The Algarve and Madeira cycling holidays

Name: Tavira Loop

Suitable for: Seasoned pros

Difficulty: 3/5

Climb Level: 4/5

Max Altitude: 1,650m

Distance: 97km

The Route: Mid-level difficulty with all of the views? You’ll be in your element here, riding the climbs of São Brás de Alportel and Cova da Muda. Venturing through cork-producing territory and the Serra do Caldeirão mountains, you’ll be privy to jaw-dropping scenes of the countryside around you and the sea below.

Name: Albufeira Loop

Suitable for: Leisurely pedallers/Seasoned pros

Difficulty: 3/5

Climb Level: 3/5

Max Altitude: 740m

Distance: 60km

The Route: You’ll begin in modern Albufeira but things will soon get rural. The first part of the route spans Guia and Algoz, then you’ll enjoy a flatter section around Algores, which leads to the Amendoeira Golf Resort. You’ll also go through various farming areas and other towns, before reaching a viewpoint overlooking Carvoeiro.

Name: Funchal – Poiso – Machico – Porta da Cruz – Ribeiro Frio – Sao Goncalo – Funchal

Suitable for: Daredevils

Difficulty: 5/5

Climb Level: 5/5

Max Altitude: 1,398m

Distance: 69.9km

The Route: This one’s really designed to test your mettle. With elevated tracks up rough and rocky terrain, you’ll start as you mean to go on from Funchal up to the mountainous areas of Poiso. You’ll continue to trace the hillsides onwards to Machico, with breathtaking scenery to reward you the whole way.

Name: São Martinho – Santo Antonio – São Roque – Monte – Caminho dos Pretos – Curral dos Romeiros – São Martinho

Suitable for: Seasoned pros

Difficulty: 4/5

Climb Level: 4/5

Max Altitude: 903m

Distance: 28.4km

The Route: The journey from São Martinho, a coastal area below Funchal, will take you through all sorts of towns, past botanical gardens, levadas and wide green spaces as you go. Stop at São Roque and Curral dos Romeiros for some of the best viewpoints along the way.