Picota
Category 34.2 km
Distance
270 m
Elevation Gain
6.4%
Average Gradient
12%
Max Gradient
Picota (774m) sits in the Serra de Monchique just east of Fóia and offers one of the region's most consistently steep short climbs. Less visited than its famous neighbour, the ascent rewards with complete solitude and raw, undeveloped hillside. The gradient rarely relents below 6% and regularly spikes to 12% on the upper section. An excellent interval climb with a clear start and finish that lends itself to repeats.
Pro Tip
Best accessed from Monchique town as part of a loop combining both Picota and Fóia in a single morning. Total elevation combining both climbs from Monchique approaches 700m — a substantial half-day effort.
Part of
Cycling in Algarve