
Greg Monks Missing in Portugal – Body Found in Ravine
A Scottish tourist who vanished during a stag party in the Algarve has been found dead, Portuguese authorities have confirmed. Greg Monks, 38, from Cambuslang, Glasgow, disappeared in the early hours of 28 May 2025 after a night out in Albufeira. His body was discovered a week later at the bottom of a ravine in the rugged Cerro de Águia area.
The case drew widespread attention across the UK and in Portugal, with family members appealing for help as the search intensified. Portuguese police have not yet released a cause of death, pending post-mortem results, and have said that all scenarios remain open.
What happened to Greg Monks?
Who: Greg Monks, 38, from Cambuslang, Scotland
What: Went missing on his first night of holiday in Albufeira, Portugal. Body found in a ravine.
When: Missing: 28 May 2025. Body found: 4 June 2025.
Where: Cerro de Águia, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
- Greg Monks disappeared in the early hours of 28 May 2025, hours after arriving in Albufeira for a five-day holiday.
- A large search operation involving Portuguese police (PJ), family appeals, and social media spread his story widely.
- His body was found at the bottom of a ravine near Cerro de Águia, an area with cliffs and hiking paths.
- The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but initial reports suggest a fall.
- Family expressed devastation and gratitude for the search efforts, and funeral arrangements are pending.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Greg Monks |
| Age | 38 |
| Hometown | Cambuslang, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Travel date | 27–28 May 2025 (first night of 5-day stay) |
| Last seen | Albufeira, early hours 28 May 2025 |
| Body found | 4 June 2025 in a ravine at Cerro de Águia |
| Police force | Polícia Judiciária (PJ) – Portugal |
| Family statement | ‘Devastated’ – via BBC, 4 June 2025 |
Where was Greg Monks found?
Greg Monks was last seen at approximately 3:27am on Wednesday 28 May 2025 near the Cerro de Águia area, a residential zone on the outskirts of Albufeira. The Independent reported that CCTV footage captured him walking alone in that vicinity. By the time his friends realised he was missing, the search had already begun.
A body was later discovered at the bottom of a ravine in the same area. The terrain there is described as rough, uneven, and rocky, with cliffs that make access difficult. Portugal Resident noted that the location is more than an hour’s walk from the busy Albufeira Strip, where the stag group had been drinking earlier in the night.
Where is Cerro de Águia?
Cerro de Águia is a hill and residential area on the northern edge of Albufeira, in the Algarve region. It lies away from the main tourist zones and is known for its coastal walking trails and cliffs that drop into the Atlantic. The area is not well lit at night, and the uneven terrain can pose a hazard, particularly for those unfamiliar with the geography.
Search queries have linked Greg Monks to a yacht, but no official source or credible report supports this connection. The Independent, Sky News, and BBC all make no mention of a yacht. It appears to be an unsubstantiated speculation that has circulated online and should be treated with caution.
What caused his death?
Portuguese police have not yet released an official cause of death. The Polícia Judiciária stated that a post-mortem examination is required, and all scenarios, including accidental fall, remain under investigation. No arrests have been made, and there is no public indication of third-party involvement at this stage.
Who was Greg Monks?
Greg Monks was a 38-year-old man from Cambuslang, a town on the south-east side of Glasgow, Scotland. Friends and family described him as a fun-loving person who was looking forward to the stag trip in Portugal. A Sky News report showed his parents and girlfriend flying to Portugal to support the search and plead for information before the body was found.
What did his family say?
After the discovery, the family issued a statement through BBC News saying they were “devastated”. They thanked the Portuguese authorities and the public for their support. Funeral arrangements had not been announced as of early June 2025, and the family asked for privacy during the grieving process.
What is known about Greg Monks funeral?
No formal funeral date has been made public. Once the post-mortem is complete and the body is released to the family, arrangements are expected to be made in Scotland. A Facebook tribute group has been set up by friends, where members have posted condolences and memories.
How are friends and family paying tribute?
The Facebook group, created in late May 2025, contains messages of sorrow and support. Some posts share photos of Greg and recall his personality. No fundraiser or memorial page has been officially linked to the family at this time.
The Portuguese police have not closed the case. A formal report is expected after the autopsy and further forensic analysis. Depending on the findings, the investigation may be concluded or, if new information emerges, extended.
Timeline: Greg Monks’ disappearance and discovery
- 27 May 2025: Greg Monks arrives in Albufeira, Algarve, for a five-day holiday.
- 28 May 2025 (early hours): Last seen in a busy area of Albufeira. Friends report him missing later that day.
- late May to 3 June 2025: Family appeals for help; Sky News video shows family call to ramp up search.
- 4 June 2025: Portuguese PJ police confirm a body found in a ravine at Cerro de Águia is Greg Monks. Family informed.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Greg Monks was reported missing on 28 May 2025. | Exact cause of death – police have not released autopsy results; a fall is suspected but not confirmed. |
| His body was found on 4 June 2025 in a ravine near Cerro de Águia, Albufeira. | Whether any third parties were involved – no arrest or foul play has been reported. |
| Portuguese police have officially identified the body as Greg Monks. | Details of Greg Monks’ final hours – his exact movements after being last seen are unknown. |
| – | Funeral arrangements – not yet announced as of early June 2025. |
Analysis and context
Greg Monks’ case drew widespread attention in Scotland and Portugal, partly due to the tragic parallels with other British tourists who have gone missing abroad. The location, Cerro de Águia, is known for its rugged cliffs and coastal trails – a potential hazard for visitors unfamiliar with the terrain.
The speed of the search (approximately one week) and the cooperation between Portuguese authorities and the family highlight effective response protocols. However, the case underscores the risks of solo travel and unfamiliar environments.
Questions about the term ‘Greg Monks yacht’ may refer to social media speculation or a possible side job – no official confirmation exists. This confusion should be clarified to avoid misinformation.
Sources and quotations
‘Family ‘devastated’ after body found in search for missing Scot in Portugal.’
– BBC News
‘Body found in search for Briton who went missing during holiday in Portugal.’
– Sky News
‘Missing tourist Greg Monks found dead in Albufeira.’
– Portugal Resident
Additional reporting by The Independent and Sky News video provided timeline and location details.
What happens next
Autopsy results and official cause of death are expected from the Portuguese PJ police. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family, likely in Scotland. A formal police report may be released to close the case, depending on findings. Friends and family may organise memorials or fundraising in Greg Monks’ memory. For the latest UK and world news, see Latest News The Sun – Today’s Top Stories & Headlines. Readers based in Scotland may also find relevant coverage in 850-Mile Rain Wall Scotland Weather – What You Need to Know.
Frequently asked questions about Greg Monks
What does ‘Greg Monks yacht’ refer to?
The phrase appears in search queries but has no verified connection to Greg Monks. It may be a misinterpretation or unrelated speculation. No official source mentions a yacht.
Was Greg Monks alone in Portugal?
Reports indicate he was with friends who reported him missing. He was last seen alone in the early hours.
Did the search involve police dogs or helicopters?
Standard search operations in the rugged Algarve terrain often use these, but specific details from the PJ have not been publicly detailed.
How can I help the family?
As of now, no official fundraising page has been widely shared. Check the BBC article or the Facebook tribute group for updates.
When did Greg Monks go missing?
He was last seen in the early hours of 28 May 2025.
Where was his body found?
At the bottom of a ravine near Cerro de Águia, Albufeira, Portugal.
What caused his death?
Not yet officially confirmed. Police are awaiting post-mortem results.
How old was Greg Monks?
38 years old.
What did his family say after the body was found?
They said they were devastated and thanked everyone involved in the search.
Is there a crowdfunding page?
No official page has been announced as of early June 2025.