The fresh bread left in the morning for breakfast was excellent.

It would be easier to meet the host lower down the hill as it is a little bit difficult to find and it's not a wise move to drive a car up into the village unless you're a local.

A wonderful, fully equipped apartment. The owner was very attentive and our brief stay was excellent. a great breakfast was provided.

Nothing

If you want to have a really authentic accommodation in Monsanto, take the one-room appartment here - you can hardly get a better one in the village! Actually it is an one-room flat, build between several huge rocks. I knew what Monsanto is like, I wanted to have one like that and I got it exactly. In the room there is everything what you need for your stay, everything new and clean. Instead of getting a full breakfast every morning, there is a full fridge, some coffee and tea and you get fresh bread every morning to make it by your own - a good option. The check-in was uncomplicated - the housekeeper was waiting on us in the room after we had let her know what time we would arrive; she is also very helpful, no problem, when you e.g. need some more coffee. The accommodation is situated in the best part of the village, I would say - close to the castle and to some restaurants, with a great view over the village roofs from the window ;-)

Remember, in the one-room appartment you are actually in a cave, there is just one tiny window, so there is almost no daylight in the room and it is also hard to ventilate. It is not possible to get to the house by car - we did not care, someone could. Remember, you are on a holiday and for several days here - there were and are people living their whole lives that way.

Amazing view from the terrace. Unique floor plan with the rock wall. Lovely baskets and freshly baked bread for breakfast. Warm welcome.

Casas da villas is a little gem, clean, comfortable and great value for money but the journey to the house is very steep you cannot get a car anywhere near to unload your luggage and we were not offered any help or advice even though I saw a van with the ‘Casas da villas’ name on the side. Anybody who is not as fit as myself and my husband would have struggled. There are no instructions where to park or that you have to ring the mobile to find somebody to let you in and no offer of help with the luggage. This is not a stay for the faint hearted but the views are magnificent once you’ve recovered from the hike.

Location: Monsanto is a magic place. It is an old village with lot of history dated back to time when Moors and then Order of the Knights Templar ruled this area and maintains its character and charm. The place you must see. The village is located at the highest mountain, so it is visible from the distance, and it offers wonderful views. The apartment is located in the historical center within the maze of narrow streets and stone stairs. Hotel: The modern apartment was embedded between the rocks and into the structure of the old building. Raw rocks form part of furniture in the bathroom and kitchenette. The apartment is located at the ground level. Another (completely separated) apartment is located at the upper level and has a terrace with great view. But we opted for less stairs. Room: The apartment integrates bedroom area, siting area and fully equipped kitchenette. Heated by a/c. Electric sockets: enough in number and easily accessible. Lighting: good. Bed: wide and comfortable. Bathroom: small but functional, enough space for your toiletries as the rock has carved shelves. The bathroom is, heated by a towel rack. Breakfast: according to the covid measures breakfast for all stay (2 nights) was delivered to our fridge before we arrived. As regards the quality – it depends. If you like breakfast in the French style, the breakfast is amazing. Large selection of sweets, cake, honey, different jams, fresh fruits. And fresh bread delivered every day to door. WiFi: OK Covid: All covid measures were observed despite the fact that locally there were no cases during last two weeks.

Location & parking: The village is a maze of narrow streets and stairs. And you could be easily confused when arriving for the first time. The apartment is hidden in this maze. I would recommend to park at the entrance to the village at the parking with cannons and a magnificent view. Then go on foot to look for the apartment (without the bags). Follow the signs to “Antigo Consultorio de Fernando Namora” (Former doctor’s office of Fernando Namora). Then go up along the Rua do Castelo (Castle street), turn left to the second street. The apartment is located at the small square. Streets are narrow and steep, driving is a challenge. It is possible to drive to the proximity of the apartment by car (I did it, but must fold the side mirrors in the narrowest place) to unload your bags. Later you must do down and park your car at the entrance to the village. Carefully check on foot the road you would like to drive before you decide to do it. I decided to carry all bags down when we left the apartment. Dining: All restaurants in the historical center were closed. We were saved by “O Cruzeiro” restaurant located at the entrance to the village (little below the parking with cannons). Really good Portuguese food and a magnificent view. Don’t be confused by the entrance (it’s a shared communal building), just follow the signs and go down to the restaurant (or use a lift). Bathroom: strange smell. Breakfast: If the French style continental breakfast with sweats is your preference, do not read this. If you prefer German style breakfast, the selection is poor. Only two slices of ham and cheese and butter, no vegetables