In 2026, the Volta ao Algarve will start in Vila Real de Santo António, embarking on a five-stage journey that includes an individual time trial and concludes at the Alto do Malhão in Loulé.

The race starts in Vila Real de Santo António on 18 February, a new feature compared to recent editions, with a stage that will end in the traditional sprint finish in Tavira. The following day, the world’s top riders will ride from Portimão to Fóia, in the Serra de Monchique, marking the race’s first sprint finish.

One of the novelties of the 2026 edition is the individual time trial on the third stage. The stage will start and finish in Vilamoura, in the municipality of Loulé, with the peloton passing through Quarteira along the route. On Saturday, riders will race from Albufeira to Lagos for another thrilling, high-speed stage finish.

Sunday will be the decisive day, with the stage starting in Faro and heading to the iconic Alto do Malhão, which hosted the final time trial in 2025.

The complete route, including all details on distance and elevation, will be revealed soon. For now, the start and finish of all five stages are confirmed, along with the announcement that UAE Team Emirates-XRG, the best team in the world in 2025, will be in Algarve.