Portugal Bikepacking Guide

9. Southern Algarve 180km (Sagres – Faro – Tavira)
The Algarve’s south coast is Portugal’s main beach tourism region, with the warmest weather and the warmest ocean waters in the country. It’s also the most densely populated and heavily developed stretch of coast, with resorts, hotels, and towns lining much of the shore. Most gravel routes are found inland, passing through orange groves, low hills, and quiet valleys.

Final Notes on Riding the Atlantic Coast
When planning a bikepacking trip along Portugal’s coast, it’s essential to consider the prevailing wind direction. Most of the year, the wind blows from the northwest, which makes riding from north to south the preferred direction — smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. That said, weather patterns can shift, and strong southern winds do occur, especially during stormy or transitional periods. If your schedule allows, try to plan based on the actual wind forecast for your travel days — it can make a huge difference.
Another element that defines the Atlantic coast is its constant change. Ocean beaches here are shaped daily by wind, waves, and tides, which move vast amounts of sand and reshape the shoreline. If you're lucky, you'll catch a beach during low tide when the sand is firm, smooth, and compacted — solid enough to ride on. When that happens, you’re gifted a rare and unforgettable opportunity: to ride right along the edge of the ocean, sometimes for many kilometers, with nothing but the sound of the surf beside you.

Portugal was made for bikepacking and cycle touring. From wild mountains to rolling vineyards, from seaside cliffs to sleepy villages — it’s a land of endless discovery for anyone exploring by bike. But the weather? That’s the secret ingredient that makes or breaks a great cycling route.

And here’s the good news: Atlantic ocean makes climate at coastline very soft and the southwest coast of Portugal, stretching from Setúbal to the Algarve, is a year-round paradise for bikepacking and gravel cycling. Think: sunny skies, warm air, dry gravel roads and trails — even in winter. Daytime temperatures in winter often range from 14°C to 20°C, making it one of the few regions in Europe where you can comfortably ride in a t-shirt in January. Whether you're chasing sunsets by the Atlantic, exploring the Arrábida Natural Park, or following coastal bike routes along Costa Vicentina, this region offers the perfect combination of cycling weather, scenic landscapes, and accessibility.

Of course, Portugal’s beauty runs deep. The Serra da Estrela mountains and Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north are absolutely breathtaking — but they are only truly welcoming for cycling trips in summer and early autumn. The Alentejo interior gets extremely hot in summer and is best avoided for bike travel between May and September. The central and northern regions of Portugal? Stunning, yes — but expect cooler temperatures and frequent rain outside of summer.
So if you're planning a bikepacking trip in Portugal, looking for the best cycling weather in autumn, winter or spring — head south. The Arrabida park near Setúbal, sunny Costa Vicentina and the Algarve is always open. Of course, there are rainy days in winter — from late December to mid-March — but it’s rare to have rain all day. Most showers are short, often followed by clear skies and sunshine. And when the rains do come, they transform the landscape — bringing fresh greenery, soft light, and the scent of new grass. Even in late autumn or early winter, it often feels like spring is already on the way.

Much of Portugal has one of the lowest population densities in Western Europe — and that’s great news for cyclists seeking open horizons. Outside the northwestern corridor (stretching roughly from Lisbon through Coimbra to Porto and Braga), you’ll find vast rural areas where villages are small and scattered, traffic is minimal, and fences don’t dominate the landscape.

Regions like the southern Alentejo, the interior Algarve, and the Costa Vicentina on the southwest coast offer some of the most untouched terrain in mainland Portugal. Here, it’s not uncommon to ride for hours without seeing another person. This low density means more freedom to explore, more unpaved roads, and a stronger connection with nature.

By contrast, the southern coast of the Algarve, while beautiful and sunny, is more densely populated — especially around tourist towns — and better suited for riders who prefer paved roads and easy access to services. But if your goal is solitude, gravel, and big sky — inland and southwest is where the magic happens.

Take a look at the Google Street View coverage map, and you’ll notice an interesting pattern. The north and central regions of Portugal are densely mapped — especially along paved roads, including winding routes through mountain areas. This coverage reflects a well-developed asphalt network, and also a higher population density and a dense web of surfaced roads connecting towns, villages, and remote homes. These regions are ideal for road cyclists: expect smooth climbs, fast descents, charming villages, and long days on tarmac surrounded by dramatic scenery.
But if you’re drawn to gravel adventures or bikepacking off the beaten path, your best bet lies further south — in the Alentejo and inland Algarve. On the map, you’ll see far fewer roads covered here by Street View. That’s not a gap — it’s an invitation. The lower mapping density means there are more uncharted paths, gravel tracks, and remote trails that take you deep into nature, far from cars, fences, and noise.
In these southern regions, you can ride for hours on dirt roads, through open landscapes, forests, and rolling hills, meeting few people and seeing more wildlife than vehicles. It’s a slower, more immersive style of travel — and with Portugal’s mild southern climate, many of these routes are rideable year-round.
So:
For scenic tarmac and structured climbs — head north.
For wild gravel, freedom, and silence — the south is calling..

Personally, I prefer riding through forested areas. Forests make the ride more enjoyable — offering shade, scent, seclusion, and a rich, living atmosphere.
Portugal’s tree cover is surprisingly diverse and changes dramatically from region to region.
In the north and center, eucalyptus and pine forests dominate the hills and mountain slopes, forming dense green landscapes perfect for riding.
South of Setúbal, you’ll find an abundance of stone pines — with their wide, umbrella-shaped canopies that look like giant broccoli heads. These forests are especially scenic and welcoming for cyclists.
In the Alentejo, tree cover becomes more sparse: the landscape is shaped by cork oaks, dry grasslands, and the traditional montado ecosystem.
But along the Algarve coast, you can already feel the proximity to North Africa — the sun feels stronger, the air is drier, and the terrain is more open. Orange groves, low shrubs, and scattered trees dominate the landscape.
The southwest coast, known as the Costa Vicentina, is one of Portugal’s most forested regions. Here, you’ll find a beautiful mix of eucalyptus, pines, and native scrub, creating pockets of cool shade, fresh air, and deep natural immersion. It’s easily one of the best regions in Portugal for gravel cycling through the trees.

Portugal’s reservoirs are a vital part of the country’s ecosystem. In its Mediterranean climate, they collect water during the winter and spring rains, storing it to supply the land and people through the long, hot, and almost entirely dry summer.
Unlike the Atlantic Ocean — which stays cool all year — the water in these reservoirs is clean, warm, and magically pleasant for swimming, often all the way through to the end of November.
These man-made lakes stretch across former valleys, creating winding shorelines, rolling hills, and endless possibilities for adventure. Gravel roads twist along the water’s edge, offering new views at every turn.
One such place is Alqueva, the largest reservoir in Western Europe, set in the heart of Alentejo. It’s a choice for those seeking space, silence, and wide horizons. Just don’t plan your trip in the peak of summer — the heat here can be intense. But in spring and autumn, it’s perfect: peaceful, expansive, starlit, and wonderfully warm.
Further south, nestled among hills and eucalyptus forests, lies Santa Clara. This is a mountainous, sparsely populated region with countless dirt roads — you can ride for hours without seeing anyone, except maybe a beehive or an abandoned farm. It’s a place that feels outside of time.
In the far south of the country, at the foot of the Monchique mountains, you’ll find three hidden gems: Odeáxere, Odelouca, and Arade. These reservoirs lie in some of the wildest and most natural areas of the Algarve — steep slopes, rocky trails, oak and pine groves. It’s not uncommon to spot deer on the trail and hear nothing but wind and bees.
And if you’re craving cooler air, lush greenery, and elevation, head to central Portugal — to the Zezere River and Castelo de Bode Reservoir. Here you’ll find pine forests, bridges, hills, and steep climbs. Thanks to the deeply indented shoreline and dramatic terrain, a single compact area can offer routes that are far longer and more diverse than they appear on the map.
These lakes bring together nature, rhythm, and the freedom only a bike can offer. They are perfect places to disappear from the map — and discover your own Portugal.

In Portugal, wild camping is officially prohibited. This rule applies especially strictly in protected natural areas—which include almost the entire coastline and many inland regions of high environmental value.
These restrictions didn’t come out of nowhere. The main issues stem not from hikers with tents, but from motorhomes and camper vans. Their informal campsites—especially in places accessible by car—are often littered with toilet paper, wet wipes, and other small trash. Such spots frequently become noisy, crowded, and stripped of their natural charm, harming both the environment and the travel experience.
Still, reality is more nuanced than the law. Bikepacking is a light, mobile, and often respectful way to travel. One tent in the woods for a single night—leaving no trash, fire scars, or damage — is not the same as a beachfront gathering with barbecues, speakers, and leftovers.
Speaking personally, I believe wild camping is a fundamental right of the traveler. However, I can’t and won’t encourage breaking the law. What I can do is share some advice for those who still choose to camp in the wild:
1. Stay out of sight. Set up your tent where it can’t be seen from roads or trails. Step off the obvious path and choose a hidden spot. Don’t draw attention.
2. Leave no trace. No trash, no fire, no damage to plants or soil. In the morning, the spot should look like you were never there.
3. Just one night. Don’t turn your spot into a base camp. Arrive late, leave early.
4. Respect locals. Don’t camp near villages, farms, or fenced areas. Avoid places marked propriedade privada (private property), acesso reservado, acesso proibido, and similar. When in doubt—ask.
If you follow all the above advices, remain unnoticed by locals and police, and leave no trace on Portugal’s nature, you’ll avoid any trouble — and gain a unique chance to stay close to the wild beauty around you. In reality, it's actually quite easy.
But keep in mind: fines for illegal camping in Portugal range from €120 to €4,000, especially in protected areas and coastal zones. That alone is a good reason to act carefully and respectfully. A thoughtful approach makes bikepacking possible. If we want wild camping to remain an option, we must avoid leaving behind reasons for future bans.

Exploring Portugal by bike is a rewarding experience, and thanks to the national bus network, it's also quite convenient. If you're planning to travel between regions with your bicycle, here's what you need to know about taking it on long-distance buses.
Major Bus CompaniesThere are two main intercity bus companies in Portugal that allow bicycles:

• Rede Expressos – the national operator with the densest and most extensive route network across the country.
• FlixBus – an international company that also operates within Portugal.

Both companies have similar bike transport policies, but Rede Expressos is more commonly used by cyclists because of great network. Bicycle Transport Rules to bring your bicycle on a bus, it must be packed. This doesn't require a hard case or box, but it does require proper preparation:

• Remove the front wheel.
• Place the bike in a lightweight fabric bag that fully covers the wheels, chain, and other dirty parts.
• Alternatively, a very large trash bag (200–400 liters) may work, although packing can be more difficult.
• It is recommended to remove the saddle with the seatpost to make the bike easier to fit into the luggage compartment. Cover the greasy part with a small plastic bag and place it inside the bike bag.

We recommend getting a fabric bike bag made from thin materials like Oxford or similar. When folded, such a bag takes up as little space as a 0.33 L water bottle, and can also serve as a personal ground mat during breaks, a rain cover, or even a small tarp. We offer these compact bike bags as optional gear when you rent a bike from us.
Each bus allows up to four bicycles, and you’ll need to book a separate ticket for the bike. On the Rede Expressos website or app, the booking interface for a bike ticket is not very user-friendly — for your bike you must fill in the same fields as for a passenger, including a name and ID number. You cannot use the same ID number as your own — just enter any random combination of letters and numbers (at least 8 characters), and for the name, simply write "Bike". That’s enough for the system.
Finding the Bus the main Rede Expressos terminal in Lisbon is located near Sete Rios train station (metro station Jardim Zoológico). Most long-distance buses depart from there.
In smaller towns, finding the correct stop can be more difficult:

• On the Rede Expressos website, under "Point of Sales", you’ll find a list of boarding points and ticket offices for all covered locations.
• To be sure, ask local residents where Rede Expressos buses stop — they usually know and are happy to help.

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to have enough time to pack and load your bike calmly.
• If you're traveling bikepacking-style, you may need to partially remove bags to fit the bike into the bag. You can tie your bags together and place them next to the bike in the luggage compartment or bring them into the cabin if compact.

One of the great advantages of bikepacking in Portugal is how easy and convenient it is to take your bicycle on the train. The national railway network connects major cities and remote areas alike, and it’s surprisingly bike-friendly.
Which trains accept bicycles? Nearly all trains in Portugal allow bicycle transport:

• Regionais (regional) and Urbanos (commuter) trains — bikes are allowed free of charge and no reservation is required. Most trains have designated bike areas or enough space to accommodate your bike without hassle.
• Intercidades (intercity) trains — comfortable long-distance trains connecting major cities. Each second-class coach has two vertical bike hooks. When booking a ticket on cp.pt, you must select the bike transport option during checkout to reserve a space for your bike.
• These trains usually have a buffet car, where you can buy drinks, coffee, and sandwiches. Train staff generally speak English, making travel easier for international visitors.
• On the Lisbon–Faro route, there are three Intercidades trains per day in each direction, all equipped with bike spaces. These trains stop at several convenient stations in Alentejo and the Algarve, including Pinhal Novo station, located near Setúbal — a great entry or exit point for your bikepacking journey. The full journey from Lisbon to Faro takes about 3 hours.
• Alfa Pendular — Portugal’s high-speed train running between Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Unfortunately, bicycles are not allowed on Alfa Pendular trains. However, Intercidades trains run the same route, and they do accommodate bikes.

Cost bicycle transport is free on all trains. You don’t need any extra ticket for regional or commuter trains. For Intercidades, simply indicate that you’re bringing a bike during the online booking process — there’s no additional fee.
Summary: Trains in Portugal are an excellent companion to bikepacking. They let you cover long distances, avoid busy roads, or return from remote routes with ease. Combining trains and bikes gives you the freedom to explore Portugal more deeply and flexibly — start your adventure in one region and end it in another, stress-free. Additionally, you can usually buy train tickets on the same day, making your trip very flexible.