Algarve Outdoor Tours

Algarve Downhill Off-road ride

From mountain-top to sea level, the Algarve Downhill Off-Road Ride will take you through some of Portugal’s most stunning scenery.

From 902m to sea level – off-road!
Ride the best single and double tracks through the forests of the Serra de Monchique.

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You will love this when you:
✅ believe a day on the bike is awesome
✅ have recent off-road/trail experience
✅ miss your MTB & don’t mind getting dusty
✅ stay flexible and cancel up to 48 hours

What will the Algarve Downhill Off-road Ride deliver

We´ll meet near the coast in the charming village of Figueira.
As we make our way up the mountain, the conversation with our friendly guides and fellow riders flows as smoothly as the winding road.
The half-hour transfer takes us to the pinnacle of the Algarve, Foia, towering at an impressive 902 meters above sea level.

So, get ready for an unforgettable adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping mountain biking with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Morning Itinerary – Algarve Downhill Off-road Ride

4wd on mount Foia above clouds spectacular view

Join us for a scenic adventure in the Algarve! Your mini-van awaits in Figueira, a charming coastal village nestled between Lagos and Portimão. Meet us at the local bakery, where you can arrive early for a delightful breakfast featuring fresh local fare.

Typically, our uphill shuttle departs at 9:30, but if you opt for a Private Tour, we can adjust the start time to suit you.

The journey to Foia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902 meters, takes just half an hour. Enjoy sweeping views and a cup of authentic Portuguese coffee at the summit café, renowned for its homemade cakes (closed on Saturdays).

After a safety briefing from our bilingual guide, we’ll set off on our thrilling Algarve Downhill Off-road Ride.

Afternoon Itinerary – Algarve Downhill Off-road Ride

algarve downhill off-road ride having fun

Midday brings a break in a quaint mountain village for a light lunch of tuna pasta and salad. Then, brace yourself for a thrilling descent to the Autodromo, the Algarve’s Formula One race track.

The ride concludes back at the bakery in Figueira, where we began our journey earlier in the day. Usually, we are back here between 15h00 – 16h00 and then have a drink.

Interior Trails

Cycling tours in Monchique

Traverse gravel roads through windmill parks, eucalyptus forests, and rural farmland, soaking in the region’s untouched beauty.

Following meandering water channels, known as “levadas,” we’ll reach the Ria de Alvor wetlands, a Special Conservation Area teeming with wildlife, including flamingos and spoonbills.

Flamingoes

We often finish our journey on gravel roads that lead to the lush Ria de Alvor estuary lagoon, with the exception of the scorching summer months.

Here, we’re frequently fortunate enough to see spoonbills or flamingos.

You don’t have to complete an extra 6-kilometer round, which has one short hill to climb; instead, stay back at the bakery and enjoy a cool beverage.

Equipment – Giant 29ers giant bikes for the algarve downhill off-road ride

Giant 29-er at the Algarve coast

We ride Giant 29ers with Shimano or XT Shadow 2×10, and Suntour lockable 100mm shocks. Schwalbe´s Smart Sam and Rapid Rob will keep you on the trail.

The Shimano hydraulic disk brakes are mounted US/ European continental style with the rear brake on the right.

The bikes are available in sizes S, M, L, and XL, which suit riders between 149 – 200cm in height.

Broom Car

downhill bike tours from Foia above the clouds

A service car will follow along with water and your personal belongings to ensure that we provide the best service possible during the tour.

The car also carries a pump, spare tyres and a first aid set.

If you need to take a break during the journey, you can always hop in.

Light Lunch


You’ll find a delightful light lunch awaiting you in the quaint mountain village of Casais.

During the summer, feast on refreshing gazpacho, crisp salad, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

In cooler seasons, savour delicious tuna pasta alongside salad and juice. Every ingredient is locally sourced and organic, often cultivated by the Taverne owners themselves.

If you have any dietary needs, simply let us know when booking, and we’ll gladly accommodate them.

Alternative Downhill Cycling Trip – on asphalt

downhill cycling in Monchique

This Algarve Downhill Off-road ride is for experienced Mountain bikers.

If you wish to enjoy the same views and prefer to stay on quiet asphalt roads then check out our Algarve Downhill Cycling Trip, also suitable for younger teenagers.

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Best suited for

Anyone over 16 years old, with MTB experience on dirt roads, trails and tracks.

The minimum rider height is 150cm/ 4’9” and the largest bike frame will suit 200cm/ 6’6”.

This Algarve Downhill Off-Road Ride is a social ride, not a race.
If you enjoy playing about in the woods and want to be with like-minded people, come along and join us on this fun ride.

Required fitness level nº 3 and technical level: C

tripadvisor about Algarve downhill off-road tripBest 5 hours The downhill trip was an excellent day out on good bikes, mostly on a mix of trails, dual-track, single-track, unpaved road and a little paved road. The tour leader was well informed about the surrounding terrain and natural features, sharing that info with the group at frequent picturesque stops …”

tripadvisor about Algarve downhill off-road tripGreat Biking Day Out The route down is a good mixture of dirt tracks and roads (never busy roads) and through some nice countryside and small towns and the guide stopped regularly to explain points about the area (cork harvesting etc) …”
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Included

  • Summit Transfer to Foia
  • Support vehicle/broom car
  • Professional bike guide
  • Info about local flora & fauna
  • Light Lunch in Café
  • MTB Giant (sizes S to XXL)
  • Suits rider length 150 – 200 cm
  • Helmet
  • Cold Drinking Water

Not Included

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Extra drinks, or desserts, unless stated
  • personal accident insurance (mandatory)
  • repatriation insurance (mandatory)

Your Adventures Starts Here

pick up location Algarve Downhill Cycling Trip

What to bring:

  • good shoes, trainers, or sports sandals
  • sun protection (50+ in the summer)
  • sunglasses
  • a photo camera, Go Pro or mobile phone
  • some small change for a coffee or ice cream

Our Commitment to You – Free cancelation < 48 hrs

Instant Confirmation: Following your booking, expect to receive an email confirmation promptly, complete with an attached invoice receipt.

Clear Meeting Details: Alongside your confirmation, we'll provide a map link or clear instructions regarding the meeting point or pick-up details.

Flexible Cancellation: Experience peace of mind with our hassle-free cancellation policy. You're free to cancel up to 48 hours before the activity (local time) and receive a full refund, no questions asked.

Weather Protection: If unfavourable weather conditions interfere with your plans, rest assured. We'll promptly refund your payment or reschedule your activity to a later date of your choice.
Since 2020, we've used Stripe, a cloud-based payment platform.

Your booking and payment is securely handled by Stripe, with your payment held in a Reserve Fund until after your tour.

Stripe manages all the payment transfers as well as refunds if necessary. Stripe is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1, the highest level of certification available in the payments industry.
You can cancel up to 48 hours before your activity and get an immediate refund from the Reserve Fund.

If we cancel due to bad weather or other conditions, you'll also get a refund.

Refunds will appear on your bank statement as "OUTDOOR TOURS COM UNIPESSOAL LDA." Rest assured, your money is safe with us.
To cancel or modify your reservation, reply to the CONFIRMATION email, indicating whether you prefer a refund or wish to reschedule.

Requests made less than 48 hours before the activity start time in Portuguese time cannot be accommodated.

If we need to cancel, we'll contact you via SMS or WhatsApp. You can opt to reschedule or receive a refund.

Refunds are processed from our Refund Reserve. Once issued, your bank determines when the credit will appear on your card, typically within 3 to 5 business days. Upon successful processing, in which you will be notified by email, the refund is in your bank's hands for delivery.

Tour Options

Most of the Algarve Downhill Off-road rides are with 2 – 8 riders.
Book a place below.

INDIVIDUAL – Meet other riders.

Meet the guides and other riders on our shared Summit Transfer from Figueira at 9.30

Book this alone or together with your friends and ride off-road and downhill back to the coast in a small group.

A Giant 29er & light lunch is included.
With Guide and Support Car: €89 pp.
Teenagers between 16-18 years pay €69 pp.

Book the Algarve Downhill Off-road ride as a Private Tour
with just your riding buddies or MTB Club members.

PRIVATE TOUR

Bikes and Private Summit Transfers for up to 5 pax are included – no other people will join today.

Choose some more technical off-road tracks, or divert to less technical gravel roads if you wish, this offers maximum flexibility for all participants.

A good MTB Giant 29er & light lunch are included.
With Guide and Support Car.
Per Private Group up to 5 riders €500. Extra Riders €89 pp.

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