Idea for a chill weekend in Algarve, last spots for Geres adventure in May

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Good Vibes Day Out
March 25, 2025

🤗 Welcome to Good Vibes Day Out’ Newsletter where we share the spots discovered during our gatherings, day outs and weekend trips as well as recommended by community members.
🙌 Find out below about the following events and trips with the community
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Discover a Different Side of the Algarve: Serra de Monchique

You probably know the Algarve as a beach destination, but did you know it’s also home to hidden hiking trails, mineral spas, and peaceful retreats away from the coastal crowds? Serra de Monchique, a mountain range in the heart of the Algarve, is just 2.5 hours from Lisbon and 1 hour from Faro. You might recognize the name from the bottled water—yes, this area is known for its natural mineral springs, and our plan is to stay right by the spa area.

Where to Stay: Central Monchique Hotel

This boutique hotel, set in restored 19th-century buildings, is surrounded by mountains, offering a tranquil escape with cozy common areas and a garden with two outdoor pools. Despite being fully booked when we visited in January, it still felt quiet and relaxing.

A short walk from the hotel, you’ll find the thermal spa facilities, which include a large thermal water pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. The spa is a bit dated, so keep your expectations in check. If you're interested in treatments, be sure to book in advance.

Where to Eat: Pimenta Rosa

Skip the hotel restaurant and try Pimenta Rosa, a charming spot nearby with warm decor and friendly staff. They specialize in Tapas & Petiscos, offering a great selection of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Our favorite? The Muqueca de CamarĂŁo, a flavorful Brazilian-style shrimp stew.
If you would like to try local cuisine, check out the restaurant Luar da FĂłia. It is a great spot for an after-hike lunch.

Where to Hike: The Trail to FĂłia

No trip to Monchique is complete without visiting Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve (902 meters). We weren’t lucky with the weather—it was foggy and windy at the top—but the place still felt magical.

For a great hike, take the PR3 MCQ – Trilho da Fóia, a 7 km circular trail with an elevation gain of 311 meters, taking around 2 hours to complete. The route starts at Fóia and descends through terraced landscapes and lush forest, where you’ll see diverse flora, including the rare Pontic Rhododendron, which blooms in late spring. The climb back to the summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over the Algarve and even parts of the Alentejo on clear days.

🙌 Last spots for a weekend trip to Geres: May 1-4

We are going to Geres for a weekend of hiking, enjoying local cuisine, and spending cozy evenings by the fire. There are 2 spots available at the moment, and we are looking for people to share our chill vibe and adventurous spirit.

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We are renting a gorgeous house on the lake with access to a little private beach, spacious terrace with jaw dropping view, a cozy living room with a fireplace. Last time when we have been to Geres, we fall in love with this house. The best we have ever rented.

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What is the plan?

- on the way there we will have a stopover for lunch and a winery visit in Bairrada;
•⁠ ⁠exploring Peneda-Geres Park and doing a couple of hikes there: the famous Blue Well hike, Sete Lagoas or Rota do vale da Teijeira;
•⁠ ⁠visit Pedra Bella viewpoint and Arado waterfall;
•⁠ ⁠exploring the Northern Portuguese cuisine at the local restaurants;
•⁠ ⁠chilling in the house and enjoying the lake (swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking);
•⁠ ⁠a cooking together session on one of the evenings.

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Getting there: sharing tolls, fuel and if needed car rental costs.

The group is small and cozy, 8 pp. The available spots: a separate room and a female spot in a twin room.

Check out photos and videos from past events and trips on Instagram.

How to join?

  1. Request to join the trip WhatsApp group;

  2. If we have never met before, let's have a chat and see if our vibes match;

  3. Make the advance payment;

  4. Join the group and get ready for an adventure

😉 About Good Vibes Day Out

It all started with the hike in Sintra back in February 2023 to meet people and make friends. Step by step, lunch by lunch, hike after hike it grew into a community of people who appreciate spending great time outdoors and value building long-lasting connections. There is a cozy WhatsApp group for those who attended the events. There we discuss ideas for future events and organize get-togethers outside of publicly announced events.

Our vibe is chill and laid-back. Good Vibes Day Out is about sharing the experience, exploring, enjoying great food, having deeper conversations, embracing diversity, and leaving room for spontaneity so that everyone can add their colors to the weekend and let things happen.

Find us on Instagram

See you on hikes and weekend trips,
Anna