The Algarve and Madeira cycling holidays

Name: Vilamoura – Loulé – Vilamoura

Suitable for: Leisurely peddlers

Difficulty: 3/5

Climb Level: 3/5

Max Altitude: 700m

Distance: 60km

The Route: Loulé is a part of the Algarve’s so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ and vibrant Vilamoura’s within it. On this looping route, you’ll begin along the seafront in Quarteira, towards Almancil and Loulé. You’ll also glide past the Sanctuary of the Sovereign Mother, Boliqueime and various slopes before pedalling downhill by the golf courses.

Name: Monchique – Portela da Viúva-Selão – Portela do Vale – Monchique

Suitable for: Seasoned pros

Difficulty: 3/5

Climb Level: 3/5

Max Altitude: 975m

Distance: 51km

The Route: They say the Monchique Mountains are the ‘Garden of the Algarve’, so this ride gets a gold star for epic surroundings. You’ll pedal through Portela da Viúva-Selão, around Fóia and then over to the staggering Vicentine Coast. Portela do Vale literally boasts some ups and downs, but Caldas de Monchique is peace personified.

Name: Funchal City Loop

Suitable for: Leisurely pedallers

Difficulty: 2/5

Climb Level: 2/5

Max Altitude: 169m

Distance: 18km

The Route: This might be a short route, but it certainly puts the ‘fun’ in Funchal! If you like things leisurely, go at your own pace and box off key pieces of the local sightseeing puzzle. We’re talking the port, Funchal Cathedral, the Old Town and the farmer’s market.

Name: São Martinho – Santo Antonio – São Roque – Monte – Caminho dos Pretos – Curral dos Romeiros – São Martinho

Suitable for: Seasoned pros

Difficulty: 4/5

Climb Level: 4/5

Max Altitude: 903m

Distance: 28.4km

The Route: The journey from São Martinho, a coastal area below Funchal, will take you through all sorts of towns, past botanical gardens, levadas and wide green spaces as you go. Stop at São Roque and Curral dos Romeiros for some of the best viewpoints along the way.