The Famous Boardwalk in Monchique, the Algarve

The Barranco do Demo Boardwalk is a spectacular wooden walkway near Alferce, Monchique, in the Algarve, featuring a 50-metre-long suspension bridge.

Getting there & first impressions

We had been planning to visit the “new” Passadiços do Demo for a while — although it’s not really new anymore, as it was built two and a half years ago. Somehow, the timing was never right, but this April, we finally made it.

It’s located near Alferce, and there are two parking options: you can park at the first car park and walk to the start of the wooden path or drive up to the parking area closer to it. Since we were with our four-year-old son and weren’t sure how much walking we’d do, we chose the second option.

Once we parked, we could see the whole walkway in front of us, with the bridge right in the middle. It’s free to visit, no ticket is required, and the trail is open all year round. I’d recommend bringing water and maybe a small snack, as there aren’t any places nearby to buy food.

The Barranco do Demo walkway in Monchique is part of a pedestrian route connecting the village of Alferce to Cerro do Castelo de Alferce. This archaeological site sits on a 488-meter hill on the eastern edge of the Monchique mountains. At the top, you’ll find the ruins of a 9th-century Islamic fortification from the Umayyad period, one of the oldest Muslim castles in Portugal.

Classified as a site of public interest since 2013, it once played an important role in controlling regional routes. Its elevated position made it ideal for defence and surveillance, while its proximity to the Monchique and Odelouca streams helped connect the mountains to the coast.

Suspension bridge

The walkway itself includes a suspension bridge crossing the Barranco do Demo gorge, which is how it got its name. The bridge is about twenty meters above the ground and, even though that might sound intimidating, the structure is modern and very safe.

The route is around 1 km long and forms part of a larger 6 km circular walk around the village. The views are impressive, but there are quite a few steps and elevation changes, so it can be a bit challenging.

It’s a good idea to wear proper walking shoes and bring sunscreen. When we started walking down the steps, it was already quite busy for this time of year, so I can only imagine how crowded it gets in summer.

The only slight issue is at the bridge, where only five people are allowed at a time. Everyone wants to stop for photos and videos, which is totally understandable, so you may need to wait a little. Still, no one seemed to mind.

My son had been asking for a picnic for a while, and being in Monchique felt like the perfect opportunity. There’s a picnic area right at the start of the walkway, but we actually found an even better spot just a few minutes before arriving by car. We pulled over, parked by the side of the road, and took in the incredible views. There are two tables with benches there. It’s a simple spot, but perfect for a family picnic.

We had brought some fruit and sandwiches, so we unpacked everything and enjoyed a late picnic with a view. It was honestly the perfect way to end the trip.

If you’re in the mood for a proper meal instead, there are several great Portuguese-style restaurants nearby. Just keep in mind that it gets very busy, especially on Sundays — the last time we went, we waited 45 minutes for a table. I’d definitely suggest calling ahead to reserve. It’s a short drive from the passadiço, still within the area, and well worth it.

If you still have time left, there are several other interesting places to visit nearby.

Places to visit in Monchique

With 902 meters, Foia is the highest mountain in the Algarve. You can simply drive up, park at the top, and take a short walk around while enjoying some of the best panoramic views in the region. I always stop by the souvenir shop, where several local artists sell their products. Food truck Alecrim is also a lovely little spot, with a few cosy chairs and tables on the mountain where you can enjoy a cocktail, some good food, and the beautiful scenery.

Caldas de Monchique is a thermal village surrounded by beautiful nature. The mineral water emerges from inside the earth at a natural temperature of about 32 degrees Celsius. Monchique water is the most alkaline in Portugal, with a pH of 9.5, traditionally associated with therapeutic benefits. There is also a five-star hotel where you can enjoy spa treatments and other therapeutic services. The village has several cafés and restaurants, and my favourite stop is another souvenir shop, ArtesSpa, which also features interesting products from local artists.

Situated in Vale de Boi, on the road between Portimão and Monchique, Parque da Mina is a theme park and a great place to visit for families with kids. We were invited there once for a child’s birthday party. In summer, there is a lake where you can swim, but all year round, you can feed and pet animals like ducks, ponies, and goats, and enjoy some lovely family time. There is also a medronho distillery, an 18th-century manor house, and a deactivated copper-and-iron ore mine that you can visit. You can even rent a tent and stay overnight.

Final thoughts

Monchique is a great place to take a break from the beaches and explore the green, hilly side of the Algarve. With so many different activities on offer, it’s easy to turn it into a full-day trip — enjoy a walk at the Barranco do Demo Boardwalk, then finish with lunch in one of the local restaurants.