Ride Stats
Distance: 100km | Elevation: 1,800m | Ride time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Challenging | Surface: Tarmac
Quick Answer
Ascend to the Foia summit via the standard Portimão road and descend via the Alferce variant — a different road with a different technical character through eucalyptus forest on the return. Two distinct climbing profiles in a single Foia Corridor day. 100km, 1,800m, and both sides of the Serra de Monchique without repeating a stretch of road. Finish the summit before stopping at Velochique on the descent — both climbs should be behind you when you sit down to eat.
Quick Overview
- The Ascent: North from Portimão through Mexilhoeira Grande to Monchique, then the 8km Foia climb on the standard Volta ao Algarve road to the 902m summit
- The Summit: 902m — 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 — faster and more technical than the ascent road, requiring focused handling through the tighter sections
- Stop — Velochique (Monchique — after the Alferce descent): Finish the Alferce descent and loop back through Monchique before stopping — both climbs behind you, proper lunch ahead, and the straightforward return to Portimão still to come
- The Return: From Velochique, south through Monchique and down the main road to Portimão — 25km of consistent gradient on smooth tarmac
- Fuel strategy: Seven gels minimum — two climbing profiles on a 100km day needs proper nutrition planning throughout
- Best season: March through May and September through October — the Alferce descent is better in dry conditions
Both Sides of Foia in One Day
Up One Side, Down the Other is the Foia Corridor’s biggest day — the route that links 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 standard Volta ao Algarve road from Portimão to the 902m summit. Descend via the Alferce variant, which runs through eucalyptus forest on a road that is faster and more demanding on the way down than the road you came up on.
At 100km and 1,800m it is the biggest day in the Foia Corridor set. Most riders who have done both The Race Road and this route in the same week rate the circuit version as the more satisfying day. The Alferce descent has a different character — tighter, faster, more engaging. Velochique on the return through Monchique is where the day properly ends before the straightforward run back to the coast.
Route Profile
The approach from Portimão mirrors The Race Road — north through Mexilhoeira Grande and up the Arade valley foothills to Monchique. The ascent to the summit is identical. What changes is the descent.
The Foia Summit — 8km from Monchique
From Monchique the road rises to 902m. Average gradient 7–8% with sections above 11% in the upper section. The road surface is smooth throughout. On a clear day the summit gives views to both coastlines. Take a moment at the top before the Alferce descent begins — two roads, one summit.
The Alferce Descent
From the summit the Alferce variant drops through eucalyptus forest on a road that is faster and more technical than the main ascent. The corners are tighter and the sustained speed is higher — it rewards focused handling and is more engaging than a standard descent. Most riders come back from the Alferce line having enjoyed it 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 Portimão from here is 25km of consistent downhill and does not demand urgency. The brunch menu runs through the morning. Order something substantial.
The Return to Portimão
From Velochique south to Portimão on the main road — 25km of smooth, fast descent. The legs will know they have done 1,800m. The return takes care of itself.
What You Will Need
- Seven gels minimum — two climbing profiles on a 100km day needs consistent fuelling throughout, not just on the ascent
- Two full bottles — refill at Velochique after the Alferce descent
- A gilet in winter — the Alferce descent is faster and more exposed than the main road 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 route is rideable year-round but the technical descent benefits from dry tarmac. If there has been heavy rain recently, consider doing The Race Road instead and saving the Alferce variant for a drier day.
Book the Bike. We Will Handle the Rest.
Two sides of the serra in one day. Your Cervélo Soloist delivered to Portimão — pre-fitted, pre-loaded with the route, and ready to ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Up One Side, Down the Other suitable for a rider doing Foia for the first time?
If it is your first time on Foia, consider doing The Race Road first — one clean ascent and descent on the standard road so you know what the climb asks of you. The Alferce variant is better appreciated once you have done the main road and can compare the two. Most riders who have done both say the circuit version is the more satisfying day. Save it for later in the week.
How technical is the Alferce descent?
More technical than the main Portimão road. The corners are tighter and the sustained speed is higher. The surface is good and traffic is minimal but it rewards focused handling. It is not a descent for riders who are uncomfortable at speed. For a confident road cyclist it is one of the more enjoyable descents in the western Algarve.
Why finish both climbs before stopping at Velochique?
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 the summit first and then the Alferce descent before 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 this route in a week alongside The Race Road and The River Capital?
Yes — and that is the natural Foia Corridor week. The Race Road as the benchmark day, a rest day, Up One Side Down the Other as the big effort, and The River Capital to Silves as the completely different third day. Three routes, three completely different experiences, from the same base.
What is included with a Velo Algarve rental?
Every rental includes the Cervélo Soloist or equivalent carbon road bike fitted to your measurements, a Garmin with the GPX pre-loaded, QUOC shoes, radar light, and a stocked saddle bag. Delivery and collection from your accommodation in Portimão. See how it works or check current pricing.
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