mainly due to its natural scenic beauty and charming town which has managed to preserve its authentic and ancient charm. Faro hosts the most beautiful beaches, and coastlines and its city is filled with monuments, churches, and delightful city centres. These city centres still have cobbled streets and are mostly only accessible by foot or bicycles. So get a bike tour in Faro and adventure through the monumental archway that leads to the old town.
São Brás de Alportel
Located in the centre of the Algarve, this quaint little town has it all. With lush, rolling hills on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other, you can expect to find thrilling mountain views and picturesque Mediterranean beaches. Inside the rural town, one can get in tune with a more authentic side of the Algarve and away from the tourists’ hotspots. The town has a beautiful baroque-style church, ancient Roman ruins, excellent cuisines, and a famous cork factory. Avalanche bike also offers a bike tour that you can take in São Brás de Alportel. The Enduro Bike Tour is tailored precisely for your specifications and skill-level, so you don’t need to worry if you are a beginner. This bike tour will explore the scenic beauty of São Brás de Alportel and includes a lunch stop!
Ria Formosa
Ria Formosa is a natural park with a system of barrier islands that connects to the sea. Due to this unique geography, it is one of the most sought after places in Portugal. The Ria Formosa lagoon is also an important landmark for the ecosystem as it is a layover for over 20.000 migratory birds per year. It is also a nursery for numerous fish species that spend their early stages of life there. Because of this, Ria Formosa needs to be protected and strives towards being eco-friendly. Guided bike tours would allow you to explore this stunning region while also being as green as possible. Avalanche bike provides you with the Ria Formosa Guided Bike Tour tailored for your needs and specifications. It is a family-friendly tour for all ages and skill-levels on flat land and around the Ria Formosa coastline.
Portimao
Portimao is the second-largest city in the region and is perfect for someone looking for typical Portuguese beach life and cuisine. It is also one of the most populous cities in the Algarve and buzzing with excitement. Get lost in the quaint, tree-lined plazas of the old town or on a shopping spree amid a series of historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Portimao is made for those seeking an exciting adventure!
Loulé
Loulé will catch your eye if you are into traditional markets. Inspired by the vibrant Arabic markets, Loulé sells quirky local handicrafts, fresh produce and fish, and other types of trinkets. Bike rentals would be the ideal way to experience the city because of its busy streets and a warren of alleys that has not been altered since the medieval period. A visit to Loulé would leave you mesmerized by the vibrant and authentic character of this Portuguese city.
Tavira
Suppose you tire from the busy streets of these bustling towns, head on over to Tavira where it is much quieter. This small town is considered a hidden gem of the Algarve because of its natural beauty and rich history. The town seems to be a mesh between the Moors culture and the Roman culture, both of which were attracted to Tavira for its harbour. This rich history had built the town, and now Tavira hosts a mixture of ancient architectures and historical landmarks. Because of the scarce public transport in Tavira, renting a bike or getting a bike tour is the most enjoyable and reliable way to get around the town.
If you decide on trying out this idea of a cycling holiday, we suggest that the best time to have a cycling holiday in Portugal would be around September and October. Although the Algarve is indeed warm all-year-round, sometimes it can get too hot. We recommend planning your bike tours in these months because the temperature is not too hot but still warm enough to feel good outside! However, you may also opt to go during Springtime around March till June when the flowers start to bloom, and the fields are covered with them.
Visit Avalanche bike for the best bike tours in Portugal!
If you are interested in bike tours and bike rentals, book yours online now or contact our team at Avalanche bike. We are always delighted and ready to accommodate you with your questions and interests, so don’t be hesitant to come through. We hope to see you soon!