Carvoeiro to Silves and Monchique: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
5h 45mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Discover the historic Moorish castle in Silves before ascending into the serene Monchique mountain range. Silves wows with medieval fortifications and a Gothic cathedral, while Monchique offers panoramic vistas and thermal spa traditions. Set aside two hours for Silves—tour the castle and stroll through charming alleys—then head 30 minutes up to Monchique for two hours of scenic exploration and a chance to sample local medronho liqueur.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Carvoeiro whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at each stop. Your driver handles the navigation and suggests attractions that match your interests to help you create a day that's uniquely yours.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Silves and Monchique should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €89
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€267
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Carvoeiro
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Silves
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Discover Silves’ Moorish legacy, sunlit castle walls, and the scent of orange trees in bloom.
Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves is a city of crumbling red-stone ramparts, orange blossoms, and timeless views. Start your visit at the Castelo de Silves, wandering its impressive walls for sweeping vistas over the Arade River. Just below, explore the haunting Silves Cathedral, where Gothic arches meet Moorish echoes. Don’t miss the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, built around a medieval cistern. Stroll down Rua da Cadeia Velha, with its citrus trees and old-world charm, then relax by the riverfront with a glass of cold medronho or a bite of frango piri-piri and sticky Dom Rodrigo.
2
Monchique
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Breathe in pine-scented mountain air, spa steam, and panoramic views from Portugal’s peaceful highlands.
Begin at Caldas de Monchique, a forested spa town with mossy paths and natural springs. Continue up to the Miradouro da Foia, the Algarve’s highest point, for coastal views stretching to Sagres. If you’re feeling active, stroll the PR5 trail or lose yourself among cork oaks and eucalyptus. In Monchique village, enjoy handmade crafts, quiet stairways, and tiled fountains. Don’t leave without tasting porco preto, local goat cheese, and a sip of fiery medronho or herbal pennyroyal liqueur.
Back to Carvoeiro
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Silves is home to one of Portugal's best-preserved Moorish castles, with its distinctive red sandstone walls offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You'll also explore the Gothic cathedral (Se), archaeological museum, and medieval streets that reflect the town's importance as the former Moorish capital of the Algarve region.
Monchique offers a refreshing contrast to coastal Algarve with its mountain scenery, cooler microclimate, and lush vegetation. This charming hill town is known for its thermal springs, handcrafts (especially wooden chairs), local medronho (fruit brandy) production, and access to Mount Foia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902 meters, offering spectacular panoramic views.
The drive from Carvoeiro to Silves takes approximately 20 minutes (about 15 km). Continuing to Monchique adds another 30 minutes (25 km). Your private driver handles all transportation through the scenic countryside, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking.
Absolutely! Both destinations offer authentic regional cuisine. In Silves, try traditional Algarvian dishes in restaurants near the castle. Monchique is famous for its unique mountain gastronomy, including dishes with wild boar, fresh mushrooms, and chestnuts. Don't miss local specialties like chicken piri-piri and traditional sweets made with almond and fig.
Spring (March-May) offers comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall (September-November) provides pleasant weather and harvest activities. Summer visitors will appreciate Monchique's cooler mountain climate as a refreshing break from coastal heat. Winter brings fewer tourists and occasional rainy days, but remains mild compared to northern Europe.
Yes, Monchique is renowned for its natural spring water, particularly from Caldas de Monchique spa. You can taste the mineral-rich water believed to have therapeutic properties. Some springs have drinking fountains where visitors can fill bottles. The Agua de Monchique brand is also bottled locally and available throughout Portugal.
Dress in comfortable layers, as temperatures can vary between coastal Carvoeiro and mountainous Monchique. Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring cobblestone streets in Silves and potential light hiking in Monchique. In summer, bring sun protection for Silves' open castle grounds, while in winter, a light jacket is advisable for Monchique's cooler elevation.
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