The closest small town is 5km distant and has all essential amenities including supermarkets, pharmacy, petrol/diesel station, daily fresh market, dentist, hairdressers, bars and small outdoor restaurants.

The historic town of Tavira sits on the Gilao River with a mix of Portuguese heritage and deep rooted Moorish influences. Several classic churches and castle are centrally located. Barrier island beaches can be accessed by boat taxi / ferry.

Olhao is the largest fishing port in the Algarve and home of the mercado municipal. The daily municipal market is set near the seafront in two restored French designed vast red-brick halls one for fish the other for fruit and vegetables. The Saturday market also brings together many local fresh product producers and farmers. Surrounded by restaurants and traditional bars the markets make for a great experience.

Ria Formosa is a series of lagoons and islands along the coastline of the Algarve and protected 18,000 hectare Nature Park. The best way to explore the Ria Formosa is by boat excursion. Another way is by bicycle or walk starting at Quinta de Marim. The nature in Ria Formosa is unspoiled with huge ecosystem diversity, varieties of wildlife, education centre and bird observatory.

The closest beaches are at Fuseta only 10km drive from Vila Alegria. Praia de Fuseta is within walking distance of the town and Praia da Ilha da Fuseta is only a 10 minute boat ride away.  Praia de Barril near Tavira with the famous Anchor Cemetery can be accessed on foot or via a short trip narrow gauge railway.  The barrier island beaches of Barreta (Deserta), Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cacela are accessible by boat taxi / ferry operating from various departure points in Olhao and Tavira.

Moncarapacho is the home of the internationally renowned and award winning Monterosa extra virgin olive oil. Produced from 20 hectares of olive grove the resulting highest quality distinctive oils can be bought at the estate shop and on-line. Estate tours and tasting can be booked on-line.

www.monterosa-oliveoil.com

Discover the Via Algarve a 300 km long hiking trail through the inland Algarve. The Via Algarve is also suitable for mountain bikers and horse riders.

It is another way to discover the Algarve far from the crowds of the beaches, enjoying nature, observing fauna and flora and discovering picturesque villages.

Moncarapacho is the place to be for those who like walking. You can walk on quiet back roads, unpaved tracks and narrow paths, past small hamlets, ruins and chic villas, through citrus and olive groves and through almond trees, carob trees, agaves and cacti.

A walking trail to Cerra de San Miguel the highest point in Eastern Algarve starts 500m from Vila Alegria.

The immediate vicinity of Moncarapacho is ideal for both leisure and challenging cycling trips.

Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented locally in Moncarapacho, Fuseta and Olhão.

Drop anchor and discover the boat trips to breath taking caves in the West or more locally dolphin or bird watching to the southeast of Ria Formosa.

It is also the perfect place to start your sport fishing experience.