Serra de Monchique Mountain Walk

Feel the warm sun on your face and the scent of the wildflowers, the eucalyptus and pine trees. On this gentle half-day hiking tour, you will experience the lush and green side of the Algarve.

With a free and private pick-up from Lagos and Portimão area included, nothing is in the way to embrace the mountain views on the way to the Serra de Monchique.

On this Half-Day hike, you will be visiting an old mill, a lush freshwater stream and a traditional farm where you will be invited to taste local firewater called Medronho, made of locally grown berries.

Feel the Beauty of Nature on this Private Monchique Mountain Walk.

Your Walking Guide is a Portuguese professional with a degree in Tourism from Faro University. He is specialised in nature, geology and flora. Above all the guide has a passion for the sub-tropical microclimate and its vegetation of the Serra de Monchique.

You will enjoy his humour and companionship, and his passion for telling stories.

The guide is also the driver of the mini-van and he will offer you the round trip from your hotel or accommodation in Lagos or Portimão.

Its cobblestone streets wind past charming whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful tiles. The village is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, particularly in cork production, a trade deeply rooted in its history. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as the 16th-century Matriz Church, with its striking Manueline architecture, or wander through lush forests to discover ancient ruins, providing glimpses into Monchique’s past.

With its blend of heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Monchique Village is a unique destination.

In Portugal, eucalyptus trees have several benefits, such as their rapid growth, which supports the timber industry and reforestation efforts. Their adaptability to diverse climates and soils makes them suitable for various environments. Eucalyptus leaves contain medicinal oils, contributing to traditional and modern medicine.

However, drawbacks exist. Their extensive root systems can deplete soil moisture, competing with other plants and reducing water availability. The high flammability of eucalyptus leaves increases wildfire risks in Portugal, and their aggressive properties can hinder biodiversity by suppressing other plant species.

On this hike, you will learn more about the good and the bad of eucalyptus trees.

The Algarve produces more than 50% of the world’s production of cork. Cork grows as a bark on the oak tree, and removal of the bark will not harm the tree. This makes cork a very sustainable and renewable resource. This harvested cork bark is then used in a variety of industries, including wine production, flooring, insulation, and fashion.

Additionally, cork oak forests provide important habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species, contributing to the biodiversity of the Algarve region.

Your hiking guide will have some interesting details about cork and will explain what the numbers mean.

Medronho, often referred to as Portuguese firewater, is a traditional spirit made from the fruit of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo or Medronheiro), which is abundant in the Algarve region.

This potent liquor is highly regarded for its strong and distinctive flavour, reminiscent of ripe fruit with a hint of sweetness and a fiery kick. It is typically produced through a process of fermentation and distillation, resulting in a clear, colourless liquid with high alcohol content.

Medronho holds a significant cultural significance in Portugal, where it is often enjoyed as a digestif or served on special occasions, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.

You will visit a medronho farm, see how the distillery process works, and be able to taste a small sip. You can buy a small bottle to take home with you if you wish.

Your Walking Guide will meet you at 09h00 at your accommodation in his air-conditioned minivan. In about 30 minutes he will drive you up to the Serra de Monchique where the starts.

After the hike, you will be transferred back to your accommodation where you will arrive at around 13h00.

The big red circle in this map indicates the free pick-up zone in the Lagos, Portimão and Carvoeiro area. Should you stay outside this, please contact us and we will be able to send you a competitive quote.

The minivan is licensed to operate as a mode of transport for tourist activities and has all insurances in place and it´s only you and your party occupying the van.