4 min read What to do in Algarve

Algarve | Does Monchique deserve a visit?

Algarve | Does Monchique deserve a visit?

Much is written about Algarve, its 300 days of sun per year, its beaches and stunning rugged coastline but there are a few hidden gems still to uncover. We feel Monchique is one of them. People come to Algarve for the sun, for the clear sand and for a tan alas we must confess we love the respite of the mountain and its lushness.

The Monchique area is located in the Northern border of the Algarve region, south of Alentejo

Monchique is 55 minutes away from the Faro Airport and 2h35 away from the Lisbon Airport, when you consider a stay around Monchique (the town) or Caldas de Monchique (Spa Town). Just in case you love motorsports as much as we do, it's 20 minutes away from the Portimão Circuit at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

Caldas de Monchique

Just a 25-minute ride from our properties, Monchique deserves half a day. We suggest a morning visit + lunch stop OR lunch + a digestive stroll.

What we like to do:

  • hiking in the Monchique region. It is very lush and picky, which is perfect for a hike. Several hiking trails are available, allowing to enjoy nature at its rawest state, from lighter to harsher paths, up to your style and choice.
  • heading to Foia, Monchique's highest peak, 902 meters high. From here you can admire a comprehensive view of Algarve, from the ocean and coastline, the Autodromo, airplanes about to land in Faro. It's usually a bit foggy and magical. Can get windy, do not forget to cover yourself up!
  • visiting Monchique, its cosy central town, to people watch whilst enjoying a slower pace of life. It has several little shops around town that are worth visiting (see below, on the things we want to do in upcoming visits)
  • visiting Caldas de Monchique, a Roman times spa thermal town, where royalty visited to recover from health and respiratory issues in the past. More recently, you can discover several spas and the centenary water features.
  • speaking of which, drinking the water. Monchique is hollowed by countless underground reservoirs. You will find several sources in Monchique, by the road or in Caldas. Try it out, the water is fresh and clear. Also, you might recognise the bottled one you received with your gift basket whilst booking one of our properties.

What we want to try in upcoming visits (and if we do, we will update the article on our website!):

  • visiting the Feira dos Enchidos de Monchique, a local fair to celebrate local sausages and charcuterie. There is no better time to talk about Monchique's food as the first weekend of March every year. It's literally starting tomorrow!
  • checking the roman-inspired scissor chairs. You will be able to confirm how much the Romans left an imprint all over Monchique and these chairs sitting by one of these handmade chairs might make you feel like Julius Caesar. Or Cleopatra.
  • tasting the local olive oil at Lagar dos Pardieiros, close to Alferce. Algarvians have a tradition of dipping fresh traditional bread into some olive oil that they call a tiborna. You can add a topping which will turn it into a tartine or a smorrebrod. Delicious!
  • trying the Monchique honey and Medronho distilleries such as Casa do Medronho by Marmelete and the Loja do Mel e Medronho in Monchique

Viewpoint at Foia

A few truths before visiting:

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no matter the time of the year, Monchique is usually cooler than the coastline.
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it is also windier, especially at its peaks, when not protected by the forests
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you will not be able to speed when in Monchique, as roads are narrow and curvaceous. Pay attention to the road and if you are not driving, do not stay on your phone, or you might get dizzy
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Monchique's forests have unfortunately been subject to criminal fire hazards and devastation in the past few years. Please pay attention to garbage and cigarette buds left behind when you hike, picnic or stop at any viewpoint

Okay, onto one of the main features of Monchique: the food! Food is amazing all around Portugal and the Algarve. Monchique responds brilliantly to the call.

Click here for our suggestions around the Monchique region. Our only advice: go with an appetite. We warned you!

Algarve | Where to eat in Monchique?
Monchique is worth a visit if you are a foodie. As it is a mountain region, food is rich, cosy and slowly cooked. The main stars are the pork-derived products (charcuterie/sausages/enchidos), the corn meals (papas de milho/xarém) and the cabbage stews.
The von HaffsJess
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