© Capela do Monte 2025
Welcome to Casas da Capela do Monte, one of the most unique and beautifully restored hamlets in the Algarve, located in the peaceful countryside of Monte da Charneca, near the village of Barão de São João, Lagos. Just 10 minutes from Praia da Luz and 15 minutes from Lagos, this historic site offers an authentic retreat in a region that enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.At the heart of the property is the Capela do Monte (Hillside Chapel), a remarkable chapel designed by the world-renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. This chapel serves as the focal point of a larger, ongoing project to restore the remaining cottages, introduce additional housing, and establish a restaurant and sports facilities, all while preserving the hamlet’s rich history and character.
Once a small 19th-century farming community, Monte da Charneca, like many villages in the Algarve, was abandoned over time. In the past 40 years, the current owners—originally from Switzerland and the United States—have been carefully restoring the hamlet in collaboration with a local heritage architect, balancing tradition with modern comfort. Today they reside in two of the cottages, while four beautifully renovated houses are available for holiday rentals, each named after a traditional local tree.Whether in the warmth of summer or the mild Algarve winter, guests are invited to experience these charming cottages, which maintain the character of a traditional Portuguese village while offering modern comfort
Set within 20 hectares of pristine land, the hamlet is a haven of tranquillity, away from the crowded tourist resorts. Guests wake to the sound of birdsong, enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and gaze at a star-filled sky unspoiled by light pollution. The landscaped gardens are filled with native flowers and plants, while an orchard of 60 citrus and fruit trees offers seasonal delights. The land is also home to hundreds of almond, fig, carob, and olive trees.Casas da Capela do Monte is committed to environmental sustainability. The property is fully self-sufficient in water and electricity, relying exclusively on renewable energy.The water comes from a 90-meter-deep borehole, with a natural filtration system providing clean drinking water directly from the taps.A photovoltaic solar facility generates approximately 50,000 kWh per year, covering all energy needs and returning excess power to the public grid.An above-ground water cistern serves as a natural swimming pool, preserving the region’s traditional irrigation methods.
Guests staying at Casas da Capela do Monte enjoy privacy, peace, and proximity to nature, with easy access to the Algarve’s stunning coastline, historic towns, and cultural sites. A car is recommended, as public transportation is limited to the nearby village.The property also features covered parking for 13 cars, three restored threshing grounds, and two working bread ovens.More than just a place to stay, Casas da Capela do Monte is a living piece of Portuguese heritage—a rare and authentic escape for those seeking a deeper connection to the Algarve’s history, nature, and tradition.
Angel, from BulgariaRated 10/10 on Booking.com
“The perfect stay!”
“Our villa in Casas da Capela was one of the best places we’ve ever stayed in."
Jip, from the NetherlandsRated 10/10 on Booking.com
“This is by far the best apartment we’ve ever rented. I’d recommend this place to everyone!”
"Wonderful!”
“The house is authentic, a typical home restored with everything you need... everything! Just wonderful!"
© Capela do Monte 2025
Located on the top of a hill overlooking the original hamlet of Monte da Charneca stands a structure of rare simplicity and profound architectural significance: the Capela do Monte.Designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, Portugal’s most celebrated contemporary architect and the first Portuguese recipient of the Pritzker Prize, the chapel is a striking yet harmonious addition to the landscape, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.Inaugurated in March 2018, this small but extraordinary chapel is Siza’s first completed project in the Algarve. The Capela do Monte, translated as Hillside Chapel, is not just a place of worship and prayer but a study in purity, materiality, and spatial composition, embodying the essence of Siza’s architectural philosophy.Siza himself has spoken about the beauty of the site and the pleasure he found in designing a “pure architectural project,” free of constraints.
The chapel emerges from the landscape with a minimalist form that integrates perfectly in the rural setting. Built on private land and used for contemplation and prayer, the chapel is a non-denominational Christian space. But its architecture speaks to a broader audience those who appreciate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. It demonstrates Siza’s ability to extract the essence of a place and craft an experience that is at once sacred, intimate, and deeply human.
One of the defining characteristics of the chapel is its choice of materials. The structure sits on the highest point of the property and is devoid of electricity, heating, or running water. So it relies on natural ventilation, insulation, and carefully chosen materials to regulate temperature, keeping the space cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The structure is made of insulated bricks which ensures thermal comfort, while the roof contains soil that has filled in with vegetation to further increase insulation.Siza selected a rose-beige stucco finish, which reflects the soft, earthy tones of the Algarve’s landscape. The structure is deliberately unembellished, with clean lines and a restrained aesthetic. Measuring just 10.34 x 6.34 meters (34 x 21 feet), the chapel has one single story.The building is not only sustainable but also deeply connected to the vernacular architecture of rural Portugal.
The interior of the chapel is an exercise in peace and tranquillity. A single, large window made of two panes allows in the daylight while encouraging air circulation. The flooring is made of limestone sourced from around Portugal.The altar, cross, benches, and chairs were all custom-designed by Siza and crafted by Serafim Pereira Simões Sucessores, a renowned Porto-based carpentry firm. In the entry chamber, murals depicting scenes from the life of Jesus, drawn by Siza, have been transformed into hand-painted tile panels by the historic Portuguese tile company Viúva Lamego.Another tile panel contains a verse from the Bible from the prophet Isaiah (56:7) that was the inspiration for the chapel, written in Siza’s hand: “I will bring them to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer.”A churchyard (adro) extends the experience into the landscape, providing a meditative space for reflection. This courtyard, approximately the same size as the chapel itself, enhances the sense of openness and continuity between the built environment and the natural surroundings.
Since its completion, the chapel has attracted architects, artists and visitors from around the world who come to experience Siza’s work firsthand. However, the building is first and foremost a house of prayer, where visitors come to experience the presence of the divine, to reflect and to pray.The chapel is open by reservation only, ensuring that visits remain an intimate and contemplative experience.
© Capela do Monte 2025
The Capela do Monte is a private Christian chapel that is primarily a house of prayer. It is not open to the general public, and the property is home to private residents and their guests. Visits are therefore subject to certain conditions:
Visits are generally held on the first and third Saturdays of each month in the afternoon.Since visits are limited to a maximum of 20 participants at a time, each party is limited to a maximum of 6 guests.Confirmations will be issued on a first come, first served basis.To attend, please register by clicking the link bellow and using the form provided; you will receive a confirmation email.
Groups or individuals wishing to visit outside the regular schedule may be able to arrange a visit by special appointment.Groups are limited to 20 people.Private visits are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.Requests must be made at least three days in advance by pressing the "Request Private Visit" button below.
Visits to the Chapel are free of charge. However, only visitors with a confirmed appointment may access the chapel.
Visitors with a confirmed appointment should meet at the Casas da Capela parking area before proceeding on foot up to the chapel.
Please keep in mind:• The chapel is accessible only on foot, up a hill. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water.• There are no restroom facilities on-site.• In case of rain visits may be cancelled to prevent red mud from staining the chapel and churchyard floors.• Photography for professional or publication purposes is not permitted without specific permission from the owners.
Thank you for respecting the privacy and preservation of this special place.If you wish to stay with us before or after your visit, please see the"Stay" section of this website for more information.
© Capela do Monte 2025
Visits are generally held on the first and third Saturdays of each month in the afternoon.Since visits are limited to a maximum of 20 participants at a time, each party is limited to a maximum of 6 guests.Confirmations will be issued on a first come, first served basis; you will receive a confirmation email.If you wish to stay with us before or after your visit, please see the"Stay" section of this website for more information.
© Capela do Monte 2025
Groups or individuals wishing to visit outside the regular schedule may be able to arrange a visit by special appointment.Private visits are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.Requests must be made at least three days in advance via the form below.If you wish to stay with us before or after your visit, please see the"Stay" section of this website for more information.
© Capela do Monte 2025
Our unique hamlet offers four cottages for holiday renting, all named after traditional local trees:
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Sleeps up to 5 guests
TV
Wi-fi
Fireplace
Outdoor terrace
Wonderful view of the Capela do Monte
Minimum reservation: 3 nights
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Sleeps up to 5 people
Private terrace
Wi-Fi
TV
Minimum reservation: 3 nights
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Sleeps up to 3 guests
TV
Wi-fi
Fireplace
Kitchen
Outdoor terrace
Minimum reservation: 3 nights
1 mezzanine bedroom, 1 bathroom
Sleeps up to 3 people
TV
Wi-fi
Minimum reservation: 3 nights
Address: Monte da Charneca, Barão de São João, 8600-018 Lagos
© Capela do Monte 2025
The Algarve is far more than just a summer destination. With its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage this region of southern Portugal offers visitors a year-round experience unlike any other. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is famous for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and historic towns—making it one of the most attractive and sought-after regions in Portugal.While the eastern Algarve is known for its lagoon landscapes and flat, sandy shores the western Algarve (Barlavento) is characterized by rugged coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and a wilder, more dramatic terrain.This is where you will find Casas da Capela do Monte, nestled in the peaceful countryside of Monte da Charneca, 1.5 Kilometers from the village of Barão de São João and just a short drive from the vibrant coastal city of Lagos.
Located 15 minutes from Casas da Capela do Monte, Lagos is one of the most historic and visually striking cities in Portugal. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, it played a central role in the Portuguese Age of Discovery. This was where Prince Henry the Navigator lived and where the famous caravel ships were built—vessels that would take Portuguese explorers across the globe. Today, visitors can walk along the old city walls, visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, or explore the slave market museum, one of the first of its kind in Europe.Beyond its history, Lagos is celebrated for its stunning coastline, including the world-famous Ponta da Piedade, where golden cliffs rise above crystal-clear waters, forming arches, sea caves, and secluded beaches. The city is also home to some of the Algarve’s most spectacular beaches, such as Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo and Meia Praia, all offering golden sands and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
A short drive inland leads to Silves, the former Moorish capital of the Algarve, known for its well-preserved red sandstone castle that dominates the town’s skyline. With its charming streets, whitewashed houses and orange groves, Silves is a perfect place to step back in time and enjoy the region’s medieval past.To the west, Sagres marks the southwesternmost point of Portugal. Known as the "end of the world" in medieval times, Sagres was where Prince Henry the Navigator established his legendary naval school. The Fortress of Sagres, perched high above the Atlantic, offers panoramic ocean views while Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesterly tip of mainland Europe, is home to a dramatic lighthouse and breathtaking cliffs that stand 75 meters above the sea.
Closer to home, Barão de São João, just 1.5 km from Casas da Capela do Monte, is one of the most authentic and well-preserved villages in the Algarve.With its cobbled streets, colourful houses and welcoming cafés, the village offers a glimpse into traditional Algarvean rural life. It is also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a VTT (mountain biking) centre with marked trails through the surrounding forests and hills.The village also hosts:• A monthly flea market, attracting artisans and locals alike;
• An annual Easter festival, celebrating regional culture and traditions;
• The Lagos Zoo, a family-friendly attraction showcasing diverse animal species;
This region of the Algarve is remarkably unspoiled, especially compared to the more developed eastern coast. Here, nature takes centre stage, offering countless outdoor experiences, including:
• Hiking & Birdwatching: The Algarve is home to diverse ecosystems, from coastal dunes to rolling hills, attracting bird species such as flamingos, storks, and kestrels;• Horseback Riding: Several local stables offer rides along scenic trails and beaches.• Surfing & Water Sports: Some of the best surf beaches in Europe, including Amado, Arrifana, and Castelejo, are less than 30 minutes away, offering world-class waves for beginners and advanced surfers alike.• Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Explore hidden sea caves and secluded beaches along the Ponta da Piedade coastline.
For golf enthusiasts, Espiche Golf is just 1 km from Casas da Capela do Monte. This eco-friendly 18-hole, par-72 course is designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering a challenging yet scenic experience. The course is known for its commitment to environmental preservation, using sustainable water management practices and avoiding the overuse of chemicals. Staying at Casas da Capela do Monte and playing at Espiche Golf makes for the perfect nature-friendly golf retreat.
Whether you are seeking history, adventure, tranquillity or cultural immersion, this part of the Algarve offers an experience beyond the typical beach holiday. From the golden cliffs of Lagos to the wild beauty of Sagres, from the hidden villages of the countryside to the rolling surf of the Atlantic, the western Algarve remains one of Portugal’s most enchanting and diverse destinations.Casas da Capela do Monte offers the perfect base for exploring it all—a place where nature, tradition, and history come together in a truly authentic and unforgettable setting.
© Capela do Monte 2025
Nestled amid lush vegetation, the Casa da Amendoeira or Almond Tree House offers a cosy retreat with a generous terrace encircling the property. The outdoor space features a shaded dining area and comfortable lounge chairs to enjoy the sunshine. This intimate dwelling accommodates up to three guests.Inside, a spacious double bedroom provides a restful sanctuary, while the charming living room—equipped with a plasma TV, Wi-Fi, and a warm fireplace—features a sofa bed for an additional guest. A large door window fills the living area with abundant natural light and opens directly onto the terrace, creating a seamless flow for alfresco dining and relaxation with family or friends.The rustic kitchen, complete with its dining area, is fully equipped with all the essential utensils for preparing meals. A conveniently located washing machine adds to the practical comforts. The bathroom, adorned with classic Portuguese tiles, features a bathtub with an integrated shower fixture, rounding out this charming and inviting home.
Here's what some of our guests said about their stay:
Angel, from BulgariaRated 10/10
on Booking.com
“The perfect stay!”
“Our villa in Casas da Capela was one of the best places we’ve ever stayed in.The perfect white-washed rural villas with authentic decor, lots of flowers in the garden and the perfect patio with sun beds to soak the sun during the day. The swimming pool offers a refreshing experience.Very quiet, private and at the same time in close proximity to Lagos and Sagres and some of the best beaches in the Algarve.We are dreaming of returning there soon and appreciate the hospitality and kindness.”
© Capela do Monte 2025
The Casa da Ameixeira, or Plum Tree House, is the cosiest and smallest cottage in our hamlet, nestled within the inner courtyard with no private terrace. Despite its compact size, it comfortably accommodates up to three guests in an inviting, intimate setting.Echoing the charm of the other cottages, the house features traditional wooden beams, whitewashed walls, and delightful local furnishings. A spacious living room has a TV, Wi-Fi, and a wood-burning stove to ensure warmth on cooler nights. The adjoining kitchenette, adorned with bright yellow tiles, is fully equipped with all the essentials needed to prepare simple meals.The generous bathroom is tastefully decorated with Portuguese tiles and includes a bathtub with an integrated shower fixture, a washing machine, and ample sink space with storage cabinets. Above the living area, a comfortable mezzanine offers a dedicated sleeping space featuring a double bed and a handy storage closet, with the sofa in the living room convertible into an extra bed for an additional guest.
Here's what some of our guests said about their stay:
Jip, from the NetherlandsRated 10/10 on Booking.com
“The best place we’ve ever stayed in”
“The swimming pool is amazing. The room was very spacious. The facilities are just great.This is by far the best apartment we’ve ever rented.Furthermore, the host was amazingly hospitable. He helped us with every question we had. He lit our BBQ and gave us food and more several times.I’d recommend this place to everyone!”
© Capela do Monte 2025
The Casa da Laranjeira, or Orange Tree House, with its distinctive yellow-rimmed windows, is the other spacious cottage that comfortably accommodates up to five guests. At the front, a delightful outdoor living area sets the tone for relaxed meals and evening gatherings, complete with two lounge chairs for sunbathing, and an outdoor dining table.Step inside to find a generous, open-plan space that merges the living room with a dining area. The traditional whitewashed walls, red-tiled floor, and wooden-beamed ceiling evoke the timeless charm of southern Portugal. A cosy fireplace and plasma TV add warmth and entertainment for cooler days, while reliable Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout your stay.Adjacent to the living area is a traditional kitchen adorned with hand-painted Portuguese tiles depicting fruits and vegetables. Fully equipped with modern appliances, the kitchen makes meal preparation a joy. On the ground floor, a bedroom with three single beds (two configured as bunk beds) and two distinct bathrooms—one featuring a shower with a washing machine and the other a bathtub—ensure ample accommodation for guests. A traditional wooden staircase leads to the mezzanine, where a cosy sitting area with a work desk and a small bedroom with a double bed complete the layout.Every window has mosquito screens, and during winter, low-energy heat wafers complement the fireplace to maintain comfort. The harmonious blend of wooden accents, red tiles, whitewashed walls, and lush surrounding plants makes the Casa da Laranjeira a superb choice for families or couples seeking an authentic yet modern retreat.
Here's what some of our guests said about their stay:
Damaris, from SpainRated 10/10 on Booking.com
"Wonderful!”
“The house is authentic, a typical home restored with everything you need... everything!Dishwasher, washing machine, hair dryer, kitchenware. The porch is beautiful, the beds are comfortable, the pool is ideal and the tranquillity is unmatched.Just wonderful!"
© Capela do Monte 2025
Sandra, from FranceRated 10/10 on Booking.com
"Exceptional.”
"Great place for a peaceful vacation!We spent 6 nights, the house and surroundings are very pleasant, and the gardens are beautifully maintained and in full bloom.Many thanks for the warm welcome.We had an excellent week at Casas de Capela do Monte."
© Capela do Monte 2025
© Capela do Monte 2025