The Situation

Monte Rosa is situated on the south west corner point of the Algarve, the most southern province of Portugal, at a walking distance of 1,7 km. from the village of Barão de São João.

An old authentic Portuguese village, Barão de São João is made up of small houses, a couple of local grocery shops, (eco-products are available), friendly cafes and small restaurants.
There is a daily bus route from Barão de São João to Lagos, passing Bensafrim (9km). Lagos is an old city with beautiful beaches, pleasant markets and plenty of historical places of interest, the old slave market for instance.
The ancient walls of Lagos were built in the 16th century.
Lagos has many shops and lots of typical Portuguese restaurants to choose from, where you can eat fresh fish dishes or "frango piri-piri" (spicy grilled chicken). For those who enjoy the nightlife there are plenty of cafes, bars and a couple of clubs.

Along the south coast you will find beautiful fishing villages, like Burgau and Salema. Many people like to visit Sagres (30km.), as it is the most southwesterly point of Europe with its impressive rock formations.

It is only a half hour drive to the west coast with its unspoilt beaches and beautiful views. This is a splendid area for hiking.

It is possible to take a train from Lagos all along the south coast to the Spanish border. Lagos also has a central bus station.

The old town of Silves with its Moorish architecture is a worthwhile visit as is the village of Monchique situated in the beautiful mountains where life is still uncomplicated.

Vision and atmosphere

Monte Rosa is a place where you can enjoy nature in peace and tranquility. Our aim is to offer a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in which one can recover from the stresses that many people experience in their daily life. We like to provide an ideal meeting place in which spontaneous contact is made in a relaxed and inspirational way. The terrace next to the common room often turns into a comfortable and cosy place for relaxed social gatherings in the evening.

We are open to all visions of life. We like to accept people for what they are and enjoy seeing them at their ease. At Monte Rosa it comes naturally to us to respect and protect nature and we hope therefore that our guests will be equally ecologically conscious. We believe there is a growing consciousness that quality of life is not only dependant on material well being but has to do with the opportunity to develop ourselves fully and do the things we most enjoy. We acknowledge respectful contact with our fellow man as a basis for a more peaceful life and future. Our slogan is, "try to live in the moment, paying attention to the here and now, doing the things you do with awareness and pleasure". Briefly, respect and enjoy yourself, then others and all the good things the earth has given us!

Monte Rosa offers it's guests the opportunity to combine a holiday with personal development. For more information press the button "Activities".

Feel free to meditate or practice yoga at Monte Rosa. Smoking is not allowed inside the buildings but you may smoke outside.

Accessibility

By air
Faro is the nearest and most convenient airport. Some guests sometimes prefer to fly to Lisbon or Seville and combine a cultural holiday with a peacefull stay at Monte Rosa.

Transfer service
Monte Rosa has a transfer service from Faro to Lagos and v.v. The cost is 70 euros for pickup and 60 for drop off. You will be met at the airport and greeted with a signboard (please send us beforehand your flight details).

Public transport
There is a train service from Faro to Lagos. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, sometimes with a change over in Tunes. Tickets are inexpensive. There is a bus going from the airport to the train station, or you can call a taxi. At arrival in Lagos you can either call us to be picked (we will be there in 15 mins., costs 7 euros) or you can go to the bus station, a 5 minute walk, and wait for a bus to Barão de S. João (07.40 hours and 18.45 hours) and get out at the bus stop right in front of Monte Rosa. It takes about 25 minutes to get here. To Lagos there are busses from Monte Rosa at 08.08 and 19.13 hours. From Barão de São João (2km) to Lagos and vice versa is a more frequent service. After 20.00 hours we don't do transfers ourselves, but you can call a taxi.

For information on bus schedules : www.aonda.pt, www.rede-expressos.pt and www.eva-bus.com

Car Rental
Monte Rosa guests often rent a car in order to be mobile to survey the area, do their shopping, etc. We can make this reservation and arrange attractive rates for you. You will be met at the airport and you can pay either cash or by credit card, you don't have to pay a deposit.

Route
Leaving the airport, follow signs to the highway (A22) direction Lisboa/Portimão. Follow the highway A22 all the way till it ends at the exit Bensafrim, after Lagos. Turn right at the roundabout. You will pass the village of Bensafrim. Directly after the village, you turn right, direction Barão de S. João. After about 5 km (3 miles) you enter Barão, turn left at the church, direction Lagos.
You will find Monte Rosa after 1,8 km (1 mile) on your right hand side.