MONCHIQUE
Monchique shows another side of the Algarve, which is not just about beaches.
Monchique is nicknamed the "Algarve's garden" which reveals the wonder of this village located on the top of the mountains. Monchique is also well known for its thermal waters, one of the most alkaline in the world and the well-known drinking water "Agua de Monchique".
Monchique shows the traditional mountain village in the Algarve, narrow streets, white houses and its famous chimneys, always surrounded by pure nature.
If you want to rest, this is the ideal place. The largest city (Portimão) is about 30 minutes away by car.
In the set called Monchique you have:
- Vila de Monchique, located at an altitude of 450 meters, where you can't miss the São Sebastião viewpoint, next to the picturesque square, with several terraces with cafes, restaurants, craft shops and the famous medronho liqueur.
- Urban park, an area of recreation, leisure and environmental culture, which is located along a stream resulting from a valley covered with vegetation.
- Chapel of Santa Teresa, known for the chapel of Caldas de Monchique.
- Caldas de Monchique, located a little further down from the village of Monchique and where you can find the Caldas de Monchique Thermal Spa. You have a large nature area where you can walk around the pools of Caldas, some cafes and restaurants.
- Mother Church of Monchique
- Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro
- Fóia, Serra de Monchique, is the highest point in the Algarve, with an altitude of 902 meters. Here, if the sky is clear, you can almost see the Algarve coast from one end to the other. If the sky is clear you can see from Cabo de São Vicente to Serra da Arrábida. The view is fantastic. There are some trails too, where you can venture out. At the top of Fóia, you have a tourist office, a craft shop, a cafe and a little further down another bar/street food with an enviable view of the entire Algarve.
In Monchique there are no clubs or bars open until late at night. It is a resting place.
If you want to dance and drink until sunrise, you should go to Portimão, Albufeira or Vilamoura where the nightlife is quite busy.
Activities in Monchique are linked to walking tours and observation of fauna and flora. Stroll through the towns of Alferce, Marmelete and Vila de Monchique and enjoy the architectural, historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage.
