Set off from the pleasant village of Alvor, where the waters of the sea merge with those of the estuary to form a romantic bay, and pedal towards the port of Lagos and Rasmalho. This route will take you to the highest point in the Algarve.
On the way to the summit at Fóia, the magnificent scenery along the way will give you just an inkling of the incomparable view that awaits you after an 18-kilometre uphill ride to a height of 900 metres.
The feeling of victory and achievement will keep you going during the ride down the northern slope to the entrance to Monchique. From there, a winding, up-and-down road will take you around Fóia.
Extra care and skill are needed until you reach Casais because of the bends and damp road surface; thereafter, you descend the final part of the route, taking you into Monchique.
Distance – 92 km
Accumulated Climb – 2300 m