Cycling in Portugal guide

Given that nearly all Portugal cycling holidays are tailor made and designed so that you can get yourself from A to B, it shows how well set up this wonderful country is for pedal pushers. A to B being somewhat accurate, as the Algarve and Alentejo are the most popular regions for cycling, and well, there is always a beach at the end of the trail, it would seem.


Cycle to the border town of Alcoutim, jump on a quick ferry across the river to Spain and take a zipline back. Now that’s what I call free movement of people in Europe.![]()

Life is definitely a beach in Portugal. Especially if you follow its magnificent Ecovia do Litoral Cycling trail, which is littoral loveliness for over 200km along its southern coast all the way to the Spanish border. This Algarve coast is not too taxing either, although there are a few stretches through the foothills of the Algarve Mountains that will make you earn your views and vinho. Northern Portugal cycling is also superb and, particularly outside of the peak summer months when you will have the coastal paths around Porto or Peneda-Gerês National Park all to yourself.
Read more in our Portugal cycling holidays travel guide.
Read more in our Portugal cycling holidays travel guide.
Is cycling in Portugal for you?
Go cycling in Portugal if…
Don’t go cycling in Portugal if...
Porto to Lisbon cycling holiday, self guided
Flat terrain tour along the coast
From
€845 to €1068
8 days
ex flights
Short cycling break in the Algarve
Self guided mini cycling break in Eastern Algarve
From
€425 to €725
4 days
ex flights
Portugal cycling holiday, Obidos to Cascais
Cycle beautiful coastal scenery around Lisbon
From
€1045 to €1215
6 days
ex flights
Algarve road bike tour
Experience the best road biking the Algarve has to offer!
From
€940 to €1450
8 days
ex flights
Lisbon to Algarve cycling holiday in Portugal
Cycle wild coastal landscapes, pristine coves and beaches
From
£1320 to £1390
8 days
ex flights
Porto to Lisbon cycling holiday in Portugal
Explore the Douro Valley to Lisbon on bike
From
£1399 to £1469
8 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Portugal cycling or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

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Best time to go cycling in Portugal

The best time to see the wintering flamingos in the stunning Ria Formosa Park is Aug-Mar, when there are over 2,000 of them. Flamboyant indeed.![]()

With some regions boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, there are few bad times to go cycling in Portugal except when the temperatures are soaring of course, which is during July and August. Inland Alentejo, for example, can hit 40°C during these months, although the coasts do get a cooling breeze. Flowers come into blossom as early as February, particularly in Alentejo and the Algarve, as you cycle through wafts of almond blossom. This superb climate means that cycling holidays for families are a great option for half terms too; especially October, when the sea is still warm.