Ride Stats
Distance: 110km | Elevation: 1,800m | Ride time: 4:30–5:30 hours | Difficulty: Challenging | Surface: Tarmac
Quick Answer
The most complete day in the Volta Circuit route set. Ascend to the Foia summit via the Portimão road and descend via the Alferce variant — a completely different technical challenge through eucalyptus forest on the return. Two distinct climbing profiles in a single day, 1,800m of elevation, and both sides of the Serra de Monchique without repeating a stretch of road. Finish the summit before stopping at Velochique on the descent — the hardest work should be behind you when you sit down to eat.
Quick Overview
- The Ascent: North from Lagos through Portimão and up to Monchique, then the 16km Foia climb on the standard Volta ao Algarve road to the 902m summit
- The Summit: 902m at Foia — views to both coastlines on a clear day. Take a moment before the Alferce descent begins
- The Alferce Descent: From the summit, the Alferce variant descends through eucalyptus forest on a road that is faster and more technical than the ascent — a different road, a different challenge
- Stop — Velochique (Monchique — after the Alferce descent): Both climbs behind you — stop here properly, eat well, and take your time before the straightforward return to Lagos
- The Return: From Velochique south to Lagos via Portimão — flat and fast after the climbing is done
- Fuel strategy: Seven gels minimum — the biggest day in the Volta Circuit set
- Best season: March through May and September through October — the Alferce descent is better in dry conditions
Two Sides of the Serra in One Ride
Both Sides of the Serra is the Volta Circuit’s full day — the route that combines the two climbing lines of the Serra de Monchique into a single loop so you never repeat the same road in both directions. Ascend via the Volta ao Algarve road from Portimão to the Foia summit at 902m. Descend via the Alferce variant — a different road through eucalyptus forest that is faster and more technically demanding than the way up.
Most riders who have done both The Summit Road and Both Sides of the Serra in the same week rate the circuit version as the more satisfying day. The Alferce descent has a different character from the main Portimão road — tighter, faster, and more engaging on the way down. At 1,800m of total elevation it is also the biggest day in the Volta Circuit set. Velochique on the return through Monchique is where the day properly ends — both climbs behind you, no rush on the return to the coast.
Route Profile
The approach from Lagos mirrors The Summit Road — north through Portimão and up the Arade valley foothills to Monchique. The climb to Foia is identical. What changes is the descent.
The Foia Summit — 16km from Monchique
From Monchique town the road rises to the summit at 902m — the same 16km climb as The Summit Road. The gradient averages 4.9% with sections above 11% in the upper section. On a clear day the summit gives you views to both the Atlantic coast and the interior hills. Take a moment at the top before the Alferce descent begins.
The Alferce Descent
From the summit the route takes the Alferce variant on the return — a road through eucalyptus forest that runs west from the top before looping back toward the valley. The descent is faster and more technical than the main Portimão road, requiring focused handling before the valley floor opens up. This is the road most riders come back from having enjoyed more than they expected.
Stop — Velochique (Monchique — after the Alferce descent)
After the Alferce descent the route loops back through Monchique, where Velochique is the natural stop. Both climbs are behind you. Sit down, eat properly, and take your time — the return to Lagos from here is straightforward and does not demand urgency. The brunch menu runs through the morning. Order something substantial. You have earned it.
The Return to the Coast
From Velochique, south through Monchique and down to Portimão on the main road, then south to Lagos. The legs will know they have done 1,800m. The return is flat and fast.
What You Will Need
- Seven gels minimum — this is the biggest day in the Volta Circuit set
- Two full bottles — refill at Velochique after the Alferce descent
- A gilet in winter — faster and more exposed than the main road on the Alferce descent in February and March
- Dry conditions preferred for the Alferce road — the surface is good but the technical descent is better in the dry
Best Time to Ride
March through May and September through October for the best conditions on the Alferce descent. The circuit is rideable year-round but the technical descent benefits from dry tarmac. Avoid the Alferce variant after heavy rain and consider The Summit Road instead.
Book the Bike. We Will Handle the Rest.
The complete Volta Circuit day — two sides of the serra, 1,800m, one loop. Your Cervélo Soloist delivered to Lagos or Burgau — pre-fitted, pre-loaded with the route, and ready to ride.
Book your bike with Velo Algarve →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much harder is Both Sides of the Serra compared to The Summit Road?
The Summit Road is 95km and 1,400m of elevation. Both Sides of the Serra is 110km and 1,800m. The extra elevation comes from the Alferce descent adding a second climbing profile on the return. Both are challenging days for a fit road cyclist. Both Sides of the Serra is the right choice if you want to experience both sides of the serra in one ride.
Is the Alferce descent technical?
It is faster and more engaging than the main Portimão road. The corners are tighter and the surface, while good, rewards focused handling. It is not a descent for riders who are uncomfortable at speed, but for a confident road cyclist it is one of the more enjoyable descents in the western Algarve.
Why stop at Velochique after the Alferce descent rather than before the summit?
On a two-climb day like this one, stopping before the summit means sitting down and then asking the legs to complete the hardest part of the day. Finishing both climbs first — summit via the main road, Alferce descent on the return — and then stopping at Velochique means the rest is properly earned. You can eat well, take your time, and the return to the coast is straightforward from Monchique.
Can I do both The Summit Road and Both Sides of the Serra in the same week?
Yes — and that is the standard Volta Circuit week. The Summit Road on day one, a recovery ride or the Edge of the Continent coastal day in between, and Both Sides of the Serra as the big effort later in the week. The circuit gives you the Alferce experience The Summit Road does not.
Where do I stay for the Volta Circuit?
Lagos is the primary Volta Circuit base — the most established winter training hub in the Algarve with the best restaurant and beach access off the bike. Burgau is the quieter cliff village option 8km west. Both have the full Volta Circuit route set and bikes delivered to either.
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