Portugal's Algarve & Alentejo Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Luxury Hotels
Portugal's Algarve & Alentejo Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Luxury Hotels
2026: Sep-Nov 2027: Feb-Jun, Aug-Nov
From Lisbon to Vineyards, Castles & Beaches
Moorish castles, cork oak forests and sweeping amber-hued grasses—welcome to the rural Alentejo. Then continue to the Algarve, where azure sea meets honey-colored cliffs. On this adventure, you’ve struck travel gold.
Highlights
- Visit Roman ruins in the World Heritage City of Évora, the Alentejo’s charming capital
- Traverse rural roads to reach extraordinary views from hilltop Monsaraz, considered one of the country's prettiest villages
- Admire Portuguese architecture, a distinct mix of colorful tiled facades, medieval castles and ornate cathedrals
- Unwind by rugged beaches and white-walled fishing villages in Portugal’s Costa Vicentina
- Savor the area’s exquisite flavors—from rich seafood and local olive oil to unique regional wines
Start/End Lisbon
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Start your trip in Lisbon, where old-world charm meets cosmopolitan culture • Bike past olive and cork oak trees and endless vineyards in Portugal’s agricultural heart • Stroll through traditional white-walled villages with storied medieval history • Discover the inner workings of Portugal’s thriving cork industry with a local guide • Enjoy a walking tour of hilltop Monsaraz with a passionate archaeologist • Sample flavorful dishes at a traditional Alentejo-style dinner in one of the area’s most beautiful villages.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
A luxuriously restored 200-year-old agrarian estate that offers stylish rooms, rustic charm, lush gardens and farm-to-table dining. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Day 3
Admire the warm tones of terra-cotta in Portugal’s pottery capital before picnicking at a family-run herdade (farmhouse) • Bike through a tranquil rolling landscape en route to Évora • Discover the Alentejo’s lost-in-time capital—a World Heritage Site, vibrant university town and member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network.
Night 3
Deluxe Hotel
A luxuriously renovated 15th-century convent with spacious rooms and elegant details, located just outside of Évora's World Heritage-designated town center. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 4-6
Experience dramatically different landscapes in the neighboring Algarve region • Take in majestic coastal views from the Algarve hills as you bike toward honey-hued limestone cliffs • Enjoy the fragrance of orange blossoms while riding along quiet country roads • Settle into our beachfront Relais & Châteaux hotel and lounge on a white-sand shore • Bike near Sagres, exploring the wild cliffs and pristine beauty of Costa Vicentina National Park • Relax in the village of Salema, where we pause to dine on freshly caught seafood • Delight in local flavors at our farewell dinner • End your adventure with one last ride through a peaceful estuary and into a sleepy fishing village.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Adjacent to famed Praia da Rocha, this exquisite hotel seamlessly blends tradition and modernity in a uniquely Portuguese fashion. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The Old World legacy of Portugal is beautifully reflected in the hotels and restaurants featured on this trip. While we've handpicked some of the region’s finest lodgings and eateries, on occasion you may find them simpler than what’s typical on other Backroads Premiere trips in Europe. The relaxed lifestyle that defines this region can also result in slower service.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
FAQs
Who is the Portugal's Algarve & Alentejo Bike Tour best suited for?
This trip is best suited for adults who enjoy biking at a level that offers a choice of rides ranging from around 8–54 miles, with options for everyone from relaxed riders to those looking for longer rides with some steady climbs. It's ideal for those who want to explore two distinct sides of Portugal, from the Algarve's rugged coastline to the rolling landscapes of the Alentejo. E-bikes available.
How challenging is the biking?
This is a Level 1–4 biking trip, offering a choice of routes ranging from approximately 8–54 miles, from relaxed rides on mostly flat terrain to longer rides with some steady climbs. See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain (in the itinerary) for more details, or learn more about Backroads descriptions of activity levels.
How do the Algarve and Alentejo differ during the trip?
The Algarve and Alentejo offer two distinct sides of southern Portugal. The Alentejo features rolling farmland, cork forests and whitewashed villages, with a rural atmosphere. The Algarve is known for its golden beaches, limestone cliffs and picturesque seaside towns, offering a relaxed maritime character.
Where do we ride, and how much traffic should I expect?
Most riding takes place on quiet paved roads through the Alentejo countryside and the Algarve. There are a few gravel driveways, cobblestone streets and occasional busier roads near towns, but guests can shuttle past the busiest sections if they prefer.
Are there options for stronger riders who want more mileage?
Yes. Most days offer optional longer rides for guests who want extra mileage. These routes typically add distance and a few additional rolling hills, giving stronger riders more time in the saddle without changing the overall character of the trip.
