The Cork Route is a circuit that lets you learn about the mysteries surrounding cork growing and the production of the famous Algarve bottle corks. And it lets you explore the municipality of São Brás de Alportel, on the first part of a route that sets off from the city which straddles the River Gilão.
On some parts of the route the incline can be more than 15% and you have to concentrate on the constant uphill and downhill sections, ensuring you control your pace accordingly.
Other uphill sections on this route include Cova da Muda, Montes Novos and Monte da Ribeira, with the final flourish being when you reach the top of Alcaria do Cume. From there, it's a pleasant downhill ride of 40 km through the pretty scenery of the eastern Algarve.
Distance – 132 km
Accumulated Climb – 2400 m