A24 16 Mértola - Quarteira

The sixteenth and final stage to the Algarve covers 120 km with 1584 Hm, a hilly ride in a southwestern direction to the southernmost part of Portugal.

We start with a gentle climb to a rolling plateau and cycle towards the beautiful historic town of Mértola. After 15 km, we descend to the valley of the Guadiano river and cross it when entering Mértola (km 18). We cycle through the lower part of the town and along the higher situated historic center. Upon leaving Mértola, there is a steep climb for a few kilometers. After a small descent to a tributary of the Guadiano, we continue for 15 kilometers with a gentle uphill gradient.

We cycle along a plateau with a lot of agriculture and pass through several typical Portuguese villages with their low white houses. After 40 km, we turn left and descend into the valley of the rio Vascao, which we cross after 45 km. Here we leave the Beja district and enter the Faro district. We climb out of the valley to the plateau until Martinlonge (km 50). From here, we descend again towards another dry river, the Ribeira da Foupana, which we cross after 55 km.

Now the climb becomes steeper and in stages to the highest point of the day. We ride through an area with many rocks, dry ground, trees, and shrubs, passing several typical Portuguese villages. The road winds further and we reach the highest point of the day after 77 km: Hp 530 m.

Now we stay on the winding and rolling roads of this plateau for a while. It remains rocky with many trees and shrubs. After 87 km in Barranco do Velho, the descent to the Algarve coast begins. We continue cycling on winding roads through beautiful landscapes. Near the village of Querença (km 98), we still have a few kilometers uphill before gradually descending on straighter roads to the coast.

As we approach the city of Loulé, it becomes busier and we ride on larger roads. After 107 km, we are in Loulé and the roads are flat. We ride a very short distance on the busy N125 and after 113 km, we take a small road to the left towards Quarteira. The city has about 17,000 inhabitants. The lowest point of the day is at the end of the stage: Lp 18 m.

Vilamoura is a resort in the Algarve. It is an established recreational area with a marina, designed by a wealthy banker from Lisbon. The resort is located 22 kilometers west of Faro.

Cycling Route - shortest (with support vehicle)