Monchique

Travel Guide

Photo by Catarina B.

Monchique is a beautiful village set up high in the Serra de Monchique, in between two mountains

Monchique is a picturesque village with traditional whitewashed Algarvean houses, sporting blue and yellow frames that stand out in stark yet beautiful contrast to the surrounding green hills.

Visitors like to visit Monchique to relax in the natural spring waters of its thermal treatment centre, to hike and soak in the stunning mountain scenery and eat good food. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Portimão city and the popular beach, Praia da Rocha.

Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro

The convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro was founded in 1631 by Pero da Silva, who would later become governor of Portuguese India (Goa). According to legend, Pero da Silva brought a small statue of Our Lady in ivory from India, which was later moved to the local Chapel of St. Sebastian. Nowadays you can still wander through the ruins and admire stunning views of Monchique from this spot.

Caldas de Monchique

The therapeutic properties of the local waters were first recognised during the Roman Empire when the waters were deemed sacred. Although the reputation is less based around superstitions today, the water’s mineral content still maintains Monchique position a top spa destination. In fact, it’s reputed to help with a whole range of problems, from issues with the respiratory system and the digestive tract, to muscular and rheumatic troubles.

There are numerous spa hotels in the area offering a whole range of treatments, including the hydro Vichy shower, indoor and outdoor pools, massages, saunas and Turkish baths.

Serra da Fóia

Fóia is the highest point in the Algarve. Standing 902 metres above sea level, from here you can admire the incredible views over the coast of the Algarve. Better charge your camera.

Art Gallery Bongard

This old townhouse is now the village’s top art gallery, displaying beautiful ceramic stoneware sculptures, along with paintings and drawings. The top floor exhibits the layout of a traditional regional home, including kitchen, study and bedroom.

Food

Despite its size, Monchique still has a great selection of cafes and restaurants serving incredible fresh fish and seafood, and other traditional Portuguese fare. Make sure you don’t miss the Medronho, a local liqueur made from the fruits of the arbutus (strawberry) tree. Also worthy of mention is the local honey, used in many local cakes and desserts. The main sweet is the Tacho cake. The region is also famous for its excellent pork sausages and ham.

Monchique Resort & Spa

Monchique Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
Lugar Do Montinho, Monchique
The price is S$169 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
S$169
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Monchique. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Monchique Resort & Spa
Villa Termal Spa Hotel – Villa Termal Spa Resort by Unlock Hotels

Villa Termal Spa Hotel – Villa Termal Spa Resort by Unlock Hotels

3 out of 5
Caldas de Monchique, Monchique
The price is S$145 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
S$145
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Monchique. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Algarve International ...
7/10 Good! (10 reviews)
Lack of customer service
"We arrived after 16:00 after a long journey from England and an hour drive from faro and our room was not cleaned, when I raised this with the staff low efforts were initially made to resolve this, u had to escalate things for the room to get half clean and be told that I should wait. And that they ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul, 2025

Villa Termal Spa Hotel – Villa Termal Spa Resort by Unlock Hotels
Hotel Algarve Casino

Hotel Algarve Casino

5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
The price is S$300 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
S$300
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Fantastic service from staff at time of check-in. Went above and beyond to get us set up with early check-in."

Reviewed on 10 Aug, 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Clube Albufeira Garden Village

Clube Albufeira Garden Village

4 out of 5
Estrada de Ferreiras-Alpouvar, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Albufeira ...
8/10 Very Good! (215 reviews)
"lovely grounds"

Reviewed on 16 Aug, 2025

Clube Albufeira Garden Village
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,251 reviews)
"Great spacious and clean apartment. Lovely people, good facilities. We loved our stay."

Reviewed on 20 Aug, 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Marina Club Suite Hotel

Marina Club Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
Marina de Lagos, Lote 20, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (586 reviews)
"Location is perfect,"

Reviewed on 22 Aug, 2025

Marina Club Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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