The queen stage demands strong legs. Leaving Portimão, the route trends north, climbing into the Monchique mountain range. The long ascent cuts through dense cork oak forests, passing through the mountain village of Monchique. A fast descent via Marmelete drops you out of the high ridges toward the wild Atlantic coast of the Alentejo.
From Vila Nova de Milfontes, crossing the stunning estuary of the Mira River, the track hugs the rugged Costa Vicentina. Passing the whitewashed houses of Porto Covo, the final flat stretch leads straight into the historic port city of Sines, the birthplace of Vasco da Gama. An epic ride balancing mountains with ocean air.
