The Serra de Monchiqueforms the natural division between Algarve and Alentejo. It's the biggest mountain range in the south of Portugal, and on clear days with good visibility, you can enjoy an incredible view that stretches from Sagres and the Serra da Arrábida. For this reason alone, it’s worth visiting the Serra de Monchique and trying your luck to witness one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the country.

But let’s take it step by step, as this mountain range has much more to offer than just an incredible panoramic view.

1 – Monchique Vs Caldas de Monchique

First of all, it’s important to clarify that Monchique is a common name to three locations in this region. In other words, we have Serra de Monchique, the Monchique town and the village of Caldas de Monchique village.

Starting with Monchique town, as it is the municipal seat. Although small, it’s well worth taking a stroll to appreciate the characteristic houses that will present to you in its labyrinthine streets and alleys. Take time, also to visit the churches, parks and viewpoints. It’s not a town where you’d spend an entire day, but we highly recommend having at least one meal here, as the local cuisine is mouthwatering,with dishes like, Assadura and Bisnagas.

Moving on, Caldas de Monchique village is a thermal village and the only thermal complex in Algarve Located at 6km from Monchique townit’s definitely worth a stop (and perhaps an overnight stay) to experience the famous waters. The waters of Monchique treat numerous respiratory and musculoskeletal , conditions

ow that we’ve deciphered all the place names of Monchique, let’s explore the secrets of Serra de MonchiqueAnd believe us, you’ll be amazed by what’s there.

2 – Serra de Monchique

It's in Serra de Monchique you'll find the highest point in Algarve. Known as Fóia de Monchique, it offers panoramic views of the entire Western Algarve as well as all the West Coast.

1- Fóia de Monchique

Located at 902 meters high, you’ll encounter two freshwater springs flowing directly from the rock, a wind park and even a restaurant and some local crafts, with local delicacies like, the famous almond sweets which come in a thousand and one shapes and forms

Being the highest point in Algarveyou might already be guessing the best time to visit - Fóia. Of course, at sunrise ou sunset 

However, diversão para os mais pequenos também não foi esquecida. Para além do aglomerado rochoso que de certeza fará as delícias dos mais jovens, para os mais pequenos, existe um parque infantil onde se podem divertir enquanto apreciam as belas vistas e respiram um pouco de ar puro.

Se és adepto de Hikes, fica a saber que vários trails terminam, ou passam pela Fóia. Vamos falar de alguns a seguir; por isso, continua desse lado.

2 - Hikes and Waterfalls

For the adventurers among us who can’t resist a good hike when in the mountains, fear not. Hikes The Serra de Monchiquehas Serra de Monchiqueand also challenging hikes and waterfalls .

Hikes and Walkways in Monchique

Passadiço do Alferce – Barranco do Demo

Let’s start with the latest attraction in Monchique the dizzying passadiços do Alferce.Inaugurated in October 2023, these walkways are the newest attraction, and when we say dizzying, we mean you’ll have to cross a suspension bridge, 20 meters above the ground in the middle of the walkway. The walkway only has 1km long, but it includes many stairs, ascents, and descents. Additionally, the walkway is linearso if you don’t have transportation at the end, you’ll need to walk back.It starts near Alferce village and is accessible by car from both ends.

 

Waterfall Route

A trail with 20 km long and circularis one of the most recommended, and it’s easy to see why. The name Waterfall Route gives away what you’ll encounter on this magnificent trail - the most famous waterfalls in the region - Penedo do Buraco Waterfall, Chilrão Waterfall and Barbelote Waterfall. However, if you’re not up for the full 20 km of this trail, which is considered dificulthere’s our suggestion. The trail can be divided in twoalways starting in Fóia. Meaning, one day you start Foia in direction of Penedo do Buraco Waterfall and on another day, beginning from the same spot, you can head towards the Chilrão e de Barbelote Waterfalls. The distance is similar between the two trails, has well as descents. If you only have time for one of these options, in our opinion, two is better than one; so choose the route that will take you to discover two waterfalls

 

Fóia Hiking Trail

As suggested before, Fóia is the highest point in Algarve and is accessible by car. However, if you’re like us and believe that everything feels better when you’ve worked up a sweat to achieve it, then this trail is for you. Fóias Hiking Trailsis a circular trail, and so it starts and ends in Fóia. In other words, you will descent and ascend to the Fóiabut via different routes. Over nearly 7 km, with some steep elevation changes and rugged terrain, you’ll enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the entire western Algarve.

If you want more recomendations on other trails in the region, check the Oficial Site of Monchique Municipality

Monchique Waterfalls

Barbelote Waterfall

This is the largest waterfall in Serra de Monchiqueand if you’re visiting this area in the summer, it’s also the one most likely to have water flowing. Located very close to the village of Barbelote, descending to the small lagoon formed by the waterfall is not easy due to the steep slope and rocky, unstable terrain.. Therefore, it’s best to admire it from a distance, roughly halfway down the slope. However, don’t miss the chance to explore the ruins of the village and enjoy the views from above.

Penedo do Buraco Waterfall

Its the smallest waterfall in Serra de Monchique and its also considered a "temporary" waterfall.In other words, it means that only exists in the rain season. Despite its size, if you’re in the area during rainy periods, make sure to visit, as it’s right by the road that descends from Fóia, from the north side.

Chilrão Waterfall

Our last waterfall is also temporarymeaning it’s likely to be dry if you visit in the summer.However, much like the Penedo do Buracothis one is also very close to the road that connects Marmelete to Chilrão, so it can be appreciated without much physical effort.

 

3 – Other Activities

1. Parque da Mina

   If you are travelling with your family, Parque da Mina, will be a delight for the groupsIn this theme park, you’ll find an incredible adventure that combines culture and fun. Here, you can explore an 18th-century manor house and discover the traditions of Serra de Monchique.

   You can visit the grocery store, the shoemaker, the carpentry shop, the seamstress, and the medronho distillery.You’ll also learn about agriculture, the making of the delicious bread of Monchique and its golden nectar - honeyAdditionally, you’ll gain insight into ore extraction and charcoal production.

   Best of all, you can spend the night in one of the fantastic Glamping tents that the park offers.

   In our opinion, a visit and overnight stay at this park is definitely worth it, especially if you’re traveling with family.

   

2. Fóia Adventure Park
   

   This is definitely the place you’ll want to visit if you enjoy extreme activities combined with breathtaking views. Despite being surrounded by tall trees, it’s located in FóiaAt Fóia Adventure Parkyou’ll find nature-based extreme activities such as tree climbing, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, orienteering, paintball, traditional cooperative and interactive games, and activities for discovering and interpreting the local fauna and flora.

    

3. Municipal Pool
   
   If you want to cool off while exploring this more inland part of Algarve, the delightful Municipal Pools of Monchique.  Located in the center of Monchique townthere are two pools: one for children and one for adults. On cooler days, you can visit the indoor pools.
   

 

4. Birdwatching

The Algarve e Alentejo together host more than 350 bird species throughout the year, in beautiful and diverse landscapes that are easy to visit and enjoy, with mild and sunny weather even in winter. So, if you’re a bird lover, you’ll have wonderful moments observing these magnificent species, some of which are exclusive to this region.

 

5. Workshops

There are various workshops you can take in this region, related to Algarve’s culture. Some we recommend include a tile painting workshop, a fine pastry workshop, and a workshop on working with plant fibers. 

 

6. Visit the Shop of Medronho and Honey

These are two of the finest products from MonchiqueSo, don’t miss the chance to visit the shops dedicated to the production of these two gastronomic highlights. This shop is located in the center of Monchique townwhere you can sample these nectars and purchase them at a fair price.

 

 

Now that you know t Algarve isn’t just about beaches, you can plan a holiday full of adventure, fun, and culture in the Garden of the Algarve.If you need help with anything, just use the contact form, and we’ll assist you in creating the perfect itinerary.

 

 

Are you a hiking enthusiast?Then you absolutely must do the most scenic hike in Algarve The 7 Hanging Valleys Trail.