Latest update: 22 July 2024
A hairpin bend here, a eucalyptus tree there. The drive to the mountain village of Monchique in the Algarve alone is worth it. Located in the Serra de Monchique mountain range, this village is a welcome, refreshing change from Algarve’s famous coastal strip.
The mountain village of Monchique
The high cliffs on the coast may be high enough, but you can go even higher in the Algarve: into the mountains! The highest point in the Algarve is Fóia, a mountain peak at 902 meters. The mountain village of Monchique is just below that. It’s about 15 kilometers from the coast, but because of the winding mountain roads, it is still a half-hour to 45-minute drive from Ferragudo and Lagos. But that’s okay because it is a beautiful route.
It can be much cooler (and rainier) in the mountains than at the seaside. So ensure you have a nice warm sweater and maybe even a raincoat when visiting Monchique. But what’s Monchique all about? I’m happy to help you with the best things to do in Monchique!
Grab some drinks in the center of Monchique
The center of Monchique is small. The most lively part is the square with the fountain, paintings, and flowers. It has the sunny terrace of Velochique (here). The name suggests the cafe is ready for the many cyclists who eagerly use the mountains around Monchique.
Behind the square, you can walk uphill to some shops and workshops selling ceramics, cork, and wicker. Enjoy the white limestone houses and the occasional somewhat dilapidated building —the contrast makes the visit fun. I recommend this parking spot if you want to visit Monchique’s center.
Also fun: discover Monchique with a guide. With this walking tour, you will see the center of Monchique with a local.
Stand on top of Fóia mountain peak
If you stand on top of the Fóia mountain, you are at the highest point of the Algarve. The finish at the top of Fóia is a formidable climb in the Tour of the Algarve (Volta ao Algarve) for cyclists – hence the statue of the cyclist. But lucky for me, I can easily go up the mountain by car. There is ample parking space.
The view over the Algarve is beautiful, even on a cloudy day. First the mountains, the villages, and then the ocean. In the distance, I see Ferragudo and Portimão. On a clear day, I should even be able to see Lisbon on the other side of the ocean.
Food truck on top of the mountain
Once you reach the Fóia mountain top, follow the dirt road a bit down from the viewing platform. You end up at a food truck with some outdoor seating: Alecrim. The perfect location to enjoy the view. Order a pão recheado: a hollowed-out loaf filled with lots of cheese. Like cheese fondue. I feel like I’m in the Alps!
Very occasionally, Alecrim organizes parties. Keep an eye on Instagram for announcements.
Hikes in and around Monchique
You probably thought so, too: the Serra de Monchique is a great area for hiking. From the Fóia mountain, you start the P3 walk, a short but tough hike due to the height differences. You can get the route via Alltrails, but there is also signage. There are many more hikes you can do in and around Monchique. View them here.
Walking with donkeys in Monchique
Like I said: you can enjoy beautiful hikes in the Monchique area. So why not do that with a donkey? I was intrigued when I accidentally found ‘Happy-Donkeys Sanctuary’ on Google Maps. What is it? How does it work? I want it! So, my travel partner and I contacted Robert, the proud owner of five Andalusian donkeys. We go on a walk with him through the eucalyptus trees – with his donkeys.
Robert is half-Dutch, half-German. So, in our own language, we learn more about donkeys in general and the five donkeys from Happy Donkeys. They are all related and live freely in nature. Two donkeys have a GPS tracker, so Robert knows where they are. We start without the little donkey Cameron because he is missing, but later on the trail, we meet him among the eucalyptus trees.
The five donkeys quietly walk along freely, not on a halter. Of course, Robert has to call them to order occasionally. The donkeys love to eat. So there are regular breaks to snack. The walk is at a leisurely pace and is not difficult. You must book in advance if you also want to do a donkey walk in the Algarve. Tip: take lots of carrots with you. That’s how you make friends with donkeys!
Thermal baths: Caldas de Monchique
Caldas de Monchique is the spa town of the Algarve. Legend has it that you should take a sip from the love fountain in the forests of Caldas de Monchique, and then you will fall in love with life. The Caldas de Monchique are natural hot springs with healing powers. Its warm water (around 30C) contains minerals good for your muscles and intestines. You have to go to the Monchique Thermal Resort (here). They are not open-air baths, but you can walk through the area and view the waterfalls. The rain was pouring during my visit, so I skipped Caldas de Monchique.
Spend the night in Monchique
Because we want to enjoy the mountains fully, we chose VilaFoia. A beautiful small-scale hotel with stunning views, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. But unfortunately, it rained in Monchique when we were there. The water also sprayed high from the hot tub for the people in front of us. So goodbye hot tub bubble time. Such a shame, because we were really looking forward to it. I mean, the room with a balcony is really comfortable, and the surroundings are so beautiful. But still… I wanted the hot tub.
Another popular option is the chic Monchique Resort & Spa.
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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