This route is a veritable uphill cycling marathon and begins in the old fishing village that witnessed the massive growth of tourism away back in the 1960s.
Although the Ferreiras, Paderne and Portela de Messines section of the route is quite easy, this itinerary that brings to mind the great stars of cycling will take you by surprise when you reach Alte, with slopes of as much as a 20% incline.
After Malhão, the legendary uphill stretch on the Tour of the Algarve, you will embark upon a section of constant ups and downs until you reach Pico da Mú. Here you begin the approximately 35 km to São Marcos da Serra.
Head now to Nave Redonda, lying to the rear of the Monchique Mountains and on the border with the neighbouring Alentejo region. The Sapeira Road will round off the short, steep uphill stretches on the way to Silves, before returning to Albufeira along flat terrain.
Distance – 178 km
Accumulated Climb – 3130 m