The route leaves Portimão, on the coast, and heads inland on the Monchique road (EN 266). It first crosses the flat land and then starts climbing into the hills to Caldas de Monchique, the old spa tucked into a wooded valley. From there it carries on to the town of Monchique and finishes with the last climb to Fóia.
The Serra de Monchique is the highest range in the Algarve and the landscape is a world away from the coast: eucalyptus, cork oaks and green slopes, with viewpoints looking out over the shoreline. The summit of Fóia is open and windy, with masts and wide views in every direction.
It is about 33 km and under an hour without stops, from almost sea level to about 890 m. There are some 60 bends, flowing on the lower part and tighter near the town and on the final climb. It is a one-way ride: to come back, retrace your route or join the Serra de Monchique loop.