Monchique is the highest village of the Algarve, located 485 meters above sea level. The highest point in the Algarve is also located in the mountain range of Monchique, at Fóia, with 904 meters above sea level.
Visiting the Serra de Monchique is like visiting a mountainous area with widely diverse vegetation and a mild climate, affectionately known as "The Sintra of the Algarve." A natural heritage, which induces to contemplation, with pristine streams meandering at the bottom of deep valleys. Endowed with high environmental quality, the mountain's freshness is presented in contrast to the warm coastal area down further south.
In the town centre, you can enjoy a magnificent view from the belvedere of Saint Sebastian Park, visit the main church of Monchique, which dates back to the early 16th century, the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile), take a stroll along the town's narrow streets, see the many white houses with their typical "skirt-shaped" chimneys and stop to visit the handicraft shops.
It is also worthwhile to climb the mountain up to Fóia, where you may grasp a large extension of landscape, South to almost all the Algarvian coast and North-West from Cape St. Vincent to Serra da Arrábida, near Setúbal. Also worth visiting is the Poucochinho Mill, at Barranco dos Pisões, where you can enjoy a picnic on its stone tables and under the shade of one of the many classified trees found at Serra de Monchique - a Maple tree.
Taking a stroll along the towns of Alferce, Marmelete and Monchique, means enjoying the architectural, historical and cultural heritage, along with the vast natural beauty, and tasting traditional cuisine, honey, sweet desserts and, of course, the "Medronho", a strong brandy spirit, made from a traditional fruit obtained from the Medronho tree, Arbutus unedo, also called “strawberry tree”. Medronho trees grow wild on the poor soils of these rural regions of Portugal such as this inner part of the Algarve.
Be sure to visit Caldas de Monchique, which comprises a small square surrounded by large trees and fountains, a suitable place for picnics. And also get to know the Termas (SPAs) and their springs of mineral medicinal waters, which have been used for treatments since ancient times and are now bottled under the brand “CHIC”, having achieved an excellent 2nd place at the "Best PET Bottle" at the International Packaging Competition under the 5th Global Water Congress.
