Farm Cooking Classes: Monchique (2023)

The consistently highly rated Agroturismo Vinha do Gaio is an organic, family-run, farm stay just north of Lagos & Portimao on Portugal’s western Algarve coast. It lies on the slopes of the Monchique Mountains and there are some tremendous views of the surrounding countryside and the sea in the distance from Portimão to Sagres. The farm has sheep, donkeys, fruit orchards, and vegetable and herb gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have six B&B rooms in the uniquely designed, eco-friendly, farmhouse. There are a few rustic touches but generally the interiors are that of a quality modern hotel. Their rooms are clean and comfortable and they all come with a little outside terrace from which to enjoy those lovely views. You’ll be treated to a great fresh Portuguese breakfast in the morning and you are welcome to tour the farm where the friendly owners will be on hand to show you around. Overall it is a place to relax and recharge; the surroundings are beautifully peaceful and the place has an isolated feel. There is a little village within walking distance though, called Casais, which has a couple of shops and a friendly local bar. There are no restaurants there though the bar can provide snacks and the agroturismo owners can also provide evening meals if given a bit of notice. THE LOCATION: It is just beside the above-mentioned village of Casais and north of Portimão and Lagos in the hinterland of the western Algarve. About ten minutes away by car along the winding mountain roads, there is the pretty market town of Monchique, which like the agriturismo is also in the Serra de Monchique, the forested mountain range which separates the Alentejo from the Algarve. There is some great hiking to be done around here with some great views to be enjoyed of the plains and the sea to the south, and to the west; over the peaceful, nature-filled, Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. The journey from Portimão should take less than half an hour with Lagos being a little more. The nearest international airport is Faro, just over an hour away. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Antonio was READ MORE