A lovely relaxing time - September 2024
“Traditional yet beautifully kept by your very efficient housekeeper. The pool was also sparkling clean and so inviting on warm days. Peaches and grapes, picked before we ate from the luscious garden, were delicious with our breakfast on the terrace.” - Lynne Rawstorne
Our family of five had such a restful, restorative time at Quinta da Relva - September 2024
“We adored the cool and comfortable quinta, the large and lovely pool, the incredible views across the Algarve, the smell of pine, even fresh figs from the garden for breakfast, with the beach only half an hour away, near enough to be accessible but far away enough to avoid the tourists! What more could we ask for? As near to perfect as you can get!" - Jemima Lewis
We had a lovely time at Quinta da Relva - August 2024
Beforehand it was very easy to liaise with Diana who was very quick to respond by email. The house is very comfortable and the pool is beautiful and surrounded by lovely views of so many different trees. There was plenty of sunshine, but it was also easy to find shade when it was very warm even in the middle of the day. We enjoyed visiting different beaches and had a great dolphin watching trip from Portimao as well as lovely evenings on the terrace.” - Jill Toynton
We absolutely loved staying at Quinta da Relva - August 2024
“It is a real mountain retreat at the top of Monchique. This was our second time and we just had to come back! Surrounded by fruit trees, we even made our own lemonade from the lemons. The air is so clear and fresh,the town of Monchique is wonderful, great food and shops with very friendly staff and a supermarket. Right by the supermarket you can see the cork in piles after being gathered from the nearby trees. There were some amazing sunsets especially if you drive up to Foia after dinner…quite breathtaking. We would have breakfast on the balcony and dinner under the Wisteria. We all loved swimming in the pool which was such a highlight. The stars are wonderful at night as there is hardly any light pollution here. Diana and all her team are so friendly and helpful, check out the food truck at the top of Foia, great cocktails and snacks. Loved the fresh flowers in every room, all the little touches made for a wonderful escape from London. Hard to tear ourselves away would have happily stayed for a month! Can’t wait to visit again.” - Andrew Hallet
This is a special place - July 2024
“A charming characterful house, absolutely gorgeous pool, surrounded by pretty garden, sunny and shady spots to relax with lovely views and a breeze. It suited our family of five adults very well. Hiking and running out of the door, shady terrace for yoga, and a great restaurant near enough to walk to. We all had a fantastic holiday and talked about how much we'd like to return. This is a special place.” - Pagan Bishop
I've Not Felt So Relaxed In Years! - June 2024
“We had an amazing time, your house is beautiful, and the location is so serene, I've not felt so relaxed in years! (The stress tracker on my watch agrees). Only regret was not booking for longer.” - John Marsden
A Truly Memorable Stay - June 2024
“We had a truly memorable stay at Quinta da Relva as it was our first trip abroad with our 9 month old. The house came well equipped with everything we needed including a cot, highchair, toys and books. We were also able to regulate the temperature of the house with the newly installed aircon/heating system which was a welcome addition come bedtime! We found the locals to be very welcoming and accommodating, making it easy and stress free to venture out into town and visit the surrounding beaches” - B. Phillips
Breathtaking Landscape - May 2024
“A fantastic cycling destination that delivers breathtaking landscape with plenty of trails to explore. If you don’t have your own bike you can hire one from Alternativtour. The house was comfortable and well furnished with the option to have a delivery of groceries delivered upon arrival which was a great welcome.” - M. Blakeman
Everything I Needed - May 2024
“I just spent a wonderful week at Quinta de Relva. The weather was amazing and it was a luxury to escape city life and stay in a traditional Portuguese house. I spent time by the pool soaking in the sun and the fragrant smells of oranges and lemons from the trees surrounding. The house had everything I needed. Including kitchen equipment, utensils, wood for the fire and extra bedding blankets if needed. A particular highlight was walking the Via Algarviana. Around every turn was a different scene and view to soak in. I only met one other couple on my hike, making it a wonderfully tranquil journey. The food in Portgual is OUTSTANDING, and incredibly good value. You can get a posh, three course meal for two plus wine for less than 60 euros and if you want somewhere more basic, you could manage this for under 20 euros. This was a solo trip but next time I will be bringing my family and friends to enjoy what I have.” - Abi Jones
Beautiful Scenery and Plenty To Do! - April 2024
“We had a wonderful week at Quinta da Relva - it was great to see all the Easter celebrations around the town.The house and grounds are wonderful and the garden is full of sweet oranges and lemons just ready to be juiced. Considering Easter was early this year it was surprisingly warm averaging over 20 degrees C. We explored the western coast and walked the Fishermen's path from Porto Cova - stunning clifftop scenery - though you'll need a head for heights! We discovered that there's a bicycle hire shop in the town - too late for this trip but definitely will be back to explore the back roads of Monchique.” - Scott Thompson
Quinta da Relva is a Haven - December 2023
“We have been blessed with incredible weather and beautiful starry nights! I’m so glad to have found you and will return! Thank you so much.” - Tiggy Ellio
This place is the Algarve’s best kept secret! - September 2023
“First time here for the three of us and we’ll be back! Even when the weather didnt hold up we enjoyed adventures in the North hillsides of Foia and a trip down to the South coast. Our 11 month old daughter had an amazing time on the beach on sunnier days. The house was a cosy and a relaxing retreat at the end of the day and everything was in good order. Amalia the housekeeper is a dear too - Thanks for everything!” - Mr and Mrs Ward
A Spectacular Stay - September 2023
“We had a spectacular stay at Quinta Da Relva! It was our first holiday abroad in 4 years and our first time abroad with our children, so we had high expectations for this holiday and Quinta Da Relva met those expectations 100%. The house is beautiful, traditional and spacious, providing all the essential amenities. The pool was perfect on those hot days and the grounds provided wonderful opportunities to explore with our children. The view from the quinta was spectacular, as were the lovely walks from the house. We will be certainly be recommending Quinta Da Relva to our friend and family!” - Elin Wales
A Fantastic Time - August 2023
“My family and I had a fantastic time at Quinta da Relva. While it might have been seven years since we were there it was like it was only yesterday. Our children were only aged 8 and 5 when we last visited but they still remembered it when we got there! It was one of the most relaxing holidays I’ve had in ages - beautiful pool and surrounding gardens. Hope to not leave it so long until next time.” Celine Cork
Relax, Swim and Read - August 2023
“We loved Quinta da Relva. The views are beautiful and the smell of the trees and flowers as soon as you open the door to the outside, is just wonderful. We really loved being away from it all so that we could relax, swim and read. We really enjoyed a couple of restaurants nearby and found that the drive to the coast was easy and manageable. Your lovely housekeeper is fantastic and the management team great.” - Helen Sharp
A Charming Mountain Hideaway - July 2023
We very much enjoyed our time in this charming mountain hideaway! The traditional house and garden are welcoming and comfortable. This is not a property full of mod cons, but a property full of character, history and simplicity. The pool is lovely, tranquil and very private. We enjoyed being away from the coast and exploring the hills and traditional community of Monchique. However, it was easy to go to the beach for the day and explore the Algarve. - Alex Marley
Secluded, Still and Serene - June 2023
“We loved the cottage, the pool and the large garden with its different levels and variety of plants and wildlife. Amalia who came three times a week to help was lovely and a special thanks to Diana for being so patient when we were prevented from coming because of Covid and Caroline's health. When we could tear ourselves away from the house we enjoyed the west coast, the mountain views and being overtaken by a peloton when driving down the mountain to Monchique!” - Ian & Caroline, Durham
A Beautiful Part of the Algarve - May 2023
“The surrounding area and views really are stunning and we enjoyed several trail walks in the area. The flora and fauna were fantastic. It is most definitely a beautiful part of the Algarve region.” Lin Garland
What a Fabulous Stay - May 2023
“We had a fabulous stay! Thank you for so much happiness. We will be Back.” Johanna Brito da Mana
A Terrific Place for a Real Break - October 2022
“As always, a peaceful, low-key haven. We've returned several to times Quinta da Relva to enjoy its simplicity and authenticity, its comfort and its ideal location. In warmer weather the pool is delightful; in cooler weather you can resort to the fireplace. There's easy nearby access to excellent walking, beaches and other outdoorsy things, as well as good restaurants and shopping. A terrific place for a real break.” James, Toronto
Absolutely Idyllic - June 2022
“Oh my god this is heaven!!! Absolutely idyllic” Fiona Murray
The View from the Terrace is Beautiful - October 2021
“We had some nice days in the cosy house. Everything we needed was there and the view from the terrace is beautiful. We definitely recommend this villa.” Cornellia and Dietmar
A Comfortable Rustic Hideaway - September 2021
“Up, up, up between eucalyptus trees, glimpsing distant Algarve beaches, to your white-washed cottage huddled against the mountains. A wisteria-and-vine-hung terrace sets the tone for this comfortably rustic hideaway: terracotta tiled floors, chestnuts beams, white rough-plaster walls. Rocking chairs cluster around a stone fireplace in the living room while the kitchen is cheery with Portuguese pottery and a scrubbed dining table. A marble table on the terrace, too, for al fresco eating. There’s a little beamed ground-floor bedroom with a pretty view and two rooms upstairs, one (for romantics), light and airy with its own door to the terrace and steps to the garden; perfect for long lazy breakfasts or star-gazing with a drink in hand. There’s a small shower room and larger bathroom to share; white and simple. Plenty to do for the active in and around Monchique – hiking, canoeing, cycling, beaches – and pretty Silves for the curious. Or doze around the pool in the garden, lush with dappled shade and fruit trees; birdsong and crickets the only sounds. You are in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Magical.” Mr & Mrs Ward
Peace and Calm - September 2021
“The reason I've come here before and will be back again, is the peace and calm I experience here. The traditional quinta is tucked away in the folds of the mountain, surrounded by a plethora of flora and fauna, something I miss when I'm at home. After returning home from a day at some of the best surfing spots in Europe (west coast), a dip in the pool under a clear night sky is heavenly on warmer days. Otherwise, a book and drink by the fire on cooler nights is always a winner. Lastly, eating vegan in restaurants in the Mediterranean can be tough but even Monchique has plenty to offer!” Jordan
The Setting of the Charmingly Restored House is Breathtaking - August 2021
“We spent 9 wonderful days at Quinta da Relva from the end of August. Driving up the mountain to Monchique felt like being in another country after the crowded restaurants and busy beaches. The setting of the charmingly restored house is breathtaking and so peaceful that it was hard to leave it to go shopping or to drive the western beaches! We enjoyed great weather so spent little time inside but the bedrooms are pretty and comfortable with amazing views. The pool area and garden is lovely and we spent some time trying to identify all the different fruits on the trees. We hope to return!” Annie
Great Experience - December 2020
“Best hidden secret in the area. Wonderful opportunity to discover Monchique by foot. Lovely ambience with character and wonderful fireplace. We will be back soon!” Johanna
Charming and Cosy - October 2020
“I spent 4 weeks giving dates at Quinta da Relva and found the whole place charming and cosy all round. Quinta de Relva is an old converted farm cottage boasting a huge terraced garden and pristine outdoor pool. The weather was circa 23c upwards most days with the odd theatrical, tropical storm thrown which I enjoyed watching whilst toasting myself in front of the open log fire. Location wise it was ideal. Less than a 10 min car journey into Monchique where you can enjoy the finest, traditional Portuguese cuisine and all at a third of the price you'd pay back home in the UK!!! Fantastic hiking routes all over as well if you fancy exploring. You can pick up info about hikes/excursions from the tourist office in Monchique. Would recommend hitting up some of the many surfing beaches to watch the guys and gals catch the rips. I felt there was a high standard of cleanliness in the house and felt safe and comfortable at home and in town. Almost forgot the virus existed there to be honest! A fantastic and therapeutic stay all round and the best European food I've eaten hands down. Can't WAIT to return!!!” Abigail Jones
A Dream - September 2020
“After having such a difficult year due to Covid, it was a dream to arrive in Quinta da Relva. The house is beautiful and full of character. Amalia, the housemaid is lovely and cleans the house to a very high standard. Whilst one must take extra caution whilst travelling these days, I felt very safe in Monchique and at the beaches due to the regulations and lack of crowds. Everyone takes good care and is respectful of the situation. When leaving the comfort of the Quinta, it was a pleasure to explore the natural surroundings during long walks in the hills. I look forward to returning!” Elizabeth
Nice Holiday Home - July 2020
“We spent 2.5 weeks in Diana’s holiday home and we really enjoyed the garden and the spacious pool. The house itself is simple equipped and furnished but with comfortable beds (good mattresses, not too soft). We had some issues with the hot water supply since the hot water was coming and going but at the end of the day no big deal. From our point of view a useful improvement would be fly screens to have the opportunity to vent the bedrooms at night and keep the mosquitoes outside. Amalia the Portuguese housekeeper is such a nice person and did a great job - she came three times a week and the house and garden is well cleaned accordingly. The swimming pool is awesome and maintained on a weekly basis. We enjoyed it a lot.” Tim. P
Beautiful House and Garden - November 2019
“The garden and the views are beautiful. The house provides an oasis of rest. In the morning you wake up with the sound of birds in the grape vines which span over the entrance of the house. There are multiple restaurants on the road down to Monchique and there is a supermarket in Monchique itself. The people of the rental agency in Monchique are polite and helpful. All in all, we had a relaxing 5 days there and really enjoyed our stay.” Arno Amesz
Wow, What a Great Week - October 2019
“A great setting and a place to unwind and unplug; the most relaxing week of 2019 so far. The food, the food, the food - so many local, amazing options (Peri Peri Chicken at nearby A Rampa, amazing fish & meat at Luar Da Foia and Pastel de Nata wherever you can buy them!). Some of the best beaches in the world within 30-45 minutes and very diverse. I've not heard our children laugh and giggle so much as they ran around exploring the house and area. If you're into the outdoors, picturesque towns, peace, unique food & drink or seriously chillaxing, then this is for you.” David
Wonderful Hiking - October 2019
“With good directions we could easily find the house of Diana and were very pleasantly surprised! The pool & house were larger than expected, the house was very clean and everything you need was available. As soon as it got cooler in the evening, we really enjoyed the warmth and crackling of the fireplace! All around it was very quiet. You could wonderful hiking and both coasts with beautiful beaches are within 45 minutes easy to reach! Thanks for everything, we'll be back!” Dagmar
A Tranquil Retreat - September 2019
“The first thing you notice as your arrive is the wonderful eucalyptus scented air that immediately feels calming - It just gets better from there on in. The farmhouse has a great home-from-home feeling and had everything we needed, including a great open fire for cooler evenings. The swimming pool and surrounding land offers complete privacy. One of the great advantages to the farm house for me was the location. Its tucked away on the side of the mountain yet actually you are only around 25 minutes from the coast and only 5 minutes approx. from the market town of Monchique. Due to its location its not affected by light pollution and as a result the night skies are stunning. I also had some of the best nights sleep of my life! Getting around is easy if you have a car, although I can recommend hiring bicycles (Rental available in Monchique) and exploring on two wheels or just take a walk in almost any direction for more of this fantastic area and literally hundreds of great views. A trip to the coast is easy and worth doing with a good choice of beaches well within 30 minutes driving, yet that said I found it hard to pull myself away from being in and around Monchique. Eating out is recommended with a surprising choice of great local restaurants, run by locals and frequented by locals and thats always a good sign. Its not possible to name them all but without doubt my favourite was A Rampa. It didn't look like much from the outside but the simple tasty cuisine and great atmosphere has meant I will never forget it. To summarise - In absolute terms this is a fantastic area to stay, particularly if you like a bit more than just dozing on a beach - You can of course do this too. It offers so many varying landscapes to explore, great community, real Portuguese cuisine, privacy and a feeling of well being. Its one of those places that you leave feeling very lucky to have discovered.” Matthew Phillips
A Wonderful Retreat - August 2019
“A wonderful retreat in the hills lost in time and so were we - most of our time was spent around the large outdoor dining table under a canopy of vines, often having BBQs, or relaxing by the swimming pool (where our youngest learnt to dive) - and where in a retro moment we played a game of Monopoly. We also had a few trips to the west coast - where the sand was hot and the sea water very cold! Favourite moments included picking limes to slice up for drinks and blackberry picking along the lane leading to the house. The WiFi coped with our teenagers so must be OK. Im sure we’ll be back!” Gordon
Holiday Was Too Short - July 2019
“Sunny days at beautiful beaches, wonderful property nestled in the idyllic hillside, surrounded by all a diversity of birds flowers and trees with all the quality comforts of a holiday villa.” Joe
Beautiful, Peaceful and Authentic - February 2019
“A terrific place to wind down and enjoy rich gardens (well stocked with flowers and fruit trees), dramatic views all the way to the south coast, a peaceful rural setting, and easy access to a good selection of restaurants and other amenities. Quinta da Relva is carefully designed and equipped (no TV but who cares? ) with a nice pool, multiple sitting areas to take advantage of sun or shade, a practical and efficient kitchen, comfortable beds, and a fireplace in case of cool weather. The two bathrooms are modest and small respectively, but functional. It's a perfect retreat if you want to walk/hike - the Monchique area is unbeatable for this - or paint, or write a book, or just relax under the pergola and think important thoughts. Another option, one of our favourites, involves sitting on the rooftop terrace with a glass of wine, enjoying the view and the bird songs. Life can be a challenge! A big bonus comes in the form of caretaker Amalia, who arrives 3 times weekly to keep things in order. Low key, very sweet, and very helpful. Quinta da Relva is an absolute win if you want tranquility and a relaxed outdoorsy lifestyle along with comfortable facilities and readily accessible restaurants and other services. We'll certainly be back.” James. K
Paradise Re-Visited! - July 2018
“We had the most perfect two-week stay at Quinta da Relva again. We love the rustic nature of this traditional farm house, cool in the hot summer and warm and cozy in the winter. We started each day with breakfast al fresco, then spent lazy days by the pool reading and listening to the birds singing and the leaves rustling gently in the breeze. It's a very special place. In the evening, we enjoyed watching the World Cup with the locals, down in the cafés of charming Monchique, and on the occasional day, we managed to pull ourselves away from the pool for an excursion to the south coast and the sparkling waters of the Algarve. A real holiday.” Tess. M
Peaceful and Authentic Break - May 2018
“This is the place to stay when you want a peaceful and authentic break/adventure in Portugal. There are so many things to do aside from just relaxing by the pool we need to go back again! Lots of outstanding beaches to visit, great traditional restaurants, areas of outstanding beauty, traditional villages, cycling, surfing but most of all you get a real sense of staying in another culture, which simply surrounds this fantastic farm house in every direction. The only challenge we found was dragging ourselves away from the house as it was so peaceful and felt like the world had overlooked us.” Matt
Beautiful Gardens - August 2107
“Lovely setting, beautiful gardens, welcome pool!” Edmund
An Oasis of Calm and Relaxation - June 2017
“Tucked away on a hillside far above the coastal plain, an oasis of calm and relaxation. We had the unusual experience for us of using the open fire in the evenings and relaxing in the pool come the afternoon. Well placed to get to both the south and west coasts. A great holiday.” David
Perfect - April 2017
“Thank you for giving us the perfect place to stay at during these 10 wonderful days. After spending a lot of time in the area, at our own place we were looking for a place that would give us the same rustic feeling at home. The weather was perfect what a luck so we enjoyed the pool the meals in nature and the beautiful flowers ( f let Amalia know she is doing a such a great job). Thank you so much and let us know in case you want to sell this awesome spot . Best Oranges ever!” Fely
A Wonderful Place - April 2017
“What a wonderful place! We enjoyed the Quinta da Relva totally and found exactly what we were looking for: tranquility, a beautiful garden with a pool and a very charming house . Everything was just perfect. And how great to wake up to the singing of the birds! Thank you Diana to make this possible and thank you Amalia for bring such a nice housemaid !!! Hope to be back again.” Susanna
Peace and Tranquility - June 2016
“We loved our stay at this beautiful rustic retreat. We arrived late at night and woke to birdsong, blue skies and the loveliest view over the garden to the distant sea beyond. The garden, with its stunning pool, fruit trees and flowers, is a little piece of paradise. There’s plenty to see and do in the area – west and south coast beaches, interesting towns, scenic walks, cycling - and a range of simple, local restaurants as well as good amenities in nearby Monchique. If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity away from the summer crowds, this is the perfect escape.” Tess
Peaceful Location - February 2016
“Lovely characterful villa in a private and peaceful location. Great for walking in the hills of Monchique and a good base for exploring the west or south coasts. Owner very helpful.” Claire
Paradise - March 2015
“Peaceful location on a large site with only the sound of the birds. Lovely house with cosy rustic character- spent the days relaxing by the pool and the evenings cosy beside the log fire, with plentiful firewood supplied. Comfy beds, loved all the little nooks in the garden where I could relax and read or crochet. Our favourite thing was squeezing oranges from the trees beside the pool, for breakfast . Short walk to A Rampa restaurant for great piri piri chicken and short drive to O Luar Du Foia where we enjoyed fantastic food at a reasonable price. Trips to the West Coast beaches, to Alvor and Lagos were only about half an hour away. The house, its large site and location with wonderful views just made our holiday so special and we hope to return soon.” Hazel. A
A Brilliant Stay Under the Soft Winter Sun! - December 2014
“The colourful garden is welcoming us, and this gives you immediately the impression that you will perfectly relax there. Not only that despite winter time we had plenty of colourfull spots from the garden but also orange and mandarine trees had plenty of fruits. Our young children loved collecting them in the morning for the breakfast juices. There is no disapointment to expect, the description is truthful and in any event the contact point in Monchique is very helpful and swift in reacting. The property is very clean: a care taker comes 3 times a week which is very helpful. Don't worry she will work without disturbing you if you stay at home while she washes and tidies up. We have enjoyed walking in the mountain: Foia and Picota, which is probably easier in Winter than in Summer. Also the beaches (South and West), are not far (30 km). In Winter you will go there more for playing than for bathing but you will enjoy the space!” Christine. B
Farm Cottage with Pool in a Beautiful Setting - June - 2014
“Our holidays at Relva are like coming home! With sunny days spent exploring the lovely colourful garden, and surrounding pine, lavender and eucalyptus woodlands. The well maintained pool is a real delight, just the place to cool off after sunbathing. Drinks on the starlit terrace with its view down to the coast were another highlight. Chilly evenings gave the opportunity to light a roaring fire of scented logs in the attractive traditional galleried sitting room. Relva is in a secluded spot, but with the benifit of upgraded road tracks giving easy access to the delightful little town of Monchique, Foia mountain top and the unspoilt West Coast resorts it is in an ideal position. We love it so much that we have already booked again for next year.” Ron Chamberlain
A Wonderful Base to Both Stay & Explore - April 2014
“Just a quick note to say how much we loved this cottage in Portugal. It really is something quite special, from the amazing wisteria, the inviting pool, finding hidden corners in the grounds to the growing sense of tranquility we felt during the week. The car hire company that was recommended was great- pick up was smooth and it was a very easy journey to get there. Having groceries in (as pre-arranged when we booked) was lovely and a great welcome. We visited the fantastic beaches on the west and south coast and enjoyed exploring on quiet roads and in local towns. We had a great day within Lucio from Alternativ Tours- hike to the Foia peak, 32 km bike ride downhill then into canoes and a swim. We'd really recommend his company. Everything in the house was in good order and the maid kept it nice and clean. There was a wide choice of local restaurants: good piri piri chicken was easy to find. We were very grateful to the agents for printing out our boarding cards on Easter Friday - everyone concerned with the cottage has been very supportive. As a place to both get away yet still have access to Algarve's natural attractions, this place was wonderful.” Danny. C
Very Relaxing - July 2013
“Very relaxing. Beautiful weather. The children built a hut from wood in the big garden. We liked going to the beaches at the West Coast. The view all the way to the Atlantic is amazing. We had a great week in Quinta del Relva.” Juliette. P
Second Visit - April 2013
“We've been before. And we'll be going again. Nicest house we've been to in Portugal. Freshly picked oranges for breakfast and 200 books to read. Couldn't recommend it more highly.” Loz. H
Lovely Return to Our Favourite Monchique Farmhouse - March 2013
“We have always visited Quinta da Relva in the summer months so this was a contrast to visit in the Spring and escape the vast snow in England.. Wisteria out, blossom trees blooming, oranges ready for picking at the side of the pool & the sound of the Cuckoo from the scented Pine forest. Quite chilly in the hills & what more could we want than a nice log fire in the evening after visiting "Rampa", the local restaurant for the best Chicken Piri Piri in Monchique! Although the weather was not at its best we managed to chase the sun, finding it on Alvor beach on the south coast & also our favourite deserted beach on the west coast (Amoreria) Amalia the maid was as cheerful as ever, keeping the house spotlessly clean and comfortable for the duration of our stay. We found the new Intermarche supermarket in Monchique very useful to stock up with food on our arrival. Restaurants Jardin das Oliveiras not too far away proved as good as ever and for the best sea food we visited Atlantida Restaurant on the edge of Alvor Beach, well worth the drive down the mountain. We will certainly visit this rustic, away from it all farmhouse again!” Denise H
Our Girls Trip to Monchique! - November 2012
“5 friends and I spent a very relaxing and enjoyable few days in this idyllic farmhouse. The location and views were exactly as described and perfect for a complete 'getaway'. We hired a car for our trip and so were able to explore the surrounding area where we found plenty of places to visit including beautiful beaches, local markets and some lovely walks! We were lucky enough to be invited to a private view at a charming local art gallery and we found some super restaurants with both local and international cuisine. We were slightly unlucky with the weather during our visit but we still managed to make use of the lovely swimming pool and terraced area around the farmhouse during the day as well as the open fire in the delightful galleried living area during the evening. The owner provided excellent information, both before and during our visit and even managed to organise a local beauty therapist to come to the property and give us a massage after a particularly damp walk! I would definitely recommend this property to a friend or relative and would very much like to return there myself!” Jane Shakeshaft
The Perfect Retreat - June 2012
“I've been here twice now, once in winter and another time in June, and both times I have had the most incredible stay. My winter stay was with family, and was all that I wanted it to be - incredibly relaxed, plenty of places to explore nearby on foot and in the car (the wind farm on the top of the mountain is very impressive), and it was even warm enough to brave the pool! Coming to the house again the following summer I brought friends, so we had a chance to check out the local restaurants and bars (Monchique has a particularly good bar, along with a pool table and amazing decor), go to the nearby beaches, food markets and fairs (one in the local fire station), swim in the pool, have lovely sunny walks and of course have the obligatory daily cocktail hour in the garden.... A wonderful place, will definitely be back again.” Amanda Wright
Monchique Retreat - May 2012
“My first visit to the Algarve was a far cry from what you'd normally expect from an Englishman abroad! Rather than endless rounds of golf punctuated by tourist-orientated surroundings, I felt I had not only had a relaxing holiday, but also had a thoroughly Portuguese experience. The town of Monchique itself, and the surrounding area, has a rustic and serene atmosphere, seemingly more at home in fiction than in reality! When wandering around town (normally to buy some pork from the local butchers or enjoy a casual drink in a cafe in our case!) you get the feeling you're experiencing the genuine side of being a tourist in Portugal. Those who aren't content with the standard package holiday, touristy, sort of holiday will be right at home in Monchique. The south coast is also only an hour's drive, so easily accessible As for the house itself, you'd ordinarily be forgiven for taking online descriptions of properties with a pinch of salt, but in this case you'd be making a huge mistake! The trip to the house is a series of small winding roads leading up a mountain absolutely heaving with all manner of plant-life, particularly eucalyptus. The location couldn't possibly be any more tucked away - it was entirely up to us whether we wanted to venture out of our bubble of relaxation, as opposed to being disturbed by other rowdy tourists! The entrance to the farmhouse itself is shaded by an impressive vine, which also provides the perfect lunch spot where you can sit at the table and gaze out towards the south coast. The pool is also a perfect spot to relax, both offering some shade to sit and read and also fresh, clean water to take a dip in. The interior seemed to me to be very faithful to the culture of the surrounding area - it felt somewhat like we were borrowing a local's family home and that they would be back to look after it in a couple of weeks! One difficulty I normally have in warm climates is feeling overheated at night, but because of its mountain location it tended to get cool enough in the evenings to sleep. Another thing that should be mentioned are the geckos, which can be a slight surprise at first, especially when you're used to holidaying in less rural areas. But in fact, I found they never really bother you and are actually really handy at keeping mosquitos, flies and all manner of bugs away from you in the evenings. After a couple of nights I learned that they're definitely friends, not foes! I couldn't have had a better holiday overall!” Calum P