Algarve · Portugal
Serra de Monchique
N266Portimão to Fóia
The N266 climbs from the Algarve coast at Portimão into the Serra de Monchique, cresting at Fóia, at 902 m the highest peak in the Algarve, through cork oaks and rhododendrons.
Leave Portimão north on the N266, passing the thermal spa village of Caldas de Monchique in its lush gorge, then the whitewashed hill-town of Monchique, before the final corkscrew ascent to the Fóia summit plateau. On clear days the summit gives a 360-degree panorama from Cabo de São Vicente to Faro.
Serra de Monchique on the map14.4 mi · point to point
PortimãoStart · Algarve
FóiaEnd · Algarve
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Character
Corners55bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient13%≈ 1-in-8
Hairpins3bends over 150°
Climb925 mtotal ascent
Summit893.5 mhighest point of the line · 2,931 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 10Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%8.7 – 893.5 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- FóiaViewpoint14 mi in
- Montinho das CanasViewpoint6.7 mi in
- Cerro da ViuvaViewpoint6.0 mi in
Hazards
- Sharp hairpin bends
- Gradients up to 10%
- Loose gravel on descents
- Narrow lanes
Sources
“The ascent is a series of hairpin bends where the gaze stretches from Cape Saint Vincent in the west to Faro in the east on clear days.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Serra de Monchique: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Serra de Monchique?
Serra de Monchique runs 14.4 miles (23 km) and takes about 30 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Serra de Monchique to drive?
We rate it moderate: 55 corners including 3 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 13%, and a tightness of 6 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Serra de Monchique?
Spring and Autumn are best.
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Serra de Monchique
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