Arrival

Upon your individual arrival in Faro, the AlgarveCycling team will be there to greet you at Faro airport (or the train station) and arrange your transfer to your 5-star hotel. In the evening, a welcome meeting is scheduled where the program will be discussed, and your bicycles will be handed over and adjusted to suit your needs. Later on, enjoy a cozy meal accompanied by a glass of wine, where you can engage in lively discussions and share your cycling experiences.

1. Stage route of the racers: 200 km – 2487 hm Portimão Lagos

A showdown over 200 kilometers awaits in the first stage! On the long home straight into Lagos, the first stage is decided in a sprint, like the legendary stage victories of Fernando Gaviria, Dylan Groenewegen, and Fabio Jakobsen. Who will it be this year?

Route with AlgarveCycling: aprox. 70 km – 610 hm Portimão – Lagos

From the hotel, transfer to Portimão directly to the starting point of the race, where you can follow the starting procedure of the pros up close. Very close to the race, you continue cycling along the coast towards Lagoa, where you will stop at a selected point to watch the pros literally whizzing past you. The route then leads through an area of orange groves to the historic town of Silves, once the capital of the Algarve. After Silves we continue to Porto de Lagos, where you can watch the passage of the main group again. Then it's back down the coast to your final destination, the historic town of Lagos. On a straight panoramic road along the harbor, you can experience the sprint to the finish up close! Finally, we transfer you back to the hotel.

2. Stage route of the racers: 172 km – 3980 hm

The second stage of the race presents a formidable challenge, covering 172 kilometers with a significant elevation gain of 3980 meters. This pivotal stage of the tour begins in Sagres and leads to the Algarve's highest peak, Foia, standing at 902 meters. Recognized as one of the most grueling stages, the cyclists face the arduous Alferce and Pomba climbs before their final ascent to Foia. This stage is a true test of endurance and skill, separating the contenders from the rest.

Route with AlgarveCycling: aprox 68 km – 1600 hm

For those embarking on the AlgarveCycling experience, a captivating yet challenging route awaits, approximately 68 kilometers in length with an elevation gain of 1600 meters. This exclusive journey begins with a transfer from the hotel directly to the summit of Foia, positioning participants at the heart of the action.

The route takes participants through the serene and picturesque villages of the Serra de Monchique. This scenic journey offers the opportunity to witness the race at two or three different vantage points, ensuring that participants can fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the event and still arrive in time to witness the thrilling finale of the stage.

After experiencing the race's climax and absorbing the atmosphere of the event, participants will be transferred back to their hotel. This stage offers a unique blend of challenging cycling, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of professional racing, making it an unforgettable part of the AlgarveCycling experience.

3. Stage route of the racers: 193 km – 2935 hm

In the third stage, professional cyclists face the tour's longest stretch, a demanding 193-kilometer route with an elevation gain of 2935 meters. This stage requires participants to showcase their endurance and versatility. Known for its varied terrain, the stage is likely to culminate in a gripping mass sprint, where sheer stamina and speed will play pivotal roles in determining the winner.

Route with AlgarveCycling: aprox 54 km – 891 hm

For those participating with AlgarveCycling, a more compact yet thrilling route of approximately 54 kilometers is planned, featuring an elevation gain of 891 meters. This stage offers a unique perspective on the race, starting with a ride to witness the start at Vila Real de Santo António, located near the border with Spain. This provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the excitement and tension at the beginning of the stage.

From there, participants will journey through the picturesque countryside to a middle viewing point. This strategically chosen location offers a prime spot to observe the race before embarking on a spirited sprint down to Tavira. The excitement reaches its peak in Tavira, where participants will have the chance to watch the professional cyclists sprinting along a long 3-kilometer straight line to the finish.

After witnessing the exhilarating sprint finish and soaking in the race atmosphere, participants will be comfortably transported back to their hotel in Olhão. This stage, with its blend of scenic rides, strategic viewing points, and the thrill of a sprint finish, promises to be a memorable day for cycling enthusiasts.

4. Stage — or — participation in Algarve Granfondo

Track of the racers: Time trial 22,2 km – 373 hm

The fourth day of the event features a special format for the professional cyclists: a time trial. Spanning 22.2 kilometers with an elevation gain of 373 meters, this time trial is a test of individual skill and endurance. This year, the course starts and ends in Albufeira, offering a unique challenge as cyclists race against the clock in a bid for victory.

Route with AlgarveCycling: aprox 40 km - 586 hm or free day

For AlgarveCycling participants, there are two options to choose from: a cycling route of approximately 40 kilometers with an elevation gain of 586 meters, or alternatively, a free day to relax and enjoy at their leisure.

For those opting for the cycling route, the day begins with a ride incorporating a few scenic detours before heading back to the paddock. This route provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of the racing action. Participants will get to witness the unique preparations for the individual time trial, a contrast to the usual mass start format. This behind-the-scenes look offers a chance to gain special insights into the strategies and techniques employed by professional cyclists in a time trial setting.

Once the time trial concludes, participants will be taken to Olhão for their hotel. This day offers a blend of cycling, observation, and learning, making it an enriching experience for all cycling enthusiasts, whether they choose to ride or to take a well-deserved rest.

5. Stage route of the racers: 165 km – 3740 hm

The fifth stage of the race is a challenging one, covering 165 kilometers with a significant elevation gain of 3740 meters. The stage concludes in the quaint hamlet of Malhão, nestled in the Serra at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. The route is marked by several steep sections, with the final climb being particularly daunting. In the last 2 kilometers, cyclists face a grueling 220-meter ascent with a steep 20% gradient. This demanding climb, which must be tackled twice in a small circuit, ensures that a mass sprint is unlikely, setting the stage for a dramatic and decisive finish.

Route with AlgarveCycling: aprox 39 km – 1222 hm

AlgarveCycling participants will embark on a slightly shorter but equally challenging route of approximately 39 kilometers, featuring an elevation gain of 1222 meters. After the professionals set off from Faro, they ascend into the Serra towards Alte, where participants have the opportunity to follow the professionals' mountain climb.

The journey for AlgarveCycling participants then leads towards Malhão, covering fewer kilometers than the professional racers. However, they too will face the formidable ascent with a 20% incline, mirroring the challenge faced by the pros. Upon conquering this climb, participants are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Serra and the coastal area. They will witness the race's finish during the last few meters of this challenging climb, adding to the day's excitement.

After experiencing the dramatic conclusion of the race, participants will be taken back to the hotel. Here, they can relax and reflect on the day's adventures over a cozy dinner accompanied by a good glass of wine. This stage offers a blend of physical challenge, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of watching professional cyclists tackle one of the race's most demanding climbs.

Journey back

As your adventure draws to a close, the final day offers a relaxed schedule tailored to your departure time. If time allows, you have the opportunity to explore the charming city of Olhão. This picturesque locale is a perfect spot to soak in the last moments of your journey, offering a glimpse into local life and culture.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more tranquil end to your trip, you can indulge in some relaxation at the hotel's SPA. It's an ideal way to unwind and rejuvenate after a week full of excitement and physical activity.

In the vicinity of your accommodation, you'll find a variety of small restaurants and shops. These local establishments provide a wonderful chance to savor some final regional flavors or to pick up souvenirs and keepsakes, ensuring you have tangible memories of your beautiful and eventful week. This final day is about leisure and reflection, allowing you to conclude your trip in a way that best suits your preferences and schedule.