Supporting motorhome tourism and inspiring travellers to explore the Algarve’s mountain heritage
– September 27, 2025
Monchique has welcomed a new motorhome service area in Marmelete, now the eighth stop on the Algarve’s Mountain Route for Motorhomes (Rota Serrana de Autocaravanismo do Algarve).
The €361,300 project was led by Marmelete Parish Council with support from Monchique Municipal Council and funding from both the European Union’s CRESC ALGARVE 2020 programme and Turismo de Portugal.
With the arrival of the new “Asa de Marmelete”, the Mountain Route now links eight inland locations – Alcoutim, São Brás de Alportel, Ameixial, Salir, São Bartolomeu de Messines, São Marcos da Serra, Alferce and Marmelete. Together, they form a coordinated network designed to support motorhome tourism, encourage sustainable travel and inspire visitors to discover the Algarve’s mountain landscapes and cultural heritage.
The new facility offers modern services for motorhomes and aims to draw more visitors to the Monchique mountains. As the Algarve’s regional development commission (CCDR Algarve) puts it, it’s an “invitation to discover the Algarve’s authentic inland region”.
The Mountain Route is also backed by an online platform developed by Associação In Loco in partnership with AMAL, CCDR Algarve and Turismo do Algarve. Travellers can use it to map itineraries, discover local food and crafts, find accommodation, and keep up with events across the participating towns.
At the inauguration, president of CCDR Algarve José Apolinário highlighted how projects like this show the value of European funding in boosting inland tourism. He also highlighted the importance of promoting cultural and natural attractions along key roads such as the EN124 (Porto de Lagos to Alcoutim) and EN267 (Aljezur–Monchique–São Marcos da Serra).
The Mountain Route is expected to keep growing under the new PADRE II programme, with applications already open for initiatives that enhance local resources and support sustainable development in low-density areas.
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo on Portugal Resident.
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