Road, gravel or mtb cycling advice in Algarve, Portugal

[Rock bus]

Heading over to Lagos in Portugal in just under a month.
Hoping to take advantage of some sunny weather. No idea what it is like for bike riding so seeking any advice or tips on bike hire and poss routes.

Happy doing non technical mtb or gravel or

 

[Gillstay]

Take a small set of binoculars and take an interest in the wildlife as its so close to Africa there is a big range of different, birds, reptiles and plants. Very interesting. I enjoyed stopping and looking under bridges as the shade underneath gave creatures a oasis.

 

[vickster]

@DogmaStu I think spends a lot of time in Portugal?

 

[DogmaStu]

@DogmaStu I think spends a lot of time in Portugal?

Yes, I also lived there from 2015 - 2022.

 

[DogmaStu]

Heading over to Lagos in Portugal in just under a month.
Hoping to take advantage of some sunny weather. No idea what it is like for bike riding so seeking any advice or tips on bike hire and poss routes.

Happy doing non technical mtb or gravel or

The Algarve is great for all types of cycling; road, gravel, MTB.

It has a very vibrant cycling scene and the Algarve is a popular MTB region for all levels. My profile photo here is me winning an MTB race there in 2022. Love MTB there.

Lagos...look up Bica Bikes for local. I like OneBike in Portimao - you can rent bikes, excellent service, husband and wife team.

Club rides...Velochique. Look them up online - they are on Strava, expat group, mainly UK. You can get routes from them, ask questions etc. They have weekly rides - road only though. Also an excellent cycling cafe in Monchique which is lovely to ride to albeit it is a climb.

From Lagos you could head inland to the F1 race circuit and around the roads there, then up to Monchique.

You can go to Salema, Burgau etc - lovely roads and views.

If you are a good gravel rider, there is good friend of mine, an ex-Cat 1 road racing American living in Lagos who is now 100% gravel - recently won a 270km race - he is on the Velochique group so ask for a gravel companion in Lagos and he'll no doubt pop up to answer!

I'll be in the Armacao de Pera region in July but only doing road cycling and introducing my new G/F to the Algarve so my time cycling will be limited this time around.

 

[Chislenko]

To add to what has been posted.

Once you are off the EN125 (the coast to coast route) the roads are very quiet.

Obviously as you are leaving the coast to go inland you will encounter a fair bit of climbing.

Due to it's location next to the Atlantic Ocean it is very often windy.

Cafe's are numerous and cheap.

If on a quiet back road an approaching car gives you a toot on the horn it is to let you know they are coming not out of annoyance.

I personally haven't cycled the West, we were in the East so don't know the routes over there but I feel sure you will enjoy it.

 

[Gillstay]

I think he has already gone or the wildlife got him as there's no indication of life on here.

 

[Rock bus]

Not gone yet! Couple more weeks but thanks for the tips!

 

[Chislenko]

Not gone yet! Couple more weeks but thanks for the tips!

The only other advice I would give you is "stray dogs" they can be can be a right handful when snapping at your ankles.