The peaceful village of Monchique can seem a world away from the cosmopolitan vibe of the Quinta do Lago area. A day trip here is like stepping back in time, and well worth a visit.
Perched high in the mountains of the Serra de Monchique, inland and upwards from the coastal town of Portimão and just over an hour’s journey from QDL, the village is known for many things. It’s fun to browse the artisan shops selling rugs, pottery, cork articles and handmade wooden furniture, where you’ll find the local trademark folding scissor chairs, the design of which originated in Roman times. In the food line, try the delicious presunto smoked ham or the famous black pig sausages, which are a local speciality. There’s even a sausage festival that takes place on the first weekend in March. Take home, to try later, a bottle of the local medronho firewater, made from the fruit of the Arbutus tree. Honey is another popular form of local produce, from bees that gorge on the plentiful supply of nectar from the surrounding eucalyptus blossom. Eucalyptus trees are in abundance in Monchique and are what give the mountains their blue hue, like Australia’s Blue Mountains near Sydney. They were introduced to help with reforestation and prevent erosion and quickly multiplied.
In addition, around March, you will see the yellow flowering mimosa and purple blossomed Judas trees. Go in February and it will be almond blossom that dominates, but Monchique is attractive whatever time of the year you visit. Most beautiful of all are the far-reaching views that stretch all the way down to the ocean. As you drive up the wide mountain road, stop off at one of the many roadside cafes and restaurants to drink it all in and enjoy lunch with a view. For the most spectacular views of all, carry on past Monchique to the peak of Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve. Here, you’ll find a cluster of radio and radar masts. Ignore them, turn around – and gaze at the Algarve coastline stretching out below you. Amazing! At almost 3,000 feet above sea level, the cooler air provides welcome respite in the heat of the summer, but in the winter, take a sweater. Snow has been known to fall. Because Monchique is so high up, it can be shrouded in cloud and mist, so be sure to pick a clear day to visit. You wouldn’t want to miss those views.
Caldas de Monchique
Monchique is also a spa town. As early as Roman times, the waters were believed to have beneficial properties. On the way to Monchique, you have the option of diverting to visit Caldas de Monchique. In addition to its thermal springs and attractive traditional spa hotel, other points of interest are a small park with ponds and streams and interesting eighteenth-century tile panels in the local chapel. In its former glory days, Caldas de Monchique was used as a spa retreat by Portuguese royalty. Nowadays, you’ll also find a modern Wellness Centre on the main road as you climb up towards Monchique, offering a relaxing range of therapies.
