Skill, a camera and energetic pedalling are all that’s required to reach Picota and its stunning peak. After passing through Paderne on a winding road with a good surface, you reach Benafim and Salir after a route of short and very steep climbs for an adrenaline boost, up to an altitude of 750 metres above sea level. Califórnia, Vermelhos and Corte de Pinheiro take you to the Malhão heights, before descending the gradients made famous by the Volta ao Algarve cycle race. It’s 20 km to São Bartolomeu de Messines and on to Algoz for a rolling final stage, on a good surface, to Albufeira.