Free walking tours in Monchique and what to see

Must-sees

Monchique is the town of the hills of the same name, in the Algarve's interior, half an hour from the coast at Portimão. Its old town climbs uphill, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and views of valleys covered in eucalyptus, cork oaks and chestnut trees. The main church, built between the 15th and 16th centuries and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, keeps a Manueline doorway of twisted stone that deserves a stop. Above the town lie the ruins of the old Franciscan convent, reached on foot by a steep path.

A few kilometres away is Fóia, at 902 metres the highest point in the Algarve, from where you can see the coast on clear days. To the south, in a leafy valley, is Caldas de Monchique, a small spa village with waters known since ancient times and restored spa buildings. Before you leave, try the local cured meats and the strawberry-tree brandy (medronho), and look out for local crafts such as wooden folding chairs.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours or guided visits of the town in Monchique. Most people explore it on their own and pick up maps and hiking routes at the tourist office. From Portimão, Lagos and other coastal towns, day trips into the hills usually combine the town, the climb to Fóia and Caldas, sometimes by 4x4.

How long to spend

The old town and the main church can be seen in an hour or two. If you add Fóia and Caldas de Monchique, allow a long half day with a car. To walk in the hills or enjoy a thermal bath at leisure, stay a night. It makes a good escape when the beach gets too hot, because up here temperatures are usually milder.

Where to stay

Staying in the town itself keeps everything on foot, with guesthouses and rural houses on quiet streets. In Caldas de Monchique there are hotels linked to the spa, surrounded by forest and with a restful feel. Along the road to Fóia there are quintas and country houses with views, designed for travelling by car. If you would rather combine hills and beach, Portimão is less than half an hour away.