Cycling tours in Portugal

Get away from busy beaches and crowded golf courses to discover the true essence and cultural heart of Portugal on our small group cycling tours. Breathe in the salty sea air as you pedal alongside the golden sand beaches of the Algarve and enjoy far-reaching views of lush green vineyards in the Port-making region of the Douro Valley. The fortified town of Alvas will take you back to a bygone medieval era, while the calm bays of Zambujeira do Mar provide respite for tired legs after a long day in the saddle.

Our small group Portugal cycling holidays range in difficulty, graded from Moderate to Challenging. Follow our expert local cycle tour leaders to climb steep ascents along the Spanish-Portuguese border on route to Marvao, slow the pace down as you cycle through Arrabida Natural Park, or explore at your leisure on our Self-Guided Portugal cycling tour.

Algarve
Saddle-up for a journey to Portugal’s picturesque south coast region of the Algarve on two wheels. Pedal alongside wild beaches, tranquil coves and quaint fishing villages on our Lisbon to Algarve cycling tour. Explore beyond the tourist hotspots and discover the quiet, untouched streets of Aljezar, lined with white-washed houses and adorned with azure-blue window frames, before heading to the historical port of Sagres where the Cape Espichel lighthouse keeps watch over the rolling Atlantic Ocean waves.

Porto
Take some time to explore bustling food markets, cosy coffee bars and churches embellished with ornate azulejo tiles in the city of Porto at the end of our Seville to Porto cycling trip. Meander through the narrow cobbled streets, wander along the quayside of Casi da Ribeira lined with stacks of colourful townhouses overlooking the Douro River, and visit a local port lodge to try some of Portugal’s famed white, ruby and tawny port.

Douro Valley
Join your expert local guide to pedal along quiet roads on our Porto to Lisbon cycling tour as we head into the heartland of Portuguese wine in the verdant Douro Valley. The vast Douro River snakes its way through the valleys and neat rows of terraced vineyards cascade down the lush green hillsides where the grapes are picked, crushed and infused with an aguardiente spirit before being aged in barrels, and bottled in Porto.

Zambujeira do Mar
In this secluded and less well-known area of Portugal, turquoise-blue waters lap golden beaches at the seaside village of Zambujeira do Mar. Jump in the saddle and set off on your own with our Self-Guided South Portugal tour. Follow a gentle circular route along quiet country lanes to explore open woods of rounded Holm Oak and blooming Strawberry trees, and free-wheel along the meandering banks of the River Mira.

Elvas
Make your way through parched cork tree groves and rustic farmland as you approach the Portuguese border town of Elvas on our Seville to Porto cycling tour. This ancient fortified town is partially enclosed by its medieval walls with terracotta-roofed houses crammed within its ramparts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's home to a Roman temple and an extensive aqueduct system, characterised by towering arched walls that carry water to the town.

When is the best time to join a cycling trip in Portugal?
Our small group Portugal cycling trips run in May, September and October, when the roads and cycling paths are quieter and the beaches almost deserted. You’ll also avoid the scorching summer temperatures and benefit from more comfortable riding conditions, with warm sunny days ranging from the low to mid 20s. Or, for a mid-summer cycling getaway, take a look at our Self-Guided cycling tour in the South of Portugal which can be enjoyed at any time of year.

How challenging are the cycling tours in Portugal?
Our cycling tours to Portugal range in difficulty from moderate to challenging. On the Seville to Porto tour, we cover an average of 75km a day through hilly terrain, so a good level of fitness is required. For something a little less testing, our Lisbon to Algarve cycling trip and Porto to Lisbon tour cover an average of 48km a day on a mix of quiet tarmac roads and gravel paths. Or take it easy on our Self-Guided Portugal cycling tour that covers 26km per day. To get a better idea of the best grade of cycling trip to suit you, read more about our Cycling Grades.

What kind of bikes are included on your Portugal cycling holidays?
We ride 27-gear hybrid bikes on our Portugal small group cycling holidays, and you have an 18-gear mountain bike on our self-guided tour. Unlike many cycling tour operators, hire of the bike is included in the cost of the trip, and we’ll provide a frame size that is suitable for your height. For those of you wanting an extra helping hand up the steep hills of Portugal, electric bikes are also available for an additional fee.

What is the accommodation like on your Portugal cycling holidays?
The accommodation for our Portugal cycling tours is of a comfortable standard. Rest your legs before the next day’s big adventure in the saddle in a hotel that has a good level of service and rooms with en suite facilities. Our Cycle Seville to Porto tour also features a few premium standard hotels which will provide you with some extra comfort at the end of an active day on the roads. For more detailed information about the accommodation provided, please check the individual tour notes.

Is cycling in Portugal suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely! Our small group Portugal cycling tours are extremely popular with solo travellers. On most rides, at least half of our riders join the trip on their own so you definitely won’t feel alone as you pedal along windswept beaches and through verdant valleys in the company of your tour guide and other like-minded travellers.

How does your self-guided Portugal cycling trip work?