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.
At 902 m, Fóia is the highest mountain in the Algarve and part of the Serra de Monchique. Several telecommunications installations stand on the summit, including Radar Station No. 1 of the Portuguese Air Force. On a clear day the view reaches the Atlantic. A paved, winding road leads right to the top; it starts in Monchique, which is reached from Portimão in 20 to 30 minutes on the EN266.
At the top there is plenty of free parking, a large café with toilets and a craft centre. It can get quite windy, so bring a jacket. For a walk, you can climb nearby Picota, the second-highest peak in the area, from a car park. With many bends on the road, drive carefully in a long motorhome.
- Nearest town
- Monchique, Portugal
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.3153, -8.5948
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Jules Verne Times Two · CC BY-SA 4.0Silves Castle
© Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0Ponta da Piedade
© Kolforn (Kolforn) I'd appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you want to use this picture out of the Wi… · CC BY-SA 4.0Algar de Benagil
© Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0Praia da Marinha
Campsites nearby
- Parque Rural de Autocaravanas Vale da CarrasqueiraMotorhome stopover6 km from FóiaMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Tipi AlgarveCampsite12 km from Fóia
- Parque de Campismo do SerrãoCampsite20 km from FóiaTentsElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Área de Serviço para Autocaravanas de São Marcos da SerraMotorhome stopover20 km from Fóia · 21 pitchesMotorhomes
- Parque de Campismo Dourada AlvorCampsite20 km from FóiaTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Francelho on wheelsMotorhome stopover20 km from FóiaMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fóia?
Fóia is in Monchique, Portugal, at GPS 37.3153, -8.5948. It is about 18 km from Aljezur.
Can you camp near Fóia?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque Rural de Autocaravanas Vale da Carrasqueira, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fóia?
Fóia is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique.
What is there to see near Fóia?
Places worth a stop nearby: Silves Castle (20 km), Ponta da Piedade (27 km), Algar de Benagil (29 km) and Praia da Marinha (30 km).
When is the best time to visit Fóia?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)