# The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique

> 3-day road trip of about 134 km (83 mi) with 8 stops, from Faro to Lagos. About 1 h 51 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b3-algarve-hills/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 134 km (83 mi) with 8 stops, from Faro to Lagos. About 1 h 51 min of driving in total. Away from the beaches: Roman ruins, market towns, a red sandstone castle and the highest peak in the Algarve.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 134 km (83 mi) |
| Driving | 1 h 51 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Faro → Lagos |
| Countries | Portugal |
| Updated | August 31, 2026 |

## Route description

From Faro drive north to Estói and the Roman villa of Milreu, with fish mosaics in its baths. Continue to Loulé, a lively market town with a Moorish-style market hall and a big street market on Saturdays.

The N124 then winds west through the barrocal, a hilly belt of carob, fig and almond trees, to Alte, one of the prettiest villages in the Algarve, with springs and a shaded picnic area. Carry on to Silves, once the Moorish capital, where a red sandstone castle rises above the town and cathedral.

North of Portimão the N266 climbs into the Serra de Monchique, a green range of cork oaks, eucalyptus and springs. Monchique is known for honey and medronho, a strong fruit spirit; nearby Caldas de Monchique is an old spa village in a wooded valley. Drive up to Fóia, at 902 m the highest point of the Algarve, for views to the sea.

Descend to the coast at Lagos. This inland route is a good choice outside summer, when the coast is quiet and the hills green; in spring almond blossom and wild flowers cover the barrocal. Roads in the Serra are winding but fine for motorhomes.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Faro** (Portugal)
2. **Roman ruins of Milreu** (Estói, Portugal): The remains of a Roman villa with fish mosaics and a temple, just below the village of Estói. A quiet first stop a short drive from Faro.
3. **Loulé** (Portugal)
4. **Alte** (Portugal)
5. **Silves Castle** (Silves, Portugal): The red sandstone walls of the old Moorish capital of the Algarve, above a hilltop town and its cathedral. Park near the river and walk up through the lanes.
6. **Monchique** (Portugal)
7. **Fóia** (Monchique, Portugal): The highest point of the Algarve at 902 m, with views to the coast from Portimão to Cape St Vincent on a clear day. The road climbs from Monchique through eucalyptus and cork oak.
8. **Lagos** (Portugal)

## FAQs

**How long is The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique?**
3-day road trip of about 134 km (83 mi) with 8 stops, from Faro to Lagos. About 1 h 51 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique?**
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 51 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique start and end?**
It starts in Faro and ends in Lagos.

**Which countries does The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique pass through?**
Portugal.