7 Best Things to do in Monchique
Situated among the gorgeous hills of the Algarve, Monchique has a lot to offer the visitor who makes their way inland from the region's nearby beaches. In addition to a quaint historic heart, Monchique is set up with plenty of bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. These make use of the region's excellent weather to lead through forests of native cork oaks and eucalyptus towards the Algarve's highest peak, the 902 metre Mount Fóia.
Those seeking out more leisurely pursuits are likely to find solace in the Caldas de Monchique natural geothermal springs, while food-lovers won't find themselves disappointed either, given the range of regional products available in the town from the Monday market or the small independent stores.
Igreja Matriz
Peter Broster
CC BY-SA
Monchique's primary church, the Igreja Matriz has been standing in the town since the sixteenth century, around the time when Henry VIII was King of England. Its structure is a fine example of local Manueline architecture , although it is also somewhat unusual in the fact it demonstrates a nautical theme despite its relative distance from the coast. Check out the tops of its columns in the main nave to see a pattern of twisted ropes carved out of the stone.
Igreja de São Sebastião
Bextrel
CC BY-SA
Records show that the second most-important church in Monchique was built upon the orders of King Sebastian of Portugal in the 1500s after he visited Monchique. Perhaps understandably, he had it named after the saint that shared his regal name.Situated on the southern side of town, from the outside it looks closer to a fortress compared to the florid decoration of other churches in the region.
Convento Nossa Senhora do Desterro
Peter Broster
CC BY-SA
A fifteen-minute uphill walk from the cobbled streets of central Monchique is the Convento Nossa Senhora do Desterro. This ruined seventeenth century monastery had been used by the Franciscan order of monks until one day in 1755 when it was shaken to its foundations by the same earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon.
Barranco de Pisoes
Rui Glória
CC BY-SA
One of many natural attractions that can be found in and around Monchique, the Barranco de Pisões is a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys time in the natural world. Named after a prominent family that once owned the land, the site offers shady woodland walks past hundred-year-old plane trees and wonderful spots for a picnic. These echo to the sound of clear mountain streams which eventually form the Ribeira de Seixe River that demarks part of the provincial border between the Algarve and Alentejo.
Mount Foia at night
Rui Glória
CC BY-SA
The highest peak in the Algarve, Mount Fóia is the guardian of the Serra de Monchique mountain chain. At 902 metres high, its summit provides views all the way to the tempting waters of the coast at Portimao , Lagos and Cabo de São Vicente .
Caldas de Monchique
Sergei Gussev
CC BY-SA
The small village of Caldas de Monchique comprises just a couple of roads in the Serra de Monchique mountains. It lies just a short distance south from the larger settlement of Monchique town.
Parque da Mina
Zbigniew Rutkowski
CC BY-SA
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a genuine theme. Centered on an old iron ore mine the park provides an an entertaining view of the workings of the mine along with a range of fun activities in the surrounding park.
On the heritage side of things you can learn about the workings of the mine, visit the medronho (moonshine) distillery and tour the 18th century manor house. There is also a nature trail through the landscaped surrounds of the Sierra de Monchique with plenty of picnic spots amongst the trees.
Rising up between the Algarve and neighbouring Alentejo region is the Serra de Monchique, a range of rolling mountains clad in heavy forest. Here you will find the highest point on the Algarve; standing at 902m (2,959ft) is the peak of Fóia with its all encompassing views which span the Algarve's south and west coasts all the way to Cabo de São Vicente.A few kilometres to the east of Fóia is the…