This was our first time camping at Parque da Mina in Monchique, and it felt like discovering a new, different side of the Algarve: no beaches, just mountains, fresh air, and quiet nature.

We loved that you could rent a tent there, which makes it super easy if you don’t have your own gear. It also includes park entry, so you get to explore everything around you.

The park itself has a bit of everything. You can walk through an old traditional house, see and feed farm animals, and even check out a small medronho distillery. There’s also a real (now deactivated) mine you can visit, which gives the place its name.

It’s also a perfect place for families with kids. There’s a playground, pool, a fun mirror house, and lots of space for them to run around and explore safely, which makes it really relaxed for everyone.