Transport
Our guide, Zaid, was fantastic. Zaid's knowledge of the area is excellent and meant that we got a great view of the sunset, even when the weather was not on our side. The tour took in parts of the Alarve that we didn't get to see otherwise and a little time to explore a quiet village gave us a snapshot of life in the hills. The food and drink included was excellent at a charming little traditional restaurant. Unbeatable value for money!
This trip has to be one of the best ways to discover the real Algarve. Jump into a 4x4, leave the coast behind and make your way up into the Monchique hills. You'll discover the real heart of the region, one that most visitors never get to see. Ines, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘These hills feel almost untouched by time, with little farming villages where life moves at a slower pace, offering a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life.'
Travelling in small groups winding along earth tracks and past tiny villages, you'll get a sneak peek of a peaceful lifestyle that's quickly disappearing. One of the highlights is the whitewashed village of Alferce, home to a pretty church dating back to the 16th century. Any cultivatable patches of land in the area are filled with citrus orchards and eucalyptus groves. Next, you'll continue on your journey to explore the natural wilderness of Barrancos dos Pisoes.
There'll be plenty of stops along the way to capture those perfect holiday pictures and then we'll travel up to the highest point in the Algarve. At this special viewpoint, you'll watch the sky change colour as the sun sets and toast the view with a glass of sparkling wine. Hop back into the 4x4 and as darkness blankets the landscape, you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner including specialities from the Monchique hills.
