Algarve Holidays- restaurants, cafes, walks, drives, crafts, sights

A wonderful opportunity to experience the character, personality, and flavour of this picturesque holiday region!

The delightful town of Monchique, which is only 2 minutes drive from the villa, has a pretty central square with street cafes in which to while away the time and people watch. There are beautiful gardens to admire and narrow historic streets to explore. By the way, parking is free everywhere in Monchique including the underground car park! There are several supermarkets for you to stock up on supplies, 3 butchers, numerous cafés and a tea room serving delicious home made food, two banks with cash points, three petrol stations, 2 chemists, wine shop, gift shops and newsagents selling foreign papers. Recently opened is the new Intermarche supermarket mall, with a selection of shops, plenty of parking and ideal to stock up your holiday provisions.

Excellent Dining for all Tastes and Budgets, a "Foodies Heaven"

There are many excellent yet inexpensive local restaurants, some of the best are within walking distance of the villa. You will be tempted by the delicious regional fare, chicken piri-piri, black Iberian pork, wild boar with plums, lamb casserole, chicken with cherries, pork and prawn cataplana, stuffed squid, fresh grilled fish, local cured ham and smoked sausage, healthy salads, honey and marzipan sweets just to name a few, all are locally produced. Yes, burgers, pizza and steaks are also available! There is an amazing selection of wines and ports to enhance your dining experience, don't forget to try the local firewater Medronho, and for the ladies, Melosa, served from a glass slipper! (You have to search for the slipper!)

New to Portugal? Monchique is a perfect introduction. Enjoy "Authentic Portugal" at its best, with some intriguing surprises around every corner.

Monchique is nestled in a valley between the only two mountains in the Algarve, Foia and Picota. Established by the Romans, who built, with granite, terraces on the rich fertile land to grow produce, the Villa sits on these same terraces today. Corga das Ervilhas - Terraces of Peas! Our terraces still produce oranges, tangerines, lemons, plums, peaches, figs, persimmon fruit, grapes, olives, of which our guests are welcome to eat.

There are level walks, steep walks, walks to the top of Foia and walks to the cafes in town. Bird watching is very popular as we are on a major migratory route. Cork oak forests abound and offer welcome shade from the hot summer sun, and after all that exercise kick off your shoes and cool off in the infinity pool. Wind down with a glass of local wine or ice cold beer or test your culinary skills on the BBQ. Please read more about "The Authentic Algarve"

Serra de Monchique - guaranteed to capture your heart.

From the villa there are many attractions within a short drive. By the way 83% of the total land area of the Serra Da Monchique is a Declared Natural Reserve. The peaks and contour roads of Foia and Picota afford 360 degree panoramic views, don't forget your camera! For the more adventurous, take some of the side roads and visit deserted watermills or the ghost village of Barbelote with its stunning cascade. The mountains here are quite spectacular and not to be missed ideal for the biker, hiker or just a casual stroll. You can rent bikes, they will even deliver and collect them from the villa.

Local Health Spa and Villa Vida Nova Guests

The famous village of Caldas de Monchique with its health spa is only 10 minutes drive away. Here you can take in the famous Monchique spring waters and enjoy being pampered in the health salon at Hotel Termas de Monchique. On summer evenings you can listen to local live music whilst dining in the Caldas de Monchique square at Restaurant 1692.

A Short Drive Away, Golf, Motor Sport, Boat Trips

There are several golf courses, the nearest Morgado do Regengo just 15 minutes drive away, her you can rent clubs if you did not bring your own and the new Autodromo do Algarve, Formula 1 designed race track, features various motor sport events and track days and if you are up to it, a stunning go kart track open to the public. The busier tourist areas of the south coast and the town of Portimao with shopping malls, night life, sardine restaurants, sandy beaches and marina is just 25 minutes away. Take a boat trip from Portimao or Lagos to watch the dolphins in their natural habitat.

Shopping in Nearby Portimao

Portimao has now surpassed Faro to become the shopping mecca of the Algarve and is just 20 minutes drive from Monchique. Boasting the largest shopping mall on the Algarve, Aqua Portimao is situated just 20 minutes drive from Monchique, on three floors with 117 shops, restaurants and a hypermarket, again parking is free. There is an excellent choice including many big names such as Primark, H & M, Zara, Foot Locker, Mango, Massimo Dutti and much more. It is open daily from 0900 to 2400. There are also numerous other supermarkets in Portimao such as Lidl and Aldi and a retail centre with C & A, Sport Zone, Guimaraes shoes and Casa home-ware.