How to Make the Most of Slow Travel in the Algarve
When you book your stay on a gorgeous clifftop overlooking the Atlantic, the soft sand only metres away, it’s easy to be tempted to spend every day by the sea. However, this month, we’ve got a different suggestion for you: venturing inland for a rural Algarve stay, experiencing slow travel in the Algarve in all its glory!
We’re talking quiet valleys, hilltop villages, and deeply rooted traditions, all just waiting to be soaked up as you slow down to the local pace of life. This is slow tourism: travel that values connection, culture, and time, and there’s simply nowhere better for it than down here, in Portugal’s southernmost region.
What is slow travel? (And how to do it in the Algarve!)
Slow tourism isn’t just about taking things easy; it’s about travelling with intention. It means swapping rushed itineraries for meaningful experiences, supporting local communities, and allowing yourself to be part of the place you visit – even if only for a few days. In the Algarve, this philosophy fits perfectly with the region’s rural charm, traditional crafts, and easygoing lifestyle.
Slow travel in the Algarve focuses on nature and local culture by exploring quieter areas like the Ria Formosa lagoon, the Rota Vicentina trails, and the inland countryside of the Monchique hills. It involves activities like birdwatching, cycling, hiking, and enjoying thermal baths, connecting with communities, and focusing on sustainable, authentic experiences away from the main tourist hubs.
A slow, scenic journey into the Algarve hills
From Lagos, a scenic 45-minute drive takes you into the Serra de Monchique, lush hills that feel worlds away from the bustling coast. The winding roads climb through eucalyptus groves and cork oak forests, offering glimpses of whitewashed villages tucked into green hillsides. As you ascend, the air cools and carries the scent of pine and wild herbs – a refreshing contrast to the salty sea breeze.
Monchique town, affectionately called “the garden of the Algarve”, is the ideal starting point when exploring the area. Cobbled streets lead to small shaded squares where locals gather for coffee or a glass of medronho, the region’s fiery spirit distilled from the fruit of the strawberry tree.
Slow travel in the Algarve: Experiences that celebrate tradition
One of the joys of slow travel is learning directly from the people who keep local traditions alive. In and around Monchique, you can find workshops and guided visits that open a window into authentic rural life.
- Cork harvesting and craft workshops– The Algarve’s rolling hills are covered with cork oak trees – a sustainable material that has significantly contributed to the region’s economy for centuries. Visit a family-run workshop to see how the bark is transformed into handmade products, from wine stoppers to jewellery.
- Medronho distilleries– Between October and March, the hills come alive with the scent of fermenting medronho. Small distilleries still use age-old copper stills to produce this strong yet aromatic spirit. Many producers welcome visitors for tastings and stories about the craft that has shaped generations.
- Honey and goat cheese tastings– The mountain flowers of Monchique give the local honey its unique flavour, while small farms in the area produce creamy, tangy goat cheese using traditional methods. Sampling these products at the source is a true taste of the Algarve’s inland heritage.
Taking the Time to Explore Monchique
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Monchique region offers countless ways to slow down and reconnect with nature. Walking trails wind through chestnut forests, olive groves and terraced hillsides, revealing waterfalls and viewpoints aplenty. The Foia summit, the highest point in the Algarve, offers panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic to the Alentejo plains. On a clear day, it feels as though you can see the entire region unfolding before you – a reminder of how diverse the Algarve truly is.
Then there’s the option of a soak in healing thermal waters. Home to baths dating back to Roman times, Monchique is particularly famous for its mineral-rich waters, which are said to have healing properties. Today, the small spa village combines history, wellness and tranquillity in equal measure.
Unmissable Food in the Rural Algarve
Slow tourism and culinary delights go hand in hand. In the inland Algarve, meals are a celebration of local produce and patience: dishes cooked slowly, using seasonal ingredients, following family recipes.
Look for small, family-run taverns or “tasquinhas” in Monchique and nearby villages such as Alferce or Marmelete. There, you can savour porco preto (black pork), chouriço, or feijoada de javali (wild boar stew). Pair these with regional wines and homemade bread baked in wood-fired ovens.
Heading Back to LUX MARE with New Energy
After a day or two exploring inland, returning to Lagos feels different. You bring with you not only memories but a new appreciation for the Algarve’s balance between coast and countryside. Slow travel in the Algarve invites you to see that every part of the region, from its beaches to its mountains, is connected through the people who live here and the traditions they keep alive.
Whether you’re tasting honey in a mountain village, hiking through cork forests, or simply sharing stories over a rustic meal, the essence of slow travel in the Algarve is simple: take your time, stay curious, and let the land reveal its quiet beauty at its own pace.
