Monchique: The Mountains that Challenge the Senses
Highlights
- ✓Monchique mountains, the highest point in the Algarve
- ✓Historic thermal spa of Caldas de Monchique
- ✓Mountain cuisine and viewpoints
- ✓A green, serene Algarve away from the beaches
- ✓Free pick-up in Albufeira
About this activity
The highest point in the Algarve — green surroundings, the simplicity of its people and the quality of its cuisine. A different Algarve, away from the bustle of the beaches, with historic spa waters and viewpoints.
The highest point in the Algarve, Monchique captivates with its green surroundings, the simplicity of its people and the quality of its cuisine. Its strategic location, thanks to its mountains, made Monchique an important point for both the Romans and the Arabs.
In the 15th century, King João II was so impressed by the therapeutic properties of Monchique's thermal waters that he ordered a spa to be built — an attraction that remains to this day. Monchique is the ideal place for those looking for a different Algarve.
Itinerary
- 1Pick-up at your accommodation (Albufeira area)
- 2Climb into the Monchique mountains
- 3Caldas de Monchique and its thermal waters
- 4Viewpoints and mountain cuisine
- 5Return to Albufeira
What's included
- ✓Transport to and from Albufeira in an air-conditioned minivan, up to 8 people
- ✓An experienced driver/guide, in Portuguese and English
- ✓Free pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira
- ✓Age-appropriate child seats, free of charge
- ✓Insurance for everyone on the tour
- ✓Up into the Monchique mountains, the highest point in the Algarve
- ✓Caldas de Monchique and the story of the thermal waters
- ✓Viewpoints over the mountains and the coast
Important information
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
This deadline is the operator’s and applies to bookings made online. If you book with us on request, our own booking conditions apply. Booking conditions for direct requests.
More information
The tour runs in an air-conditioned minivan, up to 8 people, with a driver-guide who speaks Portuguese and English; another language can be requested when booking, subject to availability. A minimum of 4 participants is needed: if it is not reached, Zebra may reschedule or offer another experience available that day. Children need an identification document so their age can be confirmed — we bring the age-appropriate child seat, free of charge. If you want to have lunch with us, the vegetarian option must be requested in advance — the same goes for allergies and intolerances.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages is the activity in?
The crew or guide speak Portuguese and English.
Is lunch included?
It is not, and it is optional. There is a traditional lunch at a mountain restaurant for €25 per person, paid in cash to the driver at the start of the tour — but you can eat elsewhere or bring your own. A vegetarian option, and any allergy or intolerance, must be requested in advance so the kitchen knows in time.
Where do you pick us up?
Pick-up and drop-off are at agreed points in the Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Porches, Vilamoura and Quarteira areas. In Albufeira there is no charge; outside Albufeira there is a €5 supplement per pick-up. The exact spot and time are confirmed with your booking — if you need somewhere else, tell us before booking and we will see what can be done.
Do children need to bring ID?
They do. Their age has to be confirmed at the start, because Portuguese law requires a car seat suited to the age and size of the child — and the car seat, like the highchair, is provided free of charge. A national ID card or a passport is enough.
Will we be sharing the van with other people?
You will. The tour runs in an air-conditioned minivan for up to eight people, with a driver-guide who speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish — a small group, not a coach, and every passenger is insured. If you would rather have the van just for your own group, there is a private version: tell us and we will arrange it.
Is there a minimum number of people?
There is, which is why the departure is confirmed with you. If the minimum is not reached on a given day, we reschedule it or offer another experience available that day — what you paid is not lost.
Will we be walking a lot?
There is always a part on foot — a market, an old town, a winery, a viewpoint — at a strolling pace, with time to stop and take photos. Expect uneven cobbles, some uphill and steps at several stops. If anyone in your group finds walking difficult, tell us before booking: some stops can be shortened and others cannot.
From €89