Monchique Mountain Escape

Trade the coastline for the fresh mountain air of the Algarve’s hinterland on our Monchique Mountain Escape. This private tour takes you inland to the Monchique range, a haven of green slopes, charming hamlets, and handcrafted traditions. Settled into your luxe vehicle, you’ll ascend winding roads flanked by chestnut and eucalyptus trees, as the temperature cools and the views expand. Our first destination is Fóia, the Algarve’s highest peak, where you’re rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views — especially over Portimão and Lagos. You’ll learn that the stretch between Lagos and Sagres holds over 300 million years of geological history. While many choose the 12 km hike from Monchique, your guide may suggest a smarter route: drive up and walk down.

As you descend, you leave the main trails behind, wandering into secluded paths scattered with volcanic rocks, eucalyptus, and cork trees. Along the way, you’ll pass the 17th-century Franciscan convent, Nossa Senhora do Desterro, now in ruins, and a magnolia tree said to have arrived from India centuries ago. Soon, the village of Monchique comes into view, framed by regenerated greenery after the 2018 fires. In the village, you’ll find traditional crafts, local flavours, and a distillery where you can sample medronho — the region’s signature spirit — along with tasty petiscos.

Next, your driver will transport you to Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort, a peaceful spa village nestled in a wooded valley. Here, natural spring waters have drawn visitors since Roman times. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the village gardens, filled with camellias and centuries-old trees, and taste the famed Monchique mineral water straight from the source. If you wish, we can arrange an optional spa treatment – perhaps a thermal bath or a brief massage – at the boutique resort, to begin your day utterly refreshed.