This activity proposal aims to offer a weekend in the Serra de Monchique and the Barranco do Demo walkways in Alferce. From the mountain scenery to the viewpoints that allow you to see the Algarve coastline from the 902 metres high Alto da Fóia, passing by the waterfalls and not forgetting a tasting of regional products, this will be a great way to get to know this different Algarve. Come and join us for another event not to be missed!

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 7am
RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 DE AGOSTO 2026

Dia 21 de Novembro (sábado)

9.30 a.m. - Scheduled start time for the walk

Walking the Barranco do Demo and Alferce Castle Walkways

Points of interest:

- Passadiços do Demo
- Suspension Bridge
- Monchique Stream
- Alferce Castle
- Castelo or Pedra Branca viewpoint (views over the Odelouca Dam)
- Parish Church of São Romão de Alferce
- Natural landscapes

Distance: 12 kilometres

Difficulty: 3 (Scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the most difficult)

Estimated time: 4 hours

Village of Alferce

The village of Alferce is located on the eastern edge of the Monchique massif. To the north and south it is conditioned by tectonic valleys that have facilitated hydrological erosion phenomena, resulting in deep and very steep-sided valleys, such as the Barranco do Demo or the valley of the Monchique stream.

Alferce Castle

The Cerro do Castelo de Alferce Archaeological Site is located at the top of a hill that rises to an altitude of 488 metres and stands out on the eastern edge of the Monchique mountain range. At the top of Cerro do Castelo de Alferce are the ruins of an Islamic fortification that was probably built in the 9th century AD, during the Emirate-Muslim era, making it one of the oldest surviving Muslim castles in Portugal. It has been classified as a site of public interest since June 2013. The castle played an important role in controlling the region's main communication routes. This hill, with good natural conditions for surveillance and defence, is also close to two important watercourses in the region, the Monchique and Odelouca streams, which provided a link between the mountains and the coast.

13h45 - Picnic lunch

15h00 - Walk in Monchique (Viewpoint of São Sebastião, Mother Church and Ruins of the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro)

16.30 - Tasting of regional products

17h45 - Walk in Caldas de Monchique

8pm - Suggested Group Dinner

Dia 22 de Novembro (domingo)

9.30 a.m. - Scheduled start time for the walk

Walking from Alto da Fóia to the Waterfalls Route

Points of interest:

- Fóia Viewpoint
- Serra de Monchique
- Chilrão Waterfall
- Barbelote Waterfall
- Natural landscapes

Distance: 12 kilometres

Difficulty: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the most difficult)

Estimated time: 4h00m

The Monchique Mountains

The Serra de Monchique is formed by outcrops of alkaline rock which, combined with the altitude, set this area apart in the Algarve region. The relief is quite sinuous and features several deep valleys and ravines, rich in water lines covered with riparian galleries. It is also here that we can find the highest point in the Algarve, Fóia, 902 metres high, where this trail begins.

13h45 - Picnic lunch or Free time for lunch

15.30 - Walk to Moinho do Poucochinho - Barranco dos Pisões

16h00 - End of activity and return to Lisbon

Equipment: Suitable footwear and clothing for nature walks

Registration fee:

Price includes:

- Transport by bus or coach from Lisbon to each of the places described above
- Transport to the locations of each walk and accommodation
– Alojamento com pequena almoço incluído – Hotel de 3/4 estrelas
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

Prices with transport

Price in double room: 210€
Price in single room: 240€

Values without transport

Price in double room: 160€
Price in single room: 180€

Seat reservation fee: 50€

Preços válidos até ao dia 31 de Agosto. A partir desta data os valores são de 230€ e 260€ respectivamente (com transporte)

Notes: 

a) Registrations are limited and accommodation options are limited to availability at the time of booking.

b) If you have a group interested in this trip, contact us, we have personalised solutions.

- Passadiços do Demo - Suspension Bridge - Monchique Stream - Alferce Castle - Castle or Pedra Branca Viewpoint (views over Odelouca Dam) - Mother Church of São Romão de Alferce - Monchique Mountain - Chilrão Waterfall - Barbelote Waterfall - Alto da Fóia Viewpoint - Ruins of the Convent of N. S. Dester - Municipal Park - Caldas de Monchique - Monchique Village - Monchique Viewpoint - Fountain of Loves - Natural landscapes - Monchique Town S. do Desterro Convent - Municipal Park - Caldas de Monchique - Monchique Village - Monchique Viewpoint - Fonte dos Amores - Natural landscapes -