Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro

Interesting place, as with the other reviews: you’ll probably meet a couple of old men who will show you around. Take a coin to provide a tip.

Don’t be afraid. The guys are harmless.

Abandoned old convent.
Ruins from centuries ago. Wow... what an adventure we had exploring this place.
No guides or operators ... just go there and see for yourself.

We went to this lonely place during our travel through Monchique. The owner show's us the place and we gave him a small amount for his kindness. The castle has had better times and it become to get damaged but this even makes it more interesting. You will get a great overview about Monchique.

The place worth it. The two old guys living here are really nice and friendly show you the place. The place, even if it’s ruins, you can still see stuff. It’s a bit grungy but really liked it !

It was a really nice visit. The owner still lives there so it is not really "abadonded", but there are still some places left open. Getting to the church takes a small hike from approximately 30 minutes from the center of town.

Fascinating and authentic monument which unfortunately nature is reclaiming

Stunning ruins of the old monastery, steep walk but well worth it, the views over Monchique and out to Portimão are breathtaking

Lovely old ruin. Vidau is an older man who lives there in the warm season. He said he's lived there 47 years (2023) since he was a boy when he moved there with his parents. He keeps chickens there and cheerfully lets everyone in to look around and doesn't ask for anything in return, but you can buy essential oils from him for €5.

Most memorable place to visit in all of Monchique. However, not without risks.

Upon arrival at the dirt road you will be welcomed by a man with a guitar who is guarding the holy grounds.

After passing, you will arrive at the convent where a little man will be welcoming you. Confusion might be stirred as the outside walls of the holy building are screaming the exact opposite. However, your emotions and curiosity will take the upper hand and lead you into his beautiful garden full of flowers and life.

At this point there is no return and you will quickly be deceived to walk into a dark hallway stocked with alcohol, medicinal drugs and onions. At the end of the hallway you will find another garden. Have a look around at what once was an oasis of religion and prayer and now smells like beer and chickens. Behind one of the walls of the garden you will find the old church. As you walk into the door opening you feel a satanic presence. The walls have been drawn up with words like “malditos” (cursed) and alcohol was sprayed around the floor to keep out any Christian spirits.

Beware to watch your back and not wander around too much. By now you have seen enough and it’s time to get out of there. Throw some money at the little man on your way out to avoid being offered to the antichrist.

Watch out for the heathen with the guitar on your way back to civilisation. Don’t make eye contact as his chants have now turned into devilish curses.

The building is a ruin but still habitable for the man who lives there and his animals. Nature is taking back the entire place with trees, shrubs and plants growing everywhere. Great and calming place to have a look around for anyone who enjoys dereliction, nature, raw experience and history.

A fun and interesting “off-grid” experience

I loved it! A little creepy but so cool to see an abandoned church from the inside. The guy 'maintaining' the church didn't speak English but was very friendly and welcoming. You can park very close by or hike from the city center.

Climb up if you want a great view over Monchique. The ruins are interesting and the two men living there are friendly. Make sure to give a small tip.

An old half ruined monastery where one of local families keep their livestock and trying to preserve what's left of old monks habitat. The place have that special aura which gives You goosebumps. Especially looks intriguing at sunset.

A beautiful ruin with a great view over Monchique. Part of the ruin is in use as a shed and there is also a chicken house but apart from that its pretty impressive. The owner who lives in the house nearby invites everyone in (to the ruins, not his house) and is more than happy to receive some change. Dont miss the old kitchen which is situated to the left when you enter the main area with the huge tree in the centre. The owner speaks only Portugese.

Please give a little tip to the caretaker.

It's a ruin with a nice view over the town. In the ruin live some friendly homeless people who are happy to show you around the place for a small reward.

Was a great place .. the gent living there was kind, inviting and friendly. It’s a one of a kind experience.. we loved it.

Abandoned. But nice squatter will let you in :)

Peaceful!