April 20-25, 2026
Portugal Algarve Gravel Ride
Need a break from traffic? Get inspired by the gems of European cycling.
About the Ride
Algarve –wild coastlines, pristine beaches & people who love to welcome visitors to their home.
April 20-25, 2026
Faro, Portugal
Discover exceptional gravel cycling year-round in Portugal’s sunny Algarve region, known for its stunningly diverse landscapes. Ride a network of unpaved roads and tracks winding through fragrant groves, cork forests, rolling hills, and coastal paths. Meet new friends and escape the traffic. Join us to savor the incredible scenery and adventure on your gravel bike.
Positive Planet Impact
Event Details
Full Event Story
Portugal’s southern-most region, the Algarve, offers a diverse and beautiful landscape perfect for cycling, boasting warm temperatures nearly year-round that welcome riders of all disciplines. While known for its coastal roads and inland climbs, the Algarve truly shines for gravel enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the tarmac.
Imagine venturing off the beaten path onto a vast network of unpaved roads and hidden tracks. Picture yourself pedaling on quiet estradas de terra batida (dirt roads) winding through fragrant orange groves, ancient cork oak forests, and fields dotted with wildflowers. The terrain offers incredible variety: cruise along coastal gravel paths offering glimpses of the sparkling Atlantic, or challenge yourself with punchy climbs and thrilling descents further inland towards the hills of the Serra de Monchique or Serra do Caldeirão.
Gravel riding in the Algarve allows you to escape the main routes, offering a quieter, more immersive experience in nature. Discover charming, whitewashed villages seemingly untouched by time, connect sections of scenic coastline away from traffic, and truly soak in the region’s stunning natural beauty.
With over 200 km of coastline, the refreshing Atlantic breeze and the region’s many beaches are never far away for a rewarding post-ride cool-down. Whether you seek relatively flat coastal explorations or more rugged inland adventures, the Algarve presents a veritable hotbed of exciting gravel routes, combining year-round sunshine with incredible views and a genuine sense of discovery. It’s an exceptional destination to experience the freedom and adventure of gravel cycling.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Day 1
Arrival Day, Warm-up Ride, 30 km / 558 m
Start the adventure in Faro, where we’ll meet the group and transfer to our first hotel, the fabulous Craveiral Farmhouse located on the countryside of the western Algarve. After lunch we’ll get set up on the bikes and head our for a warm up ride to the southern point of Europe: Fortaleza de Sao Vicente. Our guides will make sure you’re comfortable on the bike & navigating ahead of the next days of cycling.
Accommodation: Craveiral Farmhouse
Day 2
S.Teotonio to Aljezur, 56.4 km/ 642 m
Head to south along the coast on our first point to point ride. See the Portugese countryside, pass through small locals towns and enjoy rolling hills. Finish the day at our hotel with an incredible sunset!
Accommodation: Praia do Canal Nature Retreat
Day 3
Aljezur Loop 78 km / 1260 m
Ride a stunning loop ride today, through forested area, cross rivers and head deep into the wilderness. This is a ride with challenging climbs and great descents.
Accommodation: Praia do Canal Nature Retreat
Day 4
Aljezur to Sagres 60 km / 1042 m
Ride point to point along the coast and cliffs and soak up beautiful ocean views. See Cordoama beach and Castelejo beach.
Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira
Day 5
Grand Finale! Sagres loop, 50 km / 370 m
Today’s loop takes you on the coast to the beautiful Praia do Zabal. Stop for lunch along on the waterfront and enjoy the ride back.
Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira
Day 6
Departure Day! Can’t wait until we see you again.
Group transfer to Faro departs at 10:00 AM.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Arriving & Departing (Important Information)
Arriving
Please arrive at the Faro Airport (FAO) by 10:00 AM for a 1 hr, 30m transfer. Or if you are arriving earlier, please be at the hotel by 11:30am.
Departing
The tour finishes at 10:00 AM with a 1 hr, 30m shuttle to the Faro Airport (FAO).
What kind of bike do I need?
We recommend gravel bikes. You can bring your own, or gravel bikes are conveniently available to rent through our outfitter.
Gravel Bike Hire – from €200. SCOTT Speedster Gravel 20.
E-Gravel Bike Hire – from €285
What is included? Not included?
Included:
- Accommodations and all meals (B, L, D)
- Ride nutrition (all the snacks)
- Expert guides and route support
- Group transfer to/from Faro
- Amazing camaraderie and life-changing cycling, of course!
- Ocean swims (swimportunities)
- The joy and satisfaction that your are helping support vital non-profit work
Not Included:
- All air tickets with airport taxes
- Any pre- or post-trip accommodations
- Bike (gravel) — you can bring your own bike or you can rent a bike from our local outfitter. Gravel Bike Hire – from €200; E-Gravel Bike Hire – from €285
- If you prefer your own room or we are unable to pair you with another rider, the single room supplement is €599
- Travel/supplemental medical insurance (required for international trips)
- Alcoholic drinks and other beverages during meals outside tour inclusion
- Any optional tour
- Tips for guide, driver, hotels’ porters (in your ride guide we will indicate recommended tips)
What are the travel documents/passports required for traveling to Portugal?
You will need a valid U.S. or E.U.passport (valid for at least 3 months or you can be denied entry). If you are a passport holder from another country please check your country’s regulations.
Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Should I get travel insurance?
Travel/supplemental medical insurance on international Climate Ride trips is required. Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and before leaving for the event, travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered. Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel/medical insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.
Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc). It cannot cover your fundraising. Be sure to read the fine print on the travel insurance that you buy.
Can I use my U.S. debit or credit card?
Yes, credit cards and debit cards are accepted in towns and tourist areas. But don’t expect to use your credit card everywhere. When we are in smaller villages you may want local currency to purchase incidentals.
Fundraising Beneficiaries
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including helping to underwrite the Green Fondo events, our community scholarships for young sustainability leaders, and our Environmental Justice Action Grants. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot change your beneficiary selection after registering. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | 12/19/2025 |
| $2,250 to be raised by: | 1/20/2026 |
| Transfer Deadline: | 1/20/2026 |
| $4,500 to be raised by: | 2/20/2026 |
Transfer Deadline: There are no transfers for this event. Donations are non-refundable.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
