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Monchique
Monchique is a colourful rural town at the foot of the Foia and Picota mountains. A short, half-hour drive from the beaches of the Atlantic, it is home to traditional workshops, galleries and shops that sell wood, ceramics and embroidered handicrafts.
Venture into nature and little hamlets to discover the essence of the region. Visit Caldas Thermal Town; Barranco dos Pisões Water Mill; the medronho moonshine distilleries; the hamlets of Alferce, Casais & Marmelete; the remains of the Convent of Our Lady of Exile; the Municipal Gardens; little art and craft shops. Tackle one of the many hiking trails or rent bikes for world-class downhill tracks, BTT or leisurely cycling.​
Culture & Tradition
The town has retained its old-world charm, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful azulejos (tiles). The culture revolves around agriculture, craftsmanship, and local traditions. Locals are friendly and proud of their heritage, often found working in small farms, producing honey, cork, and a local brandy called medronho—made from the berries of the arbutus tree.​
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Local Festivities
​​Festivals in Monchique reflect its agricultural roots and religious traditions. The Feira do Presunto (Ham Fair) and Festa de Nossa Senhora do Desterro are highlights, celebrating local products and religious devotion. Folk music and traditional dance are integral to these celebrations, where you’ll often hear corridinho, a regional dance.
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Cultural Heritage Attractions
A small museum showcasing old local customs, from shoemaking, to carpentry to agricultural production - all in a beautiful 19th century manor house. Also home to cute farm animals!
Established to celebrate the local tradition of distilling
medronho (strawberry bush) to make firewater.
Established to celebrate the local tradition of distilling
medronho (strawberry bush) to make firewater.
Explore the culture with a Rural Experience:
Local Shops & Artisans
The region is known for its traditional crafts, including handmade wool products, wooden toys, and cork items. Basket weaving and pottery are also significant aspects of local artistry. The town’s connection to nature is evident in the craftsmanship, with many products made from natural materials found in the surrounding forests.
Wonder
Take a stroll through the village, and you’ll find plenty to explore. Make sure to seek out these tucked-away spots—you won’t want to miss them!
Try it out!
Join Clara Vicente, an amazingly talented local artist, for a tile painting workshop or a ceramic moulding workshop
Local Gastronomy
Monchique has a strong culinary heritage which continues to be a significant part of the local culture. The local cuisine features hearty mountain dishes like cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese stew), pork dishes, and grilled sausages (enchidos), all accompanied by regional wines. The famous pão com chouriço (bread with chorizo) is a staple at festivals and gatherings. Sweet treats include bolo de tacho, a traditional honey and cinnamon cake.
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Discover the local cuisine
Restaurants Closest to Us:
We can make further recommendations and reservations for you at our reception.
Wellness & Mindfullnes
Caldas de Monchique Spa
Caldas de Monchique is a tranquil spa hamlet known for its natural thermal springs and healing waters. With a history dating back to Roman times, it’s a haven for relaxation and wellness.
The mountain in its wild state is a wonderful place to just sit, close your eyes and breath. What was the last time you did that?
Mindfulness challenge: pick a spot to sit for an hour and share a photo to your socials, tagging @montalma_bnb.
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Mindfullness
Yoga
There are open yoga classes that happen about three times a week in different locations of our village. You can join in a class or you can book a private yoga class at our locationduring your stay.
Hiking
Enrich your hiking experience with a guide!
​It is incredible how historical heritage and the natural fauna and flora can come to life with local knowledge and anecdotes. We work with a few hiking guides.
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Book your guide directly
​Camino Tours, that was founded by Bárbara, your tour guide. She is a local with all the intel to keep you entertained during your hike. Make sure to book should you want a guided hike.
Neide Pereira will be your hiking guide. A real nature and environmental enthusiast. Join her to appreciate and edge on nature's cycles!
in Monchique
The local municipality has mapped out a range of really lovely hikes around the mountain - known as the Veredas de Monchique.
Events
Going into it's 3rd Edition in 2025 the "Festival das Caminhadas" is a 3 day Festival From the 29th of November to the 1st of December.
Each day you do different sections of the Veredas de Monchique.
Via Algarviana
The Via Algarviana is a long-distance hiking trail (GR13) spanning 300 km across the inland Algarve, from Alcoutim to Cape St. Vincent. Divided into 14 sections, it passes through various locations such as Vaqueiros, Salir, Silves, Monchique, and Bensafrim. Currently, the GR13, along with its complementary facilities, covers a total of 12 municipalities and 24 parishes. We are located on this walking trail!
"The Rota Vicentina is a network of footpaths that lets your explore the south-west coast of Portugal, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved coastal areas in Europe. Connecting the Algarve and Alentejo regions, it covers a total distance of 450 km, including two main branches: the Historical Route and the Fishermen's Trail, as well as a series of circular offshoots."
- Turismo de Portugal
Want a different experience?
Go for a walk with sanctuary donkeys
Cycling & Downhill
Road Cycling
Monchique is a beautiful place to cycle as you can enjoy the amazing views. The routes commonly ridden are given a level 3 difficulty level but experienced riders have reported them to be harder - so make sure you're prepared.
Events
Volta ao Algarve
Downhill / Mountain Biking
Just from outside our gate there are two downhill tracks among others on the mountain to discover. It is a underdeveloped downhill destination but
