Ultimate Guide to cycling in the Algarve
With over 300 days of sunshine every year and a growing list of big cycling events like the Volta ao Algarve stage race its no wonder more cyclists are heading out to the Algarve. Home of fantastic smooth twisty roads, fun descents, flat rest day options, fantastic food (home of Peri Peri chicken), pretty towns for a cafe stop and plenty of flights to Faro from Leeds, Manchester and other northern airports.
Where to stay
Vilamoura makes for an excellent cycling base when visiting the Algarve because of its central location along the coast, although there are many other excellent towns in which you can base yourself. From Vilamoura you can head north into the rolling mountains or head east or west for flatter coastal rides.
When should I go?
It’s common for cyclists to travel to the Algarve between March and May as the weather is warm, low 20's and sunny when the British winter weather is still often grey and cold. Although Algarve has great sunny weather year round. You can expect average temperatures of 15 degrees if you choose to go very early season in December, January and February, with a height of 25 degrees seen on average in August.
Must do climbs in the Algarve
Silves
Route on Strava which takes in Silves
Malhao
Category 3 climb
Elevation gain 228m
Length 2.4km
Average gradient 9.5%
Route on Strava which takes in Malhao
Monchique
Category 2 climb
Elevation gain 441m
Length 7.3km
Average gradient 6%
Route on Strava which takes in Monchique
Cilindro
Route on Strava which takes in Cilindro
Food & Cafes
Recommended visits:
You can’t come to the Algarve and not sample some Peri Peri Chicken which originated in the town of Guia which is 15 miles from Villamoura. The best restaurant to sample Peri Peri chicken is Restaurante Teodosio: Rua do Emigrante 50, Guia, Albufeira 8200-440, Portugal
