The Volta ao Algarve once again made its mark at FITUR – the International Tourism Trade Fair, which concludes this Sunday in Madrid – reinforcing the race’s position as one of the Algarve’s key anchor events and a powerful tool for promoting the region nationally and internationally.
As in 2025, the Portuguese Cycling Federation was invited by Turismo do Algarve to present the 2026 edition at the Turismo de Portugal stand, during a session dedicated to the promotion of the “Major Sporting Events in the Algarve”. The moment highlighted the role of sport as a driver of territorial promotion, visitor attraction and the fight against seasonality.
During the presentation, the international stature of the Volta ao Algarve was underlined, as well as its unique ability to traverse the region, connect with local communities and showcase the Algarve in motion — in an authentic, continuous and people-centred way.
Five stages with plenty of new features
The 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta will take place from 18 to 22 February 2026, across five stages and a total of 673.6 kilometres of racing, linking the coastline with the region’s interior. The race will start in Vila Real de Santo António and finish at the iconic Alto do Malhão, in Loulé. The individual time trial in Vilamoura, the first-ever ascent of Alto da Fóia and the introduction of “hot spots” with time bonuses are among the main innovations of this edition.
The 2026 peloton will feature 24 teams, including 12 WorldTour teams, three ProTeams and the nine Portuguese continental teams, ensuring a high competitive level and strong media appeal.
All stages of the Volta ao Algarve will be broadcast live nationwide on RTP2 and RTP Play, with international distribution handled by Warner Bros. Discovery through Eurosport and HBO Max, reaching dozens of countries and millions of viewers worldwide.
The link between the race and tourism promotion will once again be reflected in the leader’s jerseys, with the Yellow Jersey (Visitalgarve) and the Blue Jersey (Água é Vida / Save Water) once again supported by Turismo do Algarve.
Race generated €36.5 million in return in 2025
Data from the 2025 Volta ao Algarve Impact Study were also shared during the presentation, confirming the event’s relevance as a strategic asset for the region. Last year’s edition generated a total impact of €36.5 million, including €8.6 million in direct economic impact and €27.9 million in media value, with broadcasts to 78 countries and a significant international audience.
The President of Turismo do Algarve, André Gomes, stated that “the Volta ao Algarve is an outstanding showcase for the region, due to its international dimension and the visibility it provides in strategic markets. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the race strengthens the Algarve’s positioning as a destination prepared to host major events and helps attract visitors outside the peak season, generating positive economic impact and enhancing the destination’s quality and sustainability.”
In turn, Cândido Barbosa, President of the Portuguese Cycling Federation, said that “FITUR is one of the world’s largest tourism fairs, and our presence here represents a unique opportunity to promote the Volta ao Algarve. Beyond its sporting dimension, the Volta ao Algarve is also a tourism product of excellence, offering unique experiences over five days of racing and attracting audiences from across the country and around the world.”
Through its presence at FITUR, the Volta ao Algarve further reinforces its role as an international platform for promoting the Algarve, demonstrating how professional cycling — through its proximity to people and its ability to cover territory — stands out as a unique instrument for linking sport, tourism and regional development.
As in previous years, the 52nd Volta ao Algarve will also include the Algarve Granfondo in its programme, taking place on 21 February. Participants may choose between two challenges: the 130-kilometre Granfondo or the 90-kilometre Mediofondo. Starting in Lagos, more than 1,000 amateur cyclists are expected to take part in what is the Volta ao Algarve’s mass participation event.