Antonio's Guidebook
Sport
Internacional racing track hosting f1 and motogp
Great racing and kart experience
88 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Autodromo Internazzjonali tal-Algarve
Sítio do Escampadinho, Mexilhoeira GrandeGreat racing and kart experience
Great for mountain biking, runs, walks, nature observation and other activities!
Monchique is a picturesque mountain town and region located in the Algarve, Portugal. Nestled within the Serra de Monchique range, this area is renowned for its lush landscapes, thermal springs, and traditional charm. Here are some top things to do in Monchique:
1. Explore Nature Walks and Hiking Trails
Foia Peak: The highest point in the Algarve, offering stunning panoramic views of the region. Several trails lead up to the peak, suitable for various fitness levels.
Caldas de Monchique: A historic spa town with thermal springs. There are several walking paths around the area, ideal for a leisurely stroll amidst nature.
2. Bike Rides
Serra de Monchique Cycling Routes: The mountainous terrain offers challenging and scenic routes for mountain biking enthusiasts. Trails vary from moderate to difficult, winding through forests and along ridges with spectacular views.
3. 4x4 Adventures
Off-Road Tours: Guided 4x4 tours take you through the rugged landscape of Monchique, exploring hidden trails, remote villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. It's an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty and diverse terrain.
4. Wine Tasting
Local Vineyards: The Algarve region is known for its wine, and Monchique has several vineyards where you can taste local varieties. Visits often include tours of the vineyards and cellars, with the opportunity to learn about traditional winemaking processes.
5. Visit Historic Sites
Monchique Monastery (Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro): An old Franciscan monastery with beautiful ruins and views over the town.
Church of São Sebastião: A charming church featuring traditional Portuguese architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
6. Relax at Thermal Springs
Caldas de Monchique Spa: Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters at this historic spa, which has been used since Roman times. The area is also known for its wellness treatments and relaxing environment.
7. Discover Local Cuisine
Traditional Restaurants: Sample local dishes such as Monchique sausages, honey, and the famous medronho (a traditional fruit brandy). Many restaurants offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Visit Local Markets
Monchique Market: Held weekly, the market is a great place to buy local produce, crafts, and traditional products. It's also an opportunity to experience the local culture and meet friendly residents.
Monchique provides a diverse array of activities that cater to adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation. Whether you're hiking to the highest peaks, tasting local wines, or exploring the terrain by bike or 4x4, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of the Algarve.
266 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Monchique
Lugar do MontinhoGreat for mountain biking, runs, walks, nature observation and other activities!
Monchique is a picturesque mountain town and region located in the Algarve, Portugal. Nestled within the Serra de Monchique range, this area is renowned for its lush landscapes, thermal springs, and traditional charm. Here are some top things to do in Monchique:
1. Explore Nature Walks and Hiking Trails
Foia Peak: The highest point in the Algarve, offering stunning panoramic views of the region. Several trails lead up to the peak, suitable for various fitness levels.
Caldas de Monchique: A historic spa town with thermal springs. There are several walking paths around the area, ideal for a leisurely stroll amidst nature.
2. Bike Rides
Serra de Monchique Cycling Routes: The mountainous terrain offers challenging and scenic routes for mountain biking enthusiasts. Trails vary from moderate to difficult, winding through forests and along ridges with spectacular views.
3. 4x4 Adventures
Off-Road Tours: Guided 4x4 tours take you through the rugged landscape of Monchique, exploring hidden trails, remote villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. It's an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty and diverse terrain.
4. Wine Tasting
Local Vineyards: The Algarve region is known for its wine, and Monchique has several vineyards where you can taste local varieties. Visits often include tours of the vineyards and cellars, with the opportunity to learn about traditional winemaking processes.
5. Visit Historic Sites
Monchique Monastery (Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro): An old Franciscan monastery with beautiful ruins and views over the town.
Church of São Sebastião: A charming church featuring traditional Portuguese architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
6. Relax at Thermal Springs
Caldas de Monchique Spa: Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters at this historic spa, which has been used since Roman times. The area is also known for its wellness treatments and relaxing environment.
7. Discover Local Cuisine
Traditional Restaurants: Sample local dishes such as Monchique sausages, honey, and the famous medronho (a traditional fruit brandy). Many restaurants offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Visit Local Markets
Monchique Market: Held weekly, the market is a great place to buy local produce, crafts, and traditional products. It's also an opportunity to experience the local culture and meet friendly residents.
Monchique provides a diverse array of activities that cater to adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation. Whether you're hiking to the highest peaks, tasting local wines, or exploring the terrain by bike or 4x4, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of the Algarve.
Praia da Arrifana
Great beaches to surf
1st championship golf course in the Algarve, designed by legend Henry Cotton. Home to many majors. Leading golf course of the world!
23 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort
1st championship golf course in the Algarve, designed by legend Henry Cotton. Home to many majors. Leading golf course of the world!
Palmares Ocean Living & Golf
Great golf course with 27 holes, 10 min from the house
Golfland
1 Rua Serpa PintoFun and entertaining for the Family
Sightseeing
Wonderful nature walk. Ria do Alvor, a pristine estuary located on the Algarve coast of Portugal, is a natural haven teeming with biodiversity and scenic beauty. This expansive wetland stretches between the quaint towns of Alvor and Mexilhoeira Grande, offering a rich mosaic of salt marshes, mudflats, and sandbanks that create a vital habitat for numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The estuary's tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes provide a serene environment for various outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along well-maintained boardwalks and trails that meander through the estuarine landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. The area is also popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, allowing explorers to immerse themselves in the calm waters and observe the abundant marine life up close.
Ria do Alvor's ecological importance cannot be overstated. It serves as a crucial breeding ground and stopover point for migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and ospreys. The diverse flora, ranging from sea lavender to glasswort, adds to the estuary's ecological richness, supporting a complex food web that sustains both terrestrial and marine species.
In addition to its natural allure, the estuary's proximity to charming villages and historical sites enriches the visitor experience. Alvor, with its cobbled streets, traditional fishing boats, and vibrant markets, offers a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. Nearby, the Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar provide an intriguing look into prehistoric times.
Ria do Alvor stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human activity, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and a deep connection with nature.
16 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Ria De Alvor
Wonderful nature walk. Ria do Alvor, a pristine estuary located on the Algarve coast of Portugal, is a natural haven teeming with biodiversity and scenic beauty. This expansive wetland stretches between the quaint towns of Alvor and Mexilhoeira Grande, offering a rich mosaic of salt marshes, mudflats, and sandbanks that create a vital habitat for numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The estuary's tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes provide a serene environment for various outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along well-maintained boardwalks and trails that meander through the estuarine landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. The area is also popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, allowing explorers to immerse themselves in the calm waters and observe the abundant marine life up close.
Ria do Alvor's ecological importance cannot be overstated. It serves as a crucial breeding ground and stopover point for migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and ospreys. The diverse flora, ranging from sea lavender to glasswort, adds to the estuary's ecological richness, supporting a complex food web that sustains both terrestrial and marine species.
In addition to its natural allure, the estuary's proximity to charming villages and historical sites enriches the visitor experience. Alvor, with its cobbled streets, traditional fishing boats, and vibrant markets, offers a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. Nearby, the Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar provide an intriguing look into prehistoric times.
Ria do Alvor stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human activity, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and a deep connection with nature.
The Benagil Caves, located on the Algarve coast of Portugal, are a stunning natural wonder famous for their striking rock formations and hidden beaches. The most iconic of these sea caves is the Algar de Benagil, known for its massive domed ceiling with a natural skylight that allows sunlight to stream in, illuminating the golden sands and turquoise waters inside. Accessible primarily by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, the caves offer an otherworldly experience, attracting visitors from around the globe who seek to explore their unique beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Highly recommended. Go early to avoid too many people 😀 until 9am before lifeguards arrive you can swim inside the cave!
Benagil
The Benagil Caves, located on the Algarve coast of Portugal, are a stunning natural wonder famous for their striking rock formations and hidden beaches. The most iconic of these sea caves is the Algar de Benagil, known for its massive domed ceiling with a natural skylight that allows sunlight to stream in, illuminating the golden sands and turquoise waters inside. Accessible primarily by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, the caves offer an otherworldly experience, attracting visitors from around the globe who seek to explore their unique beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Highly recommended. Go early to avoid too many people 😀 until 9am before lifeguards arrive you can swim inside the cave!
Food scene
Fishermans Rest
81 R. Dr. Frederico Ramos MendesGreat fresh fish
Adega Vila Lisa
52 R. Francisco BívarTraditional portuguese
Restinga
Restaurante Palmares Golf Club House
Restaurante Àbabuja
11 Largo da RibeiraMonte Mar Lagos
Beer & Co. Alvor
Fun with occasional live music and cosy dance floor
Ostraria d’ Alvor
Paesano
O Pescador Benagil
Estrada de BenagilBeach
Wonderful beaches on the south and west coast.
Praia do Amado
Restinga
Praia do Beliche
Fabulous beach in Sagres
Close to alvor beach, 10 min from the house, cliffs protect from north winds. Fantastic for adventure walks and rock observarion during low ride
Prainha
Close to alvor beach, 10 min from the house, cliffs protect from north winds. Fantastic for adventure walks and rock observarion during low ride
Great for spending the day on the beach, long walks and surf. The wilder west coast
Praia de Vale Figueira
Great for spending the day on the beach, long walks and surf. The wilder west coast
Visit
Great historical town, 15 minutes from Penina... plenty of bares and restaurants
249 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Lagos
Great historical town, 15 minutes from Penina... plenty of bares and restaurants
Cosy historical and fishermen town, 10 minutes from Penina... with bares, restaurants and shops
32 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Alvor
Cosy historical and fishermen town, 10 minutes from Penina... with bares, restaurants and shops
Sagres is a small and charming small village that boasts one of the most stunning landscapes in the portuguese Algarve. It has steep cliffs, an interesting and wind-battered fortress, and excellent beaches.
The name Sagres comes from “Promontorium Sacrum” the name the Greek and Romans gave to the area in the 4th century B.C.
293 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Sagres
Sagres is a small and charming small village that boasts one of the most stunning landscapes in the portuguese Algarve. It has steep cliffs, an interesting and wind-battered fortress, and excellent beaches.
The name Sagres comes from “Promontorium Sacrum” the name the Greek and Romans gave to the area in the 4th century B.C.
Zoomarine Algarve
KM 65 N125Zoo ta 'Lagos
Designer Outlet Algarve
Avenida AlgarveOverseas Supermercados - British Supermarket
133 R. de São PedroCity/town information
Silves is the perfect town in the Algarve to explore for a day trip. Walking in this unique town with its cobbled streets makes you believe that time has stopped. The town is famous for having the most well preserved castle of the Algarve. Silves was once the capital of the Algarve and the town stands out because of its Arabic architecture. Every year during summer, the town hosts a famous medieval festival and attracts a lot of visitors
279 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Silves
Silves is the perfect town in the Algarve to explore for a day trip. Walking in this unique town with its cobbled streets makes you believe that time has stopped. The town is famous for having the most well preserved castle of the Algarve. Silves was once the capital of the Algarve and the town stands out because of its Arabic architecture. Every year during summer, the town hosts a famous medieval festival and attracts a lot of visitors
Sagres Fortress is situated on a small peninsula 1 km outside the small town of Sagres, Western Algarve, Portugal. The peninsula occupied by the fort is called Sagres Point. It lies 7 km south of the famous Cape St.Vincent which is considered the southwesternmost tip of mainland Europe.
Since Ancient times Sagres Point due to its location has played an important role in the region. The name comes from the Latin Sacrum Promontorium which means Holy Promontory or Holy Cape.
The fortress on Sagres Point was built in the 15th century under the command of Infante Dom Henry the Navigator with the purpose to protect the area from attacks coming from Northern Africa. From here Henry the Navigator charted his expeditions around the coasts of Western Africa initiating the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
The fortress was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755 and was completely restored only in the 20th century.
147 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Fortizza ta 'Sagres
Sagres Fortress is situated on a small peninsula 1 km outside the small town of Sagres, Western Algarve, Portugal. The peninsula occupied by the fort is called Sagres Point. It lies 7 km south of the famous Cape St.Vincent which is considered the southwesternmost tip of mainland Europe.
Since Ancient times Sagres Point due to its location has played an important role in the region. The name comes from the Latin Sacrum Promontorium which means Holy Promontory or Holy Cape.
The fortress on Sagres Point was built in the 15th century under the command of Infante Dom Henry the Navigator with the purpose to protect the area from attacks coming from Northern Africa. From here Henry the Navigator charted his expeditions around the coasts of Western Africa initiating the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
The fortress was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755 and was completely restored only in the 20th century.
Gourmet Algarve Experience
We will be happy to organize a typical algarve dinner with a local chef that comes to the house and cooks for you! Experience the local traditions from the comfort of home. Please ask for more information!
Villa Penina Casa dos Arcos
We will be happy to organize a typical algarve dinner with a local chef that comes to the house and cooks for you! Experience the local traditions from the comfort of home. Please ask for more information!