Passadiços do Barranco do Demo: Algarve Hike with Kids

If you're spending a week on the Algarve, at some point you will likely crave a day away from the sand. I know that sounds strange when you are surrounded by 150 beaches, but there is something incredibly refreshing about heading into the mountains once you’ve had your fill of turquoise water.

Barranco do Demo (or "Devil's Gorge") is a dramatic rocky ravine near the village of Alferce. It’s a brilliant way to get out into nature without tackling a mountain that’s too intense for little legs. Since the wooden boardwalks were only completed in 2023, the whole trail feels fresh and, thankfully, it’s not yet crowded with tourists.

The drive up through the Serra de Monchique was beautiful in its own right, and walking the gorge trail with our 2.5 year old daughter felt like a great way to get out hiking in nature.

Getting There

You definitely need a car for this one. It’s located near Alferce, in the municipality of Monchique. If you're coming from the coastal towns around Portimão or Carvoeiro, allow about 35 minutes; from Albufeira, it’s closer to 50 minutes.

Search for "Cemitério de Alferce" in Google Maps. There is a small, free car park right by the cemetery which serves as the main trailhead. It fills up on weekends, but you can usually find overflow parking near the church in the village centre which is just a five-minute walk from there to the start of the trail.

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The Trail

What to Expect

From the cemetery car park, a gravel path takes you northeast to the trailhead. Once on the boardwalk, the trail runs for about 1km through the gorge, with wooden steps taking you down into the ravine, across a long suspension bridge over the stream at the bottom, and then back up the other side. The total distance from the car park is around 2km, which takes most people between one and two hours depending on how much time they spend at the bottom.

There is also a full circular loop trail (around 6km, 2 to 2.5 hours) that connects to the wider Barranco do Demo Trail and takes in the ruins of a Bronze Age Islamic castle at Castelo de Alferce. We didn't do the full loop because it was a hot day and our daughter was setting the pace but if you have older children and a bit more energy, it sounds worth it.

The Steps and the Suspension Bridge

The boardwalk is sturdy and the steps are railed all the way meaning our daughter could walk by herself for a good portion of it, which she loved. We used a carrier when she got tired, but the railing meant we weren't constantly lunging forward to catch her on every step.

The suspension bridge at the bottom is the highlight. It's about 50 metres long and sits around 20 metres above the gorge floor, crossing directly over the stream with the waterfall running beneath it. For this part we decided to put her in the carrier so we had her close.

Lunch by the Stream

At the bottom of the gorge, next to the waterfall and the stream, there are great spots for a picnic. We brought a packed lunch and ate it here, and it was one of the nicest lunch spots of the whole trip. A cold stream, the sound of the waterfall, the gorge walls on either side, a toddler throwing stones into the water.

Combining with Monchique Town and Fóia

This trail works best as part of a mountain day rather than a standalone destination. The drive through the Serra de Monchique is lovely in itself, and there are two obvious additions that make the day feel complete.

Monchique Town

Monchique is about 9km from Alferce and is a charming, quiet mountain town that is almost entirely overlooked by Algarve visitors who stick to the coast. It has a main square, a handful of cafés and restaurants, and a calm, unhurried feel that is quite a contrast from the beach towns. It's well worth stopping for a coffee or a late lunch before or after the trail. The town is also known for Medronho, a local spirit made from the arbutus fruit so if you'd like to try something local, this is the place.

Fóia

After the trail, we continued driving up through the mountains to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902 metres. By this point our daughter was asleep in her car seat (the trail had done its job), so it was a peaceful drive through beautiful mountain scenery.

From the top you get views of the Algarve coastline on one side and the Serra de Monchique hills stretching away on the other. We could clearly see the sea from up there and there is a restaurant at the top if you want to eat there.

The drive from the trail to Fóia takes about 20 minutes via Monchique. I would recommend doing the trail first, then Monchique for lunch, then Fóia in the early afternoon before driving back down to the coast.

Practical Tips for the Trail with Kids

A carrier is worth bringing, even if your child is a confident walker. The steps are steep and there are a lot of them (the trail has an elevation gain of about 200 metres going down). We did a mix of walking and carrying throughout and it worked well.

Note: We used the Izmi Adventure Breeze Toddler Carrier which is perfect up to 32kg. This has been on a 13hr multiday hike with us so we can vouch that it is extremely comfortable - use the code TTD10 for 10% off.

Pack water and snacks for everyone. There is no food or drink available at the trail, in the car park, or nearby. The nearest options are in Alferce village or Monchique town, both of which require driving.

The suspension bridge does move so there are limits on how many people can be on it at the same time. It is completely safe and sturdily built, but if you or your child has any nervousness about heights it is worth knowing in advance.

Bring sunscreen and a hat even if it doesn't feel hot. The sun exposure on the open sections of boardwalk is considerable, and the air temperature at altitude can feel deceptively mild.

Wear proper shoes. The railing means the steps are safe, but they are steep and the wooden surface can be slippery if it's been damp. Sandals are fine in dry conditions but trainers are better.

Where to Stay Near Monchique

Most visitors do Barranco do Demo as a day trip from the coast, which works very well. But if you want to spend a night or two in the mountains and use Monchique as a base for the trail and the surrounding area, there are a few good options.

1. Casa da Mina da Esteva (from around £75/night)

Best for: Families looking for a relaxed, homey stay where you feel like a guest.

This small, charming rural guesthouse tucked away in the serene Monchique hills offers an escape from the busier coastal regions. The hospitality here is wonderful, with the hearty, home-cooked breakfasts that provide the perfect fuel for a day of mountain hiking. It is a peaceful, welcoming place with plenty of green space for children to run around safely while you soak in the views. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, making it feel less like a standard hotel and more like you are staying with friends. It is simple, well-priced, and very conveniently located about 10 minutes from the Barranco do Demo trailhead.

2. Abrigo da Montanha (from around £110/night)

Best for: Parents who want a beautiful mountain retreat with excellent food and a comfortable base.

This is a hugely popular rural retreat in the Serra de Monchique, boasting a gorgeous pool and stunning mountain views from the terrace that really take your breath away. It offers one of the best bases for exploring the wider area and is a distinct step up in comfort from the more basic options, yet it remains at a very reasonable price point considering the level of service and comfort you receive.

3. Monchique Resort and Spa (from around £180/night)

Best for: A full-scale resort experience to balance out your active mountain days.

If you are hoping to spend a few days completely away from the coast, this is easily the most complete resort option in the entire region. It sits high on the hillside overlooking the town, offering access to thermal spa waters, a beautiful swimming pool, and excellent family rooms with sweeping mountain views. It is not a beach resort, which is exactly the point if you want a holiday that focuses on relaxation rather than the sea. It is a soothing base where you can take full advantage of the spa facilities once the children are safely tucked in bed. Being just 15 minutes from the trail, it offers luxury and convenience.

If you are looking for the best family friendly places to stay in the Algarve check out this blog post which covers the different areas and our recommendations: Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in the Algarve (Lagos, Carvoeiro, Albufeira and Tavira) with Kids

Final Thoughts

A day at Passadiços do Barranco do Demo with a young child is one of those days that takes a bit more planning than a beach trip and rewards you disproportionately for it. The trail is short enough to be manageable, dramatic enough to feel like a genuine adventure, and free, which is always a good sign. We left with a tired toddler, a lot of photos of a suspension bridge, and a very good view from the top of the Algarve. Not a bad day.

For more inspiration on what to do in the area, check out our guide to Top Places to Visit in the Algarve with a Toddler and our Best Beaches in the Algarve with a Toddler if you're looking for beach days to balance the mountain days. And if you're still figuring out where to base yourself, our Algarve accommodation guide covers the main coastal towns across all price points.